The FUTURE of Team Canada

Today RUSSIA vs CANADA continues on TSN2 at 8am Edmonton time. Two players are front and center yet have to be even drafted yet. Come this years World Jr's U20 , both will stand a high chance to be a important part of team Canada. 

Sean Monahan is a Centermen who fans need to take notice of, including the Edmonton Oilers should they falter this season once again. I highly doubt he is available when they pick next year, but fans will enjoy watching this player as a member of Team Canada as well as a NHL Prospect to watch this coming season.

Shinkaruk a winger and a pure goal scorer is auditioning in this russia vs canada series for the U20 World Jrs this winter. Another player who is likely a top 10 draft pick, he will be given every opportunity to shine and improve on a great season last year. 

Both these players are playing today. Watch them closely cause it is likely you will be seeing their names called early at the 2013 NHL Draft. This series of games you get to see them compete along side prospects already selected and against players much older already. Always nice to see some younger stars groomed by Team Canada. 

So sit back enjoy this series cause it's always a beauty when Russia takes on Canada, no matter the venue.

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev

PROSPECT OR SUSPECT? Anton Lander

Anton Lander

6’0 194 lbs

AGE:21

Year         GP   G     A     P      +/-     Team

2007/08    32    1     2     3       +2     Timra IK

2008/09    47    4     6     10      -1     Timra IK
2009/10    49    7     9     16      -2     Timra IK
2010/11    49   11    15    26     -14    Timra IK
2011/12    56    2     4      6      -8      Edmonton Oilers

2011/12    14    1     4     5       -1      OKC Barons   

Lander  had a tough first year in North America. There was lots of hype from several of us in the blogosphere last year with his arrival. Fans were excited to see him play, and they should have been. MSM was pushing him as well and the Oilers look highly upon him as do some other organizations. I always liked Anton, but his Boxcars have also worried me. He does not have soft hands around the net and more often then not he will take a defensive approach rather then offensive approach to the game. That is not bad, but if fans or the Oilers are expecting him to produce anything more then 25 points in a NHL year, they will most likely be disappointed. Strong, feisty, a competitor in all the sense, Anton will do what it takes to get the job done. Personally I think you are looking more at a Pisani type player. When the Oilers are finally making the playoffs, that is when his type of player becomes more valuable.

Last August 2011 , I wrote the following here at Oilers Jambalya...

A smart two-way player who has excellent hockey sense. Lander reads the game well and can make mature decisions with or without the puck. Upon being drafted, his skating was needing some improvement. After seeing his improvement over two development camps, I can say for sure first hand, his skating has improved in leaps and bounds. Lander really has in every aspect each year and arrows are pointing upward still. First step is much quicker 
(noted by coach’s and other oiler brass), really good in the face-off circle. He is one who protects the puck very well and usually comes out with the puck from the corners and along the boards. Very defensively aware. 

A bonus is, he also played tough minutes in SEL  Lander shows leadership out there on the ice with the other guys. He communicates and talks with guys after the plays and you can tell he is always thinking the game. You have to love his execution of drills. Lander is as much of a jokester as any Swedes out there. Anton Will have a honest shot at the centerman position in training camp with the Oilers, but most likely will be assigned to OKC to develop and learn the North American game. Likely to be the first center called up due to injury or trade. While each year Lander has improved and becomes more of a complete player, I do not believe he stands to be better then a third or fourth line centerman. That of course, is exactly what this team is needing, but some, see even greater upside in his offensive game. Boxcars are not saying that to me.

REVS TAKE: Rushed probably too quickly last year in adjusting to the North Amercan game , Lander was in over his head and it destroyed some of his confidence early.  Was used sparingly on the wing but Lander is a center in everyway. Likely will start the year in OKC and even be a second center call-up behind VandeVelde should Horcoff or Belanger get hurt or traded. While I can't see him carving out a career as a third line center with his boxcars, he would be one hell of a fourth line Center. I say he is definitely PROSPECT

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev

PROSPECT OR SUSPECT? "Tanner House"

Tanner House

6’1 195 lbs

AGE:26

Year         GP   G     A     P      +/-     Team

2003/04    58    13   19    32              Canmore Eagles

2004/05    58    11   18    29              Canmore Eagles
2005/06    52    14   17    31              Penticton Vees

2006/07    58    14   55    69              Penticton Vees
2007/08    29    1     10    11              U of Maine

2008/09    39    10   14    24              U of Maine
2009/10    35    18   21    39              U of Maine
2010/11    35    10   25    35              U of Maine
2010/11    6      1    4       5    3         OKC Barons

2011/12    68    8    12     20   14       OKC Barons   

Tanner has been playing hockey for some time. His maturity and experience show when he is on the ice. On the other hand, very seldom a player at his age makes the transition to the NHL. He will be in tough right from the start this year to even get a game or two in emergency relief in the NHL.

Tanner may not be the biggest guy on the ice but he is one of the best defensive forwards the Barons have. His biggest defensive concern is when he attempts to move the puck through the neutral ice , he can be found lacking control. If he will be stripped or rushed on the play, that is where it usually will happen. House can always be found in front of his net clearing players or grinding in the corners. He is strong on his skates and knows how to battle despite his size against larger opponents.

Last August 2011 , I wrote the following here at Oilers Jambalya...

a Flame fan? Dad is a Oiler fan? How do Oilersjambalaya fans feel about that? (ha!ha!) His age and experience showed well at this past development camp. One of the best players in agility, positioning and skill  but,  is 7 years older then this year’s draft picks. House is a hard worker and very dedicated. He served the last two seasons as team captain for the University of Maine Black Bears and was named the 'Gladiator  Hockey Best Defensive Forward' in Hockey East for the 2010-11 season. His character and leadership abilities are said by many coach's and scouts to be his main attributes he brings to the table.

He Will be in tough to make the grade to NHL but does have the tools. This year and next will be his prime opportunity. Could possibly be a 4th line centerman call up this year depending on injuries. (ie: RNH plays in JR and how well Lander adapts to the North American game) This may mean he continues to grow and develop in the AHL. All arrows are pointing up at this time as each year he continues to develop and rise his game to another level.

REVS TAKE: Due to Tanner's age, he has a fight in front of him right now. Should House have a stellar year and average at least .50 ppg, In addition show well on the PK and indicate signs he can still grow and develop his game, he could pick up another year or two in OKC with the Barons. The likelihood of it being a two way contract? Not very good. With the cupboards packed and father time against Tanner, I say he is at best SUSPECT

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev

PROSPECT OR SUSPECT "Teemu Hartikainen"

Teemu Hartikainen

6’1 215 lbs

AGE: 22

Year         GP   G     A     P      +/-     Team

2008/09      51    17   6      23     -8     KalPa Kuoplo

2009/10      53    15   18    33     +6    KalPa Kuoplo

2010/11      66    17   25    42     -1     OKC Barons

2010/11      12    3     2      5       -3     Edmonton Oilers

2011/12      51    14   18    32     +1    OKC Barons

2011/12      17    2     3      5       +1    Edmonton Oilers

Teemu is coming into his 3rd season in the Oilers North American system. This is his time to shine should he be afforded an opportunity to have a future with this team as we see it now, and it's rising stars. The Oilers need his hard forechecking style in the offensive zone but they also need to see some improvement in his defensive play when without the puck.

There are few players like Hartikainen available anywhere, the only question remains for Teemu is can he perform at the level once again that we saw on his first call up in 2010/11? Coach Nelson says he should be ready and pushing hard for that final spot on the Oilers roster and I tend to agree. While I love his game when he is playing well, his ability to play it night after night leaves the big question about his future. I know the Oilers really like this fellow and all indications are saying he will be given every opportunity coming out of training camp to claim a spot to start the season on the big club.

Last August 2011 , I wrote the following here at Oilers Jambalya...

Hartikainen is known for his leadership as well as gritty and physical play back in finland. Not sure as a rookie if he displayed the leadership in OKC but the gritty and physical play remained both in OKC as well in his end of the year call-up with the Oilers. Hartikainen has good size and willingness to get his hands dirty. Described by Oiler brass after the draft as a ‘Tomas Holmstrom’-type player” for the way he battles all over the ice, especially in the corners and in front of the net.

 On the downside, Hartikainen’s skating has been described somewhere between ‘lacking’ and ‘atrocious’.  I myself thought when I saw him in his time with the Oilers last year, his speed has looked more developed from previous years camp. It has been noted that he likes to “chirp at the opposition and whine to the officials a lot”. Not sure about the whining but definately the chirping seems accurate. He plays a very physical game in his own end, in front of the net and on the forecheck. Teemu likes to play a very physical brand of hockey and has soft hands around the net, which is exactly why the Oilers are so high on him.

Before being drafted, his high end was thought to be that of a third or fourth-line checking forward. However, I would say there is some possibility from what was seen in his development last year, he could eventually in the future become a option to fill in on a second line from time to time.

REVS TAKE: Teemu has done well, proving to the Oilers he will do whatever it takes. He never will be a ppg player, but if he can crash and bang and make the ice more open for the young stars of the Oilers, he very well may find a spot even in the top 6. Should Hartikainen get opportunity to play top 6 it will mean one of three things. Either Hemsky or Yakupov are on the third line OR there is a injury and he slots up a spot. Let's just hope he earns it. He is still young and growing into a physical beast of a man. He has some time still left to show the Oilers the whole package. I say he is a good PROSPECT

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev

PROSPECT OR SUSPECT? Curtis Hamilton

Curtis Hamilton

6’3 202 lbs

AGE: 20

Year         GP   G     A     P      +/-     Team

2006/07      2      0     0      0       -2      Saskatoon Blades

2007/08      68    14   13    27    -15     Saskatoon Blades

2008/09      58    20   28    48     28     Saskatoon Blades

2009/10      26    7     9      16     9       Saskatoon Blades

2010/11      62    26   56    82     48     Saskatoon Blades

2011/12      41    5     6      11     2       OKC Barons

Hamilton is a big winger known for good skating and finishing his checks. He plays well at both ends of the ice and in jr hockey had solid offensive skills, but thrives in a power-forward role among smaller opponents. He excels at using his big frame effectively and efficiently even at the minor pro level when on his game. Still adjusting his game to the minor-pro level his defensive awareness is above average,  and his willingness to get his nose dirty without taking unnecessary penalties serves him well. He can be the kind of hard working player who can contribute in any situation that coaches love.


The one stat that is alarming is Curtis' point totals. While never thought to be a top end point producer, some expectations have been that he could be a quality third line guy who can put up some points occasionally. I have doubts that he can produce even at a .50 ppg pace in the NHL but only time will tell.


Last August 2011 , I wrote the following here at Oilers Jambalya...

Hamilton has  some good offensive skills, but his game excels in a power-forward role. He will need a continued commitment to building power and acceleration as a important development, as he transitions to the minor pro game. He was physically NHL-ready at 18, good agility for a man his size. His skills , his vision look good and seems to get along with many players both young, older and even those who speak little English. (as seen at 2011 development camp) During that same camp he was seen quite often, laughing and rubbing shoulders with guys out there on the ice.

His time in the WHL is over, so this will be his year at the AHL level to compete with men. After working his way up the line-up at the U20 world jr’s this past year it will be interesting to see where his top game is. Most likely will be a player in Hartikanen’s mold so probably a 4th, top 3rd line player at this time in his career. As long as his game continues to show positive arrows, he could very well see some NHL playing time, as early as the 2012/2013 season

REVS TAKE: t's unclear whether he will bring enough offense at the NHL level to be a true top six forward, however his game is perfectly suited for a third line role if the offense is found wanting. He plays a physical, responsible, two way game. If Curtis could take his game to the same intensity level he showed for Team Canada at the world jr's , the Oilers could have a excellent player on their hands. The past couple development and training camps have not favoured Curtis but with injuries , his career has gone somewhat sideways. Scouts felt in his draft year that Hamilton would likely carve out a role at the NHL level as early as the 2012-13 season. That surely will not come to fruition this year and I would say fans of Curtis are more likely to see it being 2014/15 before such a possibility happens. I say at this time in his development he is still PROSPECT

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev