'Oilers 1st Team Prospects'

Sometimes taking time to look through a NHL franchise system can be a good indicator of exactly what areas look strong and what areas need improvement in. This past week, Bob Stauffer has Oil Country 'buzzing' with conversation of WHO the Oilers could be looking for as the 'WOW' factor possibilities. Bob has gone on to say that all you have to do is look at the areas that they need the most work in. This brings me to this blog.

What better way to figure out which position is the weakest and which positions have little depth. I am planning on posting my thoughts on 3 Teams of Prospect within the Oilers organization. Today we start with the best of what I believe is the best of the Oilers organization. As far as who is eligible and who isn't for the Prospects, I am going to make it simple. A player can not have played more then 60 games in the NHL and not be over 25 years of age.

Introducing your Oilers 1st Team Prospects!

Starting at Right Wing, at 5'11 and weighing 190 lbs. The 'Sniper from Russia'...

Nail Yakupov

Nail Yakupov has done nothing but answer his critics since he entered the CHL. He has set records and stirred controversy. Regardless of what has happened off the ice, Nail has performed on the ice. His Goals per game pace in the KHL is really making teams take notice and no doubt has become the talk of the NHL in many circles not just in Edmonton. In the words of Nail Yakupov "We score more goals, we win!"

On Left Wing, standing 6'1 and weighing in at 215lbs. The 'Beast from the East'...

Teemu Hartikainen

Teemu has been honing his craft in OKC with the Barons now for while. He has had a couple shorter stints with the Oilers but has shown this year to start off his season with some gusto. Teemu is known as a slow starter who comes on stronger as the season wears on. Good strong player who seems to compliment skill better then that checking line player. A good bet to be a good NHL player in the future.

At Center, Standing 6'0 and coming in at 194 lbs..."The Competitive Swede"

Anton Lander

Anton is a work in progress. Never known his his scoring touch but being a good two way centre can go a long ways in any organization. Lander stuck with the Oilers last season till the later point of the season and was then sent down to work more on his overall game in OKC. This year he has not flown out of the gate and will likely need to show some more progress if he wants to get a call up at centre should a centremen go down with a injury. I have ranked as the #1 Centre but only because of potential not performance. 

On Defence, standing at 6'2 and weighing 185lbs..."The Smooth and Silky"

Justin Schultz

Justin Schultz is a rarity in today's game. There are few and far players like him in today's NHL that can play offensively like he can. Already this season he has outperformed expectations and this adjustment to pro hockey in OKC seems to have come at a perfect time for him. Justin will take some time to work more on his defensive game but his gap control at the minor pro level is excellent. Could potentially become a star in the NHL.

On Defence, at 6'3 and 204 lbs..."The Bomb"

Oscar Klefbom

Oscar comes exactly as advertised. He is a big, and physical defencemen. Some expect his point totals to be better but that is not his fortay. Oscar is more of a Pronger style player except without the dirty play (that we know of). Is logging big minutes and being a major difference this year in Sweden. Has been injured but once back and playing at 100% health, Klefbom will be putting on his final preperations to get ready to start 2013/2014 training camp for the Oilers.

In Goal and standing at 6'1, weighing 198 lbs..."Bunzzy"

Tyler Bunz

Tyler is a competitive and self motivated player who can be found working on his game every moment he gets a chance. His strides of growth each year have been sensational and has him poised as being a good NHL goaltender in the future. The proof is always in the pudding and for Tyler he is working on continuing to show Oilers management exactly how good he is this year in Stockton with the Thunder of the ECHL.

Oilers 1st Team Prospects

Hartikainen/Lander/Yakupov

J.Schultz/Klefbom

Bunz

I believe this is a team the Oilers could be proud of for Prospects, however 1 position definitely looks weaker then the others when comparing talents. While I do like Lander, this list shows us we definitely have a weakness at the Centre Position in the future. My bet? This team will be dealing for a centre or waiting till the 2013 Draft and attempt to grab a Centremen with their 1st Pick in the 1st round. Centre's are plentiful in the higher rankings should the Oilers get another high pick. Nathan MacKinnon, Sean Monahan, Aleksander barkov, Curtis Lazar. Of these names, I would say their is a good chance we could see one of them putting on a Oilers Jersey at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to www.twitter.com/revingev 

Movember in 'Oil Country'

 

Movember has arrived in Oil Country. NHL or NOT, Movember carries on in the greatest hockey city in the world. It's for a cause far greater then the sport itself and gives the guys another reason to be lazy and not shave. Now a true 'MO' is only the 'Stache'. Can't be lazy here, you still need to shave the entire face. I know, I know many a people will grow facial hair in other area's. Why? Because they hate the look of the 'MO'. I get it, my entire family and 80% of people I know, hate it too. But it's not about looking good, it's about raising awareness and dollars for men's health. 

I am putting a challenge out to all our readers here at Oilers Jambalaya. Join our team and raise awareness and dollars yourself. Just click on the link and follow through. Don't want to grow a 'MO'? Feel free to donate towards 'changing the face of men's health'.

http://ca.movember.com/team/599053

In years past the oilers have taken a shot at it themselves.

 Sam Gagner has always had a beauty, err maybe we should say a 'baby Mo'?

Taylor Hall did not bad, but too blonde and he cheated, he grew a beard with it. 

'Booo! Loser! Go back to the OHL!'

 Hordichuk can always be depended on for a beauty of a 'stache'

Personally I think the 'Nuge' wins it hands down! This guy can grow a 'Lanny McDonald' MO.

OK, I know Ryan Nugent-Hopkins picture is photo shopped but you can't say it doesn't make him look that much more mature.

 Being a goalie myself, I absolutely love this tribute to Movember portrayed on a Goalie Lid. 

'Sweet Fuhr!'

Evan "Revingev" Renaerts 

DAY 1

So my friends, I will be posting a picture every 10 days here at Oilers Jambalaya keeping you updated on the progress of the 'MO'. Feel free to get behind our effort but remember, you need to start clean shaven today. Off with all the hair and start from scratch. (I also will be updating some pictures of Oiler players in the system as the month goes on.)

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to www.twitter.com/revingev 

REVS Top 15 Draft Prospects "#4. Aleksander Barkov"

#4. Aleksander Barkov

Aleksander Barkov Jr. a 17 year old who is 6'2 and weighing 205 lbs. He plays for Tappara of the SM-liiga Finnish League. His father Alexander Barkov, was a former Russian hockey player. Barkov made his debut with Tappara, October 1, 2011 and became the youngest player in the league to score a point with a assist that night. Alek was chosen to play for Team Finland at the 2011/12 U20 World Juniors and in doing so, was the youngest Finnish player

Matias Strozyk writes...
"A very calm center who uses his vision well. Excellent offensive game and good size. Plays with confidence and never seems to be under pressure. Style resembles that of Pavel Datsyuk. A very solid overall package and one of the top prospects of the 2013 NHL Draft."

This is a player who very likely could jump up a spot or two or even fall as far as 6th depending on how the rest of his season turns out. With his size, FO% and all around game at such a young age, he could potentially become the best all around player in the 2013 Draft. Playing against men and still racking up good totals is what is really impressing scouts everywhere. A team like Edmonton may have their sights set on a player like Lazar but there is no way they pass up a potential center the size and talent of Barkov. 

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-		Postseas.	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-
2009-10	Tappara U16	Jr. C SM-sarja Q	8	6	8	14	2		|
	Tappara U16	Jr. C SM-sarja	25	20	25	45	6		|	Playoffs	9	5	7	12	4
	Finland U16 (all)	International-Jr	2	0	0	0	0		|
2010-11	Tappara U16	Jr. C SM-sarja Q	1	0	3	3	0		|
	Tappara U16	Jr. C SM-sarja	2	1	3	4	0		|	Playoffs	10	7	17	24	2
	Tappara U18	Jr. B SM-sarja Q	8	6	3	9	2		|
	Tappara U18	Jr. B SM-sarja	5	4	5	9	6		|
	Tappara U20	Jr. A SM-liiga	25	5	12	17	6		|
	Finland U16 (all)	International-Jr	13	4	6	10	10		|
	Finland U17 (all)	International-Jr	3	4	0	4	4		|
2011-12	Tappara U20	Jr. A SM-liiga	5	2	3	5	2	2	|
	Tappara	SM-liiga	32	7	9	16	4	5	|
	Finland U18	WJC-18	7	1	2	3	27	0	|
	Finland U18 (all)	International-Jr	4	3	4	7	2	2	|
	Finland U20	WJC-20	7	1	3	4	0	0	|
	Finland U20 (all)	International-Jr	12	1	4	5	0		|
2012-13	Tappara	SM-liiga	16	9	8	17	0	4	|

Barkov has never been a elite scorer that progresses year after year and only is coming into his own this season as a point per game player playing against men. Should Barkov fall in the rankings it would be because of the lack of a track record of continued scoring ability and his draft year could be a anomaly. On the other hand not being a official Russian like his father may be of great help in his draft stock. The russian factor is not going to be used like this past year.

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to www.twitter.com/revingev

"8 Questions in Oil Country"

While the NHL is still at a impasse and we await the fate of this season, hockey is still alive and well , just not the level of hockey and media hype that is known as the NHL. 

I continue getting lots of questions on twitter , facebook and emails and as promised in the past,  I said I would try my best to answer your questions as honest and factual as I can. Sometimes I am fortunate to get some inside information and have no problem being bold telling you so. However that is not often so one thing you will not find from me is, making up rumours or spreading stories that I am only guessing at and making it sound as legitimate NHL or Hockey Information. I will however tell you if it is only my opinion or rumour only. Many times, one can read behind the lines,that is, if you do some investigation and put 2+2 together.

Let's go ahead and cover some hockey related questions regarding our beloved Edmonton Oilers and other interests around hockey.

Will this Downtown Arena in Edmonton deal get down or are we in for further threats os relocation?

The Katz group and City Council both have shown to be terrible negotiators. The deal that was on the table was good for both sides. Does Katz group need further assistance? He can't expect to make further profits on the back of tax money, he needs to be reasonable. On the other hand, the city has lots to win by adding further development around the arena district. The added tax money over the years is only a win win for the City of Edmonton. It does have complications but what business venture is not risky. It takes money to make money. Sit back and do nothing and you will get exactly that....NOTHING! 

I believe this deal will get down but have no clue how or when. It's a mess, but both Katz and the City want to make money and not be left holding the bill. It will get down, question really is how and when.

Is there a possibility of playing a 82game NHL season?

I see no possibility at all. The NHL tried to use the impression they were bending but set another deadline only to have the NHLPA not even counter offer but give three offers all of which were based off their original offer. IT's sad for hockey. Personally, I think this season will be canceled and the players are going to really take a beating should that happen.

Whats your thoughts on the OKC Barons and their talent level?

OKC is crazy loaded with talent. Should they not win, it's not because of talent but because a lack of team chemistry. I have been impressed with Hartikainen and Paajarvi coming out of the gate. It is important for their future to perform well early and stay consistent. Marincin has been exactly what I thought he would be like. Some people still question the level he is playing at and feel he is making too many mistakes but Coaches Nelson and Thompson disagree. They speak highly of him at every level. They know he is still a work in progress and you can't expect to see him look like a seasoned veteran just yet. His pairing with Schultz is a story in itself to how the Oilers feel about his future.

Who do you think will be the Barons Points leader this year?

I say Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. I know Schultz is killing it right now but logic tells us it will have to slow down at some point. 

You originally thought Nail Yakupov would put up .50pts/game in the KHL, do you think any different?

Nail has adapted quite well to playing in the KHL. Much faster then I anticipated. I could see him actually increasing his pts/game to a .75/game mark. Anything more would be a incredible feat over a longer period of time. His goal scoring ability has been what has surprised me the most. Glad to be looking wrong on my early season estimates

What prospects for the June NHL Entry Draft in 2013 do you think the Oilers are high on early?

I know Stu likes what he has seen from Max Domi of London who has 19 points in 11 games or  Johnathan Drouin who has19 points in only 8 games for the Halifax Mooseheads. Heard from a few people on the inside that lots of the Oilers scouts are closely watching defencemen Pulock, who has 17 points in his 14 games in Brandon.

It is still early to gage much but the Oilers do not view this draft as deep as other media types have. Some believe this draft group is real deep but the Oilers look at the top 20 and feel anything past that is not much different from last year. As Stu said however, it's still early and there is plenty of time for players to rise.

What 2013 Prospect has surprised  the most?

As I mentioned in my last blog on '8 Questions in Oil Country" I felt Jonathan Drouin out of the Halifax Mooseheads was the player to watch to rise in the rankings. He has not let me down. He is making Grigorenko's numbers look silly for a 17 year old kid.
As mentioned above I know the 'Magnificant Bastard' already has had his eye on him along with several other scouts. He may even become a top 5 Ranked player by year end. 

Should we trade for Luongo?

Absolutely yes......IF we can aquire him at a reasonable price. i.e.: straight up for Shawn Horcoff contract etc..He is a elite goalie. He has attitude, but not every player has to be media friendly. All I care about is can he help our team win. Do I like Kessler? NO! But he can help our team win. I believe this team adding Luongo could contend with 2 years. I say yes and let it work itself out. They will not trade for him unless the numbers work in maintaining blance for their stars. (At least I would hope)

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

 www.twitter.com/revingev