"Demotion or Development?"

I can not even count the number of times I hear of "hockey" players acting like being sent to the AHL is some kind of demotion. Granted there are many who do not complain or grumble but at the same time there does tend to be this 'misconception' that playing in the AHL is looked at as being demoted from the big leagues. Is it possible, people (Main Stream Media, Bloggers and Fans) can be misrepresenting the real purpose of the AHL?

The Edmonton Oilers AHL team is the OKC Barons, so let's look at our own views and perceptions as fans alike. There are several reasons for having a team in the AHL and with that, their are several demands that come with setting up a team in a AHL city but 2 stand out clear...

"Winning & Development"

(I took this picture at the 2011 Summer Development Camp)

As these young prospects (from the picture above) wrapped up summer development camp in Sherwood Park, several were sent to OKC in September and a couple to Stocton. While many went back to jr hockey and or college, the remainder prepared for their next step in the AHL and the ECHL.

 In the case of these young players, those who went to the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL or the OKC Barons of the AHL , they were estatic and looking forward to the next step of their hockey development, towards the goal of being a NHL full time player some day.

In fact the purpose of the AHL is defined in WIKIPEDIA:

The American Hockey League (AHL) is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League (NHL).^[

The ECHL is defined in WIKIPEDIA:

The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a mid-level professional ice hockey league .. It is generally regarded as a tier below the American Hockey League.
26 of the 30 National Hockey League teams have affiliations with the ECHL,^[2] and 469 players have advanced from the ECHL to play in the NHL

So I think that we can all agree, both the ECHL and AHL are considered development leagues. With the fact, that 469 players have graduated from the ECHL to the NHL, I think we can all agree that this league has been serving us hockey fans well also.

This year, due to a over abundance of talent, Stockton has been carrying some higher level talent then in past years. Milan Kytnar has spent time there. Ryan Martindale, Cameron Abney and Olivier Roy have been honing their games in Stockton as well, just to name a few. Dubynk spent some time with the Thunder not long ago and seems to be tracking well with the Oilers as of late.

To say these players have been or were 'Demoted' to a lower league would be inaccurate. These players were sent for a variety of reasons but all the reasons come back to one word. "Development"

Development can appear like a demotion to some, when in fact, it is all about development. Players are not sent to a AHL team or a ECHL team to be buried and just provide local entertainment for their hockey fans. Players can be sent to the AHL or ECHL for the purpose of conditioning, or working on parts of their game that need adjusted and tweeked at the NHL level. To say a player has failed or is no longer NHL calibre because they have been reassigned to a AHL or ECHL team would be inaccurate. Now, if that said player does not develop upon being assigned, there is a good chance they will either be traded or just let go as a free agent.

I know some have been concerned with us sending down to OKC a few of our current players and even some at the end of training camp. Hartikanen was one, many wanted to see stay with the Oilers out of training camp but for his development the Management and coaches felt they wanted to see him play higher minutes rather then play limited time up in Edmonton. Brule was sent down to further develop his game (even though some want to argue it is a demotion for how bad he has played). Truth is, Brule needed to work and develop on area's of his game and that could only be done in the AHL. Petry, Teubert, Plante, Chorney have all been up and down in this crazy phase of development but in some cases it is only for a short stay not a long one.

There are players however who are in the AHL and ECHL who are called veterans. They are the aged wise ones, who teach and mentor the youngers men to this pro level game.They also help the team when it comes to winning. On successful winning AHL teams you will always find Veteran defencemen and goal scorers. On occasion, they need to be given opportunities when injuries arise or their game is steps above everyone else in their team and or league. To say these Veterans are being demoted when they are returned to their AHL team would be inaccurate. If at any time, one of these Veteran or younger prospects in the AHL or ECHL

The problem the AHL and ECHL have is 'Winning' can become secondary to development. In some cases, fan support depends on providing a high quality of talent and not just grabbing the best players and moving them up, just because they are playing good. It's all about 'seasoning' and here is hoping the Oilers organization learns how to 'season' their players with the best of them!

Currently there is discussion if Lander or Paajarvi will see some time in OKC with the Barons. They may, or they may not at all. All I can say is, if they do get sent to OKC, it will be for development not because they are being demoted due to bad play. All players, learn and develop differently. If those two are to play in OKC, I say 'enjoy them Oklahoma', cause they won't be in OKC very long!

For Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

The Desperation Line

With how this season has started for some players, you would think Edmonton Oilers coach Tom Renney would simply create the Desperation line out of... well, desperation.

The Oil have three players who really need to get the offence going. So why not make them play together? It's not like they are contributing on any other line.

On left wing I'd put Magnus Paajarvi. He needs to get it going like no other Oiler and perhaps a solid set line is what he might need to find some chemistry and rhythm. I like Paajarvi and I think he needs sone help. He's not a "throw away" player like some suggest.

Next, I'd put Sam Gagner at center. He's his best when patrolling center ice and he's at the point of his career where he's got to take the bull by the horns. He's starting to show it now with his fight last night. He always picks it up after dropping the gloves. Paajarvi will benefit from Gagner's leadership and skills. These two together could be dangerous.

Lastly, I'd have Anton Lander on right wing. While he has been playing pretty good (at center), a little offence would give him that added piece of confidence. Lander can, and probably would mesh well with Paajarvi. This line can help both find the goal sheet if given a solid chance together.

The other bonus to having Lander on this line? Faceoffs. If Gagner is booted out, Lander can take the draw. Win-win for this line.

So there you have it. The Desperation line.

Paajarvi - Gagner - Lander

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Oilers 2012 Draft Watch "Matthew Dumba"

REVS 2012 Prospects List (Oct 3rd/11)

1.Nail Yakupov

2.Mikhail Grigorenko

3.Ryan Murray

4.Alex Galchenyuk

5.Morgan Rielly

6.Mathew Dumba

7.Nick Ebert

8.Filip Forsberg

9.Griffin Reinhart

10.Martin Frk

11.Derrick Pouliot

12.Cody Ceci

13.Olli Maatta

14.Zemgus Girgensons

15.Jacob Trouba

Today we examine the #6 ranked player from REVS 2012 Prospects List . Each player is unique in their own right and full of talent. The ranking does not reflect a mock draft of who a team may actually pick but rather who I would place as the best player available in that spot.

6. Matthew Dumba

Pos: D

HT:6'0 ft
WT:172lbs

Born:  Calgary, Alberta

2009/10  Rebels WHL  Games 6    G 0   A 2   PTS 2
2010/11  Rebels WHL  Games 62  G 15 A 11 PTS 26
2011/12  Rebels WHL  Games 22  G 7   A 11 PTS 18

 

Matthew Dumba is a strong and very swift skater who has a big shot and a uncanny ability for delivering open-ice hits with his six-foot, 172-pound frame. Scouts are very impressed with his lateral movement and the physical element of his game. Dumba can run a powerplay well, which will bode well for some teams. Dumba has a hard and accurate shot that he gets through to the net consistently and his puck control is top notch.

Matthew is the kind of player who is able to beat others one on one and drives to the net like a power forward. Great acceleration and a powerful skater, very strong on his feet and very mobile. One of the biggest things about Matt’s game is that he makes very few mistakes, and the few mistakes he does make, he’s able to recover from by using his good hockey sense. Truth is, this guy hit's players like a truck! Only caution I would have as a NHL team, "will his checking ability cause concerns with the new crackdown on bad hits in the NHL?" Some of his hits over the last couple years have been questionable to me. Many consider him a player in the mold of a Dion Phaneuf and a Mike Green. He likes those comparisions but would love to be like Drew Doughty one day

Dumba like his friend and former teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also won the WHL Rookie of the Year. Dumba was absolutely lights out at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where he led all scorers with 12 points in 6 games, en route to leading Team Pacific to a bronze medal. In 2008-09, in his last season of bantam with the AMBHL’s Calgary Bronks, he racked up an outstanding 20 goals and 38 points through 33 games.

The "D" train 

2008/09 Highlights

2009/10 Highlights

U17 Tournament

For Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

Olivier Roy, ECHL Goaltender Of The Week

Congrats to Edmonton Oilers goaltending prospect Olivier Roy, as he has earned his way to the ECHL goaltender of the week.

Here is the ECHL news article about Olivier Roy.

"STOCKTON'S ROY NAMED REEBOK HOCKEY ECHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
November 22, 2011

PRINCETON, N.J. – Olivier Roy of the Stockton Thunder is the Reebok Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Nov. 14-20.

The 20-year-old was 2-0-0 with a goals against average of 1.50 and a save percentage of .959 in two victories over Ontario last week as the Thunder impoved to 7-4-3 on the season.

Roy made 40 saves in a 3-2 win against the Reign on Friday to earn his first ECHL win and followed that up with 30 saves in a 3-1 victory on Saturday.

A native of Causapscal, Quebec, Roy is 2-3-3 with one shutout, a 2.32 goals-against average and a save percentage of .925 in eight appearances with the Thunder this season.

Selected in the fifth round (133rd overall) by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Roy represented Canada at the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships. He appeared in 200 games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Cape Breton and Acadie-Bathurst going 123-57-8 with 14 shutouts, a 2.77 goals-against average and a save percentage of .906. Roy was named to the Canadian Hockey League All-Rookie Team and received the QMJHL Rookie of the Year award in 2007-08. He made his professional debut with Springfield of the AHL in 2009-10 posting a 1-1-0 record in three appearances with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage."

Game Day "Predators"

Not sure what it is about these Edmonton Oilers but they sure look different between home and away games. I know there is the difference of the last minute line change, the advantage in the faceoff circle or even the rowdy crowds you have to face that motivate the home team. In the case of last night, the Oilers won the faceoff battle and the crowd was a non factor with less then the 10,000 announced in sales.

Were they over confident against the Stars? Were they tired?

Were they distracted by the 'Georgous Cheerleaders?'

No idea other then guessing but let's hope they can reset the game plan and get back on the rails. Tonight they play another team who likes to forecheck, will clog up the neutral ice and not give you lots of room. As well their goalies are top end. The Oilers will need to be firing on all cylinders tonight if they want to pick up a big win in Nashville. They will not win a defensive battle against the Predators with their MASH unit on defence.Not to mention the Predators will be looking to avenge their earlier loss in Edmonton and show the home crowd they are a better team then they were on the road that day.

The only thing you have to wonder, can Renney out coach the Predators and my answer would be...'are you crazy?' Not Barry Trotz teams, the guy is becoming a coaching legend. Here is hoping this team hits the Nitro boosters tonight and pots 3 or more goals.

One last note before the predictions for tonight. I myself would not have messed with a winning lineup in the Case of Eager and Paajarvi. I understand time on ice is a currency for the coach to get players on track but if that's the case why play Gagner over Paajarvi? Gagner has played ok but is a turnover machine that has led to goals on his end, the play will die by his hands many times and while Paajarvi does need to create more scoring chances, he doesn't leak chances the other way. If you ask me, there is a show casing going on. Either that is happening or it is looking like they are closing a eye to the many mistakes Gagner is making on the ice each game. For the sake of Gagner and the Oilers organization, let's hope he starts to put up some points real soon.

Hoping we see Paajarvi back in the lineup tonight, maybe even in the place of Darcy? The truth probably is, this team is so young we will see inconsistencies throughout their games. All I can say is...."Bring on those dreaded Predators!"

My predictions for tonight's game in Nashville

Gametime 6:00pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 22nd/11

1. There has been very little fights this year with the Oilers but their speed has helped them get on the PP more often then not. I am going to say they will head to the PP with at least 4 opportunities throughout the night.

2. I was going to pick the Predators for the win tonight but as soon as I pick against the Oilers they go ahead and prove me wrong. When I pick them to win, they put up a stinker. What the heck' let them prove me wrong. Nashville with the win tonight (now go ahead and prove me wrong!)

3. It's time for a Oiler player to get on the scoreboard who has been struggling. A player other then Horcoff, Hall, Eberle, Jones, Smyth or RNH will light the lamp tonight

4. RNH continues to grow in his FO% from earlier in the season. I will be posting the FO% after this road trip to compare to his earlier % and also look at him and Horcoff's comparison's once again. Tonight RNH will continue to be 40% or better. I actually think it will be 50% or better but that's my hopeful thinking.

5. Because I love to follow prospects I will continue on the minutes range Teubert is playing. Judging by the last couple games, if this is a tight fought game his mins will be limited but if it is a more open game in favour of the Oil , his mins will be up there. It looks to me like they are trying to build his confidence and shelter him with easier mins like they did RNH in the earlier games. That probably shows they like his game and don't mind bringing him along slowly. Tonight will be a tough game so let's say he stays within the 13 minute maximum.

 

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 42 for 80 =52.5%)

Not sure exactly why Teubert was given so little ice time this game compared to last, yet this was a game where he delivered several checks without taking himself out of position , not to mention he played the man tough on the boards. Peckham does that as well, but takes himself out of position often. RNH continues to grow in winning draws and Belanger continues to arrow down, even though he did make the low grade I needed for my prediction.

As the great Ed Whalen used to say "In the meantime and in between time, that's it, for another edition of...REV'S PREDICTION" (bolded words are not Whalen's words)

For Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev