Sunday, August 5, 2012

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

Saturday, August 4, 2012

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

Friday, August 3, 2012

SUSPECT OR PROSPECT? Travis Ewanyk

Travis Ewanyk
6’1 184 lbs
AGE: 19

Year         GP   G     A     P      +/-     Team
2008/09     2      0       0     0     -1       Edmonton Oil-Kings
2009/10     42    1       4     5     -8       Edmonton Oil-Kings
2010/11     72    16     11   27   -3       Edmonton Oil-Kings
2011/12     11    1       3     4      8       Edmonton Oil-Kings


Travis played hurt (shoulder) at the U18's before being drafted by the Oilers. "He had played against the other team's best lines," said Hockey Canada's chief scout Kevin Prendergast. "I'd say Travis, (winger) Brent Andrews from Halifax and (centre) Mark Scheifele have improved their draft stock the most."

Kyle Woodlief, the chief scout and publisher of the highly respected Red Line Report on draft age juniors stated "He has better hands and stick skills than I realized and his fire and passion are unmatched."

His defensive play is very good as is his intensity to compete. His strength lies on his board work and strength on the puck. Ewanyk is very strong on his skates but will still need to bulk up size wise and improve puck skills. Only my estimate but he would require to put on some pretty heavy muscle mass in his legs and core (to get to at least 210 lbs). For Travis to carve out a career in the NHL, he would need to fill a 3rd or 4th line role. As a 3rd line center he would need to win the board battles against big defenders who are 6'3 and over 215 pounds and build like a brick house. In a 4th line role, a good back check and strong forechecker would be what would be required to accomplish that task before him.


Travis was not as strong a player in the playoffs as I was hoping he would be, on the other hand he was returning from a long recovery from injury once again. I would suggest this is his year to display and show a large growth curve if he is going to have any chance of a pro career. What I find rather surprising is his career plus/minus and point totals really do not show why he was selected by the Oilers at all. If you look at the other players selected behind him his draft year you soon realize he was a good selection. The only question could be why was Michael St. Croix not selected instead of Travis but then on the other hand we are discussing two different types of players.


Last August 2011 I wrote the following here at Oilers Jambalaya....
He is no doubt, a hard worker who got better as last year went on. This past 2011 development camp it was mentioned by coach’s that he is very attentive, learns quick and they like his ability to translate instruction quickly into on ice drills. This year will be a bigyear for a better read as to how far he can progress.  Has future NHL possibility as 4th line center, or a 3rd line center at best.


With a good showing at the World U-18 he was able to get a reputation for his efficient two-way play. Travis is considered a very good faceoff man, and a versatile center.(don't forget it was his assignment to contain RNH during their playoff series). Strong in puck battles and can hold his own when the gloves are dropped. It helps he plays right here for the Oil Kings. (which he will play for again this year and continue to hone his game night after night where the team can closely monitor his progress)

REVS TAKE: Travis continues to be very good at picking up systems quickly. The question will remain, is it possible to translate at the pro level. His game at the jr level with the Oil-Kings was good but not great and in no way showed he was a potential candidate for the NHL. When it comes to heart and work ethic, Travis will put in his best foot forward. Only time will now tell. I say SUSPECT

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

Thursday, August 2, 2012

PROSPECT OR SUSPECT? Philippe Cornet


Philippe Cornet
6’0  ,196 lbs
AGE: 22

Year         GP   G     A     P      +/-     Team
2006/07    46    7      14    21     4       Rimouski Oceanic
2007/08    61    23    26    49     14     Rimouski Oceanic
2008/09    63    29    48    77     -2      Rimouski Oceanic
2009/10    65    28    49    77     6       Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
2010/11    60    7      16    23     7       OKC Barons
2011/12    67    24    13    37     -3      OKC Barons
2011/12    2      0      1      1       0       Edmonton Oilers



At the 2008 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Edmonton, he scored a goal for Team Red in an eventual 8-4 loss... at 6-0, 173 pounds, he is undersized for the pro game and will need to add strength in order to become a quality NHL prospect... the No. 2 overall selection in the 2006 QMJHL draft, he can line up at both center or left wing... produced 49 points in 61 games for Rimouski in 2007-08... has slick moves and deft playmaking ability, but can also find the back of the net regularly...


That was then......and this is now. A lot has changed for Cornet who has not become the player the Oilers had hoped. He did however take a huge step forward this past year and produced in the goal department very well notching 24 goals. A lot of those goals were earlier on in the season however and Cornet did not continue that rapid pace as the season neared its end. 


His first year as a pro was a difficult one with adjusting to the game but this past season went a long ways to even getting a quick 2 game look during injuries.I will say this, he put on 23 pounds as he grew into his frame. His off ice conditioning showed he has a goal and won't stop at anything to try to make that happen.


Last August 2011 I wrote the following here at Oilers Jambalaya.....
Cornet is a player who has needed time to adjust to the speed of the pro game. He's not a player who is found out of position, lost on the ice or even making bad mistakes. He is just struggling to be the player he was in jr. His development curve is starting to look familiar to the same as Ryan O'Marra. Good player but development has slowed and too many new young prospects coming into the system. Maybe he has to discover himself at the pro level.  Most likely he will be a player sometime down the road, but not sure it will be with the Edmonton Oilers. BUBBLE player who will need to play above his head this year in order to make any progress out of that BUBBLE!

REVS TAKE: Now 2 years into his Pro debut with OKC, Cornet is still working on his game development. No one out there will be selecting Cornet as a call up to the Oilers provided they are not over took with injuries. His high end potential is more the style of a third line winger but likely will not see a spot other then fourth line duty. Another player who you got to admire his work ethic and determination but very few players even make it to the NHL level and I don't see Philippe doing so either. I say SUSPECT

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

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

PROSPECT OR SUSPECT? Cameron Abney


Cameron Abney
6’5 205 lbs
AGE: 21

Year       GP  G  A   P    +/-     Team
2007/08   4     0   0    0     -1       Everett Silvertips
2008/09   48   1   3    4     -17     Everett Silvertips
2009/10   64   6   7    13   -11     Everett Silvertips/Edmonton Oil-Kings
2010/11   60   7  13  20     -3      Edmonton Oil-KIngs
2011/12   29   2   3    5      -2      Stockton Thunder
2011/12   3     0   0    0      -1      OKC Barons

Was Selected in the third round (82nd overall) of the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Skated in two games for Edmonton at the NHL YoungStars Tournament, collecting an assist, a +1 rating and fighting major. Throughout his career Cameron has remained on the bottom end of the plus/minus scale.

Cameron definitely progressed better at the jr hockey level upon being traded to the Oil-kings in Edmonton. If you take a closer look at his growth development on ice and off for training a lot of that could be seen as a sudden increase in maturity with his physical stature. Blessed with a big body, I believe the Oilers are hoping to see continued development. 

I met his parents in 2009 at the Alberta Golden Bears vs Oiler Rookies and his parents are definitely supportive of him and his career. Abney appears to be a fun loving and out-going individual who likes to joke around. He puts in hard work and has continued to work on the speed of his game out on the ice. 

His time in Stockton last year showed he is still a tough young guy plus he can produce minimally which is always a bonus. He occasionally gets caught out of position if he tries to over commit on the pokecheck as turning around his big body is not a easy task against high speed attackers. His few games in OKC were a cup of tea and really can not be measured with any accuracy. 

I am pretty sure the Oilers are hoping he can make more out of his Pro career and take a big step forward this year. It will require a lot of extra work but if Cameron can produce occasionally , bang a few bodies at the right times and stand up for his teammates he could still eventually find himself with a  limited role career at least in Pro hockey. Question remains, at what level?

In many cases, players like Abney seldom can overcome all the obstacles that lie in wait. While enforcers are still out there in hockey, they are becoming a dying breed. He will need to see his speed increase and some better decision making in the offensive zone should he have even a remote chance of one day making the NHL.


Last year in August 2011, I wrote the following here at Oilers Jambalaya...

Seen him first at Oiler Rookies VS Golden Bears game. Saw him at 2010 development Camp, following that, did catch the streaming video of last years rookie tourney in Penticton and saw him at main training camp and then 2011 development Camp.  Abney has made progress each time I have seen him. He is one of those players who is bigger and can look slow to some, while others recognize he is actually quite quick for a man his size. Unfortunately for him (like many others that are developing) he has his days when he lacks the drive on a consistent basis. At this past summers development camp he looked a bit slow at the beginning but by the end of the week , while playing on RNH’s team for scrimmage, he was moving the puck and protecting it well. His game is not that of a skill player but as a tough guy (remember the video's above?) Should he continue to develop as the Oilers hope he can, his role as a 4th line checker and fighter is a legit goal for him. I Believe to play in the WHL next year he would have to be a overage player and their are limited spots on each team, so likely he will be moved up in the system  to play 1 year in the ECHL followed by 1 year in AHL.  Should he need longer at the ECHL, most likely it will mean he becomes a BUBBLE player. However, should he be ready in 1 year for the AHL club, he could very well take 2 years to finish his development at the minor pro level. If in 3 years time, Abney is not ready for the big club, he will move from the development stage to suspect stage. It is a Critical year to show his tough guy and player development ability. Thinks the game well but will need to work on foot speed and consistency to work his way onto the AHL team. 

REVS TAKE: This is a make or break year for Abney. Likely will spend at least 70% of his games in Stockton once again but will more then likely get a opportunity here and there to elevate his game at the AHL level in more then a handful of games. Chances are Abney's high end will be AHL but he did complete 4 years of jr hockey and has a full 4 year scholarship paid for at a Canadian University. 
I have seen Abney at all the training and development camps since 09 and this last year he has looked like he is peaking. One thing that Cameron does excel in, is his role as a enforcer. He knows the game and how to perform his role well and appears to like doing so. Wishing him all the best in his development. He did not have the growth curve that could move him full-time to the AHL this year so without doubt , this truly is his year where he needs to storm the gates and show management exactly what they have for the future. I say SUSPECT
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