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

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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

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

 www.twitter.com/revingev