NHL Lockout is Affecting the Oilers in 3 Good Ways

Please stand by while greedy people fight.

If there is a sliver lining for this NHL lockout, it's that the Edmonton Oilers have three things in this NHL lockout going for them!

Number one;

Letting Taylor Hall have more time to recover, because if the NHL season would have started on time, he might have been rushed in a little bit to fast then he would have liked.

Number two;

Developing their farm team by getting their players that will hopefully be in Edmonton someday to hang out and play with some of the great young faces of the Edmonton Oilers. Hopefully most of the kids playing in OKC will be playing someday with guys like Ebs, Hallsy and RNH on the Oilers. This is great experience to have them "gel" ahead of time.

Justin: Thanks for signing me

Steve: No problem. It's fun locking out people after I sign them. Yakupov, Hallsy, Eberle and now you.

Number three;

Getting Schultz time in the AHL so it's not as big of a step from college to the NHL. That's a big leap and if I may say my thoughts on him, what a player he is turning out to be. He's better than anyone could have thought, even with the high expectations people had on him.

This article is written by Noah Fuchs.

"Oilers 2nd Team Prospects"

As mentioned in my previous post on 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. I do really believe you can see the real depth at a position of need by the depth in the organization. What stood out loud and clear in the 1st Team Prospects list is that, the Center position is one of weakest and MUST be remedied as soon as possible. Goaltending may not be all-star quality but their is some potential and we all know the Oilers have now great future depth on the blue even if the current big Club lacks somewhat today.

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 2nd Team Prospects!

Starting at Right Wing, at 6'2 and weighing 193 lbs. 

Tyler Pitlick

I have been closely observing Pitlick's career since being drafted by the Oilers and while it doesn't all look good, Tyler is a strong worker, has size and strength and while he has not been producing much offence, I have seen his shot and it is accurate and hard. I wish he would have been groomed as a Center but both Tyler and the Oilers organization seem to have settled in on him being a RW player. He appears to be looking at a high end of third line checker who can plug in some goals here and there.

On Left Wing, standing 6'3 and weighing in at 202 lbs. 

Curtis Hamilton

Curtis has struggled so far in his Minor pro career but he continues to work hard and is starting to sign the signs that the Oilers drafted him for. Until the NHL boys move out of OKC we will really not get a chance to see what Hamilton can do at the AHL level. He is working the PK recently and was a specialist in jr. While he as well has not shown the offence, Curtis is more likely looking at a 4th line hard nosed player role who can be a effective penalty killer in the NHL, possibly covering in on the 3rd line on occasion. Likely is still this year and one more season away of development before trying out in the NHL.

At Center, Standing 6'3 and coming in at 207 lbs...

Ryan Martindale

Ryan had a tremendous offensive career in jr hockey but was known to be lagging behind on occasion. His first year in minor pro in the ECHL was underwhelming and despite his limited progress came into AHL camp and impressed coaches and oilers brass. He started the first few games exceptionally well with limited errors but has fallen on a bad stretch again as of late. He has been the odd man out of the Barons line up on some nights and like other players developing there, his chance will come soon enough when RNH is no longer on OKC. Is big, strong, creative but needs to show consistency. Highest potential would be a #2 Center but low end could be no better the a career ECHL'er. It's all in Ryan's hands when it comes to his future. His time is running out, so he will need to make a move real soon.

On Defence, standing at 6'4 and weighing 187lbs...

Martin Marincin

Martin came on the Oilers Radar with a incredible 1st season as a import player in Prince George with the Cougars. Later in the year he tuckered out probably due to not playing the amount of games in a season and the adjustment he encountered with all the wear and tear of travel. His second year went ok, but he still didnt seem to put on much more muscle and strength and caused some concerns with critcs of his game. He was traded before the WHL trade deadline and while not scoring at earlier paces did seem to start working more on his defensive game. This year being his 1st as a minor league pro has had some downs but most of all ups. His quality playing time with the 'phenom' Justin Schultz was a perfect storm for him in his being mentored into the pro game of hockey. A good player who has potential to be a 2nd line defence pairing but should at least settle into a 6th or 7th defencemen role in the NHL.

On Defence, at 6'5 and 191 lbs...

Martin Gernat

Gernat won a WHL Championship and just when everyone was saying 'what's he going to do for a encore in year 2?', he came down with a injury and is just about ready to take action in 2013. Hopefully this injury does not stall his progress, but like Marincin, Gernat is a tall player and has some good offence from the backend and has a great stick on the ice. At his height, that long reach will only be a assest in his future pro opportunity. Until he can show this injury will not stall his progress it will be difficult to measure his top end but I put him around the same range as Marincin.

In Goal and standing at 6'0, weighing 170 lbs...

Olivier Roy

Olivia Roy had a stellar year with the Stockton Thunder last year and is honing his skills this year as back up in OKC. He has had a couple shaky starts but in all fairness the games he got the opportunity the team played like crap on the backend and forwards not seemingly back checking. Roy is still adjusting and my guess is, by february we will see his game improving in leaps and bounds as he adjusts to the next level of pro hockey. A good prospect but has his work cut out for him.

Oilers 2nd Team Prospects

Hamilton/Martindale/Pitlick

Marincin/Gernat

Roy

Not a terrible group for a 2nd team of Oiler prospects but nobody will be writing rave reviews on this group either. Other then Marinicn all their chances are low in making the NHL one day but each one has potential and still has time for development.

My bet? Just like last post on the 1st team, I still see Center as the greatest need for this organization. What they need is a good 2nd line Center at this years next draft or they need to trade for a good one.

Continuing to look at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and if there is no season, there is a strong possibility the Oilers could land a Sean Monahan, Aleksander Barkov or at least a 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 Update in " OIl Country"

Movember is coming to a end very soon. Only 9 days to go and upper lip growth is in full growing mode for some. For some maybe little growth but you got to admire the efforts of anyone who wants to raise awareness for men's health. The NHL is still in CB negotiations (or lack of) and very little focus has been on the raising funds  

Brandon Davidson

Brandon one of the Oilers prospects has been under going some treatment himself and we wish him a speedy recovery. Brandon has always been a fighter when it comes to overcoming adversity and we here at Oilers Jambalaya stand firmly behind Davidson and his family.

Alex Plante

Its been a tough early start this year for Plante but I always appreciate a hard working player regardless of the results on the ice. Plante has always been a good supporter of Movember.

We here at Oilers Jambalaya are trying our best to raise funds and awareness. If your able to donate anything to our cause just click on our cause for movember and donate to the team. If your unable to do so, all we ask is you continue to spread the word for awareness around your community. Is it silly growing a stache in a community where many people think they look awful? It may be, but in the end, that is the point. What a better conversation piece then growing a funny looking mustache? All donations are tax receiptable and can easily be donated to with our above links on our page. 

Here is my personal update as promised when this month started. Day 1 was clean, Day 11 was a start, now today is Day 21...I would like to take this time to not only thank you for your continued support of our blog site  but also in your continued support in this awesome cause of raising awareness for Men's Health!

Evan "Revingev" Renaerts 

DAY 1

Evan "Revingev" Renaerts 

DAY 11

Evan "Revingev" Renaerts 

DAY 21

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

REVS 2013 Top 15 Draft Prospects #5. Hunter Shinkaruk

#5. Hunter Shinkaruk

As a late birthday, left winger Hunter Shinkaruk has been on the draft radar longer than other players but like Seth Jones will be one of the older prospects in this draft class.  Hunter had a impressive rookie campaign that saw him net 42 points in 63 games. Then he exploded for 91 in his full sophomore season. This year at his current pace he could possibly top the 100 point mark and that is without Etem Emerson who was a linemate of his last year in route to a successful year. Hunter has recognized the attention on him this year comes with great difficulties. He is no stranger to adversity. Hunter states “I was getting hit after whistles more than before whistles,” he said. “But that’s what I want, to have that spotlight and to be the best player I can be.” 

 

Shinkaruk will need to tighten up defensively scouts will agree. “He has a lot to learn, as all young kids do,” said one scout. “Hunter was always so gifted growing up that he was allowed to get away with some things defensively. Now he needs to learn to play a team game.” Hunters speed is his greatest assest. He is listed as at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds but most scouts aren’t worried about him handling the rigors of the pro game. “He’s not that small anymore,” said one scout. “Look at Patrick Kane or Sam Gagner; they had elements that brought them success. Hunter’s element is his speed. He’s a highly skilled kid and a very explosive skater.”

 

  

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-		Postseas.	GP	G	A	TP	PIM	+/-
2007-08	Calgary Royals Gold Bantam AAA	AMBHL	33	10	30	40	24		|	Playoffs	3	2	2	4	0
2008-09	Calgary Royals Gold Bantam AAA	AMBHL	27	32	31	63	10		|	Playoffs	10	11	11	22	6
2009-10	Calgary Royals Midget AAA	AMHL	3	0	1	1	0		|
2010-11	Medicine Hat Tigers	WHL	63	14	28	42	24		|	Playoffs	14	4	5	9	0
	Canada Pacific U17	WHC-17	6	5	4	9	2		|
2011-12	Medicine Hat Tigers	WHL	66	49	42	91	38	17	|	Playoffs	8	2	9	11	6	-4
	Canada U18	WJC-18	6	4	4	8	6	3	|
2012-13	Medicine Hat Tigers	WHL	22	15	18	33	8	2	|

I have Hunter ranked to start this year at #5 but he will be in tough to stay in that top 5 lottery position at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. It is less of what is wrong with Hunter and more of what is happening with the other players ranked around Hunter. Hunter has the possibility of going anywhere from #4 OV to dropping to #8 OV. As much as they say his size is not a issue it is still a consideration in the overall game of selecting a top draft pick. 

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

High Skill Isn't All You Need / OKC Barons Need Some Help

What nice Jerseys eh!

The OKC Barons have lots of skill on their team brought about by the work stoppage and there has been HUGE expectations for this team early on.

In my opinion, they really haven't hit their stride with Taylor Hall (coming off injury), Jordan Eberle, RNH, and Justin Schultz. At this point, they should be better. There are reasons for this and its not all because of their young guns not putting up the points. Schultz is leading the league in scoring with Eberle trailing not far behind.

The Barons biggest weakness is defensive depth. Especially with the veteran defensemen. I think, because of the hype of the young guns, the forward depth players have been passengers instead of adding secondary scoring. Even the young guns have on occasion, made some errors defensively which is bound to happen. The only cure being more experience.


Hopefully we will see the trio of Hall, Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins on Rexall ice soon. But when its all said and done in OKC, this team is doing well. But they could still do more with all their talent.

I hope they make some kind of AHL trade for more experienced D.

-WRITTEN BY NOAH FUCHS-

If This Continues, the Oilers Dodge a Few Bullets

Couldn't help but look at the contracts that are essentially being wasted with this lock out. Hall and Eberle are on their last years of their ELC. This is the last year they won't have a $6M cap hit. After this season they are paid handsomely.

Another reason to look is to see which players are in their final contract years. Let's be real. The league isn't going to fire up at all this year, so at some point, the Oilers have decisions to make.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Nikolai Khabibulin - This is the final year in his questionable contact. I can't see the Oilers resigning him even if it's a one year extension. He's past his prime and will never be a good goaltender again. However, not sure Dubnyk can carry the whole load. Oilers will have to sign a replacement goaltender once Khabibulin is gone.

Ryan Whitney - What do you do with a player who has been injured the last few years and still hasn't played a game this year with another league? I don't know either. Sign him for one more year as a "feeler" and see how it plays out? When he's 100% he's the best guy on the backed the Oil have. But will he ever reach that again?

Ladislav Smid - I like Smid. He's just turning into a stud on the blueline and I can't imagine the Oilers let him walk away for nothing. I'd do what it takes to ensure he comes back with a multi year contract.

Ryan Jones - Another North American talent wasting away sitting at home. Jones is a great team player, but can a guy like Hartikainen fill his spot? Most defiantly. If management truly likes him, he will be back for at least one more season.

Darcy Hordichuk - Meh! Fringe player who isn't really part of this team moving forward. Good team guy, but really, that's all he is.

Andy Sutton - From the word on the street, the big man might be headed for retirement. Sad if true. He's a decent 6th man.

Lennart Petrell - I didn't see the big hub bub about him. He's an OK player, but why not give his 4th line minutes to one of the kids whose earning a spot playing with the OKC Barons. I wouldn't bring him back.

Yann Danis - He's a solid goaltender for the OKC Barons and he's worthy of a one year renewal. But, never forget that Tyler Bunz could be ready to play in the AHL next season. With Bunz and Roy, they won't need Danis.

Dane Byers - I don't know a whole lot about Byers. All I really know is he's a good team guy and it's worth signing him for more term with the OKC Barons.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Sam Gagner - Gagner has been playing over in Austria and is trying to stay in game shape. He's still in the "to be determined" catagory with the Oilers and not having him play in front of Oilers management on a nightly basis makes it harder for the team to decide what to do with him. I'd resign him for two more years if he would go for it. But much like last year, he will probably ask for a one year deal. If the Oilers want long term, the price needs to go up. I like Gagner and I want him to be part of this team moving forward. Do the Oilers?

Teemu Hartikainen - The big man is really finding his game this season. He's been good for most of his games played. No doubt the Oilers try and lock him up for two years minimum. He will be a main part of the future of the Oilers for years to come.

Magnus Paajarvi - He's really meshing well with Lander and Hartikainen so far this season in Oklahoma City. Can that carry over to the NHL? Not sure. But the Oilers will resign the Swede and decide down the road if he's a fit with the team or not. Very possible he's trade bait once the general managers get talking again.

Theo Peckham - What do you say about a player who was just released by an ECHL team? Oy!!! (To be noted: Peckham allegedly asked to be released) What happened to this guy? If the Oilers make any decisions on Peckham, it's probably only a one year extension. Also probably trade bait.

Colten Teubert - He replaces the lost muscle that the Oilers will lose with Peckham. I like Teubert's game. He's a standup guy who takes no shit. Once he's seasoned, he can be a great 5/6 guy for any NHL team. He should get at least a two year extension.

Taylor Fedun - He scored his first professional goal last night and that must be a huge monkey off his back. Oiler fans everywhere are proud of his commitment on getting back into the game after his leg injury last year. Before the injury he was a solid player with big potential. Oilers now hope he can regain that form once again. So far this year he's made strides. No doubt the Oilers resign him for at least a couple of years. He's part of the future.

Mark Arcobello - He's a decent AHL talent and I can see him coming back for another year with the OKC Barons. Not sure if he will ever play in the NHL though.

Chris VandeVelde - While some players have developed, I'm not 100% sure CVV has. It's possible that he could become a 4th line center, but his faceoff % needs to improve for that to happen. I'm not sure if the Oilers want to keep developing him. He's kind of at a stand still. Give him one more year with the Barons then decide?

Alex Plante - Plain and simple, his foot speed is slow. As is, he will never become a regular in the NHL. I'd resign him for the purpose of including him in a trade down the road. I don't see him as part of the future.

Tanner House - Effective AHL'er at times. Not entirely sure what the projected output is of this guy, but it doesn't look that good. Is he worth keeping around for the Barons sake?

Philippe Cornet - He led the Barons in goals last year and was swiftly sent down to the Stockton Thunder at the beginning of this season. It was puzzling. Maybe something happened between him and the coach? Either way, after being sent down he's produced pretty well in the ECHL. He has 18 points as of right now. I'd resign him for sure. Two more years to see if he can evolve some more.

Antti Tyrvainen - From all reports that I've read about him, he's not a player the Oilers should continue developing. I'd move on.

CAP HIT (BUYOUTS)

Sheldon Souray - His $1.5M cap hit is over after this 2012-13 season is officially over.

- WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Rajala and Cornet Continue Assault on ECHL

Once again this dynamic duo of Oilers prospects Toni Rajala and Philippe Cornet light up the oppositions goalie.

Both players finished the night with 3 points each. Cornet scored 2 goals and had an assist, while Rajala had 2 assists and a goal.

Since joining the Stockton Thunder they have been excellent. They have really helped make this Thunder team a high scoring group and are currently on a push for 1st place.

Rajala sits with 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points so far this season. Cornet isn't much farther behind with 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points. Coach Thomas can't be happier to have those two on his roster.

On one hand, having the kid line demoted to play with the OKC Barons was terrible for Cornet and Rajala. Some guys had to be sent to Stockton. However, this couldn't have worked out better. The confidence level on these two guys will be an asset if, and when, they get recalled to Oklahoma City in the near future.

Big question is, can this success they are having translate to the AHL game?

On a side note, new/old Thunder player Cameron Abney who was just recently returned to Stockton also scored tonight. His hands aren't just for punching people. Deep down inside that rough exterior is a goal scorer. OK, so that's not entirely true. But it was sweet to hear Abney finally scored his first goal of the season.

Another Oilers prospect is creating a buzz in California too. Goaltender Tyler Bunz again played lights out. He was 1st star of the game and has been solid most nights he starts. Nice to see the kid is developing down there. Hard to believe in a few years he could be the Oilers starting goalie.

Until next time... GO THUNDER!!!

- WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

I'm Sick Of This... Boycott Still On!

You have to wonder at what point the players and the league say, "screw this!"

Good luck sharing revenue when there is no revenue. Just like at the beginning of the season, I encouraged our followers to boycott buying any NHL or Oilers related merchandise to show them the fans are not stupid. We want the game back more than the players or the league do. So to show them, we as a group, have been keeping our money in our pockets while the owners make nothing and the players wonder why their bank accounts never get filled up.

I still encourage our followers to continue this trend. For the first time in over 25 years, I have asked for my family to NOT buy me any Oilers stuff. Just because it's Christmas, doesn't mean we should support a bunch of morons who are killing the game they "so called" love.

This on again, off again talks they have been having are pissing more than the average fan off. It's becoming a joke around the nation and beyond.

Enough is enough!

I want replacement players.

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MOVEMBER UPDATE

Thanks for all the support from the Oilers Jambalaya fans. Feel free to donate $5 to www.mobro.co/brenthuska

The Mo looks better everyday!

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

OilersJambalaya MOVEMBER update Nov 11/12

Movember is in full stride but with the NHL in CB negotiations still the focus on the raising of funds is very minimal. Got to appreciate our CHL in Canada and the effort they put into raising awareness but have to say, I am not happy with the efforts of the AHL in that regards. Players that are doing the Movember in the AHL are players who have been supporting this from the early base roots.

Regardless of their efforts, we here at Oilers Jambalaya have our own cause. The Cause to raise awareness among the Oilogosphere for Men's Health in the Month of November. We have a friendly competition to raise funds in the fight for Men's Health. All donations are tax receiptable and can easily be donated to with our above links on our page. Also feel free to jump in and raise funds yourself by joining our team here at OilersJambalaya.

Devan Dubynk is one player who has a baby face and finds it difficult to grow the 'MO'. No matter how much one laughs at you, you still got to love the determination to stand in front of your teammates day after day and face jokes about your baby face.

Nicolai Khabibulin is a player who can grow a 'MO' within 5 days. Of course many of these Oilers like to cheat some. They grow the beard with the stache, but in all fairness at least they are raising awareness.

Ladislav Smid is always a favourite in that dressing room and one who can be counted on for a hilarious 'MO'. Smid would really have made a good actor in the 80's. Got to love how proud he always is of his 'MO'.

So fellow hockey fans,time does grow the 'stache' some more and some less. As promised I am 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. 

Evan "Revingev" Renaerts 

DAY 1

Evan "Revingev" Renaerts 

DAY 11

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