Edmonton Oilers Top 20 Prospects – March, 2020

Well…what else is there to do right now? Not a heck of a lot. But I have some blogs in the vault that I had been working on, and after a few days of depression and sitting around thinking “what the fuck?!”, I’ve now gotten back on track. Did a podcast last week, looking to put out some of the blogs I had started (such as this one), maybe try some different blogs, maybe knock out some different podcasts, and we’ll see how this goes! HOPEFULLY, no matter what I put out for content, it’s entertaining and helps people pass the time.

Oh how things have changed since the last time around! Three players have graduated from the list, unfortunately another damn good one from the last list has been lost, and therefore the list definitely isn’t near as strong as it was. Having said that, the top end is still strong, and their is still ridiculous potential with the group I speak of in this list.

As for how I rank them, it’s no doubt a bit of a juggling act. I place a much higher value on potential then how close someone is or isn’t to playing with the big club. For example, William Lagesson is nearly a lock to being their number seven defenceman for the 20-21 season, but the upside is severely lacking. So for me, that isn’t going to fetch him a high ranking on my list as that type of player is a dime a dozen. Having said that, a certainty can have more value than someone who is still multiple years away from playing. So it can be confusing how I rank them, but

With my last list in my honourable mentions, I mostly discussed the kids who had just been drafted by the club and didn’t make the top 20. This time around I picked five guys (best burger joint on the planet) who have questionable futures with the organization.

The first time I did my own Oilers prospect rankings was just days after they were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2017 playoffs. That was the only list I did that didn’t have Kailer Yamamoto on it. The other thing was it had a couple of defencemen ranked 2nd and 3rd who after watching their WHL careers unfold I seemed to be much higher on than most were. Now I get to rave about how all three have graduated to the big club.

Graduated

Ethan Bear

Phenomenal rookie season. Absolutely phenomenal. I’ve said this before this season, but it still baffles me how people were so shocked at his emergence this season. He fell as far as 8th in the last rankings I did, but he never fell because I soured on him. I always maintained that if he cleaned up his skating that he’d be a top-four defenceman, and if he didn’t then he could still be a bottom pairing guy. I won’t go as far as to say that I saw this coming THIS season, but it definitely didn’t shock me. His emergence might have been the biggest reason for the turnaround. Far from the only reason, but had Bear not stepped up, the blueline would have been THIN.

Caleb Jones

As great as Bear was this season, I still wonder though if Jones will end up being the better defenceman. Not that I see it being a big gap between the two either way, but Jones skating is so terrific, and I don’t believe we’ve truly seen what Jones can do offensively yet. He became more and more comfortable as the season went on, and by the time Klefbom went down he was more than ready for a top-four role. That is so key for this organization, as now if they need to protect 7/3 in next year’s expansion draft rather than 4/4, they can move a big-time guy like Klefbom or Nurse out and still be in great shape.

Kailer Yamamoto

I’m not sure fans understand exactly what the Oilers just might have with Yamamoto. We might be talking about this kid before too long in the same breathe as McDavid and Draisaitl. Not that he is going to be a 100 point guy, that would be absurd! But that he has the ability to carry his own line and dominate a hockey game if need be. He has the speed, skill, and the compete level to become a high-end player in the league. It took him longer to establish himself than I believed it would (though only by a season), and now that he has, he’s proving he’s the goods. The focus of a lot of Oilers fans moving forward is what a contract extension for Ethan Bear will look like. Well for Yamamoto (would have been July 1st, but who knows when the new league year will begin at this point), he is eligible for an extension and if I’m Ken Holland I’m looking to do as many years as I possibly can to ensure Oilers fans see all of this kids prime.

Hounourable Mention

Jesse Puljujärvi

Team: Kärpät League: Liiga

Pos: RW Ht: 6’4 Wt: 201 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 56 G: 24 A: 29 P: 53

DOB: 05/07/98, Älvkarleby, SWE

Acquired: 1st Round, 4th Overall, 2016 Draft

Previous Rank: NR

The first of two where I ask: are they prospects?! We all know the story, he says he’s never coming back to the Oilers, and Ken Holland isn’t going to move him unless he gets a great offer. I laugh at the “threat” that he’ll stay for another year in Finland. AWESOME!!! I was saying last year at this time (before he even asked for a trade), that the best-case scenario for Puljujärvi would be that he goes overseas for two years to develop. This is not hurting him in the slightest. It’s not hurting his game or his value. For me, if I’m Ken Holland, I wait until he’s willing to return because I have always seen him as a kid with massive talent who will eventually put it all together. I’m not saying I expect him to become the star I once believed he’d be, but a top-six player definitely isn’t out the question given he’s still doesn’t hit 22 until May 7th. He needs to fire his agent in my opinion, and he needs to mature. After next season I would suggest that the pressure could begin to mount to move him, but I don’t believe it’s this off-season and I don’t believe Holland will move him just to be done with it. That’s not his style.

ETA: Early 21-22

Anton Slepyshev

Team: CSKA Moskva League: KHL

Pos: RW Ht: 6’1 Wt: 194 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 54 G: 18 A: 27 P: 45

DOB: 05/13/94, Penza, RUS

Acquired: 3rd Round, 88th Overall, 2013 Draft

Previous Rank: NR

The second of two who I’m not sure whether or not they could be referred to as prospects. Unlike Puljujärvi however, it really sounds for sure that Slepyshev will be back with the Oilers next season. The problem I could see though is where exactly he fits in the lineup. At this point, it looks as though everyone they currently have up front will return. Still, Slepyshev is capable of being a very solid top-nine forward for this club. This time around, he’ll have a head coach who isn’t looking for any reason possible to pull him from a line or completely out of the lineup…

ETA: Early 20-21

Joe Gambardella

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: LW Ht: 5’10 Wt: 201 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 50 G: 14 A: 14 P: 28

DOB: 12/01/93, Staten Island, NY

Acquired: Free Agent, Signed March 28th, 2017

Previous Rank: 14

Ken Holland increased the depth of the Oilers dramatically last off-season simply by bringing in a lot of fringe NHL players. What that did was essentially make a guy like Gambardella strictly an AHL player. His struggles this season MIGHT be the result of a guy who lost some of his passion to play given that he is now 26 years old and the NHL is looking more and more like a pipe dream after getting into 15 games last season. I’ve always felt like he’s had the tools to be a role player in the league. Great wheels, plays with a ton of passion, doesn’t shy away from the dirty area’s, it still wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up spending some time in the show at some point. But even with a year left on his contract, it sure doesn’t look like that’ll be with the Oilers.

ETA: Mid 20-21

Josh Currie

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: RW Ht: 5’11 Wt: 190 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 56 G: 24 A: 17 P: 41

DOB: 10/29/92, Charlottetown, PE

Acquired: Free Agent, Signed July 19th, 2018

Previous Rank: NR

I can’t see Currie re-signing (his deal is up this off-season). After getting into 21 games down the stretch in the 18-19 season, he became an afterthought for the new brass. Perhaps he resigns himself to the thought that he simply sign an AHL deal and stay in Bakersfield. But if he still has NHL aspirations, then he’ll be looking for a new home as time is running out for him. If this is it for Currie, it’ll be a big loss for the Condors as he has carried them offensively for the last few seasons.

ETA: Early 20-21

Shane Starrett

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: G Ht: 6’5 Wt: 194 Glove: L

2020 Stats – GP: 14 GAA: 3.63 Sv%: .874

DOB: 07/12/94, Bellingham, MA

Acquired: Free Agent, Signed April 10th, 2017

Previous Rank: NR

It’s very possible that Starrett has played his final game for the Oilers organization. He is a group VI (6 for those who don’t do Roman numerals, I don’t know why they always are but I don’t want to look any dumber than I already am) free agent this summer, Olivier Rodrigue will be entering pro hockey and need starts, Dylan Wells still has a year left on his ELC, and of course, Stuart Skinner does as well. Not much room for Starrett, who after a terrific 18-19 regular season, started to fall off in those playoffs, and then injuries really have taken their toll on his performance this season. Personally, I’m not too high on Starrett. In my viewings, he is a guy who blocks pucks but can’t make saves. This is something I’ve talked a lot about in the past with goaltenders. Having size and being positionally sound is great, but I still need to see that a guy has the athleticism to make a big save and I’ve never seen that with Starrett. Beyond that, it is much more vital to be giving starts to the younger guys which of course is difficult to do with Starrett in the fold.

ETA: Early 21-22

I hope you enjoyed the appetizers, and now for the main course…

20. Matej Blümel

Team: HC Dynamo Pardubice League: Czech

Pos: LW Ht: 6’0 Wt: 198 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 31 G: 4 A: 1 P: 5

DOB: 05/31/00, Tabor, CZE

Acquired: 4th Round, 100th Overall, 2019 Draft

Previous Rank: HM

There is nothing that stands out with Blümel, but everything checks out as ok at this point. He is a solid skater, good size, and he is pretty skilled. Obviously playing in Pardubice this season it is much tougher to gauge his skill, but at the WJC we all had a good look at him. It was a BIT of a disappointing performance for him, but it became a bit of a mess with the Czech team with all their injuries. What I did like is that he saw a lot of tough minutes, and I believe that is how he is going to get the attention of the organization moving forward. As I said, nothing stands out but he does everything well so if he can develop his 200-foot game then he will have that special trait he will need. The beauty of his situation is that the Oilers have a while before a decision is needed on whether or not to sign him.

ETA: Mid 23-24

19. Markus Niemeläinen

Team: Ässät League: Liiga

Pos: LD Ht: 6’6 Wt: 190 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 55 G: 1 A: 6 P: 7

DOB: 06/08/98, Kuopio, FIN

Acquired: 3rd Round, 63rd Overall, 2016 Draft

Previous Rank: NR

Niemeläinen is one of those guys who just MIGHT still surprise us, simply because the ability is so ridiculous. Not just the size, but he has always had people intrigued because he can also skate extremely well for that size, and he also moves the puck well. He has never shown any interest in becoming a two-way defenceman as many desired him to be, but he has always been solid in his own zone. And the thing with this club is that they are now getting to a point where they will have plenty of offensive production coming from the blueline. They might need a shutdown guy as Niemeläinen has more than enough potential still to become. This is the final chance they have to sign him (becomes a UFA June 1st), so it’ll be interesting to see whether or not they do so.

ETA: Mid 21-22

18. Ostap Safin

Team: Wichita League: ECHL

Pos: RW Ht: 6’5 Wt: 205 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 54 G: 16 A: 19 P: 35

DOB: 02/11/99, Praha, CZE

Acquired: 4th Round, 115th Overall, 2017 Draft

Previous Rank: HM

Some…maybe most, will have given up on Safin. And I get it. A) the Oilers prospect depth isn’t what it was thanks to the kids who have graduated this season. B) he’s still just a season removed from his hip issues. C) the size, skating, and edge combination with this kid is worth investing time in. Even if Safin only becomes a 4th line player, he would still be a 4th line guy with size who can really skate and punish the opposition. Last year wasn’t pretty, and this season putting up average numbers in the ECHL doesn’t inspire much. But I have to see a healthy season out of him in the AHL before I’m ready to write him off because there is just too much to work with here.

ETA: Mid 22-23

17. Aapeli Räsänen

Team: Boston College League: NCAA

Pos: C Ht: 6’0 Wt: 207 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 34 G: 11 A: 13 P: 24

DOB: 06/01/98, Tampere, FIN

Acquired: 6th Round, 158th Overall, 2016 Draft

Previous Rank: NR

Back, and better than ever! Räsänen was a kid who I was pretty high on prior to last season. And then last season was…horrific. He went from being a kid who was a no-brainer to sign to a kid who there was no way you’d waste a contract on. Now he’s back on the radar, but with a regime in place that didn’t draft him. It’ll be interesting to see if A) they attempt to sign him and B) if he’s willing to sign with the Oilers as he will become a free agent next summer. The Oilers could really use another centre in the system as some may argue they don’t have one coming (McLeod might be better suited for the wing, Lavoie is likely a winger in the pros, and Marody had an awful season). I don’t see Räsänen as anything more than a 4C (always compared him to Mark Letestu), but a 4C who can be thrown on the ice in any situation is a pretty damn valuable piece to have.

ETA: Mid 21-22

16. Tomas Mazura

Team: Kimball Union League: USHS

Pos: C Ht: 6’4 Wt: 190 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 35 G: 13 A: 60 P: 73

DOB: 09/23/00, Pardubice, CZE

Acquired: 6th Round, 162nd Overall, 2019 Draft

Previous Rank: HM

It’s funny, in doing this write-up about Mazura the thought started to run through my mind “this situation reminds me a lot of Mark Jankowski” before I even realized that Jankowski went to Providence college…where Mazura is going this fall. A total project, but one that has me overly intrigued. Mazura is an EXTREMELY likable kid. If you recall at last year’s development camp he held court with the media, and basically just had a conversation with all of them as if he’d been around them for years. If you don’t recall that, click here to see it. Most kids at that age will give the media the standard answers they’re coached to give by the teams PR people and get the hell out of there. Mazura loved every minute of it and could have talked all day! Then you have the size. Last summer he was listed at 6’2, 170lbs. Now (as you can see) it’s 6’4, 190. And the kid is still RAIL thin. It’s that size combined with his very solid skating ability and vision that has me giddy about what he could be. But again, he’s a total project and a total project means that he’s still a long way away. He has yet to truly be tested, but that will change this fall. High IQ, great size, great skater, tough to bet against this kid becoming a player someday.

ETA: Early 24-25

15. Dylan Wells

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: G Ht: 6’2 Wt: 190 Glove: L

2020 Stats – GP: 7 GAA: 3.77 Sv%: .878

DOB: 01/03/98, St. Catharines, ON

Acquired: 5th Round, 123rd Overall, 2016 Draft

Previous Rank: 19

A very disappointing season for Wells, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s a result of an organization showing absolutely zero faith in the kid? I’ll tell you, one of the most bizarre situations this season has been the organization giving Stuart Skinner ample opportunity when Shane Starrett went down and giving next to none for Dylan Wells, despite the fact that Wells had nearly identical numbers to Skinner’s. This happened last year in the playoffs too when Wells played tremendous in game two of Bakersfield’s 2nd round series vs San Diego, and then never dressed again in the series. The only thing I can point to as to why this might be is that Keith Gretzky was responsible for drafting Skinner, and Wells wasn’t his pick. Other than that, I don’t understand why they prefer Skinner so much to Wells. Nevertheless, Wells is still a kid who has a lot of talent and has flashed that talent on numerous occasions, it’s just a matter of finding consistency. It’ll be make or break for Wells next season, the final year of his ELC.

ETA: Early 22-23

14. Ilya Konovalov

Team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl League: KHL

Pos: G Ht: 5’11 Wt: 196 Glove: L

2020 Stats – GP: 40 GAA: 2.45 Sv%: .912

DOB: 07/13/98, Yaroslavl, RUS

Acquired: 3rd Round, 85th Overall, 2019 Draft

Previous Rank:17

What looked like a draft day heist by the Oilers quickly started to look like a draft day bust playing for Craig MacTavish to start the season as Konovalov’s numbers took a massive dip, and even after MacTavish was shown the door Konovalov’s numbers never recovered and quite frankly it was a disaster of a season. The numbers were really the only big reason to get excited about Konovalov, as the size is very questionable for an NHL goaltender. And those numbers that were so disappointing this season, were even worse in the playoffs wherein five games Konovalov had just a G.A.A. of 3.64 and a Sv% of .888. No doubt that he has the quickness needed for a sub 6’0 goaltender, and I love how technically sound he is and how he tracks the puck in my viewings. But it was definitely a season to forget, and now we’ll see how he rebounds.

ETA: Early 22-23

13. Filip Berglund

Team: Skellefteå League: SHL

Pos: RD Ht: 6’3 Wt: 209 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 52 G: 5 A: 15 P: 20

DOB: 5/10/97, Skellefteå, SWE

Acquired: 3rd round, 91st overall, 2016 draft

Previous Rank: 15

Joel Persson out, Filip Berglund in? That could be the case this fall in Bakersfield as a decision needs to be made on Berglund. Like Niemeläinen, Berglund needs to be signed by June 1st or else the Oilers will lose his rights. From what I’ve seen, Berglund is the much more important and the much more polished of the two defencemen. Like the aforementioned Persson, Berglund isn’t the best skater. Unlike Persson, he plays more of a stay at home style similar to Adam Larsson (I’m far from the first to make that comparison). He does show a bit of offensive ability in his game and does move the puck well, but it’ll be his defensive game that will potentially be his ticket to play in the show.

ETA: Late 20-21

12. Cooper Marody

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: C Ht: 6’0 Wt: 194 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 30 G: 5 A: 12 P: 17

DOB: 12/20/96, Brighton, MI

Acquired: Trade with Philadelphia, March 21st, 2018

Previous Rank: 11

It is pretty depressing for me how this season went for Marody. This time last year, this kid was trending towards making the team before too long. A dirty hit and a concussion later, and Marody all of a sudden is a shell of what he once was and there are rumours that he has lost the passion he once had for the game. When he’s right, this guy has terrific skill and vision, and much like Tyler Benson or formerly Ethan Bear, his skating was the only question mark he had. Perhaps this time away will serve him better than anyone. A chance to get healthy, perhaps get in a better frame of mind, and with that possibly gets his career back on track.

ETA: Mid 20-21

11. William Lagesson

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: LD Ht: 6’2 Wt: 207 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 25 G: 3 A: 7 P: 10

DOB: 02/22/96, Göteborg, SWE

Acquired: 4th Round, 91st Overall, 2014 Draft

Previous Rank: 13

It’s tough to imagine that Lagesson can become anything more than he has at this point. He really has maxed out his ability just getting to the cusp of the NHL as he has. But having said this, he is still the likely candidate to be the team’s number seven defenceman next season and he is very capable of filling that role. The skating ability is just average, which is the biggest issue he’s facing, and the way he skates it’ll be very difficult to improve it. We have yet to see “his game” at the NHL level though. When he’s right, he can play a nasty/in your face physical game. And he moves it very well for a stay at home type. But again, tough to imagine him being more than a 6/7 at this point.

ETA: Early 20-21

10. Olivier Rodrigue

Team: Moncton League: QMJHL

Pos: G Ht: 6’1 Wt: 159 Glove: L

2020 Stats – GP: 39 GAA: 2.32 Sv%: .918

DOB: 07/06/00, Chicoutimi, QC

Acquired: 2nd Round, 62nd Overall, 2018 Draft

Previous Rank: 20

It’s ironic. When Rodrigue was selected as the 3rd goaltender for Team Canada for the 2020 WJC, he wasn’t playing that well. I can’t recall the exact numbers, but his Sv% was around .905. Bob Stauffer blindly ranked him 5th in the organization just because he made Team Canada. And then of course when Nigel Dawes falter in Canada’s goal, Rodrigue still didn’t even get a look. He wasn’t already a bust, but he was a pretty big disappointment to that point. Once he returned though, his game took off and Rodrigue ended the season with the 2nd best Sv% in the QMJHL (minimum 20 games played). He has the ability to make it, all the raw ability in the world. But at his size, it is imperative that he is nearly perfect technically. Rodrigue will likely spend next season with Wichita in the ECHL where he will get the starts he needs, and we’ll see what happens. The door could be open to get some starts in Bakersfield with Starrett likely out the door and the organization showing next to no faith in Wells.

ETA: Early 23-24

9. Stuart Skinner

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: G Ht: 6’3 Wt: 203 Glove: L

2020 Stats – GP: 41 GAA: 3.31 Sv%: .892

DOB: 11/01/98, Edmonton, AB

Acquired: 3rd Round, 78th Overall, 2017 Draft

Previous Rank: 18

I don’t know if he’s a stud prospect, but he sure is getting every opportunity possible to be one! Clearly the favourite of the Oilers brass, he did show flashes of becoming that stud goaltending prospect the Oilers have lacked since Devan Dubnyk was in the system (and Dubnyk never looked like he’d be much while in the AHL). If I remember correctly, he went on a 10-15 game run where his Sv% was around .915. I apologize that I can’t recall the exact numbers, but it was a good stretch nonetheless. You could argue that Skinner is the organization’s most important prospect, with none of the other goaltenders showing much promise this season, and no long term answer anywhere in the organization at the moment. Skinner is the closest thing to it.

ETA: Early 21-22

8. Philip Kemp

Team: Yale League: NCAA

Pos: RD Ht: 6’3 Wt: 203 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 32 G: 3 A: 8 P: 11

DOB: 02/12/99, Greenwich, CT

Acquired: 7th Round, 208th Overall, 2017 Draft

Previous Rank: 16

He’s a forgotten prospect at this point. But he will be an important one IF he signs with the team. Straight up, I doubt he will. American kid, so close to free agency, I bet he is dealt this off-season, which sucks. However, should he stay and sign he would be the top prospect on the right side beginning next season (obviously in saying that, I’m assuming Bouchard will be on the big club). Kemp is nothing flashy, but he skates well and is a terrific defender. He’s very similar to Matt Benning, although I wouldn’t say he’s as physical as Benning is.

ETA: Late 22-23

7. Ryan McLeod

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: C Ht: 6’3 Wt: 201 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 56 G: 5 A: 18 P: 23

DOB: 09/21/99, Mississauga, ON

Acquired: 2nd Round, 40th Overall, 2018 Draft

Previous Rank: 9

When we are looking at the most important prospects in the Oilers organization, McLeod is right near the top of the list. The big question for me is whether or not he can play the middle. If he CAN, he’s a vital piece for an organization with a severe lack of depth down the middle. Potentially the 3C this organization has been looking for. The talent is there for McLeod to be that guy. Outstanding skating ability with great vision and a very solid 200-foot game. He has the raw tools to be not just a 3C but a damn good 2C. But he plays on the perimeter and shies away from playing in traffic. If he’s only going to be a winger, I believe he can be a top-nine winger starting next fall. But the organization needs more from him, and if he delivers it would be massive.

ETA: Late 20-21

6. Dmitri Samorukov

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: LD Ht: 6’3 Wt: 196 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 47 G: 2 A: 8 P: 10

DOB: 06/16/99, Volgograd, RUS

Acquired: 3rd Round, 84th Overall, 2017 Draft

Previous Rank: 7

He is a pretty important prospect. Perhaps more than most realize at this point. The reason for this is the plan they clearly have in place with the expansion draft in 15 months. At this point, it looks like a lock that they’ll keep seven forwards and three defencemen, meaning that they’ll either be trading or simply losing an LHD (Klefbom, Nurse, or Jones). When that happens (and obviously I’m guessing here), the organization is hopeful that one of their young defencemen is ready to make the jump to the bottom pair. Most will suggest that prospect is Broberg. But in my opinion, Broberg needs more time than just next season. Samorukov, on the other hand, could be ready with another year in Bakersfield. Barring Broberg coming over, Samorukov will be the star prospect on the Bakersfield blueline as Bouchard will likely make the jump to the Oilers. That means he should be in line for a ton of opportunity and a chance for his game to take a major leap forward. The skating, puck-moving, size, and physicality is all there with Samorukov. Definitely top-four potential.

ETA: Early 21-22

5. Raphaël Lavoie

Team: Chicoutimi League: QMJHL

Pos: RW Ht: 6’4 Wt: 199 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 55 G: 38 A: 44 P: 82

DOB: 09/25/00, Chambly, QC

Acquired: 2nd Round, 38th Overall, 2019 Draft

Previous Rank: 10

Freshly signed to his ELC, it’ll kick in at the start of next season and he will likely burn at minimum one year of it in Bakersfield. What really made me sit up and take notice of Lavoie this season was his performance at the World Juniors. Yes, he played very well, but it was what he excelled at which made me excited. Dale Hunter had him in a 4th line checking role, and he was tremendous. That showed me that this is a kid who isn’t going to let his ego get in the way, and is willing to play any role asked of him which is exactly the type of guy who will thrive playing for Dave Tippett. We already knew he had good size, was a decent skater, and had a hell of a shot. Thinking down the road with him, you give him next season to develop in Bakersfield, and then a spot opens up in the bottom six with Chiasson’s deal being up. That’s a long way to go and a ton can and will change, but as of writing this that is the scenario I could see playing out.

ETA: Early 21-22

4. Kirill Maksimov

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: RW Ht: 6’3 Wt: 207 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 53 G: 5 A: 8 P: 13

DOB: 06/01/99, Moskva, RUS

Acquired: 5th Round, 146th Overall, 2017 Draft

Previous Rank: 6

The stats look extremely underwhelming. So why is he still this high on my list? If you know anything about Bakersfield this season, you know A) their season was a MASSIVE disappointment, and B) there was hardly any opportunity for Maksimov with so many AHL vets and NHL players on the squad this season. Then on top of that, Benson, Marody, and until the new year Yamamoto were all ahead of him as well so it was next to impossible for Maksimov to get top nine minutes, let alone produce. The fact of the matter is this kid is continually showing good improvement in his skating ability and play away from the puck, and obviously he still possesses very good size and an amazing shot. Todd McLellan had a very obvious bias against European kids, and Jay Woodcroft was McLellan’s right-hand man for so many years. That’s a big concern for me with Maksimov as he received such little opportunity this season. That needs to change next fall because this is in my mind is one of the most important prospects in the pipeline, one of the most talented prospects in the pipeline, and by all accounts a very hard-working kid as well.

ETA: Late 20-21

3. Tyler Benson

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: LW Ht: 6’0 Wt: 192 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 47 G: 9 A: 27 P: 36

DOB: 03/15/98, Edmonton, AB

Acquired: 2nd Round, 32nd Overall, 2016 Draft

Previous Rank: 5

He’s right there. He looked better in his second stint (although he really never left) than in his first, and he will have the summer to work more on his foot and edge work. His speed is fine, it’s funny how many good observers confuse speed with pace of play. Pace of play is something that will come for a kid with elite hockey sense and Benson has that. But he’ll have to work hard to gain traction with the big club, not because he can’t play in the league, but all of a sudden they’re pretty deep up front. By now, you all know Benson’s game. Extremely high IQ and terrific playmaker who is often on the right side of the puck and good along the wall and down low. Just like Ethan Bear at this time last year, it’s all about the skating. If it doesn’t develop further, he will play in the league, but probably only as a fringe top-six winger. If he can clean it up though, he’s a stud.

ETA: Early 20-21

2. Philip Broberg

Team: Skellefteå League: SHL

Pos: LD Ht: 6’3 Wt: 203 Shot: L

2020 Stats – GP: 45 G: 1 A: 7 P: 8

DOB: 06/25/01, Örebro, SWE

Acquired: 1st Round, 8th Overall, 2019 Draft

Previous Rank: 2

The potential is enormous. But I can’t stress enough that the Oilers need to take their time with him. Right now, if I’m projecting, he’s Jay Bouwmeester 2.0 (and yes I know I’m not the only guy to suggest that). But he has the tools to become a complete defenceman. I can’t help but wonder if he wouldn’t have been better off playing in the OHL this season (I believe Hamilton owned his rights) and playing against kids his own age where he’d perhaps be able to work more on his game rather than just look to keep his head above water playing for Skellefteå. I’m greedy, I want Broberg to become the legitimate number one D-man he has the potential to be. But I would be taking my sweet ass time with him. Another year in the SHL, followed by at least one full season in the AHL, if not two. If he never reaches that potential, you’re still looking at a new age, shutdown D-man like Bouwmeester which is nothing to be upset with.

ETA: Early 22-23

1. Evan Bouchard

Team: Bakersfield League: AHL

Pos: RD Ht: 6’3 Wt: 194 Shot: R

2020 Stats – GP: 54 G: 7 A: 29 P: 36

DOB: 10/20/99, Oakville, ON

Acquired: 1st Round, 10th Overall, 2018 Draft

Previous Rank: 1

They have a stud on their hands. Credit where it’s due because I don’t see eye to eye with a lot of what he has to say, but Craig Button was the first one I heard who compared him to Larry Murphy and I believe that is an extremely accurate projection. Now, consider that when Murphy played, even though he eventually got in the Hall of Fame, he bounced around the league because he drove teams nuts with his lack of physicality. Bouchard has the same issue, but in today’s game that is not anywhere near the sin that it was in the 80’s and 90’s. This is pretty exciting for the organization and their fans that barring a rash of injuries and a need to use Bouchard this post-season that they’ll have three full seasons of a ready prospect like this on his ELC capable of playing top-four minutes right from the start. I would guess he is occupying the point spot on the top PP unit by December at the latest.