-EDMONTON-
Thanks to Chicago GM Mathias for a great report idea.
The inaugural season of the OTHL has surpassed the midway point, as has the new look Edmonton Oiler's season. The team has finally abandoned the idea of being the scrappy style team that annually struggles to make the playoffs. Instead, they have sacrificed the next couple seasons while building a solid young team, that should compete with the best in the next few seasons. But first things first, let's look at how the team has performed thus far.
FRONT OFFICE
Edmonton GM Matt Seaman has been a busy man, has made alot of deals, 46 of them to be exact. Some of them were big, some of them were small. Some of them are or will be successes, some of them are or may be failures. One of the major problems that some have seen with this club, is the fact that the majority of the players brought in are of the defence-first persuasion, as well as a lack of grittiness. Many applaud the GM for the way he has cut the team salary of the money-conscious Oilers, while keeping a team that is still competitive. There is alot of anticipation as to where and how this team will perform in the future, which is almost certainly bright for the youngest, 5th least expensive team in the OTHL.
GRADE: B-
GOALTENDERS:
MARC DENIS
48 games, 16 wins, 23 losses, 8 ties, 3 shutouts, .911 save%, 2.49 gaa
Brought in by a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Edmonton Oiler's finally have some goaltender security. Denis has been far and away the most valuable player to this club as proven by the amount of star points he has received, only 2 points behind Kevin Weekes and the lead, that is very impressive on a team with a losing record. Denis is a warrior, having started all but 2 of Edmonton's 50 games to date.
GRADE: A
SEBASTIEN CARON
25 games, 6 wins, 14 losses, 5 ties, 1 shutout, .904 save%, 2.68 gaa **
Brought in by a deal with Washington, which saw Rusty Klesla going the other way, which shows what management thought of this hidden gem. He was brought in to push Denis and fill in if he faultered, which admittantly hasn't happened yet.
GRADE: INC. (no games started with Edmonton)
**all games played with Pittsburgh/Washington.
OVERALL GOALTENDING GRADE: A-
DEFENCE:
ROBYN REGEHR
50 games, 4 goals, 13 assists, 17 points, +11, 47 pims, 125 hits
In an unprecedented move between to teams engrossed in a long-term rivalry, Regehr was brought from Calgary at the expense of Eric Brewer. Compared to Adam Foote, Regehr really proved his worth in last season's playoffs and has continued it into this season. 6th in the league in hits while keeping his PIM's relatively low proves that he can be a physical presence without being a liability. +11 on a sub .500 team is just unbelievable. He is already just 1 point shy of last seasons performance. He plays in all situations and thrives on pressure.
GRADE: A+
CRAIG RIVET
49 games, 3 goals, 15 assists, 18 points, -7, 72 pims, 99 hits
Brought in to be a leader to this youthful team. Rivet has succeeded. He has also discovered some untapped offence, having already eclipsed last season's point totals. A minor complaint is that he doesn't stick up for his teammates as much as possibly needed, and an improvement in +/- would be nice, but one has to remember the record of the team he plays for.
GRADE: B+
MARC-ANDRE BERGERON
50 games, 4 goals, 14 assists, 18 points, +1, 70 pims, 55 hits
Part of the mini-towers, Bergeron is one of the few remaining Oiler's from last season. +/- is respectable, PIM's are where they are supposed to be. Production isn't quite where it should be. But he is doing a very good job in his second full season. 55 hits could be higher, but is more than expected from his 5'9 frame. Plays a big game, for a small guy.
GRADE: B
FRANCIS BOUILLON
45 games, 1 goal, 11 assists, 12 points, -2, 51 pims, 92 hits
The other half of the mini-towers. Bouillon has played well since coming over in a deal with Pittsburgh. As a speedy small D-man, We would like to see him take more chances with the puck. +/- is respectable. Hits are a big surprise. Another small guy that plays a big game. If every player had his desire, the possibilities would be endless.
GRADE: B
ROB DAVISON
34 games, 3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points, +6, 29 pims, 50 hits
Davison has performed above expectations in the limited action he has seen filling in for the injured top 6. The club feels he can become a solid 4th, 5th or 6th D-man in the future.
GRADE: B-
GARNET EXELBY
42 games, 2 goal, 4 assists, 6 points, +1, 87 pims, 116 hits
Exelby has done exactly what he was asked when he came in, to be a menace on the blueline. Near the lead in hits, and averaging a penalty a game. He is becoming a defenceman that the opposing forwards hate to play against. Needs to improve his offensive totals.
GRADE: C+
DEREK MORRIS
50 games, 1 goal, 29 assists, 30 points, +1, 58 pims, 108 hits
Incomplete grade due to his brief time in an Oiler uniform. All that can be said is so far, so good. Brought in to improve an already succeeding D corp, that was performing better than suspected. Able to find the tape of scorer’s sticks.
GRADE: INC
MIKKO LUOMA
3 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, E, 4 pims, 1 hit
Incomplete due to lack of games played. Admittantly, basicly only made it into line-up due to injuries and lack of depth. Don’t expect to see much more of him.
GRADE: INC
OVERALL DEFENCE GRADE: B+
FORWARDS:
SHAWN HORCOFF
46 games, 11 goals, 19 assists, 30 points, -3, 65 PIMS, 66 Hits
After dealing him away early in the season. Management believed it was a experiment gone wrong, so he was re-acquired from the Rangers. Already only 10 points off last year’s pace, he has been able to increase production while keeping his defensive game intact. On a better team, could have been considered a Selke contender.
GRADE: A+
RYAN SMYTH
44 games, 16 goals, 20 assists, 36 points, +7, 63 PIMS, 92 Hits
The consummate Oiler, leader and captain Smyth has done everything asked of him. Most of his supporting cast was dealt away in favour of youthful talent with a ton of potential. Smyth still consistently produces, as well as being solid defensively. Without him or Denis, there would be no team. His goals have blood on them.
GRADE: A
ALES HEMSKY
49 games, 12 goals, 13 assists, 25 points, +6, 16 PIMS, 37 hits
The most naturally skilled player on the team, Hemsky is well on pace to surpass last season’s totals. He also has drastically improved his defensive game. He could use some toughening up, and not shy away from the contact. Gets more confident with every game.
GRADE: B+
STEPHEN WEISS
50 games, 10 goals, 14 assists, 24 points, -1, 42 PIMS, 54 Hits
Weiss is a future captain of this team, he has shown flashes of such leadership already. He is only a shade off last season’s production, but he has increased his grittiness and determination. His defensive game is also improved, although it wasn’t too shabby to begin with. The future is bright with this kid.
GRADE: B
ALYN MCCAULEY
49 games, 9 goals, 15 assists, 24 points, E, 42 PIMS, 69 Hits
Destined to be a coach or GM, Alyn has done what is asked of so far this season, His point totals are a shade off last-season, but that will come with playing for a rebuilding club. Has increased his grittiness, and is harder to play against along the boards. Provides quiet leadership, makes all the right plays and is a winner .
GRADE: B-
MIKE FISHER
48 games, 8 goals, 17 assists, 25 points, -4, 85 PIMS, 82 Hits
Fisher was expected to breakout this season, he hasn’t quite done so. However, he hasn’t disappointed. He is where he is expected in points, could stand to be a bit better defensively, and could learn to stay out of the sin bin a bit more, but those are minor complaints. The guy pays the price in every situation.
GRADE: B-
JARED AULIN
14 games, 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points, +3, 14 PIMS, 2 Hits
Seeing limited 4th line action since being signed as a prospect, Jared has performed as expected. A speedy, skilled youngster, branded as boom or bust. He is acclimatising himself to the finer aspects of the game to become a more well-rounded hockey player. The club expects big things.
GRADE: C+
VILLE NIEMINEN
47 games, 6 goals, 6 assists, 12 points, -2, 78 PIMS, 62 Hits
Feisty sparkplug, and a headache to play against. Nieminen has somewhat disappointed thus far as an Oiler. Production isn’t anywhere near where expected. Still a thorn in the side of the opposition. He needs to shift gears or the youngsters will pass him by.
GRADE: C-
MATTHEW LOMBARDI
50 games, 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points, -5, 26 PIMS, 10 Hits
Lombardi is one of 3 youngsters that are slumping this season. His offensive output is the leading indicator. He has shown flashes of what he can do, but they are hew and far between. A possible line shifting by coach MacTavish is needed to jumpstart his season. Shows tremendous restrain during the rough stuff, and can handle his own defensively.
GRADE: D
STEVE OTT
23 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, -5, 33 PIMS, 33 Hits
Poised to take over the “super-pest” title in the future. Ott has been almost invisible this season thus far. Absent from the scoresheet, and somewhat of a liability defensively, It is believed that it is too early for Ott to have taken on the responsibility he has. Nonetheless, He will be a valuable 3rd-4th liner down the road.
GRADE: D-
CHUCK KOBASEW
42 games, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points, -18, 19 PIMS, 28 Hits
Kobasew is has been nothing but dismal this season, so far. Only 1 goal and 3 points at the half way point, a brutal -18, and is consistently shying away from the rough stuff. Again a line change may be all it takes for this youngster to turn it around. Despite the bad season so far, the future remains bright for this future leader and 2nd liner.
GRADE: F
BRANKO RADIVOJEVIC
50 games, 11 goals, 3 assists, 14 points, -3, 30 PIMS, 41 Hits
Incomplete due to the fact that he was just picked up in a deal with Philadelphia. All that can be said, is so far so good. A 4 game goal streak since coming over from the Flyer’s is hopefully a sign of what the future holds.
GRADE: INC
SHANE WILLIS
CLARKE WILM
JUSTIN PAPINEAU
VERNON FIDDLER
All 4 are emergency call-ups that were used because of injury. All performed as expected, no one boomed, but no one faltered. All-around an adequate support staff.
GRADE: INC
OVERALL FORWARDS GRADE: B-
OVERALL TEAM PLAY
50 games into the season, the Oiler’s are slightly exceeding expectations. There is still hope for the playoffs, despite outwardly stating it is a rebuilding year. Visible stand outs are goaltending, lead by Marc Denis and defence lead by Robyn Regehr and newly acquired Derek Morris, as well as the helping hand lent by a predominantly defence minded offence. The main problem with this club continues to be goal-scoring. Some other minor problems such as power play, penalties and scoring opportunites against should be solved with added experience .
GRADE: B
Edward Monton, Edmonton News.
Coming soon...The Edmonton Oilers Trade History Analysis