The Cupboards Are Plenty Full In Oil Country
A quick glance at the standings will tell you of the Oilers’ struggles this season. Handcuffed by injuries and lacklustre performances by the bulk of their roster, the Oilers have trudged along under the guidance of Pat Quinn, and currently hold the NHL’s worst record.
Allowing Dwayne Roloson to walk via free agency and signing Nikolai Khabibulin to a four year, $15-million contract was a costly mistake by GM Kevin Lowe — at least after year one of the deal. Khabibulin hasn’t played a game since November 16th, and will likely be out for the remainder of the season recovering from back surgery. The Oilers have scored just 144 goals this season, good for 29th in the league, and recently ended an embarrassing 12-game losing streak. When goaltending is an issue, all other matters appear worse.
You could write a book outlining the failures of this year’s Edmonton team, but the final chapter would certainly be an optimistic one; There are a number of bright spots on this roster, and the rebuild is in full effect. The Oilers are due for a top-3 pick in this year’s Entry Draft, and if they continue on their current pace, they will grab the 1st overall spot. Taylor Hall is projected first overall at this point, with Tyler Seguin and defenceman Cam Fowler following close behind. All three players are world-class prospects that will make the jump straight to the NHL.
Looking at the current roster, Dustin Penner now looks like the player that Kevin Lowe snatched from the hands of Brian Burke in the summer of 2007. Penner started the 2009-10 season on a rampage, with 22 points in his first 18 games. Losing his linemate Ales Hemsky to injury has hurt his numbers, he should still finish the year with 60+ points. Hemsky is the centrepiece of the team’s offense and their scoring has suffered without him. He has amassed 289 points in his last 5 seasons, and the Oilers will welcome his return at the start of the 2010-11 season.
Another point of optimism for the Oilers surrounds their three first round picks from the ‘07 draft, headlined by 20-year-old Sam Gagner. While Gagner hasn’t met the expectations of some, his age precludes him from criticism, having already played two full seasons before his 20th birthday. Gagner needs to add muscle to his 5-foot-10 frame, but he is supremely gifted, and may develop into a superstar. Gagner’s fellow 2007 first round Oiler draftees Alex Plante (15th overall) and Riley Nash (21st overall) have shown promise. Plante recently debuted in Edmonton, and has drawn comparisons to current Oiler Sheldon Souray, in that he is a big body with a hard shot from the point. Nash, a centre, has a very good offensive game and is reliable in all parts of the rink.
Also on the horizon for Edmonton is Canada’s Captain Clutch, Jordan Eberle, and last year’s 10th overall pick, Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. Eberle has put up consistent points in the WHL and at the World Juniors, where he earned a reputation as the ultimate performer under pressure. Paajarvi-Svensson is a big body, and has the speed and technical skills to be a force in the NHL. Both players were dominant at the World Juniors, and both should be top-sixers in Edmonton before long.
Prospects aside, how much better would the Oilers have been this season with a healthy Hemsky and Khabibulin? Add to that Gagner (6th overall), Eberle (22nd overall), Paajarvi-Svensson (10th overall), and a potential superstar at this year’s draft, the Oilers won’t have long to wait before the youngsters help them become the class of the Northwest. The transition phase for this club is already in full swing, so don’t expect a lottery pick in 2011.
Jargon on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 5:07 pm
I notice you didn't mention Cogliano, because he's a terrible player and will not be part of the Oilers' future. He's got some speed, but if the Oilers decide to keep him around, he should play on the 3rd or 4th line
canucklehead on Tue, 9th Feb 2010 10:40 pm
this might sound funny, but the other night I was playing NHL 10 on ps3 and I played as the oilers. When i was editing lines I couldnt believe how stacked they were. I forgot how much depth they have when everyone is healthy. I think you'll see them in the playoffs next year as the 8th seed.