I began an article about trading away one of the forwards from the "small, skilled" group, but as I wrote more, I realized that it was worthwhile to look at all of the forwards on the roster. Over the next few days I'll analyze the forwards through objective statistical measures and some subjective opinions and determine what the Oilers should do with each one of them going forward as they begin their rebuild.
I grouped these players together by skill level and potential. Some of you may not agree with some of the classifications and I'm willing to give ground on that point. I thought about including players currently in the system like Jordan Eberle or Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson, but even if both are in training camp next year, they should play a full season in the AHL to acclimate.
Bonafide NHL Players
Ales Hemsky
Shawn Horcoff
Dustin Penner
Top Six Potential
Gilbert Brule
Andrew Cogliano
Sam Gagner
Robert Nilsson
Patrick O'Sullivan
Linus Omark
Fourth Liners
Zack Stortini
Ryan Stone
Ryan Potulny
Bottom Six Potential
Jean-Francois Jacques
Marc Pouliot
Liam Reddox
Passed Them By
Ethan Moreau
Fernando Pisani