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Oilers Acquire Cooper Marody From Flyers For 2019 Draft Pick

Sixth round pick from 2015 a bit of a gamble, but having a big season in Big 10

By Jeff Chapman
2015 NHL Draft - Portraits
Marody is a bit of a gamble, but he’s killing it in the Big 10 this year.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Nearly a month ago, the Oilers sent Patrick Maroon to the New Jersey Devils for a third round pick in 2019. Today, the Oilers sent that pick to Philadelphia for their 2015 sixth round pick Cooper Marody.

AH YES, COOPER MARODY

Understandable if you haven’t heard of Marody yet. The 21 year old centre is in his third year with the Big 10’s University of Michigan.

ANOTHER NCAA PROSPECT?

Yes. He joins a handful of NCAA hopefuls in Edmonton’s system that include Skyler Brind’amour and J.D. Dudek.

IS HE ANY GOOD?

Sixth round picks are typically lottery tickets, but Marody is having a year of it. He leads the University of Michigan in scoring with 46 points (14-32-46) in 37 games. That’s encouraging.

From SB Nation’s Chris Dilks (@ChrisDilks)

There are some things Marody does really well. His skating has always been above average, and I really like his hockey IQ in the offensive zone. Marody is excellent at finding soft areas of ice to work from in the offensive zone and is terrific at passing the puck. He knows where he is sending the puck next before it gets to him, and that has made him one of the most effective playmakers in college hockey.

But there is a downside. Strength has always been the biggest knock on Marody, going back to when he was draft eligible. And he hasn’t added any weight, at least by roster listing, since joining Michigan three years. That shows in his play on the ice. Marody isn’t particularly strong on the puck, and isn’t very effective working along the boards and in tight spaces.

IS HE WORTH A THIRD ROUND PICK?

Yes. For a third round pick, that is. For whatever reason, the Philadelphia Flyers didn’t feel comfortable offering him a deal. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Edmonton offer him one in the not-too-distant future.

SO WHAT NOW?

The Oilers are gambling that Marody can help Bakersfield out sooner than later. With few irons in the fire when it comes to prospects, the Oilers are hoping that Marody can become an impact player at the AHL level soon.