It’s been just about one year since the Oilers acquired Ty Rattie. Signed as an unrestricted free agent during last year’s free agent frenzy, he’s a player who could be anywhere in Edmonton’s lineup come opening night. He could also be in Bakersfield if something really wacky happens between now and October.
I don’t know anyone who had Ty Rattie suiting up for any NHL games this past season. Prior to the 2017-18 season the Calgary native had suited up for just 35 career NHL games. He had four goals in those 35 games. A consistent producer at the AHL level, Rattie would go on to score 21 goals with Bakersfield this past season. He’d also earn 9 points in Edmonton on a late season call up.
Rattie’s play earned him another year with the club (700K). Depending on how the right wing shakes up for this season, Rattie could find himself spending some more time on a line with Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Because there’s no real hierarchy on the right side, he could also find himself anywhere between the top line and the AHL.
FIGHTING FOR SPACE
The Oilers have lots of decisions to make between now and opening night. There’s 2017 first round selection Kailer Yamamoto, who had a nine game tryout and three assists. There’s 2016 first round selection Jesse Puljujarvi, who was up and down the roster (and in Bakersfield) who finished the season with 20 points in Edmonton. Both Puljujarvi and Yamamoto will have a shot at earning top line honours on opening night, while Rattie will be in the mix.
Rattie spent nearly all of his time on the ice with Connor McDavid. Out of 216 NHL minutes, 174 were spent on McDavid’s line and 75% of that was with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on left wing. Can Ty Rattie make a month out of that in 2018-19? We’ve got no data on Rattie to suggest he can do that for an entire year. Maybe this is the year he puts it all together.
What can we expect from Ty Rattie in 2018-19?
Poll
What can we expect from Ty Rattie in 2018-19?
This poll is closed
-
24%
He’s on the top line for most of the season, 50-60 points
-
58%
He’s used all over the lineup in Edmonton, 25-35 points
-
12%
He’s a 13th-14th forward who plays half or less games, 15 or so points
-
3%
Majority of the season in Bakersfield
-
0%
Something else (leave in comments)