The Copper & Blue - 2015 NHL Entry DraftA site for fans of the Edmonton Oilers. Someday we'll get to write about an Oilers playoff game. Hopefully sooner than later.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/13253/copper-fave.jpg2015-06-27T15:30:03-06:00http://www.coppernblue.com/rss/stream/86155022015-06-27T15:30:03-06:002015-06-27T15:30:03-06:002015 NHL Draft Review
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<figcaption>Peter Chiarelli has glasses. | Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We grade the Oilers' work at the NHL Entry Draft, because we're judgmental, and because we can.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The 2015 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NHL Entry Draft</a> is officially complete, and we at the Copper and Blue are here to pick up the pieces and catalog them for your convenience. Yesterday saw the <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oilers</a> draft one of the most important Canadian teenagers <i>ever</i>. It also saw the Oilers deal some pretty dear assets for a pretty questionable return. Today the Oilers dealt some mid-round picks for some promising help in net, but also saw them deal <span>Martin Marincin</span> for a small collection of yarns and other string. Let’s take a look at all of the Oilers wheelings, and their dealings, below:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>1<sup>st</sup> Overall – C <span>Connor McDavid</span> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Grade: A+</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Mr. Superlative himself. The Oilers were fortunate enough to be in the most enviable position of welcoming Connor McDavid to their organization. This guy is the bee’s knees, if said bee were already wearing the cat’s pajamas. Connor McDavid is the truth, and as I argued previously, may already be <i>the</i> most important Edmonton Oiler <i>ever.</i> No brainer, no problem.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Trade – 16<sup>th</sup> Overall + 33<sup>rd</sup> Overall for D <span>Griffin Reinhart</span> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Grade: C-</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">For me, this deal is mostly lateral. The Oilers dealt 16<sup>th</sup> (Matthew Barzal) and 33<sup>rd</sup> (Mitchell Stephens) to acquire former 4<sup>th</sup> overall pick Griffin Reinhart from the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Islanders</a>. In Reinhart, the Oilers are getting a guy with great pedigree, great bloodlines (ugh), and all the tools to be an effective shut-down guy. What’s concerning to this corner of the Copper and Blue is the fact that he’s never been a point producer, and he didn’t knock anyone’s socks off in the AHL last year. Lingering concerns about his foot speed gives me the Whitney’s. That said, he’ll be given a shot to compete for an NHL job next year – likely a bottom pair gig - at camp, almost certainly. But the fact that Matthew Barzal was still available at 16 makes this one a little hard to justify for me though.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Trade – 57<sup>th</sup> Overall + 79<sup>th</sup> Overall + 184<sup>th</sup> Overall for G <span>Cam Talbot</span> + 209<sup>th</sup> Overall </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">This is good business by Peter Chiarelli. If the rumor that the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rangers</a> turned down two second round picks is to believed, and I think it is, the Oilers made out quite well here. Talbot was one of the best available options at the position this summer, and the Oilers got him for a very reasonable price.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Compensation – 86<sup>th</sup> Overall for Todd McLellan </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Grade: A</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">I may be in the minority here, and this may not be a deal worth grading, but Todd McLellan might be the most qualified coach the Oilers have ever hired. I’m not saying he’s better than Sather, but McLellan’s resume is quite impressive. If you were to ask me if I would trade a third round pick for Todd McLellan and his absurd 311-163-66 record as a head coach, I’d have said absolutely. I’d make that deal in a New York minute, and the depth of this draft isn’t enough to prevent me from giving the Oilers an A for the hire.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Trade – D Martin Marincin for F <span>Brad Ross</span> + 107<sup>th</sup> Overall </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Grade: D-</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">I am not a fan of this trade at all. For all of his warts, Martin Marincin was still a young, tall, fairly skilled young defenseman who had already shown glimpses of brilliance at the NHL level. Brad Ross is a guy that I’ve never heard of. I’m not the most thorough guy out there; I can’t name all of the top prospects for a given team, but I’ve usually at least <i>heard of</i> notable guys in rival systems. I had to do some digging. Well, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=32786">eliteprospects.com</a>, Brad Ross is:</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>A tough winger, Ross is the kind of player who can really get under your skin as an opponent. He plays with a lot of energy and loves to hit. Also owns some offensive instincts.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>These offensive instincts have yielded middling numbers in junior, poor numbers in the AHL, and just over a point per game in 10 ECHL contests. Yeesh. Given that the 4<sup>th</sup> round pick has about an 18% chance of being an NHL player, and Brad Ross has probably 0% in an ideal world, this deal stinks. It stinks like MacTavish. It stinks like Howson. It stinks like Lowe. Ryan Batty and Zach Laing gave this deal a deeper look </span><a href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2015/6/27/8856681/martin-marincin-to-the-leafs-for-brad-ross-and-a-pick" target="_blank">here</a>, so<span> peruse at your leisure. I actually woke up to a text that read ‘Marincin is gone. Ugh.’ I don’t think I can say it any better than that.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>Trade – C <span>Travis Ewanyk</span> + 107<sup>th</sup> Overall for D <span>Eric Gryba</span> </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>Grade: C-</b></span></p>
<p> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>I can give this deal a passing grade because, in a vacuum, Travis Ewanyk and a lottery ticket for an NHL player seems pretty reasonable. I could even give it a C if he wasn’t effectively replacing Martin Marincin, but he is. Or, he will attempt to. Scouting reports on Gryba are far from flattering, with people I respect describing a player who is very much a #6D and nothing more. That would be reasonable enough if the Oilers didn’t already have <b>all </b>the bottom pairing guys. If the Oilers were moving Marincin I’d have certainly preferred they aim a little higher than another soldier for the third pair, but I digress. A paltry 26 points, and a 49% CF% over the last three seasons is underwhelming for me, but the Oilers certainly could have done worse here. They didn’t, so I’ll give this one a pass-ish.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>117<sup>th</sup> Overall – D Caleb Jones </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b> Grade: C</b></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>The Oilers selected <span>Seth Jones</span>’ younger brother Caleb, of the USNTDP, with the 117<sup>th</sup> pick. A gold medalist with the USA at the U18 level, Jonathan Willis gives a nice breakdown of the player <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2015/06/27/edmonton-oilers-select-caleb-jones-with-the-no-117-pick-of-the-2015-nhl-draft/">here</a>. This guy is certainly no big reach at 117 (115 NA by CSS, 130 overall by ISS), and by most reports he did appear to make some positive strides this year. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=199902">Eliteprospects.com</a> gives us a bit more background on the player:</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>A versatile two-way defenseman that can fill many different roles and team needs in certain situations due to his workmanlike approach to his position. Possesses a tireless motor and is aggressive on the blue-line. Physicality and board battles are the anchors that hold his game together. Works hard in all situations and is a step ahead in problem solving. Exhibits good mobility, a quick, accurate shot from the point, and an active stick. All-in-all, a heads-up defenseman who plays a solid, smart all-around game.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Jones, like his brother, was drafted by the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL and will spend next season marinating in Oregon. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>124<sup>th</sup> Overall – D Ethan Bear </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>Grade: B+</b></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Bear is a big, mean, physical defenseman from the WHL who only just turned 18 on Saturday. Ranked 78<sup>th</sup> overall by ISS and 97<sup>th</sup> NA by CSS, Bear represents an excellent value pick here with some good upside for the Oilers. With 57 points in 128 GP in the WHL it doesn’t appear as though Bear’s value is his offense, but the comments about his work in the defensive zone are very encouraging. From Bruce McCurdy’s profile of the player <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2015/06/27/edmonton-oilers-land-seattle-thunderbirds-defender-ethan-bear-at-124/">here</a>, I found this from the ISS:</span></p>
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<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Bear is a strong physical defender and has displayed strong shutdown upside this season with Seattle in the WHL and with Team Canada at the U18 World Championships. Does a lot of things well, but mainly plays a strong defensive and physical game. Strong in front of the net and along the boards, doesn’t run around in the defensive zone and has good positioning. Developing decision making on the puck although prefers the simple smart plays. Has shown above average hands and puck control with a good shot from the point. Upside is his ability to anticipate and read the defensive zone but able to move the puck with ease and showing improved confidence.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>There’s a lot to like about this pick. All signs point to value with upside, which is exactly what you want in a late-round pick.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>154<sup>th</sup> Overall – D John Marino </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>Grade: A-</b></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>John Marino is a smooth skating, right-shooting defenseman with some size. Ranked 63<sup>rd</sup> NA by CSS, and 95<sup>th</sup> by ISS, this is a pick that represents even more of a ‘steal’ than the Ethan Bear pick – a similarly ranked player a full round later. This speaks to some solid identification in the amateur scouting department, and another pick with upside and value. From <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2015/06/27/edmonton-oilers-select-john-marino-with-the-no-154-pick-of-the-2015-nhl-draft/">this</a> Jonathan Willis profile on Marino, I found this report from the ISS:</span></p>
<p> </p>
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<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>John Marino has been highly regarded for a few years now and there is good reason for the hype. He’s a smooth-skating defenseman with excellent vision and strong poise and confidence with the puck. Some have questioned his play in the defensive zone, but he’s gotten much better at coverage in his own zone and has a good stick. He doesn’t have the biggest frame, and could definitely stand to put on some added weight, but he does a nice job of containment and maximizes his physical tools. Pound-for-pound, he’s as solid as they come. He does a nice job bringing the puck out of his own zone and is effective on zone entries into the opposition’s end. He’s the type of player that can hold on to the puck due to his agility, stick skills and awareness of his surroundings on the ice.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Marino is committed to Harvard next year, and will benefit greatly from having some time to develop in the NCAA. Maybe the Oilers just found their next <span>Jeff Petry</span>. Cross your fingies.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>Trade – 2016 7<sup>th</sup> Round Pick for 208<sup>th</sup> Overall – G Miroslav Svoboda </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b> Grade: C-</b></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>There’s not much to know about Svoboda. Jonathan Willis provides some insight on the player <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2015/06/27/edmonton-oilers-trade-for-the-no-208-pick-select-miroslav-svoboda-with-it/">here</a>:</span></p>
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<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Svoboda has had two strong seasons at the Czech junior level and his 6’3″ frame gives him good size for the position. He’ll be stepping up to the senior level next year, playing for second division Czech team AZ Havirov. On paper, he’s not a particularly compelling prospect, but he is just a seventh-round pick, he’s big and has shown well in flashes, and what we don’t know from looking at him on paper could probably fill volumes.</span></p>
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</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Another overaged goalie prospect with middling results from Europe. Color me over it. </span></p>
<p> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>209<sup>th</sup> Overall – D Ziyat Paigin </b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>Grade: B+</b></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Another draft pick, another defenseman. This one’s a hulking 6’6’’ Russian though, so there’s that. In reality the Oilers made good here again with Paigin ranked at 112<sup>th</sup> by ISS, and 49<sup>th</sup> EU by CSS. Blessed with NBA size, the young rearguard played 33 games in the KHL this season. While his offensive contributions were so small they almost feel made up, there is enough here to be excited about. I grabbed this from the ISS, which Bruce McCurdy included in <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2015/06/27/edmonton-oilers-wrap-up-2015-draft-by-selecting-gigantic-defender-ziyat-paigin-209th-overall/">his profile</a> of the player:</span></p>
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<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>The big, lanky defender was an imposing figure on the back end for Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL and with Russia at the 2015 U20 World Championships. Paigin’s upside is based around his raw frame and active, intense defensive game. Long active stick and angles well, needs to focus on foot speed and mobility which will benefit when he adds muscle to his massive frame. Thrives in physical play, likes to finish hits and mix it up along the wall. Can be beat wide by quick opposition forwards catching him on the pivot. Decent skill-set on the puck, although at his best when he simplifies his game. Good shot although not much upside in this department at the next level.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Paigin’s future remains unknown, and I imagine that his age and the concerns about his foot speed are what saw him fall so far in the draft. The good news for us is the Oilers were there to mop up, and given the crapshoot nature of picks this late, there is enough good here to get behind this pick.</span></p>
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<h3 style="line-height: 150%;"><span>Conclusion</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span>All in all, it was a reasonably successful draft for the Edmonton Oilers. They got Connor McDavid, another former blue-chip defenseman in Griffin Reinhart, and addressed their pressing need at goaltender for a reasonable price. By no means was it perfect, of course. The Oilers did leave some exciting prospects like Barzal on the board when they dealt for Reinhart, and they dealt one of their own promising young defenders for an underwhelming return. But Connor McDavid. They got Connor McDavid. Good value on the rest of their picks is not something to be scoffed at either, and though the Oilers didn’t acquire any top 4 help yet, the draft wasn’t as bad as it could have been. And that’s absolutely something. Baby steps, Oilers fans. Baby steps.</span></p>
<h3 style="line-height: 150%;"><span><b>Overall grade: C-</b></span></h3>
<p>Dealing Barzal+ for Reinhart, losing Marincin for peanuts, and failing to address the dearth of top-4 defenseman is just concerning enough to take the shine off of Connor McDavid and the late-round value picks. But hey, there's always next year.</p>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/6/27/8857405/2015-nhl-draft-reviewflarwick2015-06-27T10:06:07-06:002015-06-27T10:06:07-06:00Oilers Trade Marincin. End Up With Gryba and Ross.
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<figcaption>John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Oilers make their third trade of the weekend.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Oilers</a> have been involved in another trade. This time it's not picks, but <span>Martin Marincin</span> heading the other way. He's on his way to Toronto, the Oielrs acquire <span>Brad Ross</span> and pick 107 in return.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oilers?src=hash">#Oilers</a> acquire forward Brad Ross and the 107th overall pick from the <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs">@MapleLeafs</a> in exchange for d-man Martin Marincin. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash">#NHLDraft</a></p>
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/614825022767501312">June 27, 2015</a>
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<p>And then flipped that pick and <span>Travis Ewanyk</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silversevensens.com/">Senators</a> for <span>Eric Gryba</span>.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oilers?src=hash">#Oilers</a> acquire defenceman Eric Gryba from <a href="https://twitter.com/Senators">@Senators</a> in exchange for the 107th pick and forward Travis Ewanyk. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash">#NHLDraft</a></p>
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/614826737319292928">June 27, 2015</a>
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<p>First what the Oilers gave up: Martin Marincin. Around these parts Marincin has been very popular. Sunil looked at how Marincin has faced much<a href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2015/6/12/8765883/martin-marincin" target="_blank"> tougher competition</a> than other ther defenceman faced as a 22-year old. Marincin did well in his short time with the Edmonton Oilers and could of been deserving of another contract with the team. However Marincin did have his struggles. He showed some inconsistencies throughout his game last season, and struggled at times during his stay in the AHL.</p>
<p>Second, what we got: <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonGregor/status/614832148651081730" target="_blank">Jason Gregor</a> pointed out that Brad Ross will be playing in Europe and is nothing more than a contract dump. On the other hand, Eric Gryba is a 6'4, 222 lb right hand shot defenceman who plays with a very effective bottom pairing role.</p>
<p><span>From</span><a style="line-height: 15px; background-color: #eeeeee;" href="http://www.silversevensens.com/2015/5/28/8559077/your-say-eric-gryba" target="_blank"> Silver Seven Sens:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>Although he took a hit from his previous grade, Eric Gryba met most expectations placed upon him this season. That being said, none of us really expected much from him. He plays the role of third-line defenseman pretty well, although he doesn't offer anything special in terms of offense and is not as brutally physical as many hoped he would be at one point. But he can deliver a big hit from time to time.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 1em; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; line-height: 24px; color: #292929; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;" id="paragraph2" class="pgh-paragraph">He can effectively clear the puck in his own end, especially on the penalty kill. More often than not this season, he was silently effective and just didn't get a lot of recognition because of the role he plays as a shut-down defenseman. Whether or not he is the kind of depth D-man that wins championships is another story, but he served his purpose well for the Sens this season.</p>
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<p>The problem I have from this trade moving forward is that the Oilers now have an abundance of bottom pairing players. Moving forward, I would not be surprised to see more moves made involving Oilers defencemen.</p>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/6/27/8856681/martin-marincin-to-the-leafs-for-brad-ross-and-a-pickryan_battyZach Laing2015-06-27T09:43:49-06:002015-06-27T09:43:49-06:00The Oilers give 3rd round pick to San Jose
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>As a part of the compensation for our new Head Coach Todd McLellan, the Oilers have opted to give San Jose our 3rd round pick in this years draft. </p> <p>16 hours post McDavid, the <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oilers</a> have made a fury of moves acquiring former Edmonton Oil King D <span>Griffin Reinhart</span> and now acquiring <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Rangers</a> G Cam Talbot. The Oilers used a first (No. 16) and a second (No. 33) to acquire Reinhart, and the Oilers 2nd round (No. 57), 3rd round (No. 79) and 7th round picks (No. 184).</p>
<p>The Edmonton Oilers have now given up their 3rd round pick to San Jose.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">San Jose now holds the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oilers?src=hash">#Oilers</a> 86th overall selection as compensation for Head Coach Todd McLellan. Next pick will be 117th.</p>
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/614819171075948544">June 27, 2015</a>
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<p>In the remaining round of the draft, the Oilers have four draft choices:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Round 4, 117th overall (from MTL)</span></li>
<li><span>Round 5, 124th overall</span></li>
<li><span>Round 6, 154th overall</span></li>
<li><span>Round 7, 209th overall (from NYR)</span></li>
</ul>
<div><span>Pour a coffee folks, we could be waiting for a while.</span></div>
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https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/6/27/8856561/the-oilers-have-five-picks-remainingZach Laing2015-06-27T08:57:58-06:002015-06-27T08:57:58-06:00Oilers Trade Three Picks For Cam Talbot
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<figcaption>Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>And the Oilers have found their goalie.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/a/nhl-draft-2015-live"><img style="width: 100%;" alt="SB Nation's 2015 NHL Draft Tracker" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3826034/download__7_.0.png"></a></p>
<p>They searched high and low, and finally the Oilers have found the goalie. And as many expected that goalie is Cam Talbot. Rumours were two seconds, maybe even 16th overall. In the end the cost was three picks: a second, third, and a seventh rounder. The Oilers also get the Rangers seventh round pick. This is a very good deal for the Oilers.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oilers?src=hash">#Oilers</a> have acquired goalie Cam Talbot and pick 209 from NYR in exchange for picks 57, 79 and 184. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLDraft?src=hash">#NHLDraft</a> <a href="http://t.co/5wZN65Lrnj">pic.twitter.com/5wZN65Lrnj</a></p>
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) <a href="https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/614808618005737475">June 27, 2015</a>
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<p>Throughout the week the message from Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli was clear, the Oilers were not interested in overpaying for a goalie. He understood that there were more goalies available than jobs and that it was a buyers market. Turns out that he was right. Talbot is far from a sure thing between the pipes but at the cost of a second (from Montreal), a third (courtesy of the Senators), and a seventh round pick it's difficult to dislike this deal. Even if he walks next season as an unrestricted free agent the Oilers won't have lost much.</p>
<p>With just 57 NHL games played Talbot is still, very much, an unknown. Some will say that the Oilers need a proven netminder or that he's to old - he'll be 28 when next season starts - but as Woodguy has demonstrated there are <a target="_blank" href="http://becauseoilers.blogspot.ca/2015/05/talbot-might-be-new-schneider-if-he-is.html">some very encouraging things in his underlying numbers</a>, concluding that "Talbot it trending to be an elite goalie." Maybe elite isn't how Talbot's career works out but given the cost they paid to get him, it's hard to argue that the reward isn't worth the risk.</p>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/6/27/8856461/oilers-talbot-rangers-2015-nhl-draftryan_batty2015-06-27T07:34:02-06:002015-06-27T07:34:02-06:00Draft Thread - Day 2: Rounds 2-7
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<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How will the Oilers fare on the second day of the 2015 Draft?</p> <p>Last night the first pick went according to plan, after that though, well let's just say that some people loved the trade to get Reinhart and other were a little more reserved. We're Oilers fans, agreeing on two things in the same night was never going to happen.</p>
<p>Heading into the second day of the draft Peter Chiarelli's to do list is no shorter than it was yesterday. He still needs to find help for the blue line and someone to play between the pipes. Will he accomplish both today? Probably not, but if he could find a way to address one, or in the case of the defence start addressing it, then I think a lot of Oilers fans will call this weekend a success.</p>
<p>Chat with us here throughout the day as the draft rolls through another six rounds.</p>
<h4>All the details you need to know</h4>
<p><strong>2015 NHL Draft</strong><br><i>BB&T Center | Sunrise, Florida, USA</i></p>
<h5><strong>Rounds 2-7: Saturday, June 27 at 8:00 AM MT</strong></h5>
<h4>Follow along during the draft with SB Nation</h4>
<p><a target="new" href="http://www.sbnation.com/a/nhl-draft-2015-live"><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3824436/Screen_Shot_2015-06-25_at_5.32.03_PM.0.png" alt="draft banner"></a></p>
<p><i>Click the banner above during the draft to follow along with our live-updating NHL Draft Pick Tracker.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=830815" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe></p>
<h4>The Oilers' remaining picks</h4>
<p><i>subject to change, of course</i></p>
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<ul>
<li><span><strike>57th overall (from MTL)</strike> Traded for Talbot</span></li>
<li><span><strike>79th overall (from OTT)</strike> Traded for Talbot</span></li>
<li><span><strike>86th overall (from STL)</strike> Compensation for McLellan</span></li>
<li><span>117th overall (from MTL)</span></li>
<li><span>124th overall</span></li>
<li><span>154th overall</span></li>
<li><span><strike>184th overall</strike> Traded for Talbot</span></li>
<li><span>209 (from NYR)</span></li>
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https://www.coppernblue.com/2015-nhl-draft/2015/6/27/8856185/nhl-enrty-draft-2015-day-2ryan_batty2015-06-26T19:02:14-06:002015-06-26T19:02:14-06:00Oilers Trade Picks 16 and 33 For Griffin Reinhart
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In a surprising move the Oilers have traded picks 16 and 33 to the Islanders for Griffin Reinhart.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/a/nhl-draft-2015-live"><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3826034/download__7_.0.png" alt="SB Nation's 2015 NHL Draft Tracker" style="width: 100%;"></a></p>
<p>In a rather surprising move the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Oilers</a> have traded picks 16 and 33 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> for <span>Griffin Reinhart</span>. And they did it with a number of quality prospects including Mathew Barzal, Kyle Connor and Evgeny Svechnikov with still available. Yes, this is a move that will be questioned. Honestly, they'd have probably been better off trading this pick for a goalie.</p>
<p>Edmonton fans are no doubt familiar with Griffin Reinhart since he spent his entire junior career playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings. In 2012 the Islanders took Reinhart in the draft three picks after the Oilers took Nail Yakupov. So at first glance trading a mid first round pick and a second for him might seem like a great deal but, like Yakupov, Reinhart has fallen a little short of expectations in the years that followed.</p>
<p>Last season was Reinhart's first as a pro and he spent most of it playing with the Islanders AHL affiliate in Bridgeport playing 59 games with the Tigers; recording a 7-15-22 scoring line to go along with 64 penalty minutes. He also spent eight games in the NHL and recorded his first career point. Hardly the kind of numbers that will make fans sit up an take notice. Of course Reinhart was never a big offensive threat, maxing out at 36 points during his draft season, so that's not an entirely fair way to measure him.</p>
<p>A couple of scouting reports from 2012 shed some light on who Reinhart is. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.defendingbigd.com/2012/6/3/3046810/griffin-reinhart-2012-nhl-draft-prospect-profile">Courtesy of Defending Big D</a>:</p>
<p>Scouting Report (Mid Term Rankings)</p>
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<p>Reinhart continues to be a prospect that you wish just could be physical more often, and while that aspect of his game can be frustrating, he still has a number of tools which make him a high-end prospect. Reinhart has a very heavy point shot and makes good first passes while being equally effective in the offensive and defensive ends. Has a good feel for when to jump into the rush. Reinhart at times seems disinterested in the game and could benefit from showing more competitiveness and emotion in his game. He's got all the tools to be a high-end NHL defenseman, but he needs to use them more consistently.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/04/15/nhl-draft-prospect-profile-10-griffin-reinhart/">Last Word On Sports</a></p>
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<p>Reinhart comes from good bloodlines as he is the son of former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Calgary Flames</a> Defenceman Paul Reinhart. Reinhart is already 6'4 and over 200 lbs, he is huge, and is a physically intimidating presence in the defensive zone. He's a heavy, hitter and is physically punishing to opposition forwards. Reinhart is a true shut down defenceman, with excellent positioning in the his own zone, and his big frame and long stick allow him to block shots and cut down passing lanes. He also uses his great size and strength to keep the Oil Kings' crease clear, and is very effective in doing so.</p>
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<p>Basically Reinhart is good at a lot of things but not great at anything. He's big but he's not a particularly great skater. At 18 those are the kind of things you can look past and think that maybe he can be more than he appears, at 21 you're a little less sure about that. If he was showing well in the AHL you could defend this move a little more, but as it stands it's a tough one to understand. Right now this seems like a very high price to pay for a so-so prospect.</p>
<p>In the end though, this move might be judged more by the careers of the players that the Oilers didn't draft, players like Mathew Barzal, Kyle Connor and Evgeny Svechnikov, than by the career of the player that they traded for. What the Oilers passed up were some very good forward prospects, and what they got was defenceman who so far hasn't shined as a pro. If that proves to be the wrong choice questions will understandably be asked.</p>
<p>Was <a target="_blank" href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=103495" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Bob Green, ex of the Oil Kings</a> whispering in Chiarelli's ear? We'll probably never know, but if he was and this doesn't work out that won't be a good first impression to make with the new boss. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.</p>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015-nhl-draft/2015/6/26/8855393/oilers-trade-picks-16-and-33-to-the-islanders-for-griffin-reinhartryan_batty2015-06-26T17:46:20-06:002015-06-26T17:46:20-06:00Email From Katz To Oilers Season Ticket Holders
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>From the owner to season ticket holders.</p> <p>Almost as soon as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Oilers</a> made it official that they were drafting Connor McDavid an email from Daryl Katz and the Edmonton Oilers hit the inboxes of season ticket holders; you can find a screenshot below. It's pretty standard stuff, we're excited about the future and all that, but there is also talk about the WHA and the farewell season at Rexall Place (I'll admit I'm torn about this), and then the rather surprising note that I will not have to purchase one of those gorgeous orange jerseys for myself, the Oilers are going to give me one.</p>
<p>It might not make up for nine season without playoff hockey but it's a very nice gesture nonetheless, and something I would never expect from any professional sports team.</p>
<p>So thank you, Oilers.</p>
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https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/6/26/8855163/oilers-mcdavid-katz-letterryan_batty