#16 - Brandon Davidson

Less than two weeks after his 24th birthday, the southpaw rearguard from Taber clocks in at #16 in our Top 25. Let's go to the scorecards to see where everyone had him.

Previous Rank: 21

IN BRIEF

Davidson's rank of #16 is his highest on the Top 25 yet.  In 2014-15, he finished his second full season with the OKC Barons after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012-13 limited him to a couple dozen games.  Davidson also appeared in a dozen games for the Oilers last year after being recalled in December.  He earned his first career NHL goal along the way.

Here's what Hockey's Future has to say about Davidson

Davidson is a no-nonsense, all-around defenseman. He does not excel in any one area, nor has many glaring weaknesses. He is a tireless competitor who plays a sound positional game, engages in tough battles and is willing to sacrifice his body to block shots or passes. His skating, pivots in particular, is still an area in need of improvement as is his decision-making and confidence when handling the puck. Davidson is adept at making the first pass out of the zone, but on the whole he is a calm, unremarkable player in terms of his offensive game.

2015-16

The 24 year old played a lot in Oklahoma City, and he was rewarded with a new one year deal.  A self-described 'stay at home' defenceman, Davidson has made enough strides in his game to warrant some consideration to be a bottom six guy on the 2015-16 Oilers at some point.  He'll have some stiff competition gunning for that last spot, as Oilers GM Pete Chiarelli has made enough moves to make waters muddy for an aspiring Davidson.  Davidson must clear waivers if he doesn't make the team, though it's somewhat unclear if he would pass through.

I don't think Davidson is on the opening roster this year, but there's a fair chance he gets some action as the season progresses.  The bottom part of the defence is filled with NHL regulars, while there are others who should already be playing bottom minutes (ahem) who could very well find themselves somewhere on the middle pair.  It's likely an uphill NHL battle for Brandon Davidson in 2015-16, but don't hold out Davidson potentially seeing some NHL action later in the year.