#Operation19W continues today and the big news is regarding the latest addition to the Edmonton Oilers’ Swedish 6-Pack Express, Philip Broberg. Kurt Leavins wrote in his latest not to be surprised if the former 8th overall pick from the 2019 NHL entry draft cracks Edmonton’s post-season roster and actually, to expect it. And I’m here to add to that.
My sources in Sweden are telling me that Broberg’s club team, Skelleftea AIK, is not expecting him to attend their training camp, which I believe starts in August (I could be wrong there). I was told they think he’ll miss that at least and there’s a good possibility he could miss more than just the training camp.
When I talked to my sources in Edmonton about the player, I was informed that Broberg is looking VERY good (the North/South speed is out of this world) but not to get my hopes up too much. He’ll probably stick around for the Cup run since Mike Green won’t be available but don’t expect him to play any games unless the Oilers get hit hard by injuries or a couple of defensemen really sh*t the bed early on and they’ve got no choice but to insert him into the lineup.
After the Oilers season is finished, Broberg will most likely head back to Sweden BUT, there’s a growing feeling that if he does REALLY well, I’m talking about the kind of play that would see him jump some real NHL defensemen on Edmonton’s depth chart, he could be back and playing in the AHL next season. I’m not sure the odds are that great but it wouldn’t be outlandish to see if it did happen. If Mortiz Seider can do it, why can’t Broberg?
Lastly, tell me if you agree with this statement. I think that this player may very well be a small-ice player. He seems to really thrive on the smaller surface than he does on the bigger European ice. It may just be in Edmonton’s best interests to get him over here ASAP…
Athana-See-You Later
According to Mark Spector, Oilers coach Dave Tippett has already lost his patience with the fleet-footed Andreas Athanasiou. After starting pre-post-season training camp alongside Leon Draisaitl and Kailer Yamamoto, AA was moved off of the line yesterday in favor of the more experienced Tyler Ennis.
Athanasiou had two separate stints next to a world-class centreman — McDavid before the pause, and Draisaitl after — and did not impress upon anyone that he fit in a top-six role. He doesn’t work well off the cycle, and doesn’t trade pucks well with two elite centremen who have specific needs in their wingers. – Mark Spector (Sportsnet)
Spector speculates that Oilers GM Ken Holland may not qualify Athanasiou (RFA) this year and try to re-sign him at a lower price point.
I’ve never been a fan of the trade but I was hoping that AA would get a little bit more leash with Draisaitl. His defensive game and inability to read off of two of the best centers in the world have him in quite the mire and I suspect if Athanasiou doesn’t make some sort of positive impression during this summer tournament that Holland will look to move on from him and try to recoup some draft picks. If I recall correctly, Columbus had interest in him prior to being dealt and it’s my belief that Montreal has had wavering interest over the years.
He really is this generation’s Petr Klima isn’t he?
Puck Racism
The sales are starting to trickle in with this design and I’m going to spam the hell out of it on my website and the BLH Hockey Instagram because I feel passionate about it and I feel like Hockey is Diversity deserves the proceeds that I’ll be donating to them.
So, please. If you’ve got an extra $20 lying around and you want to do a good thing for good people, click the pic down below and grab a t-shirt, a mask, a onesie, a tank top, or some stickers.
Hockey is Diversity is a German group whose aim is to draw attention to the ethnic diversity in society, which goes beyond the sporting borders in order to sensitize people interculturally. The diversity that has long been regarded as an enrichment in sport as a melting pot of people of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions should also be transferred to society.
