In this post, I summoned the talents of Keith Fries in order to give me a clearer idea of the top snipers that could be available to the Edmonton Oilers in this year’s draft. I wanted to know which players were the real deal and which ones weren’t and the reason for that is, I think there’s a real internal debate going on within the Oilers amateur scouting department as to which player they should take this year. Should the take a more rounded prospect like Peyton Krebs or Matthew Boldy, should they swing for the fences and take a massive risk on the big puck-rushing Philip Broberg, or would it be more prudent to add a bonafide goalscorer to play alongside Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins?
I hope you enjoy Keith’s article below. You can follow him here on Twitter.
As we inch closer to the NHL Entry Draft, you’ll hear more-and-more about players being labeled as booms or busts.
So in that same line of thinking, we’re going to play a game I’m calling “Sniper or Diaper.”
Cole Caufield – 5’7” – 163 – R – RW – USNTDP U18
Let’s just get this one out of the way, early. Not only is Caufield a sniper, but he’s also a contributor in a multitude of ways. His quick decision making and timely goals all help generate not only offense but confidence down the lineup. He’s got a variety of shots in his arsenal and shows an equal amount of velocity and power on his forehand and backhand, alike. His performance in the World U18s will likely propel him up a few spots on most draft boards.
Conclusion: Sniper
Arthur Kaliyev – 6’2” – 190 – L – LW – Hamilton Bulldogs
This one could go either way depending on who you’re asking. For me, I have my concerns about Kaliyev’s overall game, but if we’re speaking strictly about his sniping abilities, there’s no question he can bury the biscuit. A comparison, maybe not in terms of shooting stroke or technique, but in terms of their skillset and lack of versatility in other facets of their play, would be Owen Tippett. Nothing much beyond his shot.
While I didn’t dwell on it above, Caufield isn’t afraid to attack the dirty areas of the play – down low or along the boards – to make an impact. He’s 5’7” mind you. And then you have Kaliyev, a guy with size most players could only dream of, completely avoiding those situations. I see a lot more open space around Kaliyev than I do Caufield, and that’s a direct correlation of Kaliyev’s lack of grit and physical assertiveness. He showed the same lackadaisical effort in my early viewings of him and I wonder if his outstanding season, this year, is more of a player trying to go all out in his contract year, so-to-speak.
Conclusion: Diaper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4UPwqwZMrc
Raphael Lavoie – 6’4” – 198 – R – RW – Halifax Mooseheads
Lavoie probably didn’t live up to the standards that analysts put on him, this season, but he was still incredibly productive at 1.17 PPG. Lavoie does a nice job playing to his size, a bi-product of his positional versatility being able to lineup down center. He’s got some grit in his game and can be a difference maker when he’s rolling. But, those nights seem to come and go, which is why his draft stock may not be as high as early projected. As a shooter, he’s got some real power in his release.
Though, I worry about his lack of focus. …In one game I saw, he was wearing a suit (whether a healthy scratch or injured, I’m not sure) and was looking at his phone every time the camera panned to him. So yes, there are things about his game and his shot that intrigue me, but I have my concerns, as well.
Conclusion: Wiper (Neither)
