Edmonton Oilers Talk: Top 5 McDavid Goals, the 2017 NHL Draft Class, and the Latest Trade Rumors

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Oil on Whyte

Top 5 Goals of Connor McDavid’s Career

5. Columbus Blue Jackets Injury Comeback

4. Dallas Stars Between the Legs

3. Toronto Maple Leafs Split Thru

2. Burning Past Rielly

1. One on Four Versus Rangers

BLH’s Thoughts: There’s a goal that Pavel Bure scored against New Jersey back in the 90s that rivals the one Connor scored against the Rangers. Jaromir Jagr scored one in the ’92 Cup final against against Chicago that was pretty dandy too, but I really dig this one by Steve Yzerman,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQOmJ09Pg58

The Athletic

Making the call on the Oilers’ 2017 draft class is proving difficult

Edmonton’s 2017 draft will turn five in June 2022, and the entire crop is lagging. First-round pick Kailer Yamamoto has played in 115 NHL games and is averaging 16-23-39 per 82 games in the league.
The organization likes Stuart Skinner, and he delivered a strong performance last season in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors.
Dmitri Samorukov was drafted (No. 84) near the spot Bob McKenzie projected him (No. 78) on his final TSN 2017 rankings. Since then, the shutdown defenceman has been doing things to get noticed in every league he’s played in. Samorukov looks more than ready for the next step.
One of the things Holland will do in the offseason is give a thumb’s up or down to the entire 2017 draft class. He got an early start on things when Kirill Maksimov was placed on waivers in October for the purpose of releasing his contract.
Ostap Safin had the look of an inspired pick on draft day (chosen No. 115, McKenzie had him No. 51) but injuries during his junior career derailed a promising career.
Phil Kemp is the other signed prospect among the 2017 picks, and despite his late selection is turning some heads with strong play for the Condors.
Skyler Brind’Amour was chosen in the sixth round and is in his junior season with Quinnipiac University (ECAC). He has good size but has been shy offensively.
What will the final call on the 2017 draft look like next spring? From here, it looks like Oilers fans should expect at least one real player who was able to fill a feature role, with a second player of similar value a strong possibility. Add that to a backup goalie and a fringe shutdown defenceman and things are looking better than they did a couple of years ago.

BLH’s Thoughts: NHL scouts will tell you that if they get two NHL players out of a draft, they did a great job. Will Edmonton get two out of the 2017 crop? Tough to say right now. I think Yamamoto will definitely be one, but the jury is out on Skinner and Samorukov. We need to see those guys play in Edmonton at some point here, but when are they going to get their shot if Holland keeps blocking their road with signings? I think the wild card is Phil Kemp, he might surprise everyone and be a late round gem.

The Daily Goal Horn

Top Trade Candidates

Phil Kessel: The 34 year-old wants out of Arizona and they are working on it.
Vladimir Tarasenko: His trade demand from the summer still stands. This season, he has notched 11 points in 9 games. He has one year remaining on his $7.5 million AAV deal and a 10 team no trade clause.
Tomas Hertl: The 27 year-old center will be a UFA this summer and the jury is out if the Sharks will trade him or not.
Joonas Korpisalo: This season he’s 2-2-0 with a 3.43 GAA and a .905 SV%. Columbus is actively taking calls on the pending UFA.
Johnny Gaudreau: There’s that name again. But if the Flames can’t come to terms on an extension by the deadline he will be at the top of this list soon.