Word up ladies and gentlemen! Here we are this fine Monday continuing the Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects. Since it’s been confirmed now, that Nail Yakupov asked for a trade leading up to this past trade deadline. I’m wondering how this will influence the Oilers drafting game-plan? Since it seems inevitable that Yak City is on his way out of town, do the Oilers look to replace his skill at the draft? Or will it be addressed through a trade? Either way, there is still quite a few beauty’s left on this list.
If you missed #10 on our list, check it out here:
10 – Alexander Nylander
So let’s get straight to it, next up in the series is one of my personal favourite prospects of 2016, #9 on our list:
Pierre-Luc Dubois
Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
6’3” 201lbs
62GP 42G 57A 99PTS 112PIM 40+/-
What is not to like about Dubois’ game? Seriously? Size? Check! Offense? Check! Defense? Check! Nasty side? Check! Speed? Ok, ya got me there! Skating has always been the weakest point for Dubois. But that doesn’t stop him from being a top-end talent. To say that this kid isn’t a one-trick pony would be an understatement. As he can impact a game in many different ways. Be it his offensive touch, stopping a rush, or laying somebody out with a bang from his big 6’3” 201lb frame. There isn’t much that he can’t do, and by “do”, I mean do it excellently. He is incredibly consistent, which is one of his biggest strengths. Pierre-Luc also possesses an incredibly high Hockey IQ and rarely makes a bad decision, and has always been highly relied upon by his coaches.
NHL Comparable(s): Jamie Benn, James Neal, and Ryan Smyth
Dubois does so many things exceptionally well, and playing with menace and snarl evokes memories of hockey’s heroic warriors of the 1960’s or 1970’s. A real leader with elite offensive skills and off-the-charts intangibles, Dubois comes across as the perfect specimen who we feel is less than a year away from the rigors of the NHL. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com (source)
Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? Really? Why wouldn’t he be? He has the size that Chiarelli loves to build around, and he possesses the skill to complement our top six. Honestly, if the Oilers land Dubois, I’ll be a happy camper.
BLH’s Comments: I like Dubois if the Oilers choose not to draft a dman and they’re out of the running for Matthews, Laine, and Puljujarvi. I love the idea of the Oilers drafting a mean winger who’s smart with the puck and can go top ched on demand. I do like him a bit better than Matthew Tkachuk just because Tkachuk is playing on a stacked London Knights team. But then again, when aren’t they stacked…
As always, it’s been a pleasure! Stay tuned, as I’ll be back with #8. Until then, stay trippy and always weird…it’s way more fun 😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDsDIvDmwgo
