Year end player grades
- Thread starter thadd
- Start date
Cloned
Begging for Bega
- Aug 25, 2003
- 79,323
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FORWARDS
McDavid: A-. Grading harsh because we all know what he's capable of.
Draisaitl: B+. Started like gangbusters then cooled down but a promising future.
Hall: B. Weird season for #4. Definitely became a better all-around player by eye but really struggled offensively down the stretch.
Eberle: B-. Injury robbed him of a complete grade but even though he produced points he was a passenger on many nights.
RNH: B-. Yet another season of RNH leaving you wanting more at both ends of the rink. Good but not great. Typical Nuge.
Letestu: B-. Asked to play above his role but didn't completely crap the bed with it.
Korpikoski: C. Meh. Good forechecker. Average bottom 6er.
Hendricks: C. People like him but he's VERY slow now and despite the effort he's not getting any younger.
Maroon: B+. Can't argue with the point production and size. Would like to see him engage physically more.
Kassian: C+. Inconsistent effort and results. Would like to see him back though.
Pakarinen: C+. Surprising scoring touch.
Lander: F. A total failure of a season. Was really hoping for and rooting for a continuation of his last half season under Nelson.
Yakupov: C. Showed spurts of offensive ability. He's not gonna be back next year so let's hope other GMs saw something they liked.
Pouliot: B-. Injury robbed him of a complete grade but what we saw when healthy is what you expect from Pouliot.
Cracknell: C-. Didn't notice him much.
Gazdic: N/A. Does it even matter?
Klinkhammer: C-. Ditto.
DEFENSEMEN
Sekera: B. A mixed bag. Definitely needed but isn't able to carry a pairing on his own.
Klefbom: B. Injuries. What he did show when healthy was promising.
Davidson: A-. Dunno how his season is anything but a complete success given his pedigree and the Oilers' needs on D.
Oesterle: B. Need more games to tell but what we saw was promising.
Nurse: B-. Isn't ready for the minutes he was playing. Potential is there but the likelihood of reaching it is questionable.
Fayne: C+. Salvaged what would have otherwise been a complete disaster.
Gryba: B-. Steadying presence who I would welcome back next year.
Pardy: B-. Really hard to tell based on such few games but he wasn't out of his depth.
Clendening: C-. Same grade I would have given Schultz.
Nikitin: C-. Doesn't matter anymore.
Reinhart: C. I would trade him in a package.
GOALIES
Talbot: B+. When he was on he was really on. Needs better D to fairly evaluate him.
Brossoit: C-. Not ready.
McDavid: A-. Grading harsh because we all know what he's capable of.
Draisaitl: B+. Started like gangbusters then cooled down but a promising future.
Hall: B. Weird season for #4. Definitely became a better all-around player by eye but really struggled offensively down the stretch.
Eberle: B-. Injury robbed him of a complete grade but even though he produced points he was a passenger on many nights.
RNH: B-. Yet another season of RNH leaving you wanting more at both ends of the rink. Good but not great. Typical Nuge.
Letestu: B-. Asked to play above his role but didn't completely crap the bed with it.
Korpikoski: C. Meh. Good forechecker. Average bottom 6er.
Hendricks: C. People like him but he's VERY slow now and despite the effort he's not getting any younger.
Maroon: B+. Can't argue with the point production and size. Would like to see him engage physically more.
Kassian: C+. Inconsistent effort and results. Would like to see him back though.
Pakarinen: C+. Surprising scoring touch.
Lander: F. A total failure of a season. Was really hoping for and rooting for a continuation of his last half season under Nelson.
Yakupov: C. Showed spurts of offensive ability. He's not gonna be back next year so let's hope other GMs saw something they liked.
Pouliot: B-. Injury robbed him of a complete grade but what we saw when healthy is what you expect from Pouliot.
Cracknell: C-. Didn't notice him much.
Gazdic: N/A. Does it even matter?
Klinkhammer: C-. Ditto.
DEFENSEMEN
Sekera: B. A mixed bag. Definitely needed but isn't able to carry a pairing on his own.
Klefbom: B. Injuries. What he did show when healthy was promising.
Davidson: A-. Dunno how his season is anything but a complete success given his pedigree and the Oilers' needs on D.
Oesterle: B. Need more games to tell but what we saw was promising.
Nurse: B-. Isn't ready for the minutes he was playing. Potential is there but the likelihood of reaching it is questionable.
Fayne: C+. Salvaged what would have otherwise been a complete disaster.
Gryba: B-. Steadying presence who I would welcome back next year.
Pardy: B-. Really hard to tell based on such few games but he wasn't out of his depth.
Clendening: C-. Same grade I would have given Schultz.
Nikitin: C-. Doesn't matter anymore.
Reinhart: C. I would trade him in a package.
GOALIES
Talbot: B+. When he was on he was really on. Needs better D to fairly evaluate him.
Brossoit: C-. Not ready.
Bangers
Registered User
- May 31, 2006
- 3,919
- 868
McDavid A
as good as (if not better than) advertised. The real deal.
Draisaitl B
a bit inconsistent, but still light years better than last year. The past offseason, he really improved his skating; this offseason, he needs to work on his conditioning so he can play at a higher level for the whole season.
Hall B-
a tale of three seasons - started slowly, then was absolutely dominant, then dropped off the map. When he was on, he was incredible, but he should be bringing it on a more consistent basis at this stage of his career.
Maroon B+
He is what he is; you're not getting an 80 point player or someone who's going to wow you with their speed. Still, he's averaging almost a point per game (even though it's been on McDavid's wing) while providing toughness and grit. I honestly don't see how he could have done any better than how he has.
Eberle C-
He' still has his games where he shows what he's capable of, but he's been a model of inconsistency and has hurt the team as many times as he's helped it. He needs to be better.
RNH D
I like Nuge, but for whatever reason (injuries?), his game has been a big, hot pile of dog crap all year (except when he was out injured). The only thing that kept him from getting an F was that he has spent a lot of time this year drawing tough assignments, but he hasn't done well at all.
Kassian C+
Started well, but has been a bit inconsistent lately - I have a feeling he's gassed after missing half the season. Still, he has some skill and can muck it up, so I'd like the team to bring him back.
Pouliot C+
When he's playing well, he plays a solid game; when he's off, he is either invisible or taking stupid penalties. Unfortunately, I think his game regressed a bit this year.
Letestu C
OK role player, but was asked to play above his head too often and in roles that don't really suit him.
Yakupov D
I like Yak. A lot. I really, really wanted him to succeed this year. He's been a bust. You can say that he hasn't had the opportunities to succeed, but I haven't really seen him force the coach to give him those opportunities.
Hendricks C-
Love his grit and attitude, but he is starting to lose his game. If he's on the team next year, he should probably be the 13th forward next year to keep his legs fresh.
Korpikoski D+
Ok checker and PKer. Not much else. Not worth his pay stub, but he's be a good 4th liner.
Lander F
He was good on the defensive end and won some face offs, but his offensive game was Dante's seven levels of inferno type bad.
The other forwards - a grab bag of Cs, Ds and incompletes.
as good as (if not better than) advertised. The real deal.
Draisaitl B
a bit inconsistent, but still light years better than last year. The past offseason, he really improved his skating; this offseason, he needs to work on his conditioning so he can play at a higher level for the whole season.
Hall B-
a tale of three seasons - started slowly, then was absolutely dominant, then dropped off the map. When he was on, he was incredible, but he should be bringing it on a more consistent basis at this stage of his career.
Maroon B+
He is what he is; you're not getting an 80 point player or someone who's going to wow you with their speed. Still, he's averaging almost a point per game (even though it's been on McDavid's wing) while providing toughness and grit. I honestly don't see how he could have done any better than how he has.
Eberle C-
He' still has his games where he shows what he's capable of, but he's been a model of inconsistency and has hurt the team as many times as he's helped it. He needs to be better.
RNH D
I like Nuge, but for whatever reason (injuries?), his game has been a big, hot pile of dog crap all year (except when he was out injured). The only thing that kept him from getting an F was that he has spent a lot of time this year drawing tough assignments, but he hasn't done well at all.
Kassian C+
Started well, but has been a bit inconsistent lately - I have a feeling he's gassed after missing half the season. Still, he has some skill and can muck it up, so I'd like the team to bring him back.
Pouliot C+
When he's playing well, he plays a solid game; when he's off, he is either invisible or taking stupid penalties. Unfortunately, I think his game regressed a bit this year.
Letestu C
OK role player, but was asked to play above his head too often and in roles that don't really suit him.
Yakupov D
I like Yak. A lot. I really, really wanted him to succeed this year. He's been a bust. You can say that he hasn't had the opportunities to succeed, but I haven't really seen him force the coach to give him those opportunities.
Hendricks C-
Love his grit and attitude, but he is starting to lose his game. If he's on the team next year, he should probably be the 13th forward next year to keep his legs fresh.
Korpikoski D+
Ok checker and PKer. Not much else. Not worth his pay stub, but he's be a good 4th liner.
Lander F
He was good on the defensive end and won some face offs, but his offensive game was Dante's seven levels of inferno type bad.
The other forwards - a grab bag of Cs, Ds and incompletes.
Bangers
Registered User
- May 31, 2006
- 3,919
- 868
On D:
Sekera B-
Was pretty bad at the beginning of the year, but turned into what I expected him to be - a solid #3 Dman.
Klefbom - incomplete
He was damn good during his hit streak, then had his season wiped out. Hopefully he recovers.
Davidson B+
Morphed into a legitimate top 4 defender before his injury. Hope he improves again next year.
Nurse B-
He made a lot of mistakes, but he's a rookie who was forced to play way above his head ('the Oiler way'). He might have a Draisaitl like 2nd year improvement next year now that he has been through his trial by fire.
Gryba C+
He's got his weaknesses, but he provides some cheap bottom pairing size and toughness. I'm ok with the team bringing him back.
Fayne D
Played better the 2nd half of the year, but come one - the guy is on a 4 mil contract and had to be sent down to the AHL this year. I hope Chia finds a way to send his arse packing.
Oesterle C
Made the most of his call up, but his 'hot stint' reminds me a lot of Marincin's - except Marty was much better.
Reinhart - C
Didn't have many bad nights, but I didn't see him do a heck of a lot positive either.
Nikitin - FFF
Quite honestly the worst defender I've ever seen play. It's like mixing the worst parts of Cory Cross, Scott Ferguson and MA Bergeron's games.
The rest - another grab bag of Cs, Ds and incompletes.
Talbot A
Throwing aside his early season lull, he was easily the team's 2nd best player this year. He showed me a lot by shoring up his early season weakness of allowing goals in off the near post. Steal of a trade last year.
Brossoit F
He's not ready. Another year in the AHL.
Sekera B-
Was pretty bad at the beginning of the year, but turned into what I expected him to be - a solid #3 Dman.
Klefbom - incomplete
He was damn good during his hit streak, then had his season wiped out. Hopefully he recovers.
Davidson B+
Morphed into a legitimate top 4 defender before his injury. Hope he improves again next year.
Nurse B-
He made a lot of mistakes, but he's a rookie who was forced to play way above his head ('the Oiler way'). He might have a Draisaitl like 2nd year improvement next year now that he has been through his trial by fire.
Gryba C+
He's got his weaknesses, but he provides some cheap bottom pairing size and toughness. I'm ok with the team bringing him back.
Fayne D
Played better the 2nd half of the year, but come one - the guy is on a 4 mil contract and had to be sent down to the AHL this year. I hope Chia finds a way to send his arse packing.
Oesterle C
Made the most of his call up, but his 'hot stint' reminds me a lot of Marincin's - except Marty was much better.
Reinhart - C
Didn't have many bad nights, but I didn't see him do a heck of a lot positive either.
Nikitin - FFF
Quite honestly the worst defender I've ever seen play. It's like mixing the worst parts of Cory Cross, Scott Ferguson and MA Bergeron's games.
The rest - another grab bag of Cs, Ds and incompletes.
Talbot A
Throwing aside his early season lull, he was easily the team's 2nd best player this year. He showed me a lot by shoring up his early season weakness of allowing goals in off the near post. Steal of a trade last year.
Brossoit F
He's not ready. Another year in the AHL.
StoveTopStauffer
Registered User
- Apr 6, 2012
- 5,587
- 1,416
Grading on a % basis. This is based on what I expected from the player compared to what I got.
McDavid: ....97%
Draisaitl: 90% His great stretch and overall play made his season an unexpected surprise. Even if he tailed off. I didn't expect him to be as good as he was.
Hall: 80% I wanted a bit more out of him. I thought he really slowed down in the last quarter of the season.
Eberle: 75% Offensive tools were great. He had a lot of questionable decisions in the Ozone I thought when he was first playing with McDavid.
RNH: 70% I thought he was good but definitely wasn't as productive as the other two C's. I expected better production.
Letestu: 65% I expected him to replace Gordon but felt that while he produced more, he was much worse defensively imo.
Korpikoski: 75% 22 points was less than I hoped for but in line with his past. Not as defensively horrible as I expected him to be.
Hendricks: 85% I thought he was mostly the Hendricks we know but I felt at times he made some poor choices he normally doesn't.
Maroon: 95% Was much better than I expected. Great pick up.
Kassian: 80% Started strong but couldn't keep it going. Probably out of shape from not playing but I thought he did well considering.
Pakarinen: 75% I like the way he plays and thought he did well. Was hoping he'd pick up production a bit.
Lander: 25% No explanation needed.
Yakupov: 70% I didn't think he did nearly enough to warrant being in the top 6 like some wanted. As usual his production increased when it didn't matter in the end. Wasn't great.
Pouliot: 80% I thought he was pretty good with McDavid but was a bit of a slow starter this year. Also poor penalties as usual...more than last year. I expect penalties for a tenacious player but some were just stupid.
Cracknell: 100% Didn't expect much and got that. Few noticeable games.
Klinkhammer: 100% Ditto
DEFENSEMEN
Sekera: 75% I thought he was mostly pretty good, slow start. I felt he was pretty poor at getting shots through on the PP and in general really.
Klefbom: 90% Was going really well until injury derailed his season.
Davidson: 99% Got way better as he played and never stopped. He was literally playing a top pairing D's game and playing it well. Played as close to flawlessly as I've seen a D play for this team.
Oesterle: 90% Played really well for his time here. He started off poorly on his initial call up but his second time he took the bull by the horns. Especially when Davidson was out.
Nurse: 70% I thought he was very up and down. Good games then poor games. I was hoping he'd be more consistent than he was. He needs more seasoning.
Fayne: 70% Horrible early on in the season but turned it around post call up. Became the steady eddy as we know him to be. Was more often than not decent but not bad.
Gryba: 85% Thought he played fairly well when he was here. Mostly good at what he did.
Pardy: 85% Same as Gryba
Clendening: 65% Was just OK. Had some really poor moments but pretty good ones too.
Nikitin: 25% What else is new.
Reinhart: 70% I expected more out of a guy with a couple of AHL seasons. He got better later in the season but was fairly disappointing to me overall. Considering the cost.
GOALIES
Talbot: 90% Was a bit slow but really solidified himself late in the season. Our best chance for a legit started in awhile.
Brossoit: 50% Looked poor. Was going to his knees way too early and seemed like he couldn't even see the shots being whipped at him at times.
McDavid: ....97%
Draisaitl: 90% His great stretch and overall play made his season an unexpected surprise. Even if he tailed off. I didn't expect him to be as good as he was.
Hall: 80% I wanted a bit more out of him. I thought he really slowed down in the last quarter of the season.
Eberle: 75% Offensive tools were great. He had a lot of questionable decisions in the Ozone I thought when he was first playing with McDavid.
RNH: 70% I thought he was good but definitely wasn't as productive as the other two C's. I expected better production.
Letestu: 65% I expected him to replace Gordon but felt that while he produced more, he was much worse defensively imo.
Korpikoski: 75% 22 points was less than I hoped for but in line with his past. Not as defensively horrible as I expected him to be.
Hendricks: 85% I thought he was mostly the Hendricks we know but I felt at times he made some poor choices he normally doesn't.
Maroon: 95% Was much better than I expected. Great pick up.
Kassian: 80% Started strong but couldn't keep it going. Probably out of shape from not playing but I thought he did well considering.
Pakarinen: 75% I like the way he plays and thought he did well. Was hoping he'd pick up production a bit.
Lander: 25% No explanation needed.
Yakupov: 70% I didn't think he did nearly enough to warrant being in the top 6 like some wanted. As usual his production increased when it didn't matter in the end. Wasn't great.
Pouliot: 80% I thought he was pretty good with McDavid but was a bit of a slow starter this year. Also poor penalties as usual...more than last year. I expect penalties for a tenacious player but some were just stupid.
Cracknell: 100% Didn't expect much and got that. Few noticeable games.
Klinkhammer: 100% Ditto
DEFENSEMEN
Sekera: 75% I thought he was mostly pretty good, slow start. I felt he was pretty poor at getting shots through on the PP and in general really.
Klefbom: 90% Was going really well until injury derailed his season.
Davidson: 99% Got way better as he played and never stopped. He was literally playing a top pairing D's game and playing it well. Played as close to flawlessly as I've seen a D play for this team.
Oesterle: 90% Played really well for his time here. He started off poorly on his initial call up but his second time he took the bull by the horns. Especially when Davidson was out.
Nurse: 70% I thought he was very up and down. Good games then poor games. I was hoping he'd be more consistent than he was. He needs more seasoning.
Fayne: 70% Horrible early on in the season but turned it around post call up. Became the steady eddy as we know him to be. Was more often than not decent but not bad.
Gryba: 85% Thought he played fairly well when he was here. Mostly good at what he did.
Pardy: 85% Same as Gryba
Clendening: 65% Was just OK. Had some really poor moments but pretty good ones too.
Nikitin: 25% What else is new.
Reinhart: 70% I expected more out of a guy with a couple of AHL seasons. He got better later in the season but was fairly disappointing to me overall. Considering the cost.
GOALIES
Talbot: 90% Was a bit slow but really solidified himself late in the season. Our best chance for a legit started in awhile.
Brossoit: 50% Looked poor. Was going to his knees way too early and seemed like he couldn't even see the shots being whipped at him at times.
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FORWARDS
McDavid A
Met lofty expectations, like any 18/19 year old needs to learn to play in the D zone, will only get stronger in that area as well as in physical strength. If healthy possible scoring title next season. The only untouchable on the team other than Talbot, Maroon, Nurse. Not sure if he should get the C next year or not but its obvious its coming.
Maroon A
A short sample size but is what the Oilers have been desperately needing for eons. Size with skill and some nastiness that can play in the top 6. Hopefully can get a touch faster in the offseason. Give him a letter for next year.
Eberle C+
For me a 6 year pro should be able to play in the D zone and he has indicated that not only can't he, but that he doesn't want to. Doesn't score enough to offset his defensive weakness. See movement below.
Hall B-
Expectations met in first half of season but his offensive play fell off the map in the second half and his frustrations visibly rose. Has the strength to play with far more of an edge but doesn't have the personality to engage, which IMO would make him far more consistent and effective, into an elite player not just a very good one.
See movement below.
Draisatl B+
I give him the + as like Hall his play fell off the map in the second half but as his first nearly full year and being thrust into the role of first line centre, the grind seemed to get to him, so I give him the benefit of the doubt. Needs to use his size more effectively but good things ahead. However if the right deal presents itself in the offseason that addresses our core needs (defence) I am not married to this player. Yet.
Pouliot C
Consistency and stupid penalties plague this player who can be an effective 2nd line scorer. Like the fact he can play the PK and plays a more physical game than most of our Oilers. Given his salary and term probably not trade bait but great expansion draft bait. Hopefully he comes prepared to play a more consistent game next year or he might be mired in TMac's doghouse.
RNH B-
When McDavid went down and Draisatl came up and was on fire with Hall, you'd think RNH would have some more room out there but did not take advantage then he got injured (blocking shots is the goalies job, as Gretzky puts it). I hit him pretty hard as I think there was opportunity there but then a smallish C in our conference playing number 1 centre with an ineffective and immobile D he is hampered.
See movement below.
Yakupov D+
Yes I know, needs to play top 6, better centre needed, not given a chance, blah blah blah. I respectfully disagree. A first overall offensive player should be able to drive a line more than he did. He skates 1000 miles per shift and typically accomplishes nothing. Makes the absolute stupidest plays and gives the puck away constantly at the blue lines. Creates next to nothing when playing with effective players, doesn't put himself in a position to unleash his killer shot, and when he shoots its typically coming down the wing from far range right into the gut or 45 miles wide. I am a huge fan of his and even have a Yak jersey, but he has totally frustrated me this year. I hope he gets traded and excels elsewhere but Oiler ineptitude has ruined him here. That said, if we move 2 of the 6 million dollar men, maybe he can get his **** together and be the sniper McDavid needs.
See movement below.
Korpikoski C-
When playing 4th line and PK its a good trade, 20 points vs Gordons nothing. When playing anything else including PP (why the f is he even considered for the PP?) its a terrible trade. I think his mark would be higher if not played where he didn't belong. Good its his last year coming up and if he can be moved, move him for a cheaper 4th line checker / PK specialist. But were probably stuck with him till at least the trade deadline.
Pakarainen D+
For the life of me I do not see the appeal of this player. Yes he can hit and has some speed but thats about it for me. Many trials in the top 6 and never stuck. Still if he plays bottom line minutes and role Im fine with it I guess...
Letestu C-
Why oh God is he even considered for the PP or any minutes above 4th line. Yes I know we had injuries at C. Id rather have seen Roy for a year than Letestu on PP and 3rd line F. At least he made Yak go. I think Landers total implosion and injuries put Letestu into a position to fail, can't see him considered for anything other than 4th line and PK when he was signed. If he starts anything else next year somethings wrong with Oiler thinking.
Hendricks C-
Legs are failing him but he has the heart of a lion. Transplant his drive and desire into our 6 million dollar men please. Otherwise, his time is coming to hang them up. Next year he might be a trade deadline move but will probably be around as a 12/13F to start next year with a letter.
Kassian B-
Considering nothing was expected of him and his personal challenges I give him a slightly higher grade than maybe I should (C+). Again what the Oilers sorely need, size and toughness with some skill that can play top 9 plus we so desperately need that agitator that has a screw loose.
Lander F
A nuclear waste dump of a season. He would have been better off rupturing his achilles tendon than playing this season. Cant see him back next year unless its as a 14th F spare part, otherwise he will be traded or back in Bakersfield. Don't particularly care either way. Not part of our future and in the 25th reunion of Rogers he will come out and he walks to centre ice he will walk out and we will go, Oh yeah, I remember him, didn't he have that one decent half season.
Gazdic
Klinkhammer
Cracknell
Who cares. They will be gone once their contracts expire.
DEFENSE
Sekera C+
Clearly not a number one but a decent number 2/3. Cant carry the load that much is clear and is inconsistent defensively. If he can be unprotected at Expansion Draft time would be a good player if the Oilers are more developed on D by then. If not a needed piece.
Klefbom B-
Started slow but was coming on when injured. But he seems to be a tad injury prone. If the Islanders would move Hamonic for him straight up I do it.
Davidson A-
Considering he wasn't even considered to be on the team and was our best D when he went down speaks volumes. Now can he rinse and repeat minus the injuries next year? I hope, he would be a real nice 3/4 D.
Fayne D-
A MacT disaster pick. If he can be traded or bought out get rid of him. Or slam him in Bakersfield. If he is on the team next year Chiarelli will have failed in addressing our D needs in the off season.
Nurse B-
Like Davidson was not supposed to be on the team this year. But he did ok however will it have hurt his development? I hope not as he has potential to be that big nasty number 2/3 we need with some offensive upside.
Reinhart D-
Expectations that he would play top 4 were disastrous and its clear to me we gave up far too much for him. Thanks Bob Green. Get rid of anyone associated with the Oil Kings and the OBC from any part of scouting, development or personnel decisions from the Oilers. Hopefully he can develop into a bottom pairing player, needs way more nasty in his game.
Gryba B-
Yes he is an offensive tire fire but he was brought in to play a bottom pair toughness size role and did that well. I bring him back.
Oesterle B
Again another D forced into a role he wasn't supposed to be in due to lack of depth at all positions (thanks Lowe, MacT, Howson for that by the way) but was really impressed. That said, he is a Bakersfield player next year and injury call up if a skill D goes down.
Pardy
Clendening
Nikitin
Ference
Who cares. They will be gone once their contracts expire, Ference being bought out. Clendening maybe gets signed to a low cost two way to play in Bakersfield and be an emergency call up.
GOAL
Talbot A-
Would be nice if he started better but hopefully he will next year. Goaltending problem solved, for now anyway.
Brossiott F Clearly not ready for the NHL. Will need to sign a back up to Talbot that can play 15-20 games but has the chops to not totally fail if Talbot gets injured.
MOVEMENT
The Oilers need a radical makeover and culture change. The only way to do that is to move out at least 2 of the $6 million dollar men and make some key free agent signings.
So here is my master plan -
Sign one of Backes or Ladd. Give them dollars over term like Wpg did with Buff. If Backes is signed you move RNH for a number 2 D with clear offensive ability. If Ladd is signed you trade Hall for same, but will get a better player in return. Addresses need for a clear number 2 (we wont get a number 1 D) that can play 25 minutes.
Trade Eberle for a mid to later first round pick and good prospect. Devils perhaps a taker. Adds to future depth and keeps the talent pipeline going.
Draft one of Laine, Puulj., Tkachuk. (assumes we dont get 1st overall). This replaces Eberle. (maybe not year one but eventually)
Keep Yak and give him a shot with McD. If not panning out move him but play him top 6 and hopes he gets his **** together to either make him effective or increases his trade value.
Trade Klefbom for Hamonic. Throw in picks if you have to. If you can get Matt Martin somehow do it as part of the deal. This addresses the number 3 D position nicely. Love Hamonics game.
Hoping next season we are at least in the playoff hunt but will probably set a futility record for 11 years out.
McDavid A
Met lofty expectations, like any 18/19 year old needs to learn to play in the D zone, will only get stronger in that area as well as in physical strength. If healthy possible scoring title next season. The only untouchable on the team other than Talbot, Maroon, Nurse. Not sure if he should get the C next year or not but its obvious its coming.
Maroon A
A short sample size but is what the Oilers have been desperately needing for eons. Size with skill and some nastiness that can play in the top 6. Hopefully can get a touch faster in the offseason. Give him a letter for next year.
Eberle C+
For me a 6 year pro should be able to play in the D zone and he has indicated that not only can't he, but that he doesn't want to. Doesn't score enough to offset his defensive weakness. See movement below.
Hall B-
Expectations met in first half of season but his offensive play fell off the map in the second half and his frustrations visibly rose. Has the strength to play with far more of an edge but doesn't have the personality to engage, which IMO would make him far more consistent and effective, into an elite player not just a very good one.
See movement below.
Draisatl B+
I give him the + as like Hall his play fell off the map in the second half but as his first nearly full year and being thrust into the role of first line centre, the grind seemed to get to him, so I give him the benefit of the doubt. Needs to use his size more effectively but good things ahead. However if the right deal presents itself in the offseason that addresses our core needs (defence) I am not married to this player. Yet.
Pouliot C
Consistency and stupid penalties plague this player who can be an effective 2nd line scorer. Like the fact he can play the PK and plays a more physical game than most of our Oilers. Given his salary and term probably not trade bait but great expansion draft bait. Hopefully he comes prepared to play a more consistent game next year or he might be mired in TMac's doghouse.
RNH B-
When McDavid went down and Draisatl came up and was on fire with Hall, you'd think RNH would have some more room out there but did not take advantage then he got injured (blocking shots is the goalies job, as Gretzky puts it). I hit him pretty hard as I think there was opportunity there but then a smallish C in our conference playing number 1 centre with an ineffective and immobile D he is hampered.
See movement below.
Yakupov D+
Yes I know, needs to play top 6, better centre needed, not given a chance, blah blah blah. I respectfully disagree. A first overall offensive player should be able to drive a line more than he did. He skates 1000 miles per shift and typically accomplishes nothing. Makes the absolute stupidest plays and gives the puck away constantly at the blue lines. Creates next to nothing when playing with effective players, doesn't put himself in a position to unleash his killer shot, and when he shoots its typically coming down the wing from far range right into the gut or 45 miles wide. I am a huge fan of his and even have a Yak jersey, but he has totally frustrated me this year. I hope he gets traded and excels elsewhere but Oiler ineptitude has ruined him here. That said, if we move 2 of the 6 million dollar men, maybe he can get his **** together and be the sniper McDavid needs.
See movement below.
Korpikoski C-
When playing 4th line and PK its a good trade, 20 points vs Gordons nothing. When playing anything else including PP (why the f is he even considered for the PP?) its a terrible trade. I think his mark would be higher if not played where he didn't belong. Good its his last year coming up and if he can be moved, move him for a cheaper 4th line checker / PK specialist. But were probably stuck with him till at least the trade deadline.
Pakarainen D+
For the life of me I do not see the appeal of this player. Yes he can hit and has some speed but thats about it for me. Many trials in the top 6 and never stuck. Still if he plays bottom line minutes and role Im fine with it I guess...
Letestu C-
Why oh God is he even considered for the PP or any minutes above 4th line. Yes I know we had injuries at C. Id rather have seen Roy for a year than Letestu on PP and 3rd line F. At least he made Yak go. I think Landers total implosion and injuries put Letestu into a position to fail, can't see him considered for anything other than 4th line and PK when he was signed. If he starts anything else next year somethings wrong with Oiler thinking.
Hendricks C-
Legs are failing him but he has the heart of a lion. Transplant his drive and desire into our 6 million dollar men please. Otherwise, his time is coming to hang them up. Next year he might be a trade deadline move but will probably be around as a 12/13F to start next year with a letter.
Kassian B-
Considering nothing was expected of him and his personal challenges I give him a slightly higher grade than maybe I should (C+). Again what the Oilers sorely need, size and toughness with some skill that can play top 9 plus we so desperately need that agitator that has a screw loose.
Lander F
A nuclear waste dump of a season. He would have been better off rupturing his achilles tendon than playing this season. Cant see him back next year unless its as a 14th F spare part, otherwise he will be traded or back in Bakersfield. Don't particularly care either way. Not part of our future and in the 25th reunion of Rogers he will come out and he walks to centre ice he will walk out and we will go, Oh yeah, I remember him, didn't he have that one decent half season.
Gazdic
Klinkhammer
Cracknell
Who cares. They will be gone once their contracts expire.
DEFENSE
Sekera C+
Clearly not a number one but a decent number 2/3. Cant carry the load that much is clear and is inconsistent defensively. If he can be unprotected at Expansion Draft time would be a good player if the Oilers are more developed on D by then. If not a needed piece.
Klefbom B-
Started slow but was coming on when injured. But he seems to be a tad injury prone. If the Islanders would move Hamonic for him straight up I do it.
Davidson A-
Considering he wasn't even considered to be on the team and was our best D when he went down speaks volumes. Now can he rinse and repeat minus the injuries next year? I hope, he would be a real nice 3/4 D.
Fayne D-
A MacT disaster pick. If he can be traded or bought out get rid of him. Or slam him in Bakersfield. If he is on the team next year Chiarelli will have failed in addressing our D needs in the off season.
Nurse B-
Like Davidson was not supposed to be on the team this year. But he did ok however will it have hurt his development? I hope not as he has potential to be that big nasty number 2/3 we need with some offensive upside.
Reinhart D-
Expectations that he would play top 4 were disastrous and its clear to me we gave up far too much for him. Thanks Bob Green. Get rid of anyone associated with the Oil Kings and the OBC from any part of scouting, development or personnel decisions from the Oilers. Hopefully he can develop into a bottom pairing player, needs way more nasty in his game.
Gryba B-
Yes he is an offensive tire fire but he was brought in to play a bottom pair toughness size role and did that well. I bring him back.
Oesterle B
Again another D forced into a role he wasn't supposed to be in due to lack of depth at all positions (thanks Lowe, MacT, Howson for that by the way) but was really impressed. That said, he is a Bakersfield player next year and injury call up if a skill D goes down.
Pardy
Clendening
Nikitin
Ference
Who cares. They will be gone once their contracts expire, Ference being bought out. Clendening maybe gets signed to a low cost two way to play in Bakersfield and be an emergency call up.
GOAL
Talbot A-
Would be nice if he started better but hopefully he will next year. Goaltending problem solved, for now anyway.
Brossiott F Clearly not ready for the NHL. Will need to sign a back up to Talbot that can play 15-20 games but has the chops to not totally fail if Talbot gets injured.
MOVEMENT
The Oilers need a radical makeover and culture change. The only way to do that is to move out at least 2 of the $6 million dollar men and make some key free agent signings.
So here is my master plan -
Sign one of Backes or Ladd. Give them dollars over term like Wpg did with Buff. If Backes is signed you move RNH for a number 2 D with clear offensive ability. If Ladd is signed you trade Hall for same, but will get a better player in return. Addresses need for a clear number 2 (we wont get a number 1 D) that can play 25 minutes.
Trade Eberle for a mid to later first round pick and good prospect. Devils perhaps a taker. Adds to future depth and keeps the talent pipeline going.
Draft one of Laine, Puulj., Tkachuk. (assumes we dont get 1st overall). This replaces Eberle. (maybe not year one but eventually)
Keep Yak and give him a shot with McD. If not panning out move him but play him top 6 and hopes he gets his **** together to either make him effective or increases his trade value.
Trade Klefbom for Hamonic. Throw in picks if you have to. If you can get Matt Martin somehow do it as part of the deal. This addresses the number 3 D position nicely. Love Hamonics game.
Hoping next season we are at least in the playoff hunt but will probably set a futility record for 11 years out.
Aceboogie
Registered User
- Aug 25, 2012
- 32,649
- 3,896
McDavid- A+, would go A++ if healthy. Hes amazing, pure and simple
Drasaitl- B. He was dominant to start the year. He was never bad to my eye but looked gassed out there to end the year. Big reason for slow down in points. Huge things for him next season
Maroon- A. 8 goals, 14 points in 16 games. Yeah you get an A
Hall-B. Was A for 60% of season, but C for the last 20 games
Davidson- A. Sue me for the high rating. He gets an A because of how he blew away everyones expectations. Probably a B+ overall if hes being ranked purely on play. He is everything you ask for in a D
Klefbom- B. Last 5 games before injury was A+. Incomplete tho and had a rough start. He was about to break out. Big things for him next year
RNH- C. Forget about this year Nuge. Injuries + rough play
Eberle- B-. Had his ups and downs
Sekera- B. Started really bad, improved but also had ups and downs
Talbot- A
Drasaitl- B. He was dominant to start the year. He was never bad to my eye but looked gassed out there to end the year. Big reason for slow down in points. Huge things for him next season
Maroon- A. 8 goals, 14 points in 16 games. Yeah you get an A
Hall-B. Was A for 60% of season, but C for the last 20 games
Davidson- A. Sue me for the high rating. He gets an A because of how he blew away everyones expectations. Probably a B+ overall if hes being ranked purely on play. He is everything you ask for in a D
Klefbom- B. Last 5 games before injury was A+. Incomplete tho and had a rough start. He was about to break out. Big things for him next year
RNH- C. Forget about this year Nuge. Injuries + rough play
Eberle- B-. Had his ups and downs
Sekera- B. Started really bad, improved but also had ups and downs
Talbot- A
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KeithIsActuallyBad
You thrust your pelvis, huh!
AlowlyMcOilersfan
Comrade
- Oct 30, 2011
- 7,526
- 3
A- for McDavid because his production slowed down a bit.
B+ for Hall because he played a full 82 games and put up 65 points. For a top-line player, those are good results.
A for Maroon because of his excellent production that was just as much about him going to the net and being physical than about him playing with 97. He also changed the dynamic in the locker room.
Draisaitl B good production, but a very hot-cold season.
Eberle C
He should have had 5-10 more goals with the chances he's been getting. And his assist total is paltry compared to other years(lowest since lockout). By his own standards/history he has set in terms of production, he was nowhere close, imo.
B+ for Hall because he played a full 82 games and put up 65 points. For a top-line player, those are good results.
A for Maroon because of his excellent production that was just as much about him going to the net and being physical than about him playing with 97. He also changed the dynamic in the locker room.
Draisaitl B good production, but a very hot-cold season.
Eberle C
He should have had 5-10 more goals with the chances he's been getting. And his assist total is paltry compared to other years(lowest since lockout). By his own standards/history he has set in terms of production, he was nowhere close, imo.
MessierII
Registered User
- Aug 10, 2011
- 27,758
- 16,390
Forwards
Mcdavid: A+ unbelievable
Hall: C+ Can't disappear for that long in this league.
Eberle: C- still scores but that's literally it. A drain on the team.
Nuge: C- Bad injury luck but just doesn't seem to be taking any strides.
Draisaitl: B Took huge strides but slowed down big time.
Yakupov: D another disaster year
Pouliot: C+ played pretty well just can't stay healthy.
Maroon: A the guy has been nothing short of unbelievable.
Letestu: B did his job relatively well.
Hendricks: B see Letestu
Pakarinen: B I see a player there. Simple effective game.
Kassian: C+ always leaves you wanting more but considering where he was at the start of the year he had a great year.
Lander: F a disaster year
Korpi: C not great not terrible
Defence
Klefbom B-: sucks he was injured so long but he was good when he was around. Can he sustain it?
Sekera: B was over his head but overall brought everything I wanted.
Davidson: A huge strides looked excellent
Nurse D: over his head but outside of toughness and character brought nothing.
Reinhart C-: had some good stretches but too inconsistent.
Gryba: B came as advertised is what he is.
Fayne: C- started horribly but played well the second half.
Clendenning: D bad defensively doesn't do enough offensively.
Osterle: B- showed some promise.
Goalies:
Talbot: B started horribly but ended really well.
Brossoit: D just all kinds of bad
Mcdavid: A+ unbelievable
Hall: C+ Can't disappear for that long in this league.
Eberle: C- still scores but that's literally it. A drain on the team.
Nuge: C- Bad injury luck but just doesn't seem to be taking any strides.
Draisaitl: B Took huge strides but slowed down big time.
Yakupov: D another disaster year
Pouliot: C+ played pretty well just can't stay healthy.
Maroon: A the guy has been nothing short of unbelievable.
Letestu: B did his job relatively well.
Hendricks: B see Letestu
Pakarinen: B I see a player there. Simple effective game.
Kassian: C+ always leaves you wanting more but considering where he was at the start of the year he had a great year.
Lander: F a disaster year
Korpi: C not great not terrible
Defence
Klefbom B-: sucks he was injured so long but he was good when he was around. Can he sustain it?
Sekera: B was over his head but overall brought everything I wanted.
Davidson: A huge strides looked excellent
Nurse D: over his head but outside of toughness and character brought nothing.
Reinhart C-: had some good stretches but too inconsistent.
Gryba: B came as advertised is what he is.
Fayne: C- started horribly but played well the second half.
Clendenning: D bad defensively doesn't do enough offensively.
Osterle: B- showed some promise.
Goalies:
Talbot: B started horribly but ended really well.
Brossoit: D just all kinds of bad
McDavid - A
Hall - B-, slowed down too much post All-Star break
Draisaitl - B+, great bounce back season after poor rookie stint
Eberle - C+
RNH - D
Yakupov - D
Maroon - A (based on his time with Oilers)
Kassian - C
Davidson - B+
Klefbom - B
Nurse - C
Fayne - C-
Nikitin - F
Talbot - B+
Oesterle - C
Reinhart - C-
Ference - F
Gryba - C+
Nilsson - C
Broissoit - C-
Hendricks - C+
Letestu - C+
Korpikoski - C-
Lander - F
Pakirenen - C+
Sekera - C+
Pouliot - B-
Hall - B-, slowed down too much post All-Star break
Draisaitl - B+, great bounce back season after poor rookie stint
Eberle - C+
RNH - D
Yakupov - D
Maroon - A (based on his time with Oilers)
Kassian - C
Davidson - B+
Klefbom - B
Nurse - C
Fayne - C-
Nikitin - F
Talbot - B+
Oesterle - C
Reinhart - C-
Ference - F
Gryba - C+
Nilsson - C
Broissoit - C-
Hendricks - C+
Letestu - C+
Korpikoski - C-
Lander - F
Pakirenen - C+
Sekera - C+
Pouliot - B-
Aerchon
Registered User
- Jul 20, 2011
- 10,517
- 3,708
We played much better as a whole this year and injuries were our number one problem but still not good enough. I give McDavid a B+ for example because he was great but to carry this team into the playoffs he will need to be even better. Which I think he will.
Nobody gets an A for their total body of work for the year.
FORWARDS
McDavid: B+. Our next captain and the elite player we hoped all our other first overalls could be. I expect ppg and better two way play. In for as long as possible.
Draisaitl: C. Perfect #2 or 1B center soon. Started like gangbusters then cooled down but a promising future. In for as long as possible.
Hall: C. Struggled (fell apart) down the stretch and I have no idea why. I think he should not be traded unless we get an elite #1 defender back.
Eberle: C. His worst season to date. I thought under McLellan he would take his game up a notch, especially playing with McDavid, but he really didn't. If our RW wasn't insanely weak I would like to see him moved for defense upgrade but it is weak, so I can't possible imagine losing him without getting another high quality RW scorer back somehow.
RNH: B-. Yet another season of RNH leaving you wanting more at both ends of the rink. Good but not great. Typical Nuge. Of the three: Hall, Ebs, and Nuge. Nuge is the guy I want moved least but you have to give to get and he would be my bet for what gets moved for a defender like Harmonic or better.
Letestu: C. Much better offensively than I think many gave credit for but also not as good defensively. Not sure if its the role or the player but he is certainly a guy that while certainly not bad just was not good either.
Korpikoski: D. A guy that needs to be better. Don't care
Hendricks: C-. Started great and like the whole team fizzled away to not good enough.
Maroon: B+. Too good to be true. Don't expect as much from him next year but love him in the top 9 and hope he is a long term solution.
Kassian: D+. Started great and fizzled like everyone else.
Pakarinen: D-. Expendable or upgradable.
Lander: F. A total failure of a season. Was really hoping for and rooting for a continuation of his last half season under Nelson.
Yakupov: F. A clear cut addition by subtraction when he is gone. Not good enough for a 29th place team.
Pouliot: B-. Injury robbed him of a complete grade but what we saw when healthy is what you expect from Pouliot. Love this player and he is vastly underrated don't want him traded unless we can get back something great.
Cracknell: D. Didn't notice him much.
Gazdic: F. Does it even matter?
Klinkhammer: D. But just wow in the minors.
DEFENSEMEN
Sekera: B-. Started slow had a few hiccups but easily our best defender over the full year.
Klefbom: C. Injuries. Started terrible and then looked amazing. We can't trade him unless we get an OEL or better type player in return. If we get OEL we trade him straight across for Harmonic to improve our right side. Small sample size where he looked like he really could eventually end up being a top pairing guy. If he can stay healthy and be that good or better I want him long term.
Davidson: B+. Great showing. Probably doesn't have much trade value but if others noticed he could be part of a package that brings us Harmonic or help on the back end that shoots right.
Oesterle: B-. Played out of his mind good for a rookie but waaaaay too small a sample size. Not part of "my plans moving forward other than an injury call up.
Nurse: C-. Awesome showing for a rookie... But had rough patches as you would expect a rookie to.
Fayne: C-. Salvaged what would have otherwise been a complete disaster. Not a long term solution could be moved for an upgrade but we are so weak on the right side its hard to imagine being able to move him.
Gryba: C+. Steadying presence who I would welcome back next year.
Pardy: C-. Really hard to tell based on such few games but he wasn't out of his depth.
Clendening: C-. Way better than Schultz but still prone to mistakes and doesn't quite make up for his defensive lapses with his offense.
Nikitin: F.
Reinhart: C-. I would trade him in a package much like Davidson but also love where this player is headed.
Schultz: F. So glad he is gone. No matter what he does in his career going forward I know moving him was the right thing to do.
GOALIES
Talbot: C. Terrible start, great finish. Think he is a great addition but needs to be much better over the course of a whole season. Cant wait till the new year to turn it on next season.
Brossoit: F. Not ready and after a decent sample may never translate to the NHL.
Nobody gets an A for their total body of work for the year.
FORWARDS
McDavid: B+. Our next captain and the elite player we hoped all our other first overalls could be. I expect ppg and better two way play. In for as long as possible.
Draisaitl: C. Perfect #2 or 1B center soon. Started like gangbusters then cooled down but a promising future. In for as long as possible.
Hall: C. Struggled (fell apart) down the stretch and I have no idea why. I think he should not be traded unless we get an elite #1 defender back.
Eberle: C. His worst season to date. I thought under McLellan he would take his game up a notch, especially playing with McDavid, but he really didn't. If our RW wasn't insanely weak I would like to see him moved for defense upgrade but it is weak, so I can't possible imagine losing him without getting another high quality RW scorer back somehow.
RNH: B-. Yet another season of RNH leaving you wanting more at both ends of the rink. Good but not great. Typical Nuge. Of the three: Hall, Ebs, and Nuge. Nuge is the guy I want moved least but you have to give to get and he would be my bet for what gets moved for a defender like Harmonic or better.
Letestu: C. Much better offensively than I think many gave credit for but also not as good defensively. Not sure if its the role or the player but he is certainly a guy that while certainly not bad just was not good either.
Korpikoski: D. A guy that needs to be better. Don't care
Hendricks: C-. Started great and like the whole team fizzled away to not good enough.
Maroon: B+. Too good to be true. Don't expect as much from him next year but love him in the top 9 and hope he is a long term solution.
Kassian: D+. Started great and fizzled like everyone else.
Pakarinen: D-. Expendable or upgradable.
Lander: F. A total failure of a season. Was really hoping for and rooting for a continuation of his last half season under Nelson.
Yakupov: F. A clear cut addition by subtraction when he is gone. Not good enough for a 29th place team.
Pouliot: B-. Injury robbed him of a complete grade but what we saw when healthy is what you expect from Pouliot. Love this player and he is vastly underrated don't want him traded unless we can get back something great.
Cracknell: D. Didn't notice him much.
Gazdic: F. Does it even matter?
Klinkhammer: D. But just wow in the minors.
DEFENSEMEN
Sekera: B-. Started slow had a few hiccups but easily our best defender over the full year.
Klefbom: C. Injuries. Started terrible and then looked amazing. We can't trade him unless we get an OEL or better type player in return. If we get OEL we trade him straight across for Harmonic to improve our right side. Small sample size where he looked like he really could eventually end up being a top pairing guy. If he can stay healthy and be that good or better I want him long term.
Davidson: B+. Great showing. Probably doesn't have much trade value but if others noticed he could be part of a package that brings us Harmonic or help on the back end that shoots right.
Oesterle: B-. Played out of his mind good for a rookie but waaaaay too small a sample size. Not part of "my plans moving forward other than an injury call up.
Nurse: C-. Awesome showing for a rookie... But had rough patches as you would expect a rookie to.
Fayne: C-. Salvaged what would have otherwise been a complete disaster. Not a long term solution could be moved for an upgrade but we are so weak on the right side its hard to imagine being able to move him.
Gryba: C+. Steadying presence who I would welcome back next year.
Pardy: C-. Really hard to tell based on such few games but he wasn't out of his depth.
Clendening: C-. Way better than Schultz but still prone to mistakes and doesn't quite make up for his defensive lapses with his offense.
Nikitin: F.
Reinhart: C-. I would trade him in a package much like Davidson but also love where this player is headed.
Schultz: F. So glad he is gone. No matter what he does in his career going forward I know moving him was the right thing to do.
GOALIES
Talbot: C. Terrible start, great finish. Think he is a great addition but needs to be much better over the course of a whole season. Cant wait till the new year to turn it on next season.
Brossoit: F. Not ready and after a decent sample may never translate to the NHL.
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OilTastic
Embrace The Hate
we have some good trade bait at the draft and over the summer with guys like Nail, Ebs, Lander, Fayne, Oesterle, Reinhart and Clendening. outside chances that Nuge, Pouliot and Hendricks could all move as well. gonna be an interesting summer!
C for Klefbom? Yet you think we could trade him for Hamonic? And you only want to keep him if he can be 100% healthy and be a legit top pair guy...riiiight, I'll take 6 of those then.
C for Talbot? Yeah he was only a top 10 goalie in the league for half the season behind a brutal group of players. Sure he had a poor first month but he was lights out for a long period of time.
I guess you really need to take a person's opinion with a grain of salt when the give McDavid a B+ because he didn't carry the team into the playoffs as a rookie. SMH.
C for Talbot? Yeah he was only a top 10 goalie in the league for half the season behind a brutal group of players. Sure he had a poor first month but he was lights out for a long period of time.
I guess you really need to take a person's opinion with a grain of salt when the give McDavid a B+ because he didn't carry the team into the playoffs as a rookie. SMH.
I feel like I should point out the obvious here:
We are 29th in the league.
The team average should be 'F'.
I feel like half our roster would clear waivers.
We are 29th in the league.
The team average should be 'F'.
I feel like half our roster would clear waivers.
HockeyGuy1964
Registered User
- Oct 7, 2013
- 4,195
- 4,878
McDavid - A He's the real thing
Hall - C+ Should be able to impose his will a lot more & for longer stretches than he does.
Draisaitl - B After playing half a season last year where he didn't look like he was a player, he impressed me with his tenacity although he did fall off the last while.
Eberle - C+ More consistent play from Hall/Ebs/RNH would go a long way to being able to move up the standings.
RNH - C+ I see 2 of the 3^^^ leaving town. Tough to justify keeping them all around for another go around. There's obviously some serious issues with the "core" of this team.
Yakupov - F I said with one of my first posts on this forum that he would turn out to be the biggest bust in league history. Nothing has really changed.
Maroon - A Played well & was energized with the Oilers but was it the McDavid factor? The team needs somebody like him on that line.
Kassian - C- Looked good for stretches but he's done that before. If he signs for a reasonable # on a short term deal, bring him back.
Davidson - C+ Based on expectations he should probably be higher but.....
Klefbom - B- Looked like a competent NHL d-man before his season got prematurely ended
Nurse - C- I can see flashes of brilliance that were few & far between early but I think he's got a chance to figure it out & become a top 4 d-man.
Fayne - D A big disappointment
Nikitin - D Thought he would be better but he didn't really get a chance this year TBH.
Talbot - B+ Slow start but looks like a real NHL goalie. Him alone accounts for the 7 point improvement over last year. That's a pretty damning assessment on the rest of the team & any supposed improvement.
Oesterle - C+ Same as Davidson
Reinhart - C- Expected more. I guess we can all see why he was a minor leaguer in the Islanders system.
Ference - N/A How can anybody give him a grade
Gryba - C+ Thought this was a good pick up before the season. Now I'm meh.
Nilsson - C Didn't expect anything & he exceeded those expectations.
Broissoit - N/A He should have never been playing in the NHL. I don't blame him for this because management has to stop with this horse**** & let guys like this hone their game in the minors.
Hendricks - C+ He's lost a step
Letestu - C+ It would help matters if there was anybody else on the team who could win draws but he's still gotta be better than -21 even though he seemed to be on for a lot of empty net goals against.
Korpikoski - C- Actually better than I thought he was. Of course, that's not saying much.
Lander - F
Sekera - C+ I was expecting more but I think he'll be put in better positions with a little more support.
Pouliot - C Didn't like the signing when it happened & still not happy with it. He's just not a difference maker or makes those around him better but we're stuck with him now.
Coaching B- So, are we all just gonna continue with the delusion that Eakins was the problem? MacLellean is a good coach & he was pulling his hair out with the ridiculously inconsistent play of this team. I don't think this can be fixed without shipping some major guys out.
Hall - C+ Should be able to impose his will a lot more & for longer stretches than he does.
Draisaitl - B After playing half a season last year where he didn't look like he was a player, he impressed me with his tenacity although he did fall off the last while.
Eberle - C+ More consistent play from Hall/Ebs/RNH would go a long way to being able to move up the standings.
RNH - C+ I see 2 of the 3^^^ leaving town. Tough to justify keeping them all around for another go around. There's obviously some serious issues with the "core" of this team.
Yakupov - F I said with one of my first posts on this forum that he would turn out to be the biggest bust in league history. Nothing has really changed.
Maroon - A Played well & was energized with the Oilers but was it the McDavid factor? The team needs somebody like him on that line.
Kassian - C- Looked good for stretches but he's done that before. If he signs for a reasonable # on a short term deal, bring him back.
Davidson - C+ Based on expectations he should probably be higher but.....
Klefbom - B- Looked like a competent NHL d-man before his season got prematurely ended
Nurse - C- I can see flashes of brilliance that were few & far between early but I think he's got a chance to figure it out & become a top 4 d-man.
Fayne - D A big disappointment
Nikitin - D Thought he would be better but he didn't really get a chance this year TBH.
Talbot - B+ Slow start but looks like a real NHL goalie. Him alone accounts for the 7 point improvement over last year. That's a pretty damning assessment on the rest of the team & any supposed improvement.
Oesterle - C+ Same as Davidson
Reinhart - C- Expected more. I guess we can all see why he was a minor leaguer in the Islanders system.
Ference - N/A How can anybody give him a grade
Gryba - C+ Thought this was a good pick up before the season. Now I'm meh.
Nilsson - C Didn't expect anything & he exceeded those expectations.
Broissoit - N/A He should have never been playing in the NHL. I don't blame him for this because management has to stop with this horse**** & let guys like this hone their game in the minors.
Hendricks - C+ He's lost a step
Letestu - C+ It would help matters if there was anybody else on the team who could win draws but he's still gotta be better than -21 even though he seemed to be on for a lot of empty net goals against.
Korpikoski - C- Actually better than I thought he was. Of course, that's not saying much.
Lander - F
Sekera - C+ I was expecting more but I think he'll be put in better positions with a little more support.
Pouliot - C Didn't like the signing when it happened & still not happy with it. He's just not a difference maker or makes those around him better but we're stuck with him now.
Coaching B- So, are we all just gonna continue with the delusion that Eakins was the problem? MacLellean is a good coach & he was pulling his hair out with the ridiculously inconsistent play of this team. I don't think this can be fixed without shipping some major guys out.
Aerchon
Registered User
- Jul 20, 2011
- 10,517
- 3,708
I am a realist. 29th is bad. Even our best players were not good enough.
A guy like Kane gets an A+. A guy like Toews an A-. Crosby an A. I don't think McDavid has the same impact on the game as these guys yet. Points wise McDavid is there but impact wise isnt there yet. You also have to take his missing so much time into consideration a tiny bit. Who knows if he would have struggled over a full season a bit.
Klefbom was garbage defensively for the majority of this season before turning it on and looking great. This is a full year appraisal, not a best ten games appraisal. He was a D to start, maybe even got to an A but then missed most the season. C is a fair mark under the circumstances. His potential is higher than Harmonic especially offensively.
I never said he had to be a top pairing guy. Think your misunderstanding. A guy like OEL makes Klefbom tradable but without a great defenseman coming back you can't trade Klefbom. He is too important otherwise.
But if you think a guy who struggled for a significant portion of the year and missed most the season deserves an A mostly on potential for a 29th place team... Sure, to each thier own.
Talbot was losing us games hand over fist. Its part of the goaltending gig in that when they are bad it costs teams points. He was one of our worst for an unacceptable amount of time. We will not make the playoffs next year if he plays the same way.
McDavid - A+ Simply unbelievable, should flirt with the Art Ross next season. Not much more can be said.
Hall - B Went really cold for the last 25 games or so, disappointing considering he was looking like a PPG player most of the year. I believe he's in our future tho.
Draisaitl - B Blew away my expectations but really slowed down and even looked bad sometimes. Still had a great season and I expect 60-70 next year.
Eberle - C Became one of my least favorite Oilers later in the season. Produces but is lazy and a liability at other aspects of the game. Hopefully he becomes Vatanen.
RNH - B- Not the best season for RNH, but was one of our most well rounded players when he laced it up. Our terrible losing stretch without him proves that he's important to us and I'm against moving him
Yakupov - D Looked ok for bits with McDavid but made me roll my eyes and sulk for most of the season. byebyeyakcity
Maroon - A- Wow, what a pick up. Near PPG pace since coming to the oilers? McDavid is a factor but still. One of my favorites already and his willingness to go to the net could make him a long-term pickup.
Kassian - C+ Makes terribly dumb plays sometimes but also shows good flashes, sure as hell a lot better than Scrivens.
Davidson - A Our best defenceman this year, simply blew away all of my expectations. A stud and will be a long term Oiler.
Klefbom - B+ Looked really good when he played but how much was that.
Nurse - C+ Disappointing for such a highly touted prospect. He needs to be conditioning in the AHL next year. Skys the limit for someone like him tho.
Fayne - D Trash what a surprise
Nikitin - F lol
Talbot - B+ Been so good for the last stretch that I've completely forgotten about his meh start. Glad he's locked up
Lander - F Comedic season
Hall - B Went really cold for the last 25 games or so, disappointing considering he was looking like a PPG player most of the year. I believe he's in our future tho.
Draisaitl - B Blew away my expectations but really slowed down and even looked bad sometimes. Still had a great season and I expect 60-70 next year.
Eberle - C Became one of my least favorite Oilers later in the season. Produces but is lazy and a liability at other aspects of the game. Hopefully he becomes Vatanen.
RNH - B- Not the best season for RNH, but was one of our most well rounded players when he laced it up. Our terrible losing stretch without him proves that he's important to us and I'm against moving him
Yakupov - D Looked ok for bits with McDavid but made me roll my eyes and sulk for most of the season. byebyeyakcity
Maroon - A- Wow, what a pick up. Near PPG pace since coming to the oilers? McDavid is a factor but still. One of my favorites already and his willingness to go to the net could make him a long-term pickup.
Kassian - C+ Makes terribly dumb plays sometimes but also shows good flashes, sure as hell a lot better than Scrivens.
Davidson - A Our best defenceman this year, simply blew away all of my expectations. A stud and will be a long term Oiler.
Klefbom - B+ Looked really good when he played but how much was that.
Nurse - C+ Disappointing for such a highly touted prospect. He needs to be conditioning in the AHL next year. Skys the limit for someone like him tho.
Fayne - D Trash what a surprise
Nikitin - F lol
Talbot - B+ Been so good for the last stretch that I've completely forgotten about his meh start. Glad he's locked up
Lander - F Comedic season
Mcdavid - A, Best player on the team in his rookie season. Looking forward to watching him play the next few years as he undoubtedly ascends to the status as one of the very best players in the game.
Hall - B, Carried the team when Mcdavid was out and the games still mattered, would have an A if he didn't tail off towards the end of the season.
Drai - B-, His official rookie season, and he killed it for a few months there. Looks like an impact player who will anchor the second line center position for a decade once he works on his consistency and stamina.
RNH - D-, Terrible season. Helped scuttle the season for the team in Nov/Dec as part of the terrible trio, and that was playing in a sheltered role after he lost his tough minute role to Drai. Made every line he played on worse throughout the season, and hopefully Chia can trade him before he outright tanks his value around the league as the team's 3rd center.
Eberle - D, Missed the first month of the season with injury and still scored 25, but I don't think I've ever seen him play worse than we have this season. Looks apathetic and ineffective, and is likely trade bait.
Pouliot - D, Played well with Mcdavid, but it's probable that everyone will play well with McDavid going forward. Was part of the terrible trio that helped tank the season in Nov/Dec, and is still a woefully inconsistent player when not injured.
Yakupov - D-, He got the short end of the stick all season and clearly isn't someone that Mclellan wants to work with. His value is tanked, and he wants out. Hopefully he can recuperate his career elsewhere.
Letestu - C, 4th line player that played too high up in the lineup all season and on the powerplay, but had a decent season despite that
Korpikoski - C, Same as Letestu, sans powerplay issues.
Pakarinen - D+, Looks like a decent 4th liner, but struggles to impact the game consistently.
Hendrick - C+, Hard worker who leaves everything on the ice, but struggles to impact the game on a nightly basis. Solid season for a player of his type.
Kassian - D+, Looks like a decent bottom six player, one who flashes with talent but struggles with consistency. Hard to tell how much half a season on the side line hurt him in that regard, or if this type of inconsistency is what we can expect from him all the time, but I do love how much he agitates the opposition.
Lander - F, Played his way out of the NHL this year.
Gadzic - F, Doesn't enforce, can't play a regular shift. He's gone.
Maroon - B, certainly looks good with Mcdavid, but that's not too hard to do. Hopefully he can carry his strong play into next season and help solve the Oilers issues with size on the wings. Like Kassian, can't help but love the abrasive effect he has on the opposition.
Sekera - C+, Surprisingly mistake prone, and struggled with the puck moving aspects of the game, but he was likely drowning a bit under the demands of being the team's number one defenseman for most of the season. Still, was probably the team's best all around defenseman on any given night, only being surpassed by Klefbom early in the season. Hopefully he will be able to play a more stable game going forward as the team gains defensive depth.
Davidson - B, came from nowhere to massively exceed expectations and become a steady defenseman for the team. Looks like he'll be a solid defensive defenseman going forward for the team if he can sustain his level of play.
Nurse - D+, Talented, but exceptionally raw. The good games were few and far between, and he probably shouldn't have been in the NHL this season. Hopefully he learns from this trial by fire, and isn't negatively effected going forward.
Fayne - D-, Terrible defenseman, who somehow managed to get so complacent that he needed an AHL assignment half way through the season. Mistake prone player who is an absolute liability on the breakout, pinching along the wall, and in front of his own net, and is good for maybe one good game for every 10 games he plays. Chia really needs to find a taker for this soft and lazy turd if he wants to improve the team's overall defense next year.
Gryba - B, brought in to be a 6/7 defenseman, and far exceeded expectations despite his limited skillset, at times even playing top pairing minutes. Played a simple game and was willing to use his size(unlike the higher paid Fayne), which made him a valuable performer for a club full of players who consistently make things harder on themselves by trying to be too fancy.
Klefbom - N/A, Would have gotten an A as he was the team's best defenseman early, but unfortunately got sidelined for a seemingly minor injury for the rest of the season. Hard to know if he would have sustained his play, and the history of season crippling injuries and illnesses are becoming a concern.
Reinhart - N/A, too few games at the NHL level to really evaluate him for the season. Lots of development left to do until we see what type of player he is, but his upside does look somewhat limited.
Clendenning, Hunt, Nikitin - F, they should never see the NHL again.
Talbot - B, Struggled early, but worked his ass off to reclaim the number one job, and looks like a solid starter going forward. Successful season by any measure.
Mclellan and staff - C+, got the team playing an NHL style game, but they also show an unfortunate streak of bias and favoritism, along with a lack of adaptability that could hurt the team going forward when it becomes more competitive.
Chiarelli - B, the team is bad, but he came in blind and pretty clearly relied on the reports from inside the organization. Still, he had no problems with dumping junk players in the AHL when it was required, solved the goaltending issue, addressed the size issue on the wings while giving up virtually nothing, and oversaw the first positive additions to the defense in 5 years. First season in Edmonton with overall positive contributions the general manager in probably a decade.
Hall - B, Carried the team when Mcdavid was out and the games still mattered, would have an A if he didn't tail off towards the end of the season.
Drai - B-, His official rookie season, and he killed it for a few months there. Looks like an impact player who will anchor the second line center position for a decade once he works on his consistency and stamina.
RNH - D-, Terrible season. Helped scuttle the season for the team in Nov/Dec as part of the terrible trio, and that was playing in a sheltered role after he lost his tough minute role to Drai. Made every line he played on worse throughout the season, and hopefully Chia can trade him before he outright tanks his value around the league as the team's 3rd center.
Eberle - D, Missed the first month of the season with injury and still scored 25, but I don't think I've ever seen him play worse than we have this season. Looks apathetic and ineffective, and is likely trade bait.
Pouliot - D, Played well with Mcdavid, but it's probable that everyone will play well with McDavid going forward. Was part of the terrible trio that helped tank the season in Nov/Dec, and is still a woefully inconsistent player when not injured.
Yakupov - D-, He got the short end of the stick all season and clearly isn't someone that Mclellan wants to work with. His value is tanked, and he wants out. Hopefully he can recuperate his career elsewhere.
Letestu - C, 4th line player that played too high up in the lineup all season and on the powerplay, but had a decent season despite that
Korpikoski - C, Same as Letestu, sans powerplay issues.
Pakarinen - D+, Looks like a decent 4th liner, but struggles to impact the game consistently.
Hendrick - C+, Hard worker who leaves everything on the ice, but struggles to impact the game on a nightly basis. Solid season for a player of his type.
Kassian - D+, Looks like a decent bottom six player, one who flashes with talent but struggles with consistency. Hard to tell how much half a season on the side line hurt him in that regard, or if this type of inconsistency is what we can expect from him all the time, but I do love how much he agitates the opposition.
Lander - F, Played his way out of the NHL this year.
Gadzic - F, Doesn't enforce, can't play a regular shift. He's gone.
Maroon - B, certainly looks good with Mcdavid, but that's not too hard to do. Hopefully he can carry his strong play into next season and help solve the Oilers issues with size on the wings. Like Kassian, can't help but love the abrasive effect he has on the opposition.
Sekera - C+, Surprisingly mistake prone, and struggled with the puck moving aspects of the game, but he was likely drowning a bit under the demands of being the team's number one defenseman for most of the season. Still, was probably the team's best all around defenseman on any given night, only being surpassed by Klefbom early in the season. Hopefully he will be able to play a more stable game going forward as the team gains defensive depth.
Davidson - B, came from nowhere to massively exceed expectations and become a steady defenseman for the team. Looks like he'll be a solid defensive defenseman going forward for the team if he can sustain his level of play.
Nurse - D+, Talented, but exceptionally raw. The good games were few and far between, and he probably shouldn't have been in the NHL this season. Hopefully he learns from this trial by fire, and isn't negatively effected going forward.
Fayne - D-, Terrible defenseman, who somehow managed to get so complacent that he needed an AHL assignment half way through the season. Mistake prone player who is an absolute liability on the breakout, pinching along the wall, and in front of his own net, and is good for maybe one good game for every 10 games he plays. Chia really needs to find a taker for this soft and lazy turd if he wants to improve the team's overall defense next year.
Gryba - B, brought in to be a 6/7 defenseman, and far exceeded expectations despite his limited skillset, at times even playing top pairing minutes. Played a simple game and was willing to use his size(unlike the higher paid Fayne), which made him a valuable performer for a club full of players who consistently make things harder on themselves by trying to be too fancy.
Klefbom - N/A, Would have gotten an A as he was the team's best defenseman early, but unfortunately got sidelined for a seemingly minor injury for the rest of the season. Hard to know if he would have sustained his play, and the history of season crippling injuries and illnesses are becoming a concern.
Reinhart - N/A, too few games at the NHL level to really evaluate him for the season. Lots of development left to do until we see what type of player he is, but his upside does look somewhat limited.
Clendenning, Hunt, Nikitin - F, they should never see the NHL again.
Talbot - B, Struggled early, but worked his ass off to reclaim the number one job, and looks like a solid starter going forward. Successful season by any measure.
Mclellan and staff - C+, got the team playing an NHL style game, but they also show an unfortunate streak of bias and favoritism, along with a lack of adaptability that could hurt the team going forward when it becomes more competitive.
Chiarelli - B, the team is bad, but he came in blind and pretty clearly relied on the reports from inside the organization. Still, he had no problems with dumping junk players in the AHL when it was required, solved the goaltending issue, addressed the size issue on the wings while giving up virtually nothing, and oversaw the first positive additions to the defense in 5 years. First season in Edmonton with overall positive contributions the general manager in probably a decade.
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Forwards:
McDavid - A+ I never thought he'd look this fast in the NHL. When watching him as a junior I thought there was no way he'd look that fast playing in the NHL and I was wrong. His speed flat out blew my mind. Putting up a point per game average confirmed that the hype train got it right.
Hendricks - A Looked like the real leader of the team. Did everything expected out of him. Never took a shift off and answered the bell for the team several times.
Maroon - B+ Came in with a great attitude and clicked well with McDavid. Brings a good mix of hard work, grit and ability to be where he needs to be to succeed with his line-mates.
Drai - B Much improved skating and I was surprised with how many goals he scored. He's not ready to play tons of hard minutes, but he's getting there. Had some games where he showed that his face-off skills are getting the next level in the 2nd half of the season.
Hopkins - C+ Played a helluva lot of hard minutes and showed us that he can be a solid 2 way player but he was really disappointing offensively. The dude lacks drive and I don't think he cares whether or not he stays with the Oilers and I'm really indifferent forwards a trade involving Nuge at this point.
Pacman - C Looked like a solid 4th liner this year. Got some bigger minutes due to injuries and piss poor performances by his team mates.
Letesnu - C Effort as consistent but play was lacking at times due to limited abilities.
Hall - C- Couldn't have possibly cared less about whatever was going on inside his own zone this year. Did not look one bit like a leader. Seemed to care more about looking like a good hockey player when McDavid was hurt. Helped show us how valuable Drai could be as they had some incredible chemistry for a few months while McDavid was hurt. If he can't get his head in the game he needs to go.
Kassian - C - Didn't take a night off but took a ton of dumb penalties. Not sure if he went a single game without taking a penalty. I think we were expecting more offence out of him. Only way we keep him is if we're taking him to arbitration because I can't see management being able to justify paying him over 3M given how rarely he puts point up.
Pouliot - C- Had a nice stretch with McDavid but his chemistry with Hopkins and Eberle was invisible likely because the trio were lacking in the passion department. Needs to drive to the net and screen the goalies a lot more if he wants consideration for top 6 minutes next year.
Korp - C- Sometimes he works hard. Sometimes he skates hard. Sometimes he has a good shot. Took him 2 months to get used to our system and after that point in the season his consistency was a major issue.
Cracknell - C - Worked hard to justify staying in the NHL after being traded to Edmonton but he's not good enough to stick on the club if we want to be a better team next year.
Eberle: D Didn't give a **** about what the team was doing when the puck wasn't on his stick this year. Pretends to play defence by creeping inside our defensive blue line and standing around the point making it look like he's trying to play solid positional hockey.
Yakupov - F The nicest guy in our organization couldn't have had a worse season. Was really clicking with McDavid once they got put together but his season was a complete train reck after McDavid got hurt. Lacks the discipline to adopt new habits that will earn him more ice time. Made so many horrible decisions with the puck in the neutral zone this year. In the 2nd half of the season I think we could see him make 1 smart play without the puck ever 5-6 games. He's a dumpster fire and he needs to start over elsewhere.
Gazdic - F Enforcers are plugs for teams that want to tank and Gazdic doesn't skate well enough or play hockey well enough to be able to stick in the NHL.
D-men
Klefbom - A+ Took his play to the next level and convinced me that he's a capable #2 d-man. Was really starting to get a lot of shots off from the point in his last month of play before falling to injury.
Davidson - A Cinderella should be this guy's nickname. Got to stay up with the team at the start of the season because the team didn't want to risk losing him to waivers. After Reinhart got sent down Davidson's play became noticeably better game after game. When Klefbom went down to injury he was somehow looking really solid playing 2nd pairing minutes. Made great decisions with the puck, took very few stupid penalties and despite playing over his head against competition nobody ever expected him to play up against he was solid.
Sekera - B+ Took about 6 weeks to get used to our system and played really consistent throughout the year but he was playing in over his head for most of the year due to injuries but even when healthy we lack the blueline depth to give him minutes that are suitable for him.
Osterle - B Was pretty much what people were hoping Schultz would become. Got a really small sample size but seemed unusually comfortable with the puck in all 3 zones despite his size and lack of pro experience.
Nurse - C- Emerged as the man with the mean streak that we were expecting. Stood up to Lucic and assaulted Polak like a thug. Showed us that he's an incredibly gifted athlete but also showed us that he's still way too raw for the NHL. Positioning needs a lot of work.
Reinhart - C- Looked better in his second call-up but he isn't ready for the NHL. Still too slow and too limited.
Pardy - D Didn't take a night off but was lacking in skill needed to justify being a full time NHLer.
Gryba - D Had a stretch were he actually looked like a 3rd pairing d-man, but he's too slow and doesn't make good enough use of his size and reach to play in the NHL.
Fayne - D- Before clearing waivers we watched over a dozen shots bounce off of his body and into the net. He was flat out cursed. After Davidson and Klefbom got hurt the pucks were not bouncing off of him so horribly but he doesn't do anything well enough to justify being paid any more than league minimum.
Clendenning - F Showed us why he was put on waivers. Goodbye.
Ference - F He's a much better asset to the team when he's injured because when healthy he's too slow, takes too many stupid penalties and handles the puck like a hand grenade. I dare say that Justin Schultz played better than he did.
Nikitin - F A bigger shyer version of Ference who didn't seem to care about salvaging his career despite being on a contract year.
Goalies
Talbot - B+ Had a slow start and some of that might have had to do with poor team chemistry but once the wheels got going he was solid and showed us that he's more than capable of being the best starting goalie we've had over the last 8-10 years.
Brossoit - F If he's going to stay up in the NHL the coaching staff need to change how he trains and prepares for games. I think that not being used to playing so seldom really took him out of his comfort zone.
McDavid - A+ I never thought he'd look this fast in the NHL. When watching him as a junior I thought there was no way he'd look that fast playing in the NHL and I was wrong. His speed flat out blew my mind. Putting up a point per game average confirmed that the hype train got it right.
Hendricks - A Looked like the real leader of the team. Did everything expected out of him. Never took a shift off and answered the bell for the team several times.
Maroon - B+ Came in with a great attitude and clicked well with McDavid. Brings a good mix of hard work, grit and ability to be where he needs to be to succeed with his line-mates.
Drai - B Much improved skating and I was surprised with how many goals he scored. He's not ready to play tons of hard minutes, but he's getting there. Had some games where he showed that his face-off skills are getting the next level in the 2nd half of the season.
Hopkins - C+ Played a helluva lot of hard minutes and showed us that he can be a solid 2 way player but he was really disappointing offensively. The dude lacks drive and I don't think he cares whether or not he stays with the Oilers and I'm really indifferent forwards a trade involving Nuge at this point.
Pacman - C Looked like a solid 4th liner this year. Got some bigger minutes due to injuries and piss poor performances by his team mates.
Letesnu - C Effort as consistent but play was lacking at times due to limited abilities.
Hall - C- Couldn't have possibly cared less about whatever was going on inside his own zone this year. Did not look one bit like a leader. Seemed to care more about looking like a good hockey player when McDavid was hurt. Helped show us how valuable Drai could be as they had some incredible chemistry for a few months while McDavid was hurt. If he can't get his head in the game he needs to go.
Kassian - C - Didn't take a night off but took a ton of dumb penalties. Not sure if he went a single game without taking a penalty. I think we were expecting more offence out of him. Only way we keep him is if we're taking him to arbitration because I can't see management being able to justify paying him over 3M given how rarely he puts point up.
Pouliot - C- Had a nice stretch with McDavid but his chemistry with Hopkins and Eberle was invisible likely because the trio were lacking in the passion department. Needs to drive to the net and screen the goalies a lot more if he wants consideration for top 6 minutes next year.
Korp - C- Sometimes he works hard. Sometimes he skates hard. Sometimes he has a good shot. Took him 2 months to get used to our system and after that point in the season his consistency was a major issue.
Cracknell - C - Worked hard to justify staying in the NHL after being traded to Edmonton but he's not good enough to stick on the club if we want to be a better team next year.
Eberle: D Didn't give a **** about what the team was doing when the puck wasn't on his stick this year. Pretends to play defence by creeping inside our defensive blue line and standing around the point making it look like he's trying to play solid positional hockey.
Yakupov - F The nicest guy in our organization couldn't have had a worse season. Was really clicking with McDavid once they got put together but his season was a complete train reck after McDavid got hurt. Lacks the discipline to adopt new habits that will earn him more ice time. Made so many horrible decisions with the puck in the neutral zone this year. In the 2nd half of the season I think we could see him make 1 smart play without the puck ever 5-6 games. He's a dumpster fire and he needs to start over elsewhere.
Gazdic - F Enforcers are plugs for teams that want to tank and Gazdic doesn't skate well enough or play hockey well enough to be able to stick in the NHL.
D-men
Klefbom - A+ Took his play to the next level and convinced me that he's a capable #2 d-man. Was really starting to get a lot of shots off from the point in his last month of play before falling to injury.
Davidson - A Cinderella should be this guy's nickname. Got to stay up with the team at the start of the season because the team didn't want to risk losing him to waivers. After Reinhart got sent down Davidson's play became noticeably better game after game. When Klefbom went down to injury he was somehow looking really solid playing 2nd pairing minutes. Made great decisions with the puck, took very few stupid penalties and despite playing over his head against competition nobody ever expected him to play up against he was solid.
Sekera - B+ Took about 6 weeks to get used to our system and played really consistent throughout the year but he was playing in over his head for most of the year due to injuries but even when healthy we lack the blueline depth to give him minutes that are suitable for him.
Osterle - B Was pretty much what people were hoping Schultz would become. Got a really small sample size but seemed unusually comfortable with the puck in all 3 zones despite his size and lack of pro experience.
Nurse - C- Emerged as the man with the mean streak that we were expecting. Stood up to Lucic and assaulted Polak like a thug. Showed us that he's an incredibly gifted athlete but also showed us that he's still way too raw for the NHL. Positioning needs a lot of work.
Reinhart - C- Looked better in his second call-up but he isn't ready for the NHL. Still too slow and too limited.
Pardy - D Didn't take a night off but was lacking in skill needed to justify being a full time NHLer.
Gryba - D Had a stretch were he actually looked like a 3rd pairing d-man, but he's too slow and doesn't make good enough use of his size and reach to play in the NHL.
Fayne - D- Before clearing waivers we watched over a dozen shots bounce off of his body and into the net. He was flat out cursed. After Davidson and Klefbom got hurt the pucks were not bouncing off of him so horribly but he doesn't do anything well enough to justify being paid any more than league minimum.
Clendenning - F Showed us why he was put on waivers. Goodbye.
Ference - F He's a much better asset to the team when he's injured because when healthy he's too slow, takes too many stupid penalties and handles the puck like a hand grenade. I dare say that Justin Schultz played better than he did.
Nikitin - F A bigger shyer version of Ference who didn't seem to care about salvaging his career despite being on a contract year.
Goalies
Talbot - B+ Had a slow start and some of that might have had to do with poor team chemistry but once the wheels got going he was solid and showed us that he's more than capable of being the best starting goalie we've had over the last 8-10 years.
Brossoit - F If he's going to stay up in the NHL the coaching staff need to change how he trains and prepares for games. I think that not being used to playing so seldom really took him out of his comfort zone.
So would you grade younger players who aren't expected to be incredibly effective as strictly as you'd grade players would've been around for a decade?
I don't think the team average should be an F. As bad as Hall, Hopkins and Eberle looked this year they would have looked a lot better if Klefbom and Davidson hadn't gotten hurt and our group of forwards as a whole would have looked much better if we had a legit #1 d-man.
Take Luke Schenn, for example. He looked so brutal in Toronto and Philly because their blueline depth sucked and he ended up playing too many hard minutes. Then he moved to L.A and looked a billion times better because they had the depth to give him easier minutes. Would you give Schenn different grades while he played for these 3 teams? Because Hall could have played exactly the same game with the Sharks or the Penguins and looked like a guy you might have given a A to this season even though he looked horrible on the Oilers this season.
Once again this year Hall outperforms Nugent-Hopkins by almost every single metric possible, defensive results included. And once again, Hall gets accused of being a defensive no show and Nuge is some sort of heavy lifting work horse. Hall is a better player than Nugent-Hopkins in every. single. way. Offensively and defensively. Laughable that anyone could give Nugent-Hopkins, who had an absolutely miserable year from start to finish, a better grade than Hall.
Donno how anyone could give Nuge anything but a failing grade. Easily the worst season of his career. Somehow managed to under perform on even my ~55 point expectations.
Hall spends so much time in the neutral zone when the puck is in the the defensive zone.
While I agree Hall is the better hockey player with way more value Hopkins works harder than Hall does in the defensive zone.
You can talk about Hall having better results than Hopkins, but Hall doesn't play as hard of minutes as Hopkins does.
I don't get the high scores. We finished in second last place!
Our 6 million dollar men get a D or less this year. Talbot was OK Mcdavid was good but didn't bring it all the time.
Was a failure for most this year except a few of the new guys who cost minimal.
Only Davidson played great every single shift.
Team a D-
Our 6 million dollar men get a D or less this year. Talbot was OK Mcdavid was good but didn't bring it all the time.
Was a failure for most this year except a few of the new guys who cost minimal.
Only Davidson played great every single shift.
Team a D-
If you're going to give Sekera a fail does that mean that he should have played like the #1 d-man that nobody expected him to be?
I think it's easy to except that we haven't had a competent group of d-men for a very long time and this year's was supposed to be better but injuries as always got in our way.
