Re: OIL CHANGE: Restoring the Glory of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 14 Sim)
 

Thanks BT, my 2nd Line played Lights Out most of the playoffs. I actually watched all 4 games in the Final in coach mode so it was very satisfying.

Re: OIL CHANGE: Restoring the Glory of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 14 Sim)
 

EDMONTON LOOKS AHEAD TO DRAFT WITH A TOP 3 PICK
Neil Mackenzie - Edmonton Journal (C) 2014

With the 2014 NHL Entry Draft just 2 weeks away, Edmonton GM Tim Murray is busy evaluating this years draft stock. Finishing 2nd last in the standings the Oilers can end up drafting 1st, 2nd or 3rd overall this year depending on the NHL Draft Lottery, which takes place in 2 days.

Many scouts are stating that this year the draft is top heavy, meaning that there could be several teams looking to trade up to get into the top 10. Don't expect the Oilers to trade away their pick however as they have been heavily scouting several highly ranked players, including the following CSS Top 5 Draft Prospects:

1. Sam Reinhart, C, Kootenay, 6, 200

Reinhart’s defining attribute is his definitely his hockey sense, which is nothing short of elite. The way he thinks the game is already at an NHL-level and whether it’s a nice play in the defensive zone or a seeing-eye pass through traffic, Reinhart always seems to be one step ahead of the game. He posses a lethal shot when to along with his good size and strength.

He's very smooth and playmaking seems easy. But he seems to fly under the radar during the play, kind of slink in and make a great play. He obviously has a superb "feel" for the sport.

Player Comparison: Jonathan Toews

2. Aaron Ekblad, D, Barrie, 6'4, 200

The big defender was the first of three granted exceptional player status by the OHL in consecutive years — post-Tavares. And he made an impact right away, earning the league’s top rookie award. The stalwart blueliner is by far the best defenseman in this years draft.

Ekblad has continued to grow — both on and off the ice. And as impressive as his stature between the boards is, it’s what he brings to the table off-ice that may be his greatest attributes. At 17, Ekblad is captain of the Barrie Colts. He also captained his Ivan Hlinka U-18 squad and played a key role on the Canadian World Junior Championship squad.

Ekblad does a little bit of everything and he does it well. In 68 games this season, he’s playing just shy of a point-per-game level, with 27 goals and 38 assists. He’s also shown a willingness to throw that 6’4” frame around and is a solid, defensively responsible crease clearer who can quarterback your power-play.

Player Comparison: Chris Pronger

3. Sam Bennett, C, Kingston, 6'0, 180

One hundred games into his OHL career, Bennett has made a dramatic impact, both on the league as a whole and on the resurgent Frontenacs.

In 62 games this year, Bennett averaged over a point-and-a-half per game, with 46 goals and 51 assists.

But what makes Bennett even more appealing is his willingness and ability to play a physical game. Last year, in 60 contests, he racked up 87 penalty minutes. This year, in only 62 games, he’s surpassed those totals with 95 penalty minutes.

He’s also displayed a maturity beyond his years, playing a focal role on the Frontenacs despite not turning 18 until late June.

At only 6’ and 180 pounds, Bennett will have to pack on some pounds to continue to play that gritty role, but as a goal-scorer with an edge, he’s a tremendously appealing prospect at the NHL level.

NHL Comparison: Ryan Getzlaf

4. Leon Draisaitl, C, Prince Albert, 6'1, 199

The German pivot is blowing scouts away right now. One thought the kid had some Anze Kopitar in him thanks to a combination of size and playmaking. The latter is where Draisaitl really shines. A complete player with great awareness, he makes players around him better and has great anticipation. Makes plays equally strong on both his forehand and backhand.

Draisaitl needs to work on his skating, especially without the puck. His acceleration isn't great, but overall his speed is pretty good. The interesting thing about his skating is that it looks like it improves immensely as soon as he has the puck on his stick. He puts his head down, skates aggressively and knows where to go with it and what lanes to drive.

To go along with his skating with the puck, he also protects the puck well. In the offensive zone he's not afraid to put his *** towards the defender and use his long arms to keep the defenders away. His size also helps him absorb hits.

NHL Comparison: Anze Kopitar

5. Michael Dal Colle, C/LW, Oshawa, 6'1, 180

Last year, Dal Colle lined up with Boone Jenner and Tyler Biggs, both NHL-drafted talent. He took the opportunity to soak up as much information as he could and it’s paid off in spades as he has been able to parlay that knowledge into a stellar draft-eligible campaign.

Having shattered his rookie-campaign totals with 33 goals and 76 points in 55 games, Dal Colle, who is committed to playing a two-way game, is also a steady plus player for the Generals.

A solid offensive player with two-way potential, Dal Colle skates well, but could improve his overall speed. He has a good shot, has room to add to his frame, and plays all aspects of the game well.

NHL Comparison: Corey Perry/Jeff Carter

Re: OIL CHANGE: Restoring the Glory of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 14 Sim)
 

2014 TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. S.REINHART F
2. A.EKBLAD D
3. L.DRAISAITL F
4. S.BENNETT F
5. M.DAL COLLE F
6. R.MACINNIS F
7. K.KAPANEN F
8. R.MCKEOWN D
9. M.MISTELE F
10. S.WATSON F
11. J.HO-SANG F
12. N.RITCHIE F
13. J.MCCANN F
14. J.VIRTANEN F
15. A.WENNBERG F
16. H.FLEURY D
17. A.DEANGELO D
18. R.FABBRI F
19. W.NYLANDER F
20. R.MAHEUX D

Re: OIL CHANGE: Restoring the Glory of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 14 Sim)
 

A great bunch of kids to choose from..

Re: OIL CHANGE: Restoring the Glory of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 14 Sim)
 

Oilers definitely need some help on D. Gudas should help you there. He's a great DFD. Good checker. Draft Ekblad if you can!

Re: OIL CHANGE: Restoring the Glory of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 14 Sim)
 

OILERS DRAFT AARON EKBLAD WITH 2ND OVERALL PICK
Neil Mackenzie - Edmonton Journal (C) 2014

With the 2nd Overall Pick in the 2014 Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers selected Defenseman Aaron Ekblad from the Barrie Colts. The Phoenix Coyotes won the Draft Lottery and retained their 1st Overall Pick. They didn't waste much time drafting Sam Reinhart from Kootenay with the pick. With a slew of great forward prospects to choose from, the Oilers opted to add to their blueline taking the top rated defenseman.

Ekblad has the potential to be a franchise D-Man, something the organization sorely needed. The 6'4 Ekblad showed a lot of poise and composure on the backend for Team Canada at the recent World Juniors. Demonstrating why he was ranked in the top 3 on both the CSS and ISS rankings. Ekblad was touted as the most NHL ready defenseman in the draft and is expected to compete for a roster spot next season.

GM Tim Murray secured a second Round 2 Pick with Carolina trading a 2015 2nd Round Pick and a 2014 3rd Round Pick. He also made another minor trade with Detroit. Trading LW Philippe Cornet (24 - 74 ovr - 2.5 Yellow) for RW Trevor Parkes (23 - 68 ovr - 2.5 Yellow).

By the end of Draft Weekend, Murray had used his picks to pick prospects at all positions, although he focused more on Right Wing and Defense.

2014 DRAFT RECAP

Round 1 (2nd Overall)
Aaron Ekblad, D, Barrie Colts, 77 ovr - 4.5 Green

Round 2 (32nd Overall)
Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Halifax Mooseheads, 70 ovr - 4 Yellow

Round 2 (36th Overall) - From Carolina
Jakub Vrana, RW, Peteborough Petes, 55 ovr - 4 Yellow

Round 3 (65th Overall) - From Calgary
Axel Blomqvist, RW, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 55 ovr - 3.5 Yellow

Round 3 (83rd Overall) - From Florida
Luke Siemens, G, Prince Albert Raiders, 66 ovr - 2.5 Yellow

Round 5 (122nd Overall)
Ben Duffy, C, Charlottetown Islanders, 61 ovr - 2.5 Green

Round 5 (132nd Overall) - From Pittsburgh
Maxim Smirnov, D, SKA Saint Petersburg, 55 ovr - 3.5 Red

Round 5 (133rd Overall) - From Ottawa
Duncan MacIntyre, D, Quebec Remparts, 50 ovr - 2.5 Yellow

Round 7 (182nd Overall)
Trevor Cox, C, Medicine Hat Tigers, 50 ovr - 2.5 Yellow

Re: OIL CHANGE: Restoring the Glory of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 14 Sim)
 

Had him on my radar for a long time. Will be an excellent pairing with Nurse down the road. I'm liking Gudas a lot actually. He really helped OKC during their Calder Cup run, surprised Tampa waived him.

Re: OIL CHANGE: Restoring the Glory of the Edmonton Oilers (NHL 14 Sim)
 

2014 NHL ENTRY DRAFT - ROUND 1

1. Phoenix - S. Reinhart
2. Edmonton - A. Ekblad
3. Los Angeles - L. Draisaitl
4. Montreal - S. Bennett
5. Calgary - M. Dal Colle
6. Carolina - R. MacInnis
7. Boston - K. Kapanen
8. Buffalo - R. McKeown
9. Washington - M. Mistele
10. St. Louis - S. Watson

11. Columbus - J. Ho-Sang
12. Buffalo - R. Fabbri
13. Pittsburgh - N. Ritchie
14. Ottawa - L. Guindon
15. Vancouver - J. Virtanen
16. Nashville - A. Nedelkovic
17. Winnipeg - A. Wennberg
18. Dallas - A. DeAngelo
19. Colorado - H. Fleury
20. New Jersey - E. Laurikainen

21. San Jose - J. McCann
22. Philadelphia - R. Gusse
23. Florida - A. Pepin
24. NY Islanders - I. Barbashev
25. Toronto - W. Nylander
26. Tampa Bay - B. Perlini
27. Anaheim - D. Williams
28. NY Rangers - R. Maheux
29. Detroit - C. Bobyk
30. Chicago - T. Baille