The Edmonton Oilers left Oklahoma City back in April of 2015 and headed west for Bakersfield, California. Southern Cal has become the home of the team’s top prospects, and now the Condors are closing in on the stretch drive of their first season in the world’s top development league.
Through 39 games, the Condors have posted a record of 18-17-2-2 for 40 points, a point percentage of .513, good enough for the number five seed in the new Pacific Division. Wins and playoff appearances are nice, but the main goal for Gerry Fleming’s squad is to develop players for the NHL team when need arises.
So far, so good.
Graduated Talent:
Two key players spent a short amount of time in Bakersfield this fall, Darnell Nurse and Leon Draisaitl. After their short stints, both players were recalled and haven’t looked back. Draisaitl is playing in a top six center role and has a real chemistry with Taylor Hall. Thanks to his 38 points in 41 games, it is safe to assume that he has arrived as an NHL player.
Nurse has struggled lately, no sugar coating it, but he’s been tossed into the fire and is playing over 20 minutes most nights. At 20 years old, that is a tall task for anyone. The potential is there and he has in fact played strong from time to time; my hopes are high for him. While I see a lesser role as the team gets healthier, he’s now an everyday NHL’er, whether I agree or not.
Iiro Pakarinen also saw some AHL time, and while he isn’t a key player, he is in fact an NHL’er. His combination of speed and physical play makes him appealing, but he can also play. Certainly looks like the AHL system has provided the team with a real bottom six forward.
There’s More!
The Oilers have received quality performances from Jujhar Khaira and Griffin Reinhart so far. Khaira brought physical play and speed to the lineup with some size while Reinhart has brought size and shut-down ability to the blue line.
Khaira is likely at best a bottom six forward, while Reinhart likely a second pairing defender if all goes right, but both could contribute on value contracts. Khaira really impressed me and I think we will see him again this season. Reinhart is a Chiarelli favorite and again looked good against Columbus on Tuesday night.
Condors to Watch:
Bakersfield will provide an interesting story line the rest of the season. The Oilers are likely to sell at the trade deadline and will likely make a few calls to the farm. Some young players could get looks in the big leagues and some veterans could also get chances under the new management group and coaching staff.
For now, let’s stick to prospects who provide interesting story lines. These guys should be watched for a variety of reasons in my mind.
F Tyler Pitlick – If he could ever stay healthy, he would be a player in the NHL, I believe that. He’s again battled injuries and is likely on his last legs as an Oiler. That said, he’s come on as of late and has posted 3-4-7 in 15 games so far. He’s likely fighting for a job in the organization the rest of the year. That said, his skill set is a solid match for what Edmonton is looking for in its bottom six. I’m rooting for him.
F Jujhar Khaira – Suspect we see him again this season and probably get a long look at him next year. Young power forward with an edge and who impressed earlier. I’ll be interested in seeing how his boxcars look moving forward. (4-7-11 in 23 so far)
F Anton Slepyshev – Talented Russian is currently hurt, but he was catching fire right before his injury. Posted 4-1-5 in 20 games so far in the minors, but as mentioned he was finding the groove. He could be key to creating three scoring lines next season, he’s got the talent to be a real top nine F in the NHL. He could earn another look this season and I suspect we see him deep into camp again next fall.
F Kyle Platzer – I liked him a lot in junior and I like him as a pro, too. 5-8-13 in 33 so far as a rookie and seemingly gaining some traction. Co
uld be an NHL’er two or three years down the line in a bottom six role. Doesn’t seem important now, but this is a potential value contract moving forward.
D David Musil – Possible trade showcase as we move forward. Can’t see him playing long term as an Oiler, seriously. Too much clutter on the left side and he doesn’t do anything that makes him flash. Steady prospect though, and from what I understand, he’s been strong in the AHL again.
D’s Jordan Oesterle, Joey LaLeggia and Dillon Simpson – These are similar defenders in terms of style, but all different prospects. Oesterle has the mobility, puck moving ability and is finally settling in as a pro. I suspect he is in line for another call-up. The other two interest me, but one suspects they could also be trade bait this summer. I’m a big fan of LaLeggia to be honest, think he can fill an MA-Bergeron role.
G Laurent Brossoit – The AHL All-Star is probably very close to ready. He’ll be the starter the rest of the way and into the playoffs should the Condors reach. I’d also assume we see him get an NHL game or two down the stretch and then fight for the backup job next fall. 13-8-2 with three shutouts, a 2.61 GAA and .924 SV%. This represents another year of progress for the tender.
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