Options at 4?

Just over a month away from the 2016 NHL entry draft. The biggest question that currently hangs in the balance is… Who will the Edmonton Oilers select at 4? To be fair, I’m not completely sold on the idea that Columbus is going to stay in the 3 spot. I’ve heard a few rumblings. They’re in cap hell and need a center. Neither of which can be fixed by drafting 3. So there’s a few things going on with them. Obviously the Oilers could trade out of the 4 spot. 90% of people want to see them do that. I’m not convinced they’ll be able to find value to be honest. There’s not a lot of difference between picks 4-10. I have a hard time believing someone will want to relinquish significant assets to make it happen. Not saying it won’t happen, but I wouldn’t say the Oilers are in a position of strength when it comes to negotiations. Unless a team kicks Chiarelli’s door down because they want a player that could be gone at 5.

We could go on and on about possibly trades, but a couple that could make sense? Trade back options with Colorado, Ottawa and Carolina could happen. Defencemen like Justin Faulk, Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci would all have interest from Chiarelli.

As for the players available at 4, the list is pretty long. As far as I can tell, the race is between 2-3 players. But if they trade back there’s probably 10 guys they look at.

Matthew Tkachuk– loads of talent, elite vision and knows how to score goals. He’s a gritty player as well. He compares himself to James Van Riemsdyk. He’s the most pro ready player available in this group. He could probably start the year at Left wing with Connor McDavid

Pierre Luc Dubios– a bit of a late bloomer here. He’s grown a ton in the last year or so, he’s gonna be a machine. Needs one more year in junior. But his game doesn’t have many holes, skates well, good shot, creates plays for others and hits like a truck. Just needs another year to fine tune everything. Versatile player, played Center mostly this year for the Screaming Eagles and played RW at the Ivan Hlinka while playing with Tyler Benson and Nolan Patrick.

Logan Brown– I like how he plays, but I can’t see him going at 4. 6’6 and skates well, just not sure how high his offensive ceiling is. I’d be open to the option if they traded down. He was a horse for Rocky Thompson’s Spitfires this year. He definitely has potential, just not as safe of pick as the previous 2 guys.

If the Oilers trade back into the 8-12 range who could they possibly interested In?

Jakob Chychrun – Most pro ready defenceman. Skates extremely well, very good shot, positionally sound in his own end. NHL size already, he’s 6’2 215. Doesn’t get much better than that. Some really like this kid, some don’t believe in his offensive ability. It will be interesting to see what happens in 6 weeks at the draft.

Olli Juolevi – Smooth player here. Needs to bulk up a little, also skates very well. He’s the smartest of the three high end defencemen. Does everything pretty well, large portion of London’s success is because of him. Comparable is Niklas Hjalmarsson with a bit more offence in his game.

Mikhail Sergachev– Interesting player here. Best offensive instincts/ability for defencemen in the draft. Also played for Rocky Thompson’s Spitfires. Skates well and has a bomb of a shot. Plays very well in the offensive end and makes nice breakout passes. The slight area of concern is in his own end. First season in North America and doesn’t speak fantastic English from what I’ve been told. Which could be part of the problem along with the smaller ice surface. He’s gotten better as the year has gone on. The team that drafts him, needs to take their time with him and given the right coaching/development he’ll be the best defencemen in this draft.

Tyson Jost– Played Junior A this year in Pentincton. Had a wonderful season there, scores big goals, plays all 200 feet very well. Good in the faceoff circle. He also does all the little things well. I was impressed when I watched him in Pentincton this winter. He’s gonna be a real good NHL player, similar playing style to Jonathon Toews.

Clayton Keller– Most people in Canada haven’t seen this kid play, which is a shame. A tad undersized, but he’s got a boat load of talent. Similar style of play to Mitch Marner or Patrick Kane. Can stick handle in a phone booth, solid shot. Yet another solid American prospect coming down the pipe.

Alex Nylander– Silky smooth, the best hands in the draft probably. Makes goalies looks silly regularly. Needs to beef up his frame a little, but there’s a lot to like there. Buffalo likes him a lot from what I hear. Nylander rivalry?

Thanks for reading, the Oilers rig crew will have a few mock drafts coming out in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.