The other day we took a look at the forward group of the Bakersfield Condors, and now we turn our attention to the last line of defense.
The Condor’s blueline could see a lot of different names depending on how the big club sorts out their “D” group. I mentioned in an earlier article that the Oilers could be targeting Mike Green, and that Eric Gryba has a shot to win a job as the 7th or 8th defenseman.
In my article discussing the acquisition of Mike Green, the Oiler’s “D” pairings were Klefbom/Larsson, Sekera/Green, Davidson/Fayne, Nurse/Gryba. Even without the Green acquisition, we can assume the Oilers keep the other defensemen on their roster.
DEPTH CHART
Griffin Reinhart-Jordan Oesterle
David Musil-Matthew Benning
Joey Laleggia-Dillon Simpson
Mark Fraser-Frankie Simonelli*
Ben Betker-Mikael Tam*
Laurent Brossoit
Eetu Laurikainen
Nick Ellis
*AHL Contract
TOP FOUR
The most likely controversial move Peter Chiarelli has on the books was the acquisition of Griffin Reinhart for the 16th and 33rd overall draft pick in 2015. It’s looking like it is a HUGE overpayment after one season, but it’s not Reinhart’s fault he was acquired for a large price. There’s still a great player there and Reinhart will be best suited playing 24+ minutes in the minors to properly develop.
Jordan Oesterle is the most likely candidate from this group to play the majority of the season in the NHL. Oesterle proved to be a smart puck mover with offensive upside in the big leagues. His steady improvement in each of his two pro seasons is a good sign and this will likely be the last time he plays in the AHL.
2011 2nd round pick David Musil didn’t earn an NHL call-up last year, but he’s a steady stay-at-home consistent defenseman who is ready for the big leagues. It just might not be here. It may be in both party’s best interest to move on. Musil could full in on a bottom pairing in the NHL if the Oilers could acquire a puck-moving right-handed defenseman in exchange.
Late in the summer Peter Chiarelli signed a former pick of his with the Boston Bruins in St.Albert native Matthew Benning. Benning has a right shot, which is something lacking on the farm club. Colton Parayko surprised last year for the St.Louis Blues so Benning will be one to keep an eye on.
THE BOTTOM PAIRINGS
Joey Laleggia was the best rookie in Bakersfield last year, but it wasn’t much of a surprise considering his 24 years. He saw some time as a forward playing on the wing, but was more suited to the QB role on the power play. Laleggia will likely play a top-four role, but it’s anybody’s guess if he has a future in the NHL. He’s either Brad Hunt or Marc-Andre Bergeron.
Mark Fraser was a confusing signing by the Oilers. Fraser had a previous stint with the Oilers filling out a bottom pairing role on yet another lost season. It’s expected that Fraser will be the muscle on the farm team with Mitch Moroz and Joel Rechlicz.
Son of former Oiler Craig Simpson, Dillon has progressed very well since turning pro two seasons ago. He’s an older prospect and may not be able to crack the big club for at least another season. He’ll play up and down the lineup as injuries and call-ups come and go, but Simpson may need to switch organizations to get a real chance.
THE OTHER GUYS
6’6 228lb monster d-man Ben Betker is a solid contract player. He moves his feet incredibly well for a big man, and he is already on track to oust his draft position (6/158 in 2013). Betker is too similar to players like Dillon Simpson, David Musil and Mark Fraser so he may spend most of the season with Norfolk like he did last year.
Frankie Simonelli and Mikael Tam round out the defense roster. Simonelli is a 23-year-old right hand shot who has not had much success in the AHL. Tam is a 25-year-old left hand shot defenseman who struggled at the ECHL level last year. These guys are roster fillers at best.
THE GOALIES
Many believe that Laurent Brossoit can win the Oiler’s backup job out of camp and I think he’s better than Jonas Gustavsson. With that being said, I think it makes more sense for Brossoit to start 55+ games at the AHL level before becoming the backup this year.
Eetu Laurikainen had a tough season. After Ben Scrivens cleared waivers and went down to Bakersfield, Laurikainen was loaned back to Finland before returning after the Scrivens trade. Laurikainen ended up being thrust into the starter role during a playoff race, where he was exposed. While his .907 save percentage was decent, it showed he’s not ready to carry the AHL starting role. Could end up in the ECHL.
Nick Ellis is a goalie to watch. When the Oilers lost out on Alex Lyon to the Philadelphia Flyers, they quickly signed Nick Ellis. Ellis was stuck in the backup role in Providence College for the previous two seasons to Jon Gillies before the 2015-16 season. His 1.80 GAA and .936 SV% were sparkling numbers, so he could be the one to watch. I assume he starts in the ECHL before eventually ending the year as the starter in Bakersfield.
THE BAKERSFIELD LEADERS
Top scorer: Joey Laleggia
Runner-up: Jordan Oesterle
Laleggia has offensive dynamics that should easily give him this title. 40 points is easily within his reach. Oesterle will challenge, but he won’t get as many games in the AHL.
Most improved player: Griffin Reinhart
Runner-up: Dillon Simpson
Reinhart can hold his own in the NHL, so he should dominate the AHL this year. He may never become a top pairing NHL defender, but if he dominates this season he should develop into a top four NHL defender.
Biggest disappointment: Matthew Benning
Runner-up: Eetu Laurikainen
Benning is no Parayko. While Matthew Benning has an outside chance to become an NHL player, but I believe there will be a few hiccups in his first season. Laurikainen doesn’t improve.
Biggest surprise: Nick Ellis
Runner-up: Griffin Reinhart
Nick Ellis should be able to slowly gain his confidence in the pro game beginning in Norfolk, before taking the backup job from Laurikainen and eventually starting once Brossoit gets called up to the big club.
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