The third installment of this four post series looks at and grades the forwards of the Edmonton Oilers. There is a ton of talent in this group and some terrific performances in here.
Taylor Hall – A+: Hall made his first All-Star game and is currently fifth in NHL scoring with 41 points in 41 games. Not only is he clicking at a point-per-game rate, but Hall is also generating a crazy amount of chances offensively. Oh, and his two-way game has completely taken off this season, he’s making less mistakes with the puck and is much smarter defensively.
Leon Draisaitl – A: Leon looks like a completely different player than in his rookie season. He’s the complete package of skill, size and speed for this team. He’s currently fifth in the NHL in terms of points-per-game with a 1.03 mark. So far this season, Leon has scored 9-23-32 in 31 games. He’s a legit top-six forward and is now a huge part of this group.
Teddy Purcell – B: Big bounce back season for the veteran. Has looked good on the powerplay and has chemistry with both Hall and Draisaitl. Has posted 9-16-25 in 41 games and has been one of Edmonton’s most consistent contributors. Quietly made a case for himself to be re-signed this summer by Peter Chiarelli.
Benoit Pouliot – B-: Pouliot has missed time with injury this season and that impacted his recent play. However, he started strong and he’s now getting back to his normal ways. Impacts the game with his smart play and offensive ability. Solid second line left winger behind Taylor Hall. 8-9-17 in 32 tilts this season, so a little more offense would be nice.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – C: An average season for the Nuge is starting to turn in a good way. Solid start was interrupted by the flu and he’s just now recovering. His two-way game has been inconsistent this season but strong this last stretch. He needs to provide more offense however, especially on the the man advantage. Great player who has more to give. 8-20-28 in 40 games.
Jordan Eberle – C: When he’s not scoring, he’s a complete non-factor. Been an odd season for Eberle, who was hurt in training camp and returned in November. Has had two hot stretches and is starting to feel it again. If he could be more consistent, and he’s done it every year prior, he could be a huge factor down the stretch. Edmonton needs more from him. 10-7-17 in 28 tilts.
Lauri Korpikoski – C-: Nightmare start but he’s starting to come around. Doesn’t do anything great but does a lot well. I like how he’s been physically engaged lately and willing to take the puck to the net. You can see his confidence rising as of late too. Solid third/fourth line winger has settled in after a tough start. 6-4-10 in 33 games.
Mark Letestu – C+: Letestu struggled at the start of the season, but like many others in the bottom six he has settled in nicely. He’s won the 3C job from Anton Lander and provides Edmonton with a strong defensive presence up front. Key penalty killer for the team too and sees some powerplay time. 5-6-11 in 41 games and to me is a positive piece moving forward.
Matt Hendricks – B: Meant for a specific role and he fills it well. Good veteran leader who brings the intensity and grit each and every night. He’s Edmonton’s top-checker and has once again been an asset in the shootout. One of the key veteran leaders on a young team. 2-4-6 in 31 games so far.
Luke Gazdic – C+: Gazdic is what he is, an enforcer in a game that no longer values the role. That said, Gazdic gets this grade because, when he’s been in the lineup, he’s actually played solid hockey for the Oilers considering his ability and role.
Anton Lander – D-: This is a really big disappointment in my mind. Lander had a very strong second half last year but has managed only two points in 40 games this season. He’s still solid in terms of his two-way game, but he’s providing Edmonton with literally no offense. That’s an issue and he’ll be gone if he doesn’t correct it soon.
Rob Klinkhammer – C: Tough winger has spent a lot of time injured this season, getting in only ten games. Hasn’t gotten going to this point so he’ll get an average grade. Has looked good in the last two games, bringing a physical aspect and a solid checking game to the table.
Iiro Pakarinen – C-: Works hard and plays physical, but hasn’t provided much offensively and doesn’t stand-out defensively. He’s likely AHL bound once the team gets healthy.
Jujhar Khaira – C: Pretty good NHL debut for the big forward. Limited offense, only two assists in 12 games, but he’s been a solid checker and is surprisingly solid defensively. Knows where to go, but he needs to execute better. AHL bound once this team gets healthy.
Anton Slepyshev – C-: One assist in eleven games after a strong training camp. You can see the offensive potential, but he needs to adapt to the North American pro style a little more.
Andrew Miller – F: Provided nothing to Edmonton in a brief six game stint. Disappointing considering his strong end to the season in the NHL and AHL a year ago.
Nail Yakupov – C+: Was very strong with Connor McDavid, but was almost a non-factor without him. He’s been out since late November with a high ankle sprain, but he’s closing in on a return. 2-10-12 in 22 games.
Connor McDavid – B+: His first four games were a feeling out process, but McDavid took off for the next nine and dazzled us with some spectacular play before breaking his clavicle. He’s a franchise player and proved how special he is. 12 points in 13 games and closing in on his return.
Oilers Overall Forward Grade – B-: The Oilers high end guys have performed quite well this year. Taylor Hall, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid lead the way while both Benoit Pouliot and Teddy Purcell are closing in. Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins weren’t bad, but both have more to give to this club.
The bottom six was killer early on, giving the team absolutely nothing, and that impacts the grade. Anton Lander has emerged as a weak point in this lineup and the third line doesn’t provide much offense. That said, this is an above average forward group and they are about to get some substantial players back from injury.
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