Oilers Sign Patrick Russell

The Edmonton Oilers have added another NCAA free agent to the organization this morning. According to Sportsnet’s John Shannon, the Oilers have signed St. Cloud State’s Patrick Russell to a two-year entry-level contract.

Fresh from signing North Dakota’s Drake Caggiula, Oilers have signed Forward Patrick Russell from St Cloud State.

— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) May 9, 2016

The #Oilers have agreed to terms with St. Cloud State forward Patrick Russell on a two-year, entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/u1TeIbWDPT

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 9, 2016

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Scouting Report:

The 6’1” and 205 pound forward provides a unique skill set in Edmonton. He’s a bigger forward who plays a physical style and who is a beast on the cycle. Russell uses his body to create space for himself and to gain real estate in the offensive zone. He’s very effective in this regard and provides something that few Oiler prospects can.

In addition to that, Russell is a pretty effective offensive player. In 41 games this past season, the winger registered 20-21-41, exactly one point-per-game. This signifies that Russell is strong enough offensively to make it at the next level. A point-per-game, to me at least, is the marker an NCAA forward must hit in order to be a strong offensive player at the next level.

Overall, Patrick Russell is a big forward with some skill and a little nasty in his game. He’s strong on the forecheck and he can contribute offensively. He’s a decent skater and he is responsible enough defensively that he was trusted on the PK at St. Cloud State.

He’s a nice prospect who can help Edmonton’s lacking prospect group at the forward position.

What Can We Expect:

Patrick Russell is a nice get because he fits a need in Edmonton. The Oilers have very few relevant forward prospects who are right shots. Russell is another one. The Oilers have very few big bodies who can function with skill and who can play. Again, Russell is another one.

Patrick Russell’s strengths fit exactly what the Oilers are looking for, so he’s a pretty good fit here. He also joins a prospect group that is very thin. By my count, only Anton Slepyshev, Bogdan Yakimov, Drake Caggiula, Greg Chase and Kyle Platzer check out as potential future NHL’ers to me. Russell adds to that group.

For 2016-17, we’ll most likely see Russell develop at the AHL level. He got better year-over-year in the NCAA, and he will likely need some adjustment time from the college game to the professional game. Expecting him to contribute right away at the NHL level is likely asking too much.

Regardless, Russell is a nice add to the Oilers’ system. He fits a need and will provide more competition in training camp. Should he have a strong camp and adapt at the AHL level, then Russell could be an option as a fill-in as the season rolls along.

Peter Chiarelli added yet another prospect to the forward ranks today, and that is much needed. Edmonton is thin in this regard and they must find ways to restock the system. Adding college standouts like Russell and the recently signed Caggiula is a great start.

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