Are the Oilers Targeting College Star Spencer Foo?

Last year Peter Chiarelli added college free agents Drake Caggiula, Matt Benning, and Nick Ellis. This year he’s added junior free agent Ryan Mantha, a big right-shooting defenseman with the OHL’s Niagra IceDogs.

Now news comes from Bob Stauffer that the Oilers are interested in signing college forward Spencer Foo, if he chooses to become a free agent. (Stauffer’s “guesses” are usually more than just guesses.)

Edmonton-born Spencer Foo has struck for 2 today. He is a Junior. If he turns pro my guess is the Oilers would be in the mix https://t.co/qkMkE4Lbzm

— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) March 25, 2017

Who is Spencer Foo? Foo is a 22-year-old right winger who plays for the NCAA’s Union College. He’s listed as standing 6 feet tall and weighing 180 pounds. This season he amassed 26 goals and 36 assists in 38 games.

In an NHL.com article on this year’s top college free agents, Dave Starman, a college hockey analyst for CBS Sports Network and ESPN, gives the following scouting report on Foo:

“He’s greasy. He just does a lot of little things that are fun to watch. He’s got electric speed, hands, guts. He’s not afraid to try something difficult. He’s been good. He’s just fun to watch and he plays with an edge.”

As Stauffer mentions, Foo hails from Edmonton, and in a Q&A with Times Union (supscription required), Foo reveals that his favourite NHL team is the Oilers: “Big Edmonton Oilers fan. Always an Oilers fan growing up.”

Needless to say, other teams are also interested in signing Foo. It’s been reported that the Kings–a team in desperate need of prospects–have their sights set on Foo.

Keep an eye on Union-Penn State game. Kings scouts there watching @spencerfoo & he is putting on a show. Has two goals, 3-3 game thru 30min.

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) March 25, 2017

However, it’s possible that Foo might decide to return to Union College next season. The aforementioned NHL.com article states that Foo’s “younger brother, Parker, will be a freshman there in 2017-18.” Turn pro or play college hockey with your brother…big decision.

One more thing: “Bank Shot” commented yesterday on Lowetid’s blog that Gene Principe is probably hoping and wishing that the Oilers sign Foo:

I’d like to see the Oilers land Spencer Foo just to see Gene make the inevitable “Pity the Foo” reference.

Indeed.