Refining the Oil – PP Specialist Trade Options

In the last couple of parts of this series, we took a look at forward options on the RW. In recent Oilers games, RW scoring depth continues to be an issue. Are rookies Puljujarvi and Caggiula really ready for the big lights of the NHL? If you look at point production, there’s a significant concern there.

There are still two other areas needing bolstering – PP specialist and 2RD. In this, being part four of the series, we’ll take a look at who might fill the noticeable void on the Oilers’ powerplay units.

As I combed through the 5v4 scoring lists, I was struck by how few options there really are. Most are highly valued pieces on teams and already locked up for the long term. Others just aren’t that much of an improvement over what we already have. For example, the Oilers already have the guy who’s #42 on the list of top PP point producers over the last 5 years – Andrej Sekera.

The following is my top 10 list of potentially available PP specialists. For the first 5, I looked outside the box for some lesser known, relatively inexpensive options. The final 5 are established PP quarterbacks. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idKy-bqwZEs

Ryan Murphy

(128 GP, 6G – 30A – 36pts, CF% 50.0)

Size: 5’11, 185lbs

Age: 23

Contract: 1^st year of 2 year X $787,500

Scouting Report: The Oilers Rig’s own Zach Laing discussed Murphy here. Murphy was highly touted in the OHL where he played with the Kitchener Rangers. But his most notable play has been the last couple of years with Carolina’s AHL affiliate, where he’s put up near point-per-game numbers. I’m in the group that thinks he shouldn’t cost very much to acquire. Unproven at the NHL level, shoots right.

Ryan Sproul

(13 GP, 1 G – 4 A – 5 pts, CF% 48.7)

Size: 6’4, 211 lbs

Age: 23

Contract: 1^st year of 2 years X $625,000

Scouting Report: Sproul is currently being used by the Red Wings on the PP, albeit as a secondary option. He mans the point with Niklas Kronwall on the second powerplay unit. Unproven in the NHL, shoots right.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJhsEtMosA4

Ryan Pulock

(16 GP, 2G – 2A – 4pts, CF% 51.2)

Size: 6’2, 215lbs

Age: 22

Contract: 2^nd year of 3 years X $863,333

Scouting Report: You could make a good argument that the Oilers would have been better off trading the package they did to the Islanders for Pulock instead of Reinhart. He certainly fits a more pressing need. He’s got a cannon of a shot and he’s a right-hander. A 20 goal scorer in junior, he has talent – but it is concerning that he hasn’t shown much offense in the pro leagues.

Brandon Montour

(NHL: N/A, AHL: 96 GP, 16G – 64A – 81pts)

Size: 6’, 192lbs

Age: 22

Contract: 2^nd year of 3 years X $925,000

Scouting Report: Montour is more of an unknown than anyone else on this list. He burst onto the scene with the Ducks’ AHL affiliate, and has ripped through the AHL ever since. He seems to be an elite offensive talent in the making, and his boxcars are flat out impressive. Shoots right, and doesn’t have much room for NHL employment in Anaheim, with all the talent in front of him. Could shake loose, but I imagine Bob Murray would prefer to ship him out of division.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxGbZc7LxcM

Julius Honka

(5 GP, 0G – 3A – 3pts, CF% 62.7)

Size: 5’11, 185lbs

Age: 20

Contract: 1^st year of 3 years X $863,333

Scouting Report: The Stars are high on Honka and with good reason. He’s flourishing at a very young age and has only succeeded at every level he’s played. Between Honka and Klingberg, Dallas should be receiving offensive contributions from the blueline for a long time to come. I doubt he’s available – if he is, the ask is likely sky high.

Sami Vatanen

(217 GP, 30G – 78A – 108pts, CF% 51.9)

Size: 5’10, 183lbs

Age: 25

Contract: 1^st year of 4 years X $4.875M

Scouting Report: Vatanen is extremely confident with the puck on his stick and is likely the most offensively gifted of all of Anaheim’s blueliners. He walks the line well on the PP and is a true PP quarterback. He’d be an incredible addition, but if he were to be dealt, you’d think Bob Murray would look to the east first. There was a rumour last season that the Oilers had a deal in place for him in return for Pouliot and Yakupov, but it fell through when Pouliot was injured. If the rumour is true, it’s at least conceivable that the Oilers could acquire him. Right shot.

Dennis Wideman

(776 GP, 96G – 279A – 375pts, CF% 49.0)

Size: 6’, 202lbs

Age: 33

Contract: 5^th year of 5 years X $5.25M

Scouting Report: Wideman was a fantastic PP option in the past. But his best playing days may be past him. His mobility is a concern, but he’d certainly be a boost to an Oiler powerplay that hasn’t had a legitimate threat since Sheldon Souray. He’s an expensive option though, and would have to come at a discount.

Mark Streit

(740 GP, 94G – 325A – 419pts, CF% 50.2)

Size: 5’11, 191lbs

Age: 38

Contract: 4^th year of 4 years X $5.25M

Scouting Report: I couldn’t believe Streit is already 38! But wow, he’s had a good career. When you compare him to his peers, you’ll realize that he’s been one of the premier offensive defencemen since 2006, when he broke out with the Montreal Canadiens. He’s still got good mobility and is having an excellent season, even at 38. Shoots left.

Tyson Barrie

(285 GP, 42G – 121A – 163pts, CF% 47.8)

Size: 5’10, 190lbs

Age: 25

Contract: 1^st year of 4 years X $5.5M

Scouting Report: Oilers fans have seen a lot of Tyson Barrie – is it just me, or does he only show up against the Orange and Blue? Everyone remembers his 50 pt season, but he had a 38 pt season (in 64 GP) before that, and a 49 pointer (in 78 GP) just last year. That’s 0.59, 0.66, and 0.63 pts/game in consecutive seasons. If Colorado kisses away another season, he may shake loose – you never know! 😉 Shoots right.

Cody Franson

(481 GP, 40G – 153A – 193pts, CF% 49.6)

Size: 6’5, 224lbs

Age: 29

Contract: 2^nd year of 2 years X $3.25M

Scouting Report: Franson’s is a funny case because he seems to be pretty good, and pretty lazy all at once. For a guy as big as he is, you’d expect more dominance but he doesn’t seem to show up all the time. BUT he’s got a great shot and has had significant success on the PP throughout his career. I don’t think Oilers fans would like him a whole lot, but hey, he’d be better than what we’ve got. Right shot, and a boomer from the point.