Peter Chiarelli told reporters that the Oilers had made seven depth signings today. Just about two hours after his media availability, we now have all seven names. According to Brennan Klak, the Edmonton Oilers have signed forwards Brian Ferlin and Grayson Downing to contracts.
Ferlin was a Chiarelli draft choice in Boston during the 2011 annual selection process. Ferlin has played in seven games, all in 2014-15, registering 0-1-1 for the Bruins. Ferlin appeared in just two AHL games with Providence last season, failing to register a point.
His best AHL season came back in 2015-16, when Ferlin scored 6-8-14 in 23 games for the P-Bruins. The 6’2”, 209 pound forward is a right-shot right winger that is likely slated for AHL duty this coming season.
The Scouting Report:
| ASSETS: |
|---|
| Owns prototypical size for the wing position at the National Hockey League level, plus the ability to produce good offensive numbers at lower levels. |
| FLAWS: |
| The jury is still out on whether he’ll be able to translate his production to the NHL game. Also lacks some consistency in his physical play. |
| CAREER POTENTIAL: |
| Big, depth winger. |
Grayson Downing:
Downing should play a large role in Bakersfield this coming season as the Condors are thin at center and Downing has had success at the AHL level. The 6 foot, 195 pound center is a left-shot who spent last season split between Iowa and Tucson. In 59 total games, Downing posted 9-17-26 in the AHL.
Downing has yet to make his NHL debut, and his career best season in the AHL came back in 2015-16 with Iowa. That season, Downing registered 19-21-40 in 56 games.
The Scouting Report:
| ASSETS: |
|---|
| Can score goals and produce good numbers across the board at lower levels. Also has room to add more bulk to his frame. Has a strong lower base. |
| FLAWS: |
| The jury is still out on whether his offensive game can translate into National Hockey League production. Also needs to avoid serious injury. |
| CAREER POTENTIAL: |
| Depth scoring forward with a little upside. |
The Roles:
Both of these players are likely to be depth players for Edmonton. Ferlin has battled injury the last two seasons and is a candidate for ECHL time during the coming season. Downing should play a top-six role in Bakersfield, mentoring young centers like Joe Gambardella down on the farm.
I don’t really see NHL time as an option for either of these players, but they should help the Condors during the coming season.
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