Rychel Rychel Motorcyle

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Kerby Rychel is a 6’1″ 203lbs left wing power forward who, as of right now, plies his trade in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. He spent his junior years with the Windsor Spitfires and the Guelph Storm of the OHL where he amassed 271 points (122g 149a) and 264 penalty minutes in 256 games.

Rychel graduated this past season from the OHL to the AHL’s Springfield Falcons and put up respectable numbers for a rookie (51gp 12g 19a 31pts 43pim). He also had a cup of coffee with the Blue Jackets where in 5 games he contributed three assists, two penalty minutes and was plus three.

Rychel is a prototypical power forward who’s power game makes up for any lack of offensive flair. A very polished prospect, Rychel is strong on his skates and is one of the most competitive and gritty players you’ll find around the Canadian Hockey League. While Rychel possesses above average skills, it’s his determination and hockey sense around the net that allow him to score the majority of his goals. As he moves to the NHL level, it’s likely that you’ll see him develop an agitator side to his game as he looks like he’ll be a capable winger or centre who has the versatility to be an effective contributor on a scoring line while bringing a physical two-way presence – The Scouting Report

Kerby Rychel is exactly the kind of player the Oilers need and don’t have in their system, a player likened to Dustin Brown. The difference though between Rychel and Brown is that Rychel will fight… Anyone.

Is this an opportunity for Chiarelli to move Justin Schultz? Schultz has over 200 games already and the Blue Jackets are poised to lose prized prospect Mike Reilly for nothing this summer. Maybe Jultz could fill that void on the Blue Jackets’ blue line. Who am I kidding? They’ve got Dalton Prout playing on the PP… They need a specialist back there.

I wonder if the deal could be done 1-for-1 given Schultz’s NHL experience but then I think about how much of a pain in the ass he is to get under contract and I’m sure Columbus’ management team would love to go through that all over again this summer as if they didn’t have enough of it last summer with Ryan Johansen. But with all of that said, would the Oilers have to sweeten the pot due because Justin Schultz has a tough time playing defence?

He’s the real deal folks, it’s not a matter of if he makes it as it is when he makes it. And like I said above, he really has the tools that the Edmonton Oilers are lacking in their lineup. Character, heart, leadership, emotion, compete, and physicality are expressed differently for each hockey player but I’m talking about a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve.

What would you offer for Rychel? Let me know in the comments below and follow me on Twitter or Facebook if you enjoy the posts.

Take Care!