When we talk about the Edmonton Oilers top-six forwards, we all agree on five members of the group. That core five is Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle, Benoit Pouliot, and of course Connor McDavid. There are numerous options for the sixth spot, but no one can agree on the man that should slot in.
Nail Yakupov has his supporters, I’m one of them, but he might not be the best fit. He’s still developing and his defensive game needs a lot of work. Yak is the kind of guy that you shelter at this stage of his career. Leon Draisaitl is another candidate, but many believe he needs some AHL time this fall.
The other option? Veteran Teddy Purcell, who was acquired from Tampa Bay last June in exchange for Sam Gagner. Purcell underwhelmed to most in his first season with the Oilers, but he did prove something, he’s a real NHL forward.
Boxcars!
This past season, Purcell scored 12-22-34 in 82 games. It’s not elite production, but he certainly was not an offensive black hole. In 2013-14, Purcell posted 12-30-42 in 81 games, while scoring 11-25-36 in 48 games back in 2012-13. Purcell’s career high in points came back in 2011-12, when he scored 24-41-65 in 81 games for Tampa Bay.
Skill, He Needs It!
In Tampa Bay, Teddy Purcell put up some really solid stats. There is a reason for that, he was playing with some really skilled players. During his time there, he saw time with Steven Stamkos, Vinny Lecavalier, and Marty St. Louis, all elite talents. He also saw a hefty dosage of power-play time.
The result was points, lots of points. Purcell can’t create it on his own, he needs to ride shotgun for guys that can make things happen. In Edmonton, he’ll have a chance to recreate that magic from Tampa Bay.
The Oilers top-six will feature McDavid, Hall, RNH and Pouliot on the left-side and down the middle. All of those guys are extremely talented, while McDavid could very well be an elite player in the NHL.
Last season, Purcell didn’t often find himself with the top skill guys, something that likely impacted his numbers.
The Scouting Report:
The Hockey News is a terrific resource when looking into NHL players. Here, they profile Edmonton’s forgotten veteran.
| Assets: | Has a very solid frame and loads of offensive ability. Can score goals or set up linemates, and is equally adept at playing on either side of center. His hockey sense is quite good. |
| Flaws: | Lacks game-to-game consistency at the National Hockey League level. Is not a great defensive winger and doesn’t use his 6-2, 201-pound frame enough to his advantage. |
| Career Potential: | Solid scoring winger. |
He’s Too Slow!!!
Yes, Purcell is slower than guys like Hall and McDavid, meaning he might struggle to keep up. I don’t think it’s a good idea for the veteran to play with those two, but more on that in a minute. Purcell understands this is a weakness, and he is working to correct it this off-season.
According to Bob Stauffer, he’ll be working with Gary Roberts in August. Roberts is a fitness and health freak, I’m sure conditioning and speed will be an area that gets worked on here.
@Bob_Stauffer: Teddy Purcell has gone the Biosteel/Gary Roberts training route. Will skate with Taylor Hall and Connor McDavid mid’ August at Roberts’ camp
The veteran sees a glorious opportunity and is looking to do what he can to make sure he capitalizes on it. A smart decision no doubt.
HERO Chart:
For the most part, Purcell checks out as a top-six option here. Put him with more skilled players, and I think you’ll see the offense come, I truly do.
Overview:
When we talk about the Oilers this year, it would be unwise to forget about Teddy Purcell. He struggled to a degree last season, but he was playing with lesser linemates than in Tampa Bay and wasn’t featured on the power-play. He had a different role and it clearly impacted the boxcars for him.
He’s not a power-forward, but he’s a bigger body who posts solid possession stats and has soft hands. He’s got some skill and can play at this level, that’s a big deal.
Purcell likely doesn’t fit with Taylor Hall and Connor McDavid, that spot is more Jordan Eberle, but he certainly fits on line two.
Put him with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Benoit Pouliot on line two and see what happens. RNH is a very talented player, while Pouliot is a fine pro, a legit top-six option. Who knows, maybe Purcell does get some reps with Hall and McDavid.
All I’ll say is this, Todd McLellan and Peter Chiarelli both like their veterans. Discounting Purcell being used in a large role this season would be unwise.
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