Later today marks the start of the annual Penticton Young Stars tournament and as always Oilers fans will be paying attention to the games this over the next 3 days. We all will be watching Darnell Nurse, Connor McDavid, and Leon Draisaitl, but there are other players that are going to be looking to impress going in to their first professional seasons.
Defense
Joey Laleggia – He’s leaving the NCAA with an impressive resume; Hobey Baker finalist, First team All-American, he was one of if not the top defenseman in the American College ranks last season. After his college season ended he got a sniff in OKC, 5 games at the end of the regular season and 2 playoff games. If expectations are to continue for Laleggia he’s going to need to stand out in this tournament. When he was in town in July for orientation camp he really impressed during the 3 on 3 scrimmage.
Caleb Jones – Younger brother of Seth, this will be his first camp with the Oil. He’s leaving the US national development development program to join the Portland Winterhawks. This is his opportunity to get himself on the list of “Future Oilers D-man”. He’s young, and a long way from playing in the NHL, but I like this kid and will be watching his development closely.
Forwards
Greg Chase – Another player starting his first full professional season. After being drafted in the 7th round in the 2014 draft he burst on to the scene with 85 points in 70 game for the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. Chase had an odd season in 2014-2015, demanding a trade from Calgary he was eventually moved to the Victoria Royals ending the season just 2 points shy of a point per game pace. One of Chase’s best qualities is his ability to get under opposing players, a quality the Oilers have been lacking for the last number of seasons. If all goes well we can expect to see Chase last in camp for a while, then as a bottom 6 call-up option later in the season.
Anton Slepyshev – The highly touted Russian is coming over to North America after putting up 25 points last season in the KHL. By all accounts he’s got plenty of offensive ability and is slated for a top 6 role with the Bakersfield Condors this season. This will be the first look at the young import for most of us, I’ll be watching to see if he can live up to the hype.
Kyle Platzer -Performed very well last year in the OHL, scoring 81 points in 68 games. It’s a good thing to because I believe another lack luster year like the one previous (36 points in 66 games) he may not have even got an invite to this tournament let alone a brand new 3 year entry level deal. Platzer will be fighting for time in the AHL this year, I see him bouncing between the ECHL and Bakersfield.
Mitch Moroz – It’s make it or break it for Moroz. He’s coming off a very disappointing season with OKC. Once touted as the power forward of the future, with new management and coaching Moroz is going to have to do a lot to re-make a name for himself.
Goalies
Eetu Laurikainen – Newly signed Fin who impressed last season in the SM-Liiga. He posted a 2.10 GAA and .933 sv% in 37 games. He’s been brought in to add depth to the farm and we can expect him to be fighting for the back up job in Bakersfield. It’s more likely he’ll be playing as the starter in the ECHL this winter.
Jordan Papirny – This Edmonton product is undrafted but had a stellar season with the Brandon Wheatkings, the Oilers may offer him a contract this fall before he goes back the the WHL. The Wheatkings are a favourite to win the WHL title this season, all this experience will serve Papirny well at the very least.
The Oilers kick things off tonight against the Vancouver Rookies, the games will be available to stream on the Oilers website.
Hockey Is Back Folks, Thanks for Reading.
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