Edmonton went into the NHL 2020 Entry Draft with potentially only four draft picks (1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th) and ended up walking away with six players, including a couple potential steals. Let's quickly review.
Dylan Holloway (14th Overall): Turned 19 on September 23rd making him one of the older players in this draft. 6'1 and already over 200lbs but there aren't any knocks on his skating. Can play centre or wing. Has all the tools to be either a strong complimentary top six winger or skilled centreman.
Carter Savoie (100th Overall): Was ranked as high as a second round pick by a few sources (Craig Button, McKeen's Hockey). His 53 goals in 54 games in the AJHL was the most by any player there in 19 years.
Tyler Tullio (126th Overall): It's rare to see ppg players still available so deep in the Draft. Tullio put up 66 points in 62 games for the Oshawa Generals. His 165lb frame probably had something to do with that but his versatility in all three zones of the ice are impressive. Maybe the steal of the draft.
Maxim Beryozkin (138th Overall) - Big Russian power forward who put up 54 points in 51 games for Loko Yaroslavl. Foot speed is currently his biggest issue.
Filip Engaras (169th Overall): Right shot centre, had 15 points in 25 games playing for the University of New Hampshire.
Jeremias Lindewall (200th Overall): The 6'2 left winger produced 28 points in 39 games for MODO. Plays a gritty game with many of his points coming from in front of the net.
The first thing that should stand out here for Edmonton is the fact that every player that was drafted by the Oilers is a forward, with many of them (Holloway, Tullio, Savoie) also playing some centre.
The weakest position for the Oilers in their prospect pool has been their forward depth. Obviously not every player drafted by Holland today will become NHLers but I think the organization did a great job at finding value, despite missing some draft picks.
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Right now the Oilers have been rumoured to be heavily in on both goaltender Jacob Markstrom and defenceman Tyson Barrie. If Edmonton expects to sign both players they will need to shed some cap space ASAP.
Both players make a ton of sense if the dollar amounts work out. The 30 year old Markstrom has been a true #1 goalie for the past few years and is still in his prime. He would solidify the Oilers goaltending for at least three or four years.
Barrie meanwhile may not be the most defensively aware player but his puck moving skills and point production are elite. If Klefbom is out long term as we all believe, the Oilers need someone else on the backend who can quarterback the powerplay. That is an area Barrie excels at and something he wasn't given regular duty as in Toronto. Barrie is a player I would have plenty of time for, if on a short term deal.
Once again Taylor Hall's name has popped up, specifically on a short term deal. Dreger reports that the Blue Jackets, Predators, and Canadiens currently have the most interest in the left winger and former first overall pick. It's fun to imagine Hall returning but I don't see the fit.
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A number of names have also now popped up after not being qualified by their teams. The likes of Domink Kahun, Vinny Hinostroza, and Anthony Duclair would all be strong fits for the Oilers top six as a complimentary winger. Holland needs to find at least one or two value contracts, similar to what he just signed with Jesse Puljujarvi.
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If anything else goes down today I will update this blog, otherwise I will see you all back here tomorrow morning for the start of Free Agency!