Last night’s mess of a game was difficult to watch. The Hurricanes showed up ready to skate at 100% speed and the Oilers looked like a club still very much aware these games don’t matter. It was ugly. Today the Oilers trimmed the camp by 4 players.
The Oil assigned Ellis and Patrick Russell to OKC. Both players looked well when they suited up. Patrick Russell was shifty and physical while also making more plays with the puck than I expected. Ellis stopped every shot directed his way by the Jets a couple games ago and should be a major part of The Condors’ success this season.
The Oilers also placed Dillon Simpson and Ty Rattie on waivers today for the purpose of assignment to the AHL. Rattie was hoping to resurrect his career this season. He can do it in the AHL first. He showed very little in camp to push the other wingers. Dillon Simpson has been a long time Oiler prospect and is slowly turning himself into a call up option.
By eye Simpson struggled greatly when the pressure was on early against the Hurricanes. He was a little flat footed on a few plays, all twisted up on others. At the end of the night, though, he had the highest shot attempt percentage on the club. And we can certainly say that he looked better in the 3rd period. However, by that time, Carolina had already taken their foot off the gas.
For my money, Simpson would really need to improve his skating or become an extremely efficient player in order to make the NHL. Rattie will have to rediscover his scoring touch. Ellis is really interesting as a goalie prospect. Patrick Russell might be a 4th liner or 13th F at some point.
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