The first wave of Oiler cuts has happened at Camp as of just a few minutes ago. Here is the list of those who will be assigned back to their respective clubs.
To the OKC Barons:
Bunz – Goalies are voodoo. He could win the Vezina next year for all we know. Craig – Largely forgettable but that might have to do with opportunity. Ford – Who? Holmberg – Didn’t show the scoring knack he had in Jr. That’s ok though, he can play his way up. Jones – Small player but he and his brother had strong play in the Prospects tournament. Jones – See Above. Krushelnyski – Famous name, ok shot. Ludwig – Steady game from what little I saw. Tuohimaa – Did I mention Goalies are voodoo? Winquist – Also didn’t show the offense he did in Jr. I wonder if it will be there at the next level.
To Major Junior:
Betker – I didn’t notice him much. Bouchard – Not even on the radar. Boland – Made some chippy plays and had 1 monster hit in the Prospect Tournament. Chase – I think he’ll be an Oiler in as little as a year’s time. I really do. Houck – I didn’t see enough from him. A player to watch develop. Platzer – He has scoring ability. It’s in there. I wonder where he’ll stack up in the Oiler system. Roy – Killed some penalties, scored a goal in preseason, and can skate well. He needs to do even more.
THOUGHTS
-There aren’t really any surprises in this bunch though I thought maybe a couple had potentially earned another game.
-The Oilers don’t need that many Goalies in camp and the duo of Tuohimaa and Bunz might find themselves in the ECHL as soon as Brossoit and Bachmann finish their camps.
-Holmberg and Winquist have real scoring ability and the Barons could benefit from that kind of skill, even if they are rookie pros. There are prospects hanging around in camp now that are there because they put their dues in longer. That’s it.
-Roy needs to have a dominant offensive season if he wants to remain a prospect and not a suspect. I like his ability to score and his offensive instincts but if he wants to play in this system he will need to bring something others do not.
-Chase played on a line with Hall and RNH but didn’t look out of place. I figured he might have gotten into another game with the Oilers just for that performance. He can skate, pass, play dirty, and now he has a contract. I reckon they’re sending him back so he can start the WHL season and solidify a spot with Team Canada.
-The Jr eligible kids who are still with the club should be very pleased with themselves after seeing who got cut. There are some high performers in this grouping.
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