Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

In No Particular Order: Slepyshev, Nygard, Benson Back, Eye Test Poll

February 12, 2020, 4:36 PM ET [7 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
A few bits of information have dropped in the last 24 hours so to tide you over until what should be an exciting game between the Lightning and Oilers, here is another episode of In No Particular Order.

SLEPYSHEV TO RETURN?

Anton Slepyshev once once one of Edmonton's more NHL capable prospects. Through 102 games with the Oilers the Russian winger had 10 goals and 13 assists. Not world beating numbers by any means but he spent most of his time as a bottom six forward and showed good hands and skating ability despite being a bigger frame.



Slepyshev originally left the team for the chance to make more money and play in a more prominent role but as Stauffer mentions, his contract expires after this season. With Edmonton still retaining his rights the big winger could return to the Oil. At 25, Slepyshev is right in his prime and his KHL numbers suggest there is more offense than what Edmonton was able to tap into. Holland likes to take flyers on value players and I wouldn't be surprised to see Holland offer him a one year deal in the summer.

NYGARD SIGNS

Reports were out about a month ago that Holland was interested in signing Nygard, Archibald, and Sheahan to contract extensions. On Tuesday it was announced that Joakim Nygard had signed another one year deal worth $875,000. That is $50,000 less than his current deal.

When Nygard was first brought in, there was some thought that he might be able to provide offense in the top 6. 3 goals and 3 assists in 33 games are not world beater numbers but similar to Haas, Nygard has steadily improved in his first NHL season and grown as a bottom six player. Having a depth player on what is essentially a league minimum contract is good value.

RE-ENTER BENSON

It looks like James Neal might be out longer than expected as the 32 year old winger was placed on the IR today and Tyler Benson was recalled once again. Benson played one game in Bakersfield since being sent down, registering an assist.

Benson didn't show enough in his first two games to really warrant more icetime but it might be in Tippett's best interests to do so over the next few weeks while Connor McDavid is out. Adding a winger that currently plays with Montreal and playing him alongside Benson and then slotting both in beside McDavid when he returns could prove useful.

THE INFAMOUS EYE TEST

I enjoy reading comments on my blogs, specifically when there are people with differing opinions on the game. The "eye-test" vs analytics argument is always one of the most interesting ones. I don't think there is anything wrong with creating opinions purely from what is seen by watching the game... if everything about the player's game is being noticed.

With that being said, I would like to try a little experiment with tomorrows game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. If readers enjoy it I will aim to do this more often.

Below is a poll with four player names. Whichever selection is highest before 5PM MT tomorrow, I will track them throughout the entire game. The following day I will post a shift by shift analysis of that player, detailing everything they did on the ice. Hopefully by doing this people will notice something different about a player they like/dislike.

Which Player Should I Track Versus The Lightning?
Ethan Bear
Kailer Yamamoto
Tyler Benson
Darnell Nurse
Created with QuizMaker
Join the Discussion: » 7 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Sean Maloughney
» Oilers vs Kings - Round 1, Round 3?
» Oilers vs Jets - A WAY TOO EARLY Discussion about Trading Draisaitl
» Oilers Recent Floundering Show Failure To Address Real Issues
» Oilers vs Canadiens - Sorting Out The Blueline
» Oilers vs Caps - Blink and You'll Miss It