In March, the Oilers acquired him from Philadelphia for a third-round pick (the one they received from New Jersey in the Patrick Maroon trade). Marody turns 22 in December. He was a sixth-round pick in 2015. He played the past three seasons at Michigan in NCAA. He scored 90 points in 90 games over three seasons, including 51 points in 40 games this past year. He did get in three AHL games with Bakersfield late last year and produced three points in three games. Many were impressed, albeit in an extremely small sample size, of how he looked in the AHL. Marody was traded, because he wasn’t going to sign in Philly. He had the option of free agency, and would have gone there, so the Flyers traded him. Marody is likely a bottom six forward, and the Oilers don’t have many right shot centres in the organization. I see him being the first line C in the AHL this year. It makes little sense to have him as the 13th forward in the NHL. He needs to play and I’d play him a lot in the AHL, but I see him being in Edmonton soon.

From what I’ve been told, from someone within the organization, Cooper Marody is likely more NHL ready right now than Drake Caggiula was two years ago. The former Michigan Wolverine can play centre or right wing so his versatility may be something the coaching staff will want around sooner rather than later.

Unlike Yamamoto, Marody won’t need to secure a spot in the top six to be effective. If he doesn’t start in Edmonton I’d definitely put him near the top of the call-up list.

In March, the Oilers paid a third round pick for Marody, who was drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round in 2015. The trade comes following a very strong campaign for the young forward where he recorded 16 goals and 51 points in 40 games and topped it off with a Hobey Baker nomination. The Flyers likely traded Marody due to concerns of him potentially becoming a free agent. In April, the Oilers signed Marody to an entry-level contract. He then recorded three points in three games for Edmonton‘s farm team, the Bakersfield Condors. The trade looks like an overpayment on paper but it could be smart move for the Oilers. Edmonton’s lack of quality forward prospects, the team’s questionable prospect development and poor drafting history, makes trading a draft pick for a pro-ready prospect a potentially savvy move. The young American has strong puck skills and solid vision but must improve his foot speed and become stronger. If Marody shows well in his first season in the AHL, he could see time in Edmonton sooner than later and could be a sneaky good fantasy pickup.

Growing up, Marody knew he wasn’t going to outmuscle or outskate anybody, at least not just yet.

But maybe he could outskill them.

Instead of darting all over the ice in an attempt to make an impact, Marody let the game come to him, eyes scanning all over the rink, carefully anticipating his next move before incisively doing so. His intelligence and calm attitude allowed him to make up for his physical disadvantages and mentally stay ahead of his competition. Know when to pass, know when to shoot. Know when to lie back, know when to go for it.