With the summer in full swing, it’s already starting to get harder to find things to write about so I dove into the Interwebz to look at all things Oilers when I found this interview with Cooper Marody from last week’s development camp. 

After trading for Cooper Marody’s rights back in March, the right-handed forward has already gone through a bunch of new experiences, including signing his three-year entry-level contract and getting his first taste of pro hockey in Bakersfield. With both of those items in the books, Marody will look to take the next step in his career and he has some very specific goals for himself that I thought were interesting.

I like that attitude, son! Though, what else was he supposed to say, really?

I’ve gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised to see Marody get three points in three AHL games to finish off the season. Yeah, I know that’s a really small sample size but I’m cautiously optimistic about this guy. He seems to have some decent puck smarts to go along with the ability to dangle so that makes him an interesting prospect to watch. But can he really make the team?

I have to say, I don’t know if he’ll crack the opening night roster or even stick with the club at any time in the future, but I certainly like his attitude. Seeing guys get fired up about opportunity is a tall glass of Kool-Aid that I’ll drink all day long, and when you combine that drive with Marody’s skillset (he led the Big 10 division in scoring last year so he has some touch) then there is a real chance that he could make something happen.

Man, I don’t know if cracking the roster is going to happen this year, but I’m sure as hell pulling for you. We need a guy like you to make something happen from an unexpected place.

Now, I don’t know if Marody has a legitimate chance of cracking the roster next season or not, though I do assume he’ll get a taste at some point in the year, but when you look at the depth on the right-side he may get a chance as a winger. Marody is a natural centre but it’s not like the Oilers are all that deep on right wingers or necessarily opposed to playing guys out of position either, so there might be a fit there. Like I said before, I’m cautiously optimistic about Marody and maybe, just maybe this guy can surprise everyone and find himself with a spot on the roster. I can’t predict what the future will hold and we have no idea what the final roster will look like by the time the season starts, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a guy like Marody come out of nowhere to grab a spot on the team? I’d be down with that.

What do you guys think?

Watch the full clip here: