MICHAEL DAL COLLE

Our look into the 2014 NHL Entry Draft continues today with Michael Dal Colle. The video highlights show a few things: he can shoot, deke and score goals. Will he be an Oiler in June? Let’s take a look.

and now Dal Colle.

“Kid has an excellent release — that’s the first thing I always think
of. Power forward with notable skill. Opponents are always on edge when
he’s on the ice. Excited to see him run over the East in the playoffs
this year.” – Anonymous

Even-strength scoring is an important factor for prospects, because most players don’t spend time on the power play early in their NHL careers. 

Dal Colle shows better here, among the best in the group. In reading his scouting reports, it does appear we’re dealing with a very high school player.

There are a couple of things that suggest Dal Colle won’t be an Oiler. First, he’s a natural winger. Edmonton has a center in their wheelhouse at third overall, we just don’t know his name. In order for the Oilers to take a winger, he would have to be head and shoulders better than Reinhart, Bennett and Dal Colle. That doesn’t appear to be the case.

The team getting Dal Colle is going to be very happy, but I don’t think it’ll be the Oilers. His skills would be welcome for any team, but the Oilers have avoided addressing strength up the middle for so long they have no choice in the matter in 2014.