MOVING PICTURES

SPECIFIC TYPES

• Chiarelli: “There are teams that aren’t
  necessarily hard and heavy but they strip pucks. They’re hard on
  battles, they win more than their share of battles … they [can be] heavy
  but they’re not huge. A lot of that has to do with the coach, the
  philosophy of the organization, that’s part of what I hope to instill.”

Chiarelli Cuts

1. Martin Marincin (Perceived as lacking a physical element to his game)
2. Keith Aulie (Certainly tough enough, speed might have been a concern)

Chiarelli’s Adds

1. Andrej Sekera (Complete skill set, can play top pair)
2. Eric Gryba (Tough as nails, toughest zone starts in Ottawa last season)
3. Griffin Reinhart (Big defender, good positional D and physical)

SIGNINGS AND WALKING AWAY

THIS SEASON

1. Andrej Sekera—Complete defenseman with the entire
   range of skills.
2. Mark Fayne—Stay at home blue.
3. Oscar Klefbom—A big part of the future.
4. Justin Schultz—I’m somewhat optimistic about Schultz this season.
5. Nikita Nikitin—Early word has him in good shape and looking
   to make good.
6. Eric Gryba—An underrated addition.
7. Andrew Ference—Veteran took on difficult zone
   starts and I think he’s been a good captain.
8. Griffin Reinhart—I don’t think he makes the
   opening night roster but it’s going to be close. 
9. Brandon Davidson—Inexpensive and an adequate depth player. Could make the team. 
10. Darnell Nurse—Top 4D, only a matter of time and it won’t be long. 
11. Brad Hunt—AHL impact D, tough depth chart for him, ahead and behind.
12. David Musil—Smart player who will be applying for the same job as Davidson.
13. Jordan Oesterle—He has wheels. Chaos for sure, but there’s some promise.
14. Dillon Simpson—Oilers bringing him along slowly, he’s a smart defender.
    
15. Martin Gernat—He had a horrible season from the start of camp to the season-ending injury.
16. Joey Laleggia—Awesome power-play potential.
17. Ben Betker—Skates very well for a really big man.
18. Caleb Jones—Nice range of skills, size and speed. Maybe a little shy offensively.
19. Ethan Bear—A personal favorite, fine passer, mammoth shot.
20. Loik Leveille—Red Line had him at No. 77 and compares him in
    style to Jason Garrison.
21. Colton Waltz—Another tough defenseman. It’s a trend folks
22. Kevin Davis—Cody Nickolet of WHL From Above: “an efficient puck-moving blueliner,  owns an extremely smooth and comfy skating stride. Solid positionally.“

FINAL SEASON AS AN OILER?

1. Justin Schultz—He’s going to be expensive next summer, Edmonton may move him if the performance isn’t strong. 
2. Nikita Nikitin—He’s UFA, could be dealt at the deadline.
3. Eric Gryba—They’ll sign him or deal him, Gryba is UFA 2016. I think they sign him. 
4. Andrew Ference—If he continues to erode, could be bought out.
5. Brandon Davidson—They like him but he’s waiver eligible. Too close to call. 
6. Brad Hunt—I think he’s too one dimensional to survive the uptick in quality on the depth chart. 
7. Martin Gernat—Conditioning issues have him way down the depth chart. Halfway out the door.

LOCKS FOR LONG-TERM EMPLOYMENT

1. Andrej Sekera—Signed through 2021.
2. Mark Fayne—Signed through 2018. 
3. Oscar Klefbom—About to sign long term.
4. Griffin Reinhart—Chiarelli sent away two valuable picks for him. He’s here to stay. 
5. Darnell Nurse—May be the best defenseman on this team in a couple seasons.