NHL Notebook: Edmonton Oilers prospect Dylan Holloway nearing return from injury as team falls in power rankings
By Zach Laing
1 year agoIt appears Dylan Holloway is one step closer to getting back in some game action.
The Edmonton Oilers had sent Holloway down to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors when they activated Evander Kane from LTIR after his gruesome wrist injury, and Holloway was injured in his first game.
Partway through the second period in his first AHL game, Holloway was hit hard into the boards by a Coachella Valley Firebirds defender. He got up favouring his shoulder and left the game. Prior to the injury, Holloway had already scored a goal in that game.
According to our own Jason Gregor, Holloway has been skating in Edmonton and rehabilitating for multiple weeks. He’s ramped up his shooting and skating, and will likely head back down to Bakersfield later this week.
Oilers fall in DFO power rankings
The Edmonton Oilers fell one spot to 8th in Daily Faceoff’s weekly power rankings.
Here’s what Scott Maxwell wrote about the Oilers:
8. Edmonton OilersRecord: 39-23-8 (.614%, 12th)
5v5 Goal Differential: +13 (t-13th)
5v5 xGF/60: 2.93 (6th)
5v5 xGA/60: 2.52 (12th)
PP xGF/60: 9.79 (2nd)
PK xGA/60: 8.27 (t-18th)
5v5 PDO: 100.4
Previous Week: 7th (-1)The Oilers seem to have a little bit of momentum going again with wins in five of their last six, including three straight against the Senators, Stars, and Kraken. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were their usual selves last week, with McDavid getting three goals and seven points while Draisaitl had two and six in their three games last week.
A look at recent Buffalo Sabres signee Devon Levi
The Buffalo Sabres inked prospect Devon Levi to an entry-level on Friday, marking the end of his NCAA career at Northeastern.
He had a tremendous career there posting a 38-22-6 record in 66 games played. He posted 16 shutouts, a 1.90 GAA and a .942 save percentage that ranks second-best in NCAA history.
Daily Faceoff’s goaltending guru Mike McKenna took a look at what the prospect brings to the Sabres’ pipeline:
How will he fare? That remains to be seen. But what I can tell you is that the Sabres now have a special prospect under contract. One that – oddly enough – came via trade with the Florida Panthers in July 2021. Levi was acquired along with a first-round pick in exchange for forward Sam Reinhart.…After watching Levi the past few years, there’s no doubt in my mind he’s a special talent. I think he’s going to be an NHL goalie. And a very good one at that.But keep in mind that there will be a learning curve for Levi. Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger came from Boston University with similar hype, but required over 50 games of AHL experience before he was ready to step into a No.1 role at the NHL level.Carter Hart started in the AHL before graduating – possibly early in my eyes – to the Philadelphia Flyers. And Carey Price won a Calder Cup with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs before starring with the Montreal Canadiens. Patience matters with goalies.…I don’t think Levi will need that long to adjust to the NHL. He’s a cerebral goaltender who has been able to adapt to different leagues and circumstances very quickly. Levi’s play has been consistent because it’s rooted in technique and restraint. There’s a self-awareness to his game that breeds confidence among teammates.Maybe most importantly, Levi has experience with pressure situations. The Beanpot is a huge deal in college hockey, and Levi shined for Northeastern in this year’s tournament. He won a silver medal at the World Junior Championships and competed at the Olympics.I’ve seen Levi perform and succeed on some big stages leading up to his NHL debut. And I think with time, he can replicate it. Just be patient.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.
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