JOSH WINQUIST AND TYLER PITLICK, IMPRESSIVE JANUARY CONDORS
By Lowetide
8 years ago
Don’t ask me why, but every season when the calendar turns to January, minor league prospects seem to sort themselves out. The arrows for some Bakersfield Condors have been going in a very good direction since January 1, and for others it is another year without a spike.
CONDORS FORWARDS SINCE JANUARY 1
- L Josh Winquist 7, 4-5-9
- C Andrew Miller 9, 3-5-8
- R Tyler Pitlick 7, 3-4-7
- R Matt Ford 9, 4-3-7
- L Ryan Hamilton 11, 4-3-7
- C Jujhar Khaira 6, 1-3-4
- C Marco Roy 10, 2-2-4
- C Josh Currie 11, 0-4-4
- R Zack Kassian 6, 2-1-3
- F Kellen Jones 10, 1-2-3
- C Phil McRae 7, 0-2-2
- R Greg Chase 4, 0-1-1
- C Kyle Platzer 5, 0-1-1
- L Kale Kessy 8, 1-0-1
- L Mitch Moroz 9, 0-1-1
Josh Winquist is healthy again and delivering impressive offense. Although he remains unsigned (he is on an AHL deal with the Condors), his performance (22 shots in seven January games) is impossible to ignore. At some point, if the Oilers don’t sign him, look for another NHL team to come calling. MOST point-per-game AHL forwards, certainly those who are 22, have an NHL contract.
Tyler Pitlick waited until January for his annual tease, I saw him last night and he looked as good as I have ever seen him. Fast, effective, great passer and the play didn’t die on his stick one time. PLEASE stay healthy Tyler Pitlick, and we should probably brace for a recall after the deadline if he continues to perform at this level.
Ryan Hamilton has performed well this month, I could see him grabbing some NHL time before April. Jujhar Khaira had a suspension during the month, but has been effective when in the lineup and I wonder if he sees the NHL again this season. Based on performance, he probably gets the call.
Zack Kassian belongs in a higher league, but you knew that, and the Oilers have to be pleased with his performances in both leagues.
CONDORS DEFENSE SINCE JANUARY 1
- Jordan Oesterle 11, 2-6-8
- Joey Laleggia 7, 3-3-6
- Brad Hunt 2, 1-3-4
- David Musil 11, 0-3-3
- Griffin Reinhart 9, 1-1-2
- Dillon Simpson 11, 1-1-2
- Martin Gernat 7, 0-1-1
- Niki Nikitin 8, 0-1-1
A very nice run for Jordan Oesterle, in a normal year we might see a recall. With the Oilers having 500 lefties on the roster, he may have to wait awhile or perhaps he will find his way in another NHL organization. Certainly worth another look should the opportunity arise.
Joey Laleggia can create offense, although he has played forward so this point total isn’t pure and he might be getting a push here. Brad Hunt continues to rip sheds out of my theory that any man who can perform at an impact level in the minors can be a useful NHL player. David Musil is a rock on the blue, but Griffin Reinhart blocks him for the next decade. Something has to give there.
Dillon Simpson continues to matriculate, and as he did in college, takes on more chores with each passing month. His PK work in Bakersfield has been solid to my eye and he does have a pulse offensively. Many miles ahead, a name to keep in mind in the coming months.
WHO CAN HELP THIS SEASON?
In terms of callups, I would suggest (aside from Zack Kassian and Griffin Reinhart) we may see Jujhar Khaira and Tyler Pitlick among forwards, and Jordan Oesterle plus possibly David Musil among the blue. Laurent Brossoit is a strong candidate to see NHL action based on merit, he has been the MVP in Bakersfield to my eye this year.
All photos by Mark Williams.
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