SLEPYSHEV
By Lowetide
8 years agoEdmonton Oilers fans are catching their collective breath after a stunning month of news that included a lottery win in a golden draft, plus the signing of quality GM and coach in quick order. The period between now and July 15 could be insane, with trades, the draft and free agency all ahead. The news is trickling now but will soon be a scream. What’s next? Possibly some closure on a gifted Russian.
We are here. The Oilers have a motivated player (according to this report) and Slepyshev’s KHL team (who used him more in the playoffs than the regular season) wants him for one more season.
OPENING?
I think most people (myself included) believe Slepyshev is probably ticketed for the AHL and Bakersfield, but it’s also true that Matt Fraser had an uneasy hold on that 3L job at the end of the season. I’ve been speculating about Leon Draisaitl winning that job in the fall, but what about Slepyshev (who is listed as a left-wing)?
- KHL Boxcars: 58GP, 15-10-25 in regular season
- Breakdown: 14 goals at even strength, one on the power play
- SOG: 129 (11.6 shooting percentage, 2.22 shots-per-game)
- TOI/game: 12:25
- Points-per-60: 2.08
- NHLE (Regular season): 82GP, 17-11-28
As a reminder, here’s a draft day bio:
- ISS Scouting Report: “Perhaps the best player
that was most shockingly left off the draft board last year, Slepyshev
came back strong this year. A talented two-way player with good spirit,
Slepyshev has great hands and can really make things happen from the
perimeter with the puck. He shows good work ethic, can play physical and
also can be a real pest to play against. He shows good power elements
in his game and can protect the puck well and isn’t afraid to go into
the dirty areas of the ice. Saw good minutes for Russia at this year’s
WJC and should be in line to be one of their top weapons for next year’s
event.”
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