THE 2016-17 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS

7 years ago

The summer activity almost over, we can begin to cobble together lineups for the NHL Oilers and the AHL Condors. Expect to see the usual number of AHL veterans, some legit skill prospects (mostly undrafted college signings) and ten miles of lefty blue. Let’s have a look (Photos by Mark Williams).

(Eetu Laurikainen)

GOAL!

G Laurent Brossoit—He is either No. 1 in Bakersfield or in the NHL this season.
G Eetu Laurikainen—He could play in Bakersfield, Norfolk or Finland this year.
G Nick Ellis—A wild card, his NCAA save percentage was impressive. Could land in Norfolk.

DEFENSE

LD Griffin Reinhart—Cap bonus issue probably means half a season in Bakersfield.
LD Jordan Oesterle—Brad Hunt gone, he should spike offensively with more PP time.
LD David Musil—At this point he is probably overqualified for AHL level. Can he make NHL team?
LD Dillon Simpson—Should step up and play bigger AHL minutes, cup of coffee in NHL possible.
LD Mark Fraser—Mentor at the AHL level, his aggressive style is attractive to Oilers.
LD Joey Laleggia—He remains behind Oesterle for the skill minutes, but had a strong rookie year.
RD Frank Simonelli—He is a righty blue from the Boston Bruins system. Depth player.
LD Ben Betker—Should get more AHL time this year.
LD Mikael Tam—AHL contract, probably Norfolk bound.

CENTER

LC Jujhar Khaira—He could make the NHL team ahead of Anton Lander.
LC Drake Caggiula—Can also play wing, likely the most skilled player on the team.
LC Josh Currie—Very useful player, he is on an AHL deal.
RC Kyle Platzer—Some very good signs as a part-time player in rookie year.
C-L Joey Benik—Another AHL contract, Benik is a small (5.10, 174) and quite skilled.

LEFT WING

L Ryan Hamilton—AHL only contract now, mentor for the kids and he will play in AHL.
L Anton Slepyshev—He is far more talented than last year’s numbers imply.
L Jere Sallinen—Two way talent can also play C, he might see some NHL time.
L Mitch Moroz—Badly needs to play a lot in the final year of entry deal.
L Braden Christoffer—Played well in Norfolk, needs to play in Bakersfield to show his stuff.
L Scott Allen—A giant (6.03, 198) who came out of college (Alaska-Anchorage). AHL contract.

RIGHT WING

R Tyler Pitlick—He is an AHL veteran, effective when healthy.
R Taylor Beck—Could see NHL time.
R Patrick Russell—We don’t know him, but he is aggressive and can score.
R Greg Chase—Played a lot in the ECHL last year, should get more AHL time in 2016-17.
R Jaedon Descheneau—St. Louis(unsigned) pick in 2014. Small, skilled, AHL deal.

Quick Thoughts:

We should find out about Matt Benning soon, that would be a welcome addition.
There are some talented players on this list, but just as Edmonton recalled Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse early a year ago, we could see Drake Caggiula and Griffin Reinhart on the big club sooner than later this coming year.
It is vital that men like Kyle Platzer get playing time this year.
Patrick Russell enters camp under the radar, but this is a talented player based on the numbers.