THE MATH DOESN’T ADD UP
By Lowetide
7 years ago
Since the season ended, Peter Chiarelli has added five players to the 50-man roster for 2016-17. Finn Jere Sallinen, CHL defender Caleb Jones and college men Nick Ellis, Drake Caggiula and Patrick Russell have all been signed, meaning the current roster stands at 37. We know more players will be added, and Edmonton still has a significant number of free agents outstanding. What does it mean? The math does not add up and many will not return.
CURRENT 50-MAN LIST (37)
- G Cam Talbot
- G Laurent Brossoit
- G Nick Ellis: Newly signed college free agent. Great college numbers.
- G Eetu Laurikainen
- D Oscar Klefbom
- D Andrej Sekera
- D Brandon Davidson.
- D Mark Fayne.
- D Darnell Nurse.
- D Griffin Reinhart.
- D Andrew Ference.
- D Joey Laleggia.
- D Dillon Simpson
- D Ben Betker
- D Caleb Jones, WHL D. Newly signed, definite slide rule.
- C Connor McDavid.
- C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
- C Leon Draisaitl
- C Mark Letestu
- C Anton Lander
- C Jujhar Khaira
- C Bogdan Yakimov
- C Kyle Platzer
- L Taylor Hall
- L Benoit Pouliot
- L Patrick Maroon
- L Lauri Korpikoski
- L Matt Hendricks
- L Drake Caggiula. Impressive addition, could push for employment this fall.
- L Jere Sallinen, Newly signed, had KHL success.
- L Mitch Moroz
- L Braden Christoffer
- R Jordan Eberle
- R Nail Yakupov
- R Anton Slepyshev
- R Patrick Russell, power forward potential. New signing.
- R Greg Chase
The are five new additions (including Caleb Jones) but he is a slide rule candidate—meaning he will slide when returning to junior in the fall (and become a non-counter on the 50-man). Understanding that none of the draft picks this summer (save possibly No. 4 overall) will be on the list, Peter Chiarelli has some room entering summer. If we assume Jones slides, the actual number is 36, giving the GM 10-12 names he can add (NHL teams rarely run at 50, because waiver pickups and solid trade opportunities can be dashed if there is no room).
RFAs and UFAs
Forwards
- R Iiro Pakarinen, I think there is a strong chance he returns. RFA
- R Zack Kassian, probably part of the future in a top 9F role. RFA.
- L Luke Gazdic. Interesting decision, he is a popular player but does he fit? RFA
- R Tyler Pitlick. Injuries have impacting his career in pro hockey. RFA.
- L Kale Kessy. He might be in some trouble. RFA.
- R Adam Cracknell. Interesting player. UFA.
- R Rob Klinkhammer. Becoming less likely. UFA.
- R Andrew Miller. No chance he returns imo. UFA.
- L Josh Winquist. Becoming less likely. Minor league free agent.
- R Josh Currie AHL contract possible. Minor league free agent.
- C Marco Roy. AHL contract possible. Minor league free agent.
The two players I see as being strong options are underlined, and you would have to think there is at least a chance for a player like Adam Cracknell. I hold out some home for Josh Winquist, who has proven himself to be an effective offensive option at the AHL level and is young enough to have a career.
Defensemen
- D Jordan Oesterle. Suspect he signs. RFA.
- D David Musil. Talented defensive defender, skills are duplicated by others. RFA.
- D Adam Clendening. Foot speed is a concern, but he is righthanded in a lefty world. RFA.
- D Eric Gryba, UFA. I think he signs with the Oilers. UFA.
- D Adam Pardy. He played well, doubt there is room. UFA.
- D Nikita Nikitin. Unlikely to return. UFA.
- D Brad Hunt. Skills are duplicated elsewhere. UFA.
Already Gone From the 2015-16 50-Man List
- G Niklas Lundstrom. Signed with Bjorkloven for next year.
- L Ryan Hamilton. Signed AHL deal with Barons.
SUMMARY
If the Oilers add only the names underlined, Peter Chiarelli would have room for as many as seven new additions—and still have room to maneuvre during the coming season. It could be very active leading up to the draft, with both NHL and AHL deals being made. One area Edmonton needs to address: All the lefty defensemen in the system. That could mean someone like David Musil is exchanged via trade.
One final thing: the math does not add up, but it loves Josh Winquist. A lot.
(Photos by Mark Williams)
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