WIN WIN

9 years ago

At the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Oilers GM Craig MacTavish was wheeling and dealing draft picks. At the time, it looked like the exact opposite of bold, moving down to collect lower draft picks. 15 months later, how do things look?

THE TRADES

June 30, 2013—Oilers trade No. 37 overall to Los Angeles Kings. LAK use selection to draft Valentin Zykov. Oilers acquire selections 57, 88 and 96.
June 30, 2013—Oilers trade No. 57 overall to St.Louis Blues. STL use selection to draft William Carrier. Oilers acquire selections 83, 94 and 113.

So, bottom line is this:

Edmonton traded Valentin Zykov to Los Angeles for Bogdan Yakimov, Anton Slepyshev, Jackson Houck, Kyle Platzer and Aidan Muir.

HOW IS IT GOING SO FAR?

I thought it might be worthwhile to look at how things are going this fall with the six prospects.

VALENTIN ZYKOV

A report from Rink Royalty tells us about Zykov’s progress:

RR: Valentin Zykov was impressive, and showed off his talent with the puck
and ability to score during the rookie training camp. A loaded roster
allows the Kings time with the 19-year-old Russian. The extra time to
develop, and remain dominant at the Junior level will benefit Zykov.
Though it may not be what he wants patience is a virtue for Zykov.
He’ll be in the show wearing the Black and Silver in the next few years.

Source

A team like the Kings can afford to be patient, and Zykov is enjoying a fine junior career. Another year in the QMJHL should mean a bona fide prospect in the AHL (or pushing for an NHL job) fall 2015.

BOGDAN YAKIMOV

As you know, he’s been a revelation in Oilers training camp, to the point where coach Dallas Eakins gave the slightest of hints he could make the big club this fall. A stunning result if it happens, Yakimov has shown excellent progress since draft day.

ANTON SLEPYSHEV

Anton Slepyshev started slow this season in the KHL, and still isn’t playing enough, but is 10GP, 1-3-4 so far during the Russian regular season. He is a candidate for signing in the spring and has enough talent to play pro in North America.

JACKSON HOUCK

Big power winger Red Line Report was very high on draft day, Houck scored 34 goals in the WHL last season. He looked slow at the Young Stars game and there’s miles to go, but the goals make him a legit prospect.

KYLE PLATZER

This guy was impressive at the Young Stars and got to hang around a little longer because of it. A two-way type with more jam than previously thought, he’s off to a nice start (3GP, 0-4-4) with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL.

AIDAN MUIR

Chris Dilks from SB Nation listed Muir (headed to Western Michigan) as one of 10 Freshman to watch for the coming season:

Muir is an ideal fit for the style of hockey that Western Michigan head
coach Andy Murray wants his team to play. There is very little flash in
his game, but the big-bodied forward is excellent at grinding along the
boards and in front of the opposition’s net. His motor is always running
and he plays what is described as a very heavy brand of hockey. Even if
he doesn’t put up huge offensive numbers, he’ll still make his impact
felt on the game.

Source

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Don’t kid yourself, Los Angeles traded up for a quality prospect and Zykov looks like the real deal. However, it’s beginning to look like the Oilers may have done themselves a favor with these series of moves, as Yakimov alone may cover the bet.

It’s an interesting time for Yakimov and Oilers fans, but it’s also important not to get ahead of ourselves. You have to wait five long years to see how this turns out, but it’s okay to count arrows.

The arrows on this trade are good for both teams. A win-win, as they say.

We wait.