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MITCH MOROZ AND HENRIK SAMUELSSON
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Lowetide
Apr 23, 2016, 12:59 EDTUpdated: Invalid DateTime
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In 2012 (legend has it), the Edmonton Oilers were hoping Oil Kings forward Henrik Samuelsson would fall to them early in Round 2. As it happened, the Arizona Coyotes drafted the Pittsburgh native No. 27 overall. Early in the second round, Edmonton chose another Oil Kings forward, Mitchell Moroz. In the days since, Oilers fans have beaten up that selection left, right and center, mourning the loss of Samuelsson and casting the stink-eye in Moroz’ direction. How are things going, anyway?

Henrik Samuelsson

After his draft day, Samuelsson continued to progress, looking for all the world like a player destined for a long and productive career at the highest levels. Here, let’s run his seasons since 2012:
  • 2012-13 (Age 18) (WHL) 69gp, 33-47-80 (1.16 points-per-game)
  • 2013-14 (Age 19) (WHL) 65gp, 35-60-95 (1.46 points-per-game)
  • 2014-15 (Age 20) (AHL)  68gp, 18-22-40 (0.588 points-per-game)
That is a very nice progression. He delivered quality offense (on a very good team) for the Oil Kings, and then turned pro and had a strong AHL debut—even got into three NHL games that year. Something happened at the AHL level this year:
  • 2015-16 (Age 21) (AHL) 43gp, 3-9-12 (0.279 points-per-game)
The coaching staff changed (from Ray Edwards in Portland to Ron Rolston in Springfield) and the usage and production went way down. These entry-level pro seasons are vital for prospects, and Samuelsson is in a bit of trouble based on these numbers. Now, he is a first-round pick, so no one is giving up on him, but there are worries about Henrik Samuelsson and his potential NHL career. Injury issues were certainly a factor this season, as he missed significant time (ankle injury, there was a time when the season appeared lost). 

Mitchell Moroz

After his draft day, Moroz continued to play on the checking line for Edmonton, but did eventually move up the depth chart and post offense in his final junior season. 
  • 2012-13 (Age 18) (WHL) 69gp, 13-21-34 (0.493 points-per-game)
  • 2013-14 (Age 19) (WHL) 70gp, 35-28-63 (0.900 points-per-game)
  • 2014-15 (Age 20) (AHL)  66gp, 5-4-9 (0.136 points-per-game)
Through these three seasons, there is no way to confuse these two players. The NHL jobs they would be applying for are not similar, and Samuelsson made substantial strides—not just in junior, but also in year one pro. Moroz? Looked like a marginal pro prospect based on the boxcars, and there wasn’t a lot of positive verbal from the farm. Still, and this is important to remember, he was not applying for the same job as Samuelsson, so the boxcars were only part of the story.
  • 2015-16 (Age 21) (AHL) 40gp, 5-5-10 (0.250 points-per-game)
Moroz played fewer games—injury and that crazy California schedule conspired together—but he was slightly more productive and there was finally some good verbal on him:
  • Gerry Fleming, Condors head coach: “He’s working at his game. We focus on the smaller
    things with Mitch as far as making plays along the half-wall, being
    strong to play against down low in the offensive zone, protecting the
    puck, being a net-front presence, shooting, being aggressive on the
    forecheck, finishing his checks. All the things you’d want to see from a
    power forward. Obviously the offensive numbers aren’t where he’d like
    them to be or the organization would like but sometimes you have to
    re-invent yourself as a player. Not always do great junior numbers
    translate into great American Hockey League numbers. You’re playing
    against men, cagey veterans, guys that have been around a little bit and
    understand the game. It takes a little while and for Mitch it’s maybe
    taken a little while longer than people had anticipated. The last couple
    of weeks his game has improved and there’s still some games where the
    junior habits that we’re trying to kick him of – undisciplined
    penalties, controlling his emotion a bit more. He’s here in the minor
    leagues for a reason and that’s to improve his game.”     Source
I love coaches who give frank answers to questions. Todd Nelson was the same way, no way to misunderstand the work in progress—nor should there be. What I take from this quote is that Moroz had determined his path to the NHL and started on the long and difficult road to getting there. It is a marathon and not a sprint, Oilers fans know this from previous experience.
Men like Teemu Hartikainen, Linus Omark and Alex Plante were unable to make the grade, due to injury, management and coaching change and their own inability (in some cases) to adjust and make progress. From what I can read about Moroz and gather from available sources, he has in fact bought into the role he could play in the NHL. Fortunately for him, Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli and coach Todd McLellan have deployed exactly these player-types during their NHL careers.

AHL PROSPSECTS DOT COM

Source
This is a fantastic little site for all kinds of things, including junior hockey analysis. Below are a series of numbers comparing Moroz (and Samuelsson in brackets):
  • Estimated Time-on-Ice: 12 minutes (15:27)
  • Points-Per-Game: 0.256 (0.279)
  • Equal Strength Points-Per-Game: 0.231 (0.163)
  • Estimated Points-Per-60: 1.283 (1.084)
Moroz, who will not be applying for a job on an NHL skill line, was more productive offensively this season than Samuelsson. Still, the production for Moroz is a good sign, and gives him (and Oilers fans) some hope for the final year of his entry-level deal.

CONCLUSION

The responses to this article are going to be ‘who cares? NEVER should have been drafted at No. 32!’ and that is an interesting aspect of the story. For me, that is an old argument and now my interest goes toward the player, progress, and possible employment in the NHL. I think we can reach two conclusions:
  • Moroz moved the needle by actively engaging in his possible future role and working toward the goal (as mentioned by Fleming)
  • Samuelsson hit a major wall and it could impact his status as a part of his organization’s future. His injury problems derailed an entire year and he will have to make that up in 2016-17. 
  • Injury information on Samuelsson. 
Both men have huge seasons ahead.
Also in this series:
Moroz cover photo by Mark Williams.

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