Condors Watch: Whose Next?

With the announcement of Leon Draisaitl missing the remainder of the regular season, the Oilers were left with 12 healthy forwards and 6 healthy defencmen. Ty Emberson is skating so it is possible he is closer to return, but the roster still lacks depth. The cap situation of the Oilers is such that they cannot recall a player unless Draisaitl goes on LTIR. Should that happen, it will be Bakersfield that provides the depth players needed in Edmonton. Who are those players? How can they help? Let’s go to the tape.

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Alec Regula

I get a lot of requests for how Alex Regula is performing. While I understand the queries given the bottom pairing in Edmonton is a lefty-lefty set-up, I presume that Emberson’s return makes a recall more remote. That said, Regula has been playing well in Bakersfield. The issue for me is that Regula would bring more of what the Oilers have and not much of what they need. Regula’s offence has been excellent, which should surprise no one. In a small sample, Regula leads Bakersfield in 5v5 scoring averages at .5 points per game. The offensive side of the game is very comfortable to Regula. Take a look at his work on the rush.

He has a very good idea of how to attack a goalie from distance as well. His wrist shot is quite strong and accurate.

The problem is Regula’s defensive game is still a challenge. Of the regular defencemen, other than Atro Leppanen, Regula has the highest goals against average at 5v5 on the team. Now he is slightly outscoring that so this is good news. However, the mistakes he makes are a concern. Watch this clip with a focus on his transition footwork.

There has not been enough improvement here to be assured that this same play isn’t going to happen routinely in the NHL.

Regula also has struggles with reads on plays. Nothing that was not seen in Edmonton. However, it is continuing in Bakersfield.

I would be hesitant to recall Regula mostly because Emberson is near return. However, I also worry that Regula’s game currently offers more of the same for the Oilers. Less reliable defensively while chipping in on offence.

Isaac Howard

Howard should finish the season in Bakersfield. His scoring has regressed with only four points in his last ten games. I am not concerned about this side of his game. It will recover. It is his off puck play that remains the focus. Watch this clip. It starts great with Howard getting back to his zone to help defensively. However, now watch Howard lose his composure and chase the puck. He leaves his mark on the other side of the ice completely open. Now Jarventie needs to recover and get across the ice. That simple movement by Howard turned the entire sequence. The play could have been shut down had he stayed in his position. He doesn’t and the chaos ensues.

Howard is probably in the same category as Regula. He does a lot of what some other Oilers do both good and bad. Best to leave Howard down for now.

James Hamblin

The player that I think could get recalled is James Hamblin. Hamblin has moved from prospect to move AHL veteran. That said he brings some really good elements. He’s a center who can win face-offs. He also has an ability to play left wing. As well he kills penalties.

Hamblin’s main trait is his pace. He can bring some speed to the bottom six that could help. He uses it both defensively and offensively.

Hamblin’s scoring has not been as good as last year overall, but his goal scoring has been much better.

Of course, he had a stretch in Edmonton when he did not score. I don’t believe he would score much, but given his maturation, he might have better success. He is a very smart player so maybe the scoring can be better.

The most important aspect of Hamblin is he could sit in the press box. He could spot start when the Oilers are looking for a little different mix on their depth lines. His development would not be impacted if he had to sit for two or three games. If I had a guess, Hamblin might be the player to come up.

Roby Jarventie

Jarventie was my choice prior to the recall of Max Jones. I still believe he can have more impact. However, it would be hard to make that case today given Jones’s play in the first two games. Jarventie would slot in where Jones is currently playing and his puck skills would be superior.

However, Jones is a more physical player and my sense is the Oiler staff would like that element in the bottom six. Jarventie’s physicality is more subtle using his size and reach to disrupt plays.

The other reason not to recall Jarventie is you do not want him sitting in the press box. He’s still young and playing is very important. While I think the Oilers would benefit from his recall, I could only see it at the expense of Jones. Still I believe it would be an upgrade and think Jarventie could make an impact.

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That’s it for this edition of the Oiler’s Prospect Report. Thank you for reading. Feel free to share with someone you think might enjoy. As always, comments below are appreciated.