Oilers GM Chris Baker has always built his teams from the blueline and back. So it should come as no surprise half of the team’s top ten prospects are defenseman.
While they say defense wins championships, there has to be some concern the Oilers don’t have enough youthful firepower up front. Only Chris Kunitz and Antoine Vermette crack their top 10 as bonafide offensive minded forwards, and at 22 years of age, Kunitz is on the cusp of being “too old” to be considered a prospect. The Oilers are clearly in win-now mode and the type of offensive help they’ll want come the trade deadline in preparation for what they hope is a long playoff run likely won’t come from Fort McMurray.
“He’s strong offensively and defensively, plays tough and uses his size,” Langley said. “Sure he’s young, but he has it all.” ACQUIRED s8 draft, 16th overall (Ottawa)
Markov will never be considered the most physical player on the ice, but as he showed last season when he unexpectedly made the 23-man roster out of camp, he has the ability to put up points. ACQUIRED s8 draft, 6th overall
The Seattle Thunderbirds’ superstar flies up the ice and casually creates offense. He’s a lock for next year’s Miners’ roster and will have a legitimate shot at making the Oilers as a potential 3rd line center. Currently in his final season of the VJHL, Vermette leads the league in goals (12) and points (22) through just six games played. ACQUIRED s10 draft, 8th overall
The fact that Edmonton were able to beat out numerous teams vying for his services coming out of the college ranks as an undrafted rookie bodes well for a franchise that has had its troubles signing high-end free agents. ACQUIRED s11 offseason, college free agent
Not as well rounded as Stuart, the oilers feel he is built in the same vein. A rugged stay-at-home defender who will think defensively first before looking to make offensive highlight reel attempts. ACQUIRED s10 draft, 20th overall On the Horizon – The NEXT Five
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