Oilers’ Player Grades At 10 Games
By Kurt Leavins
The Oilers are at the 10-game mark of the 2014-15 season. At each interval, I will assign grades to each player who has played at least 1 of those 10 games, using the following key:
A = Exceeding Expectations
B = Meets Expectations
C = Below Expectations
D = Immediate Improvement Required
F = Demotion Imminent
GAMES: 1 – 10
DEFENSE:
Mark Fayne. B+
His first game was unsettling, but since then Fayne has been the team’s steadiest defenceman, which is precisely why the Oilers signed him. And his numbers are strong, especially considering the competition he’s faced.
I see significant improvement in his defensive game, and he’s a dangerous weapon on the rush. But it’s almost impossible to grade him higher until the holes in his game get a little smaller.
Andrew Ference. B-
A slow start due to injuries and limited training camp time, the Captain has been very steady and gritty, as of late. Playing mostly 3rd pairing minutes, he has been close to what you should expect out of him.
Jeff Petry : B-
Petry was slow out of camp due to injury, and has been uneven since, unable to string together more than 2 quality games in a row. But Petry has shown regular flashes of what looks like a Top-4 defender.
Nikita Nikitin. B-
He’s a “real” NHL defenceman, who has battled through injuries but still, on-balance, has delivered on expectations. But his health is a going concern. Arrows flat.
Martin Marincin. C+
Huh? Well, he was supposed to be a lock to make the team but then did not. He’s made up quite a bit of ground since and the arrows are pointing up. Seems to be a nice match with Fayne.
Brad Hunt. C-
Difficult to grade, surely exceeding expectations by making the club, and has been good enough to stay in the NHL roster. But has been a healthy scratch and slight enough on defence to be on the verge of a D.
Darnell Nurse. D+
This may seem harsh, but fact it, the kid did not play well enough to stick. He’ll be here next here, and won’t be getting D grades, I’m confident of that.
FORWARDS:
Taylor Hall. A
The Oilers best player has been their best player, with even his off-nights being dangerous ones on the attack. Hall will always commit a few turnovers, but generally his defence has shown progress.
Boyd Gordon: A
He has been just short of spectacular defensively, and has taken a step forward in the offensive zone that not many thought he had in him. One of the team’s most important performers.
So this is what a healthier, stronger, 1-year older Ryan Nugent-Hopkins looks like. Nice. If he keeps shooting the way he has been, this will be a career year.
Matt Hendricks. A-
You don’t expect offence from Hendricks, yet he’s been very successful in pinning opponents on the offensive zone, in addition to his smart and gritty work in his own end. The Oilers’ most physical player.
Jesse Joensuu. A-
What a pleasant surprise. Joensuu’s 10th game was his weakest, but still, he has been a key member of the 4th line. His speed, physicality and strong defensive play have been a real asset.
Leon Draisaitl. B+
Displayed notable progress in just about every game he has played. Calm in his own zone, and with the ability to shield the puck and make smart passes, he’s been better than an 18 year old should be.
Teddy Purcell. B-
A pleasant surprise on the power play, and in gaining the offensive zone with possession. While not particularly physical, he generally positions himself well in his own zone, and through the neutral zone.
Nail Yakupov. C+
Noticeably better defensively, and more aggressive around the net, Yakupov is a little puck luck away from a B grade. But surely Yak is not meeting expectations if he’s off a 20-goal pace. Arrows up, though.
While Eberle has indeed put up some points, the eye says he is off his game, perhaps due to injury. Still, he has to be better for this team to have any kind of shot at the playoffs.
David Perron. C
A 28 goal scorer last season with no goals 10 games into this one deserves a “C”. I’m a Perron fan, and injuries have slowed him, but fact is he has under-performed.
Has been solid enough, but until recently he has been quiet on offence, despite significant time on the power play. He’s an upgrade on the left side, but at that price point, we’re entitled to expect better.
Arcobello puts in an honest effort most nights, is mostly sound on defence and on the face-off dot. His offence has been paltry, and in Game #10, was their 4th best center. Hmmm.
Will Acton. D
When an 18 year old beats you out for an NHL job, and you are a healthy scratch 9 out of 10 games, you get a D. Hey, it’s not an F.
GOALTENDING:
Ben Scrivens. B-
It would have been easy to forget the start of the season and grade him higher, but that 4 game win streak was preceded by thoroughly average goaltending. Arrows pointing up, though.
Viktor Fasth. C
Sure injuries are not his fault, but again, these grades are vis-à-vis expectations. And considering his start in L.A., he’s lucky he’s not a D.