Edmonton Oilers Teddy Purcell Finding His Surge

Teddy Purcell has struggled to maintain consistency in his game. He has endured many ups and downs during his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers. There have been times when he has flashes of brilliance and times when he looks like he should be playing in Bakersfield.

I was genuinely excited when the oilers went out and acquired the big 6″2 winger from the Tampa Bay Lightning back in 2014. The idea of having a big bodied forward with skill in the top 6 sounded quite enticing. Also, the numbers he tallied in his time with Tampa playing alongside Steven Stamkos were more than enough reason to feel optimistic about his arrival to Edmonton.

For most of Purcell’s career he has maintained a steady point total every year since 2011. He had a 51 point season in 2010/2011, 36 points in 48 games in 2012/2013 and 42 points in 81 games in 2013/2014. His best season came in the 2011/2012 season when he posted 65 points in 81 games.

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One stat I overlooked when Purcell first came to the Oilers was hitting. He simply will not engage the body. Every year since 2011 he has mustered under 25 hits per season. At the time I figured his offensive ability would make up for his lack of physicality. I’m a guy who loves big, nasty players. Although not a necessity, it would just be nice to see a player of his large frame be mean and aggressive. But like the old saying goes, you can’t teach a nice guy to be mean, you’re just born with that mean streak, which is alright I guess.

Inconsistency has followed Purcell’s game for most of his time as an Oiler. He has often been relied on to contribute as a top 6 forward but hasn’t exactly posted encouraging numbers. Last year marked his lowest scoring and most disappointing season since 2010. In 82 games he posted only 34 points and was a horrendous -33. One thing I notice is Purcell often makes bad decisions with the puck. Too many times I’ve seen him turn the puck over in the neutral zone or make a risky cross ice pass that gets picked off by the opposition.

There is positives to Purcell’s game as well. On the power play, he has the ability to effectively control the puck from the point and get pucks to the net. He always finds an opening even in the tightest situations to squeak the puck through with his persistent, accurate shot. There are times when he can make very creative plays and feed his linemates with golden, crisp passes in the offensive zone or on the power play.

The fact is he flourishes playing with good offensive players and can benefit quite well from players that can drive the offence on a line. Purcell has incredible skill with the puck and has great play-making abilities. Although not that fastest skater on the ice, he usually finds a way to position himself properly for a scoring chance whether it be a pass in the slot or bury a rebound from the perimeter of the net.

As of late, Purcell has found a way to contribute as an effective secondary scorer for the Oilers. He has developed chemistry with Taylor Hall and Leon Draisaitl on the first line. I like the idea of having his veteran presence and skill complimenting that dynamic duo.

In 20 games this season, Purcell has 11 points and 7 in his last 6. His plus minus rating has improved to -1. This is certainly a positive sign from the 30 year old veteran as it shows that he can still produce when put in the right situation with the right players that he can benefit from.

The reality of the situation is Purcell is playing for a contract. His 3 year 13.5 million dollar deal signed in 2013 with Tampa expires at the end of this season. He is well on his way to earning himself a new deal, but it is highly unlikely it comes from the Oilers. I just don’t see him in future plans beyond 2015/2016. Inconsistent play has hurt his value in the organization and I feel it is only a matter of time before Peter Chiarelli decides to move on from Purcell.

However, this is why Todd McLellan is one of the best coaches in the game, because he can bring out the best in his players and squeeze every ounce of compete level out of them. Purcell is hot right now but knowing how he operates it is only a matter of time before he cools down at some point. But right now he is producing and McLellan will utilize him accordingly.

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With that being said he can still be a useful player for the Oilers this season. He can finish strong and contribute as a complementary scorer in the top 9. With solid performance comes increased value across the league. Heading into free agency this off season, Purcell could very well attract some value at this years trade deadline from teams looking to add an experienced, proven offensive veteran before playoffs begin in April.