Edmonton Oilers: What Impact Will Ty Rattie Have?

The Edmonton Oilers decided to rely on a wealth signing of NHL/AHL free agents to fill the voids on their roster.

While some of these players are works-in-progress, they could make an impact and a push at training camp. One of these projects is Ty Rattie, a former WHL superstar who hasn’t been able to transition successfully to the NHL.

The Blues took Rattie at 32nd overall in 2011, anticipating a lot of scoring and ability from him as he continued to grow. He finished with 151 goals and 348 points in 269 WHL games, and also produced 1.29 points per game in juniors. However, when it came time to move to the next level, he couldn’t put up the same results.

Edmonton Oilers

He played in just 34 NHL games over his young career so far, posting just four goals and 10 points. Rattie has gotten his fair share of time and opportunity at the NHL level so far but hasn’t been able to capitalize on his opportunities. While his ability hasn’t necessarily translated to the highest level, he has been a proven scorer at the AHL level.

Prior to this season, Rattie had racked up 69 goals and 136 points through 193 games with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, St. Louis’ minor league affiliate. But in 22 games this year with Chicago, his production greatly declined, and he had just two goals and five points to show. He got the chance to play four games with the Blues as well but didn’t register a single point. Eventually, he was traded to Carolina, where he dressed for five games and recorded two assists.

Rattie in Edmonton

In hopes that he can revive his development and recapture the success he had in the WHL, Edmonton signed the 24-year-old to a one-year deal. The Oilers need more depth on the right wing, and if Rattie gets back on track, he can help the team fill the void on their right side.

Looking at Edmonton’s competition moving into this season, Rattie will have to truly step up to win a spot. Jesse Puljujarvi will be looking to join the NHL ranks full-time, and Kailer Yamamoto could be a dark horse for a roster spot. Not to mention, tenured NHLers Ryan Strome and Jussi Jokinen could earn spots on the right wing, and Iiro Pakarinen will be looking to remain at the NHL level.

While Rattie has taken steps to improve his skating and has great hands, he is inconsistent and can appear sluggish at times. In addition, he is only 6-foot and 178 pounds and doesn’t necessarily have the strength or physicality to succeed at the NHL level.

Next: Edmonton Oilers: Can Anton Slepyshev Keep His Spot

Overall, he will have to prove his worth and stay a consistent scorer if he wants to fight for a roster spot this season. Still, he has great hockey sense and ability and has what it takes to make an impact with the team. Even if he doesn’t cut the NHL roster, he will help lead the charge in Bakersfield.