2018 NHL Draft: The Oilers Top Three First Round Targets

5 of 5

PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 14: Jesperi Kotkaniemi #28 of the Finland Nationals skates up ice with the puck against the Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 14, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Finland 4-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Jesperi Kotkaniemi /

Looking at Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Joe Veleno

So I started the post questioning why the team would take a center like Jesperi Kotkaniemi and amending it advocating the Oilers select Joe Veleno, a center. And the answer to that is, I don’t believe the defender that the Oilers want will be available and you can never have enough good centers in the organization.

More specifically on Veleno vs. Kotkaniemi, I like Veleno’s skating better: especially when the direction of the league is trending towards speed and better skaters. Kotkaniemi could very well turn out to be the next Mikko Koivu, but Veleno might turn out to be the next Patrice Bergeron, and I imagine that resonates with Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli.

Here’s a scouting report from Blue Shirt Banter contributor and prospect blogger Adam Herman,

"He’s a defensive workhorse who will adjust to whatever tactical package his team operates under and it’s not very difficult to see how he translates at the NHL level. He did spent time on the wing in Drummondville, as he certainly has the speed for the position, but his future is best served at center. One would think he has a very realistic chance at turning into a quality middle-six center in the NHL who plays in all situations and coaches can rely on to stick to the game plan and face quality competition. (link)"

What do you think? Who would you like to see the Oilers draft at tenth overall this month?

Let us know in the comments below!

Home/Draft