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Edmonton Oilers: New Forwards Quarter Pole Review

By Pelle |
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 06: Edmonton Oilers right wing Tobias Rieder (22) skates in the first period of the regular season NHL game between the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning on November 06, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 06: Edmonton Oilers right wing Tobias Rieder (22) skates in the first period of the regular season NHL game between the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning on November 06, 2018 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Edmonton Oilers have played just over 25% percent of their season and what better time to check in on how some of the new faces at forward have fared over that time frame.

The New Forwards

As you can see from the list above, the Edmonton Oilers have had quite a few new players inserted into the lineup at one point or another so far this year. That includes four rookies, a PTO signing, and two ex-Oilers who’ve returned for another kick at the can with Edmonton.

From a traditional stats point of view, I’d say that Alex Chiasson and Toby Rieder are having acceptable seasons so far. Chiasson is on pace to score 38 goals!!! I don’t think it’s going to happen mind you, but that is very good considering that he was signed off of a professional tryout agreement. Grade: B+

It’s too bad about Rieder though. Going down with an upper-body injury right as he was just getting comfortable playing with Leon Draisaitl. I’ve loved his work on the penalty kill so far this season, and he’s been a beast on the forecheck. Something Edmonton has lacked for some time now. Grade: B

Kyle Brodziak is an interesting player this year. He didn’t start well at all and was scratched for it, but since Ken Hitchcock has taken over and put him on a line with Zack Kassian and Milan Lucic, he’s seemingly found another gear. I’ve loved his aggressive yet responsible play under Hitchcock. The Identity Line is now a set of players that I look forward to watching each game. Grade: B-

The most disappointed player in this group of new players has been Ryan Spooner. I have no idea why Peter Chiarelli traded a decent 3rd line center (should’ve been a top-6 RWer) for a $4M winger who can’t score. Watching him, these previous four games have been painful, because you see that he’s got the skill, and he can skate very well, but he hasn’t scored. Grade: C-

The Bakersfield Boys

Kailer Yamamoto came on like gangbusters during the pre-season, but like his fellow right-wingers (Ty Rattie and Jesse Puljujarvi), he slowed down as soon as the regular season started. He was getting outmuscled and outplayed at the NHL level, and the Oilers did the best thing for him, sent him to the AHL to develop and as far as I understand, he’s been one of the better players for the Condors since the demotion. Grade: C-

Cooper Marody has been recalled on two separate occasions to the Oilers, and for me at least, he’s been underwhelming. I have seen some flashes of creative offense and a quick stick on defense, but his skating is not at the NHL level yet. He’s out of his league, and the best place for him is in Bakersfield until he gets a pair of better wheels. Grade: D

Patrick Russell has only suited up twice for the Oilers, and I haven’t been impressed NOR have I been disappointed. He’s had his chances but he’s not, nor will he be, a scorer in the National Hockey League. He’s a meat and potatoes kind of player. But what I did like about him is his willingness to go to the blue paint. If he can continue that, he could be an essential cog for the team going forward. Grade: C+

I expect the Oilers to improve their forward group a bit more before the seasons is out. Their new head coach will see to that if Edmonton continues to falter.

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