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Edmonton Oilers: How to Move Forward With All Top Ten Prospects

By Jeff James

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 25: Evan Bouchard #75 of the Edmonton Oilers poses after scoring his first NHL goal following the game against the Washington Capitals on October 25, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 25: Evan Bouchard #75 of the Edmonton Oilers poses after scoring his first NHL goal following the game against the Washington Capitals on October 25, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Edmonton Oilers
EDMONTON, AB – NOVEMBER 3: Kailer Yamamoto #56 of the Edmonton Oilers watches warm up prior to the game dedicated to Hockey Fights Cancer against the New Jersey Devils on November 3, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

First Batch of Prospects

2. Kailer Yamamoto

Kailer Yamamoto was rushed to the NHL by the Oilers after being drafted in 2017 and struggled out of the gates. This season, he was sent to the AHL, and for now, this is where he belongs. He needs to develop his game further and get stronger, and also build his confidence to an acceptable level. He is having a great season in Bakersfield which is a good sign.

I believe, barring any drastic changes to his game, he should start in the AHL next year as well. He should stay there for at least the first half of the season and then the Oilers should re-evaluate the situation. The Oilers need to clear cap space this summer and look for help on the wings from outside the organization.

3. Jesse Puljujarvi

Oh, Jesse. How the Oilers have screwed up your development thus far. Just Like Yamo, he was rushed to the NHL and did not flourish, and his confidence took a major hit. This season especially, he has been shackled on the fourth line (before being injured). Even when he was given a chance in the top 6, one mistake and he would be booted back to the fourth line.

Playing 10 minutes a night in the NHL on the fourth line is no way to develop a top prospect. I am not saying his situation thus far is not on Jesse as well, but the Oilers are mainly to blame. I think he should be with the club next year but in the top 6. If he is not in the top 6, he should be in the AHL, plain and simple. He can still be a dominant player in this league. Hopefully, as I said above, the Oilers can find some help on the wings from outside of the organization, so it is not all on Jesse (and possibly Chiasson).

4. Cooper Marody

Cooper Marody has had a great year this year, putting up 43 points in 43 games with the Condors, and playing six solid games for the Oil. I think this player, with a good summer, will be ready for the NHL next year. I can see him centering the third line with Colby Cave centering the fourth line. He is 22 years old and will have a year of pro under his belt. This was a great trade pickup for the Oilers. If he can have 15+ goals on the Oilers third line next year, that would be a successful season.

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