Revisiting the 2015 NHL entry draft - how did the Oilers make out?

Oilers miss out

Round six - John Marino, 154th overall - Marino's story with the Oilers is an interesting one. After finishing his US college career with Harvard University, and seeing a logjam at right defence at the time, Marino refused to sign an ELC with the Oilers, forcing their hand in trading his signing rights to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 for sixth round pick. Marino didn't even spend any time in the minors, making the Penguins right out of camp and putting up 26 points for them in his rookie season with a +17, phenomenal numbers for an NHL rookie.

Marino's point totals dipped to 13 the next year, but we can likely chalk this up to the pandemic ending the NHL season early. In a full season once again the next year he was back up to 25 points. Marino was then traded to the New Jersey Devils that season, and played two seasons for them before signing as a free agent a few weeks ago with the Utah hockey club.

Hit or miss? Despite the fact that the Oilers never benefited from his services, based on sheer numbers alone we'll have to call this a hit. No way to avoid the fate of the player though, not much you can do if he doesn't want to sign his ELC with us.

Did the Oilers miss out on anyone after taking Marino? Yes, the Oilers missed out on taking stay at home blueliner Vladislav Gavrikov (Columbus), top six forward Andrew Mangiapane (Calgary), and bottom six forward Mason Appleton (Winnipeg), all of whom are still playing today.

On paper all of these guys are likely a wash with Marino in terms of talent level. However, it does sting a little considering that had the Oilers drafted any of these guys rather than Marino, that the prospect likely would've done the opposite of Marino and signed with them, meaning they would've gotten something out of this pick rather than just a trade chip.