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Revisiting the 2021 NHL entry draft - how did the Oilers make out?

The "reverse pandemic" draft - jabs received, safety increased amongst both players and fans. The season starts late instead of ending early. Ken Holland continues putting his stamp on the Oilers.

By Phil Gretzky

Feb. 9, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; General managers Ken Holland (left) of the Detroit Red Wings and Brian Burke (center) of the Toronto Maple Leafs talk with NHL Networks sportscaster Kathryn Tappen (right) during an NHL press conference for the 2013 Winter Classic at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 9, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; General managers Ken Holland (left) of the Detroit Red Wings and Brian Burke (center) of the Toronto Maple Leafs talk with NHL Networks sportscaster Kathryn Tappen (right) during an NHL press conference for the 2013 Winter Classic at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Fourth round - Jake Chiasson, 116th overall

The ultimate "thrown a dart at the dartboard and see what happens" pick, Chiasson played for five seasons in the WHL, most of them for the Brandon Wheat Kings. However, he was traded mid-season to the Saskatoon Blades. In his entire junior career he never cracked the point-per-game mark, although he did come close in his last three seasons - 20 points in 23 games, then 18 points in 20 games, then 30 points in 33 games for the Blades.

Chiasson followed that up with a single game in Bakersfield, where he didn't register a point and finished at -1. Then he joined the Oilers' ECHL affiliate in Fort Wayne, putting up 9-11-20 in 68 games with a -12 to boot.

One season hardly makes or breaks a player's career, so it's hard to say much since Chiasson only has a single pro season under his belt. He was the lesser prospect included in the aforementioned Roby Jarventie trade, and although it's much too early to call him a bust, his rookie pro season is not encouraging. He is going into year two of his ELC and like Bourgault, will be suiting up for the Belleville Senators next season, or if doesn't impress at the AHL team's training camp then it's off to the ECHL for him again.

Trending up or down? Down, albeit in short sample size.

Who did the Oilers miss out on? No one immediately afterwards, like everyone drafted after him in this round no one has, as of yet, played any NHL games. The closest player is left D Emil Lilleberg (Tampa Bay), who played 37 NHL games last season, only four more than he played in the AHL (34). He put up 0-5-5 in those 37 NHL games with a -15, so clearly he needs more seasoning.

If the Oilers are looking to trade Kulak, maybe they trade him to Tampa for this guy plus something else. Lilleberg is listed as on the big league roster in Puckpedia, but doesn't have a roster spot at this point. Only $870k against the cap, he might be a good trade chip to the Oilers, someone they should keep an eye on.

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