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Revisiting the 2024 NHL entry draft - how did the Oilers make out?

Let's finish up this beotch, everyone - last blog in the series. :) Anyway, this is literally the last draft that had Ken Holland's fingerprints over it. Jeff Jackson was interim GM by this time, but let's face it, what possible incentive did he have to radically change things up from when Ken Holland was GM? None. He had literally come in to the job just days before the draft, and was just going to mind the store until we later found out he had chosen Stan Bowman as his permanent replacement. Unlike 2023 when we only had three picks, this draft would feature seven picks, including two in both the sixth and seventh rounds. Also, since the draft was only held only a few months ago, obviously no one has played NHL games just yet.

By Phil Gretzky

Sam O'Reilly is selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere.
Sam O'Reilly is selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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Fourth round - no pick, traded away to Nashville in the Mattias Ekholm trade. Nashville later flipped this pick to Tampa Bay after they traded away Ryan Mcdonagh to Tampa Bay in what is a re-acquisition for the Bolts. Tampa used it.

Fifth round - Connor Clattenberg, 160th overall

No relation to the Trailer Park Boys creator Mike Clattenberg, in case you're wondering - I looked into it.

I think it's safe to say we can apply the project label to Clattenberg as well, although he does have some tools in the toolbox. I feel much more comfortable taking a roll of the dice on a fifth round pick than a second round pick, though.

Anyway, after a short stint of four games in Junior A, not producing much of anything, Clattenberg started his junior career with the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL, putting up 2-8-10 in 56 games with 115 PIMs and a -10 (no playoff games for him). He played a sophomore year for the Greyhounds improving his boxcars ever so slightly to 4-8-12 with a +3 and 51 PIMs in 30 games before a midseason trade to the Flint Firebirds, where he put up a further 9-8-17 with 28 PIMs and a -2 in the same 30 games. If you're wondering, between the two clubs Clattenberg put up 13 goals, 29 points, 79 PIMs, and a +1 in 60 games. He added a further 1-1-2 with eight PIMs in four playoff games for Flint. Nothing to suggest he'll be an offensive dynamo, but there are worse ways to make a living than as a bottom six forward in the NHL.

Clattenberg is 19, but he might be eligible for another year of junior after next season as an overager as he won't be turning 20 until close to the end of the OHL season.

My assessment of this player is further backed up by a scouting report published on OilersNation for Clattenberg.

"I’m not sure Clattenburg will ever play a game in the NHL, but as a fifth rounder, it was interesting. He’s a pain in the ass to play against because he goes out there to cause pure violence. He’s also a decent goal-scorer, although that’s not going to be his game in the NHL. If he makes it, it’s to be as an energy forward who can maybe put up seven to 10 goals in a season."

- Steven Ellis

"- Prototypical ‘energy’ player
- Initiates physical contact; can be a catalyst for good board and corner play. Skates pretty good and can get on top of defenders well; create a sense of discomfort for them.
- Offense is not a calling card."

- Craig Button

This means if Clattenberg does make the NHL - no guarantee at this point - it'll be as a bottom six forward who can play physical and contribute offense at a supplementary level. Like I said, there are worse ways to make a living.

Trending up or down? It's complicated. Trending up slightly offensively and defensively but down physically.

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