Future is looking great for the Oilers!
Now, I have never been a huge fan of the Edmonton Oilers, but I can honestly say that I jumped on the band wagon last year as they came oh so close to winning the cup. When I look at their roster, I see great things now, and more importantly in the future.
I have attended a number of Tier II and OHL games in the last six or seven years and when I look over the list of prospects that Edmonton has in their system, it is mind boggling how they were able to aquire so much talent.
First of all, from the great town of Woodbridge Ontario, comes a young man by the name of Andrew Cogliano. From the time this kid was 10 years old there were scouts drooling over him. He decided to go the college route and is entering his second year at the University of Michigan. His speed has been compared to that of Pavel Bure’s and when he gets going on that ice in Edmonton, there will be no stopping him. Edmonton does not want to rush him out of school so be looking for him in about two years. God only knows how this guy was still around in the mid-20’s of the the 2005 draft.
It is kind of funny to look over the future’s list and find 3 players who all played for the Tier II Newmarket Hurricanes. Slick forward, Brock Radunske, tough guy Zack Stortini, and Patrick Murphy, son of NHL Executive Mike Murphy. I watched all of these guys for a couple of years and of the three of them the one that I thought had the LEAST chance was Zack Stortini. How wrong was I! I believe that Stortini has the best chance of cracking the line-up in the not to distant future. He was the most feared fighter in his years in the OHL with Sudbury, and he brought leadership to that team that caught the attention of the Edmonton brass.
The last player I want to comment on is Theo Peckham from Richmond Hill, Ontario. He was Edmonton’s third round draft pick this past season and he is a player that the Oilers are very excited about. He is a 6’2, 220 lbs. defenceman who plays with the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack. He plays the game with heart and toughness that has earned him respect from his teammates and even his opponents. 4 years ago, this guy was playing Minor Midget “AA” hockey and look where he is now. Another Edmonton prospect, Rob Schremp of the London Knights was quoted following the playoff series between London and Owen Sound, “I am glad that is over so I don’t have to go into the corners with Theo Peckham again.” Guess what Rob, you guys will be teammates with the Oilers in two years!
Hope you enjoyed my quick rundown of the future in Edmonton!