Nail Yakupov earns #1 spot on Oilers prospect list
With the NHL’s players being locked out, there’s not a lot of on-ice NHL news for fans. Which appears to be the perfect time to unveil the fall edition of the Oilers top ten prospect list.
Between player progression and regression, the June NHL draft and not to mention any other wheelings and dealings there are many changes and some new faces from the last top ten rankings in the spring.
The Oilers certainly have an impressive number of young offensive talents at forward in the big leagues and with the drafting of Nail Yakupov they have definitely added to that. However, not to fear, they also have a number of promising defensive talents that are knocking on the door.
Here are the top ten prospects for fall 2012.
1. Nail Yakupov, RW, 18
2011/12 Club: Sarnia Sting (OHL)
His name will likely not be on this list for long, as he’s penciled in as a top six forward whenever the season starts for the Oilers. A dynamic sniper who can score in every way he’s lightning quick and has great hands. He’s a threat on every shift and has drawn comparisons to the other Russian Rocket, Pavel Bure. Yakupov has stated he will play in the KHL until the lockout has ended.
2. Justin Schultz, D, 22
2011/12 Club: University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Coming into the season, there may not be another rookie that will face as much scrutiny as Schultz. Known as much for his “decision” and the saga that surrounded it as for his impressive skillset, Oiler fans are hoping it is the skillset and talent that people are talking about as the season goes on. A polished college product, Schultz has all of the offensive abilities you could ask for in a young defenceman. He skates extremely well, moves the puck and has a good shot. He also has shown good awareness on the ice and has shown a work ethic and willingness to improve his defensive game. He is currently slated to skate with the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) during the lockout.
3. Oscar Klefbom, D, 19
2011/12 Club: Farjestad (Elitserien)
Swedish defenceman has all the tools and is an exceptional raw talent. A great skater with excellent offensive instincts, he moves the puck well and has the ability to lead the rush. He has the size and skill to potentially translate into a top four NHL defenceman.
He still has holes in his game and needs to improve his positioning and defensive zone play and may need some more seasoning. With tremendous upside, the Oilers are hoping that Klefbom can bring similar talent and upside to what they already have in their forward group. Committed to play one more year with Farjestad, the Oilers hope to have him in the lineup for 2013-14.
4. Martin Marincin, D, 20
2011/12 Club: Prince George Cougars/Regina Pats (WHL)
A lanky defender at 6’5″ Marincin has the size and skating ability to be an impact player at the next level. The offensive Slovak can quarterback a powerplay and makes a good first pass. He does need work on his defensive game and his decision making skills have been questioned at times. He is slated to play in the AHL for the Barons and should play big minutes for them.
5. David Musil, D, 19
2011/12 Club: Vancouver Giants (WHL)
The son of Frank Musil and nephew of Bobby Holik, David possesses strong hockey bloodlines and is as NHL ready as any junior prospect. A rugged defenceman, Musil plays a physical shutdown style of game. His game is very consistent without any glaring holes, he does not, however, possess a great deal of offensive upside.
6. Teemu Hartikainen, LW, 22
2011/12 Club: Oklahoma City Barons (AHL)
Hartikainen plays a style of game that the Oilers desperately need, a big power forward who drives hard to the net and creates space. The problem is that he has been very inconsistent when given his opportunity so far. He has drawn many comparisons to the Red Wings Tomas Holmstrom for his style of play and the Oilers are hoping that with some confidence he can become that player that they need and fill a similar role.
7. Tyler Pitlick, C, 20
2011/12 Club: Oklahoma City Barons (AHL)
A player who’s stock has risen in the organization, Pitlick showed why he is one of the top forward prospects in the system with a very strong Calder Cup playoffs for the Barons. The start of hiss first pro season did not start well, but he picked it up in the second half and carried that into a strong postseason where he was one of their top performers. He has all the tools, with a great wrist shot and good hands. He’s a strong, powerful skater who goes to the dirty areas. Consistency was his big knock, but if he can continue to take his game to the next level it won’t be for long.
8. Tyler Bunz, G, 19
2011/12 Club: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
The reigning WHL Goaltender of the Year, Bunz had a sensational year for the Tigers and was clearly the best goaltender in the league. Mentally tough, he plays a sound technical and positional game with few holes. He has shown improvement and progression in each of his junior seasons, a trend the Oilers hope will continue.
9. Colten Teubert, D, 22
2011/12 Club: Oklahoma City Barons (AHL)
A big, rugged stay at home defenceman, Teubert has great size and plays with an edge. A former first round pick acquired in the Dustin Penner trade provides little offence but plays a tough, gritty style in his own end. A player who has been given some opportunity at the NHL level due to injuries, he has shown some promise but is clearly still understanding the pro game and still needs some seasoning in the AHL.
10. Martin Gernat, D, 19
2011/12 Club: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
A big part of the Oil Kings WHL championship run, Gernat far exceeded expectations in his first season of major junior hockey. An offensive defenceman who skates very well, Gernat put up impressive stats in Edmonton. He has good size, is an excellent skater and possesses good offensive instincts. He still is a work in progress defensively and needs to improve his strength at the next level, but he has a very impressive upside.
Falling out of Top 10: Curtis Hamilton, Olivier Roy
This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.
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