Oilers Nail it!

EDMONTON – Two years ago it was Tyler vs. Taylor. Last year it was Ryan vs. Adam. The Edmonton Oilers go for the hat trick in the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft on June 22-23 in Pittsburgh but this time there won’t be any intrigue about who the first pick overall it will be. The only intrigue will be if the Oilers decide to keep the pick for the third year in a row.
 
This year’s prize is Nail Yakupov, a 5’ 10” right winger who played with the Sarnia Sting (OHL). Despite playing in only 42 games he scored 31 goals and 38 assists, good for third overall in points and second in goals for Sarnia. His impact has some scouts already believing he could be another Alex Ovechkin. It is very high praise but will the Oilers really put a ton of stock in another smallish player when defense is as much a need for them as offense is?
 
This season the Oilers were 20^th in offense and 23^rd in defensive. Special teams were a dramatic improvement from the previous year. This year they were third on the power play and 14^th on the penalty kill. They were near the bottom of the league in both categories last season. The Oilers were only slightly better (from 30^th to 27^th) on face-offs.
 

The Oilers had only two players with over 20 goals, Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall. Thegood news is that there were six other players with 10 or more. Still, the right wing position is of high need with only Alex Hemsky with double digit goals (10). The Oilers could use help at all three forward positions but right winger appears to be of greater need.
 
On defensemen the Oilers were not horrific but as always could use an upgrade. They have no Unrestricted Free Agents this year on the blueline which is good but will have to address their defense at the draft once they get past the first round. They could however change course from the team’s norm.
 
The last time Edmonton took a defenseman with their first pick overall was in 2006 with Petry (a second round pick, 45^th overall). The last time the Oilers took a defenseman in the first round was Alex Plante (15^th overall) in 2007, but he was their second pick in the first round behind Sam Gagner (6^th overall). The last time the Oilers actually took a defenseman with their first pick in the first round was back in 1989 with Jason Soules (15^th overall). If you can’t remember who he is, don’t feel bad, you’re not alone.
 
If the Oilers go for defense instead of taking Yakupov look no further than Everett Silvertips defenseman Ryan Murray who has already drawn comparisons for former New Jersey Devils great Scott Niedermayer. However, the Oilers are known for building from the forward position back. You can bet a team like Washington would love to make a trade with the Oilers since they have two first round picks (11^th and 16^th overall) and could offer a roster player for the pick but its more likely the Caps will make something happen with Columbus than Edmonton but stranger things have happened at the draft.
 
That said, until draft day happens, no trades will be considered on our mock draft. Look for the Oilers to “Nail” this one. Oh, come on, you knew it was coming didn’t you?
 
“The Edmonton Oilers are proud to select, from the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey league, Nail Yakupov.”
 
To learn more about Nail Yakupov here .
 
Contact the photographer at Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com Follow us on Twitter at @prohockeynews