The 2014-15 NHL season ended with an unimpressive attempt at a rebuild for the Edmonton Oilers. With fewer points than the previous season and 40 points behind the eighth seed playoff position, the organization is in dire straits. The team is lacking in many areas and with only two players, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to score more than 20 goals (24 goals each player), scoring seems to be a priority for this team.
Misfortune continued throughout the season as Taylor Hall was out 29 games and only went on record for 38 points in 53 games played. Nail Yakupov also ran into a little trouble this year producing only 14 goals and was a negative 35 in the plus/minus category.
Ben Scrivens was in goal with a 15-26-11 record and a .890 save percentage. In addition to that and a lackluster backup system in place, goaltending is also in need for expansion.
As for the defense, overall, they were lacking as well, playing more offensively than defensively, but only tallying up 18 goals to the list; an insignificant contribution. But, the future of the defense looks bright due to some young players. Darnell Nurse, a young shut-down player who initiates contact. He will have many opportunities to grow in the future of this NHL team.
Another defensive hopeful for this organization is Leon Draisaitl. He earned 53 impressive points in 32 games with the Kelowna Rockets. It can be assumed that he will also make his mark for Edmonton when he develops on NHL ice.
The other optimistic stance for the future will be the addition of Connor McDavid to the roster. For many reasons, he will add motivation, scoring chances, and hope for the team.
Newly made changes in the organization such as Bob Nicholson, Peter Chiarelli, and Todd McLellan are a good sign that Edmonton wants to become a contending organization. With these changes, along with Free Agency right around the corner, and the NHL Draft in place, they have many options in which to improve.
In the hustle of trade rumors buzzing, draft picks being dealt, and the need of all areas to improve, it is a tough call to determine who the Oilers pick will be with the 16th overall draft pick spot. This draft is deep with many quality choices.
So, does Chiarelli try to add offense, defense, or goaltending? Or does he just attempt to pick the best player available that he and his staff feels is on the table? That being said if the spot is not dealt in a deal among other vying teams, he has many options. One option is to boost goaltending.
The Russian goaltender, Ilya Samsonov, is ranked 19th on the list of prospects. At 6’3, 200 pounds, Ilya covers a big part of the net. He has great reactive impulses, fast hands, and a sharp instinct. He played with the Magnitogorsk Club in Russia with a record of 11-4-1 with a 2.66 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage. He represented Russia in the Worlds Juniors and other international tournaments. He would be a welcome addition to the overall future plans of the Edmonton Oilers.
“With the 16th pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers select, goaltender Ilya Samsonov.”
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