Edmonton might have a good one here. Tyler Bunz has been tracking very well since his draft day and might be the rarest of all things: a starting goaltender drafted by the Oilers.
I'm no goaltending expert but have been following the Oilers long enough to spot new trends. Whereas the Moog-Fuhr draft era was a matter of hitting a big fly twice in quick succession, most of Oiler history is filled with failed G prospects drafted from the back of the cupboard. The Devan Dubnyk draft--a first rounder who has progressed to the point where he is heir apparent--is highly unusual in Oilers history.
I believe Tyler Bunz represents a few "new trends" for the Oilers. Let's begin with the goalie himself describing his style:
- "I think my size is definitely a strength for myself, I can move well for a big guy and love to battle-I never give up on the puck. I like to play the puck as well, I feel it keeps me focused on the game more. I need to improve on rebound control and being more consistent.
SP's over the years
- Age 16: .886
- Age 17: .898
- Age 18: .919
- Age 19: .923 (so far)
I'd like to take a couple of minutes and talk about Oilers goalie coach Frederic Chabot. I think his influence in the organization has been growing since the day he was hired, and it is having a dynamic impact on the organization at this position. In the interview above we can see some innovation (young Bunz told McCurdy "I’ve learned from watching video with Oilers goalie coach Fred Chabot" and the draft template (big kids with athletic ability) seems to be following a specific form.
I don't want to overstate it, but there seems to be a (wait for it) plan in place for procurement of goaltenders. Since hiring Chabot summer 2009, Edmonton has drafted size. Bunz (6.01, 203) in 2010 and Samu Perhonen (6.05, 184) plus Frans Tuohimaa (6.02, 178) are at least average in size and clearly have some development ahead. The scouting reports mention athletic skaters with projectable frames and quick reflexes.
We'll see, and let's not start thinking about the Oilers being a goaltending factory, but Tyler Bunz is on track as a prospect and has certainly gone well beyond his draft number.
Thank you for not using the terms "goaler" or "gardien"
ReplyDeleteI don't want to overstate it, but there seems to be a (wait for it) plan in place for procurement of goaltenders.
The best thing about the entire 1.0-3.2 regime has been the money and attention paid to creating an actual development system.
Hearing prospects talk about how they have worked/talked with everyone from Chabot/Serdachny/Sillinger/Moores is absolute music after years of hearing that the Oilers rarely contacted their young prospects outside of training camp.
Krejci signs a 3 yrs $10.75 contract. Basis for a Hemsky contract?
ReplyDeleteHemsky is 3 years older and has no Cup. Both get hurt a lot.
Is this the year the Oilers get to have a starting goalie on the world junior team filling them with hopes and dreams? I think I can safely predict Bunz will fall somewhere between Pogge and Price.
ReplyDelete@Ducey I'd sign Hemsky to that deal in a heartbeat. I can't believe they got him for that cheap.
word verification: dictse. That's pretty funny on it's own, I'd say.
Stevezie,
ReplyDeleteWe did have that last year remember Oliver Roy ?
I'm no expert, but something in my gut tells me that if/when the Oilers win Stanley, Bunz may be the goaltender who backstops them.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe they got him for that cheap.
ReplyDeleteNESN says 3 @ 15.75 5.25 Cap.
He made 4M this year with 3.75 Cap
Bergeron signed for 5M cap and Boston fans and media say krecji is there best offensive player.
He is not signing for 3.58M. 5.25 makes sense.
And tSN corrects it. 5.25M/
ReplyDelete@Stevezie don't the hopes and dreams that surrounded Olivier Roy last year. He was the Oilers' next big thing before turning in some disappointing performances at the WJC. That being said, I'm reasonably happy with how he's done so far in Stockton.
ReplyDeleteHearing prospects talk about how they have worked/talked with everyone from Chabot/Serdachny/Sillinger/Moores is absolute music after years of hearing that the Oilers rarely contacted their young prospects outside of training camp.
ReplyDeleteI'll say. In some aspects this organization is light years ahead of where they were 3-5 years ago. Amateur scouting and drafting, development planning and implementation, and farm team to name three big ones. Most of the dividends from this are still down the road, but at least it's not the road to oblivion.
Mike Grier hangs 'em up.
ReplyDeleteHappy retirement to one of my favourite all-time Oilers.
For all the times they showed RNH's standing in the rookie points list last night, did they ever show his standing in the overall points list?
ReplyDeleteHe's currently tied for 4th.
...Then again, maybe it's better if we all pretend not to notice and refrain from discussing this at all. Forget I typed anything.
They did point it out on TSN last night. His name just above Stamkos if I recall. Nice.
ReplyDeleteThe Nuge is only 5 points off the league lead. That is something.
ReplyDeleteMore interesting is to see Smytty only 4 goals off the league lead too. I hope he never comes back to earth (and playing with Eberle, he might not either).
Bruce,
ReplyDeleteGreat Interview,
Glad to see you are further establishing yourself along the fridge of MSM.. I love how Oiler coverage continues to develop and grow..
WRT Bunz, great to have a legit goaltending prospect and someone to cheer extra loud for this WJ..
Don't think you can underestimate how much a difference Chabot has made - after many years of no coaching and then a guy like Peeters simply filling the chair and doing little or nothing of value. Chabot makes a huge difference and now that this is fixed it's one less goalie issue for me to rant about.
ReplyDeleteAbout 93 - jeez I ate crow on him the first week of the season when he was obviously doing well - but I never dreamed that I could be THIS wrong. Being 4th overall in scoring at this point is psychotic - just crazy.
27th-best player under 25, amirite?
ReplyDeleteBeing 4th overall in scoring at this point is psychotic - just crazy.
ReplyDeleteSaved for posterity.
Glad to see you are further establishing yourself along the fridge of MSM
ReplyDelete@Corbin, thanks. Although rather than the fridge I usually try to establish myself near the freezer where they keep the ice cream, haha.
You're right though about Oilers coverage growing; it's fun to be finding some new territory out on the boundaries where the 'sphere & MSM meet. Definitely trying to stay true to my blogging roots, though.
27th-best player under 25, amirite?
@Doogie: Look closer & you'll see some of us had Bunz a little higher, others a tad lower. (or is it 20 tads lower) We had a rip-roaring debate on this guy, biggest split I think we've had to date. It's always a challenge trying to play pin the tail on the goalie.
I'll admit I saw bunz good in the game I saw him play in the preseason. I knew he was good before but he was awesome in that game. I would bet he is the next goalie to win a cup for the oil.
ReplyDeleteTop 25 under 25...
ReplyDeleteJesus, what was Zona smoking that day?
Fred Chabot is making the Oilers a damn goaltending factory!!!
ReplyDelete@Regwald: I remember Roy, and I was ready to have him fill me with dreams but I don't think he had even one good game. Doesn't mean he won't be a fine pro, just wasn't an exciting WJ player.
ReplyDelete