HFNHL Oilers Top 15 Prospects - Mid Season Edition

[Canuck09]

It's not a very deep, or very talented group, as witnessed by it's 25th ranking in this years prospect handbook.

1. Simon Despres - D (Drafted 1:21 2009)
My first ever pick in the HFNHL, Despres successfully made the transition to pro hockey this year. He was selected as an AHL All-Star and got his first taste of NHL action posting 4 points (1g-3a) in 14 games before going down with a knee injury.

2.Derek Forbort - D (Drafted 1:10 2010)
Sustained an injury at the WJC this year that will hamper his development. I've read very mixed opinions on what Forbort can be down the road, he'll need to be good to step out of the shadow of Jeff Skinner, the player I was going to take before a last minute change of heart. Thanks Kershaw.

3.Anton Lander - C (Drafted 2:51 2009)
Surprisingly stuck in the NHL this year with the Oilers, has 5 points (2g-3a) in 43 games while mostly playing between the 3rd and 4th lines. Has also seem some time on the PK thanks to his strong two way game.

4.Brandon Pirri - C (Trade)
In his 2nd year as a pro has been almost a PPG player in the AHL with 39 points (16g-23a) in 40 games, nearly surpassing his point total from last year already. Has had a number of call-ups to the NHL and posted 2 points (0g-2a) in 4 games. Not sure where he fits in the Blackhawks plans, hopefully he gets a better look next year. Was named an AHL All-Star.

5.Lucas Lessio - W (Drafted 2:50 2011)
After a strong start to the OHL season Lessio went through a real cold stretch in November including 6 straight games without a point. Has picked his play up in 2012 and leads the Generals in goals (23) and points (41) in 43 games played. With the lack of wingers with offensive potential in the system, Lessio really needs to pan out.

6.Michael St. Croix - C (Drafted 2:56 2011)
Undersized but very talented pivot in the WHL. Has had a streaky season so far but currently sits 3rd in the WHL in scoring with 77 points (31g-46a) in 48 games played. Long shot to make it but has the offensive game if he can over come his size issues.

7.Calvin Pickard - G (Drafted 1:24 2010)
The top goaltending prospect in my system, Pickard has played for an awful WHL team the last 4 seasons. He got off to a rough start this year but has picked up his play and is once again posting fairly good stats for a bad Everett team.

8.Max Reinhart - C (Drafted 5:130 2010)
Has been climbing the ranks thanks to strong offensive production the last 2 seasons for the Kootenay Ice. Jumped from 51 to 79 points (34g-45a) last year before really exploding in the playoffs with 27 points (15g-12a) in 19 games. So far this year he leads the Ice with 57 points (20g-37a) in 42 games.

9.Colby Robak - D (Trade)
Big smooth skating defenseman is having a strong season in the AHL, his 2nd as a pro. He's nearly matched his point total from last year with 23 (5g-18a) in only 41 games. More impressively, he's improved his +/- from -12 last season to +11 this season. Was named an AHL All-Star.

10.Michael Stone - D (Drafted 3:82)
Yet another big mobile defenseman on the list. Stone is also showing progress in his 2nd AHL season, already surpassing last years point total with 17 (5g-12a) in 41 games. Hopefully will get a crack at a NHL game next season but is behind a lot of players on the Coyotes depth chart.

11.Robert Bortuzzo - D (Drafted 4:102)
12.Christopher Gibson - G (Drafted 2:47)
13.Ryan Howse - W (Trade)
14.Tyler Bunz - G (Drafted 5:150)
15.Stephen Silas - D (Drafted 2:57)
HM.Vincent Trocheck - C (Drafted 3:80)
HM.Tyler Johnson - W (Drafted 7:201)

[Ohio Jones]

Not without talent, and at least one option at each position. Some strong D candidates, and of course I love Lander, even if he won't get the credit he deserves for being such a complete player.

[MatthewFlames]

Originally Posted by Canuck09

2.Derek Forbort - D (Drafted 1:10 2010)
Sustained an injury at the WJC this year that will hamper his development. I've read very mixed opinions on what Forbort can be down the road, he'll need to be good to step out of the shadow of Jeff Skinner, the player I was going to take before a last minute change of heart. Thanks Kershaw.

Hey now. All I did was tell you I wanted Forbort and Watson and I kept telling you I wanted Forbort at 11. Its a well known fact I didn't want Skinner and wasn't a believer (because yes, I am an idiot). I took Skinner because you took Forbort. I can't help it if I'm so persuasive of my ignorance. I still am a Forbort believer - though, no thank you, I don't want to trade Skinner for Forbort.