Looks like the Aeros are trying to intimidate the Baron's, I'd like to see more push back from the Baron's TBH. I find it interesting that Paajarvi seems to be the net presence on his line when you'd assume that Harski would be the guy to play that role. I wonder if this is something that Paajarvi is comfortable doing or if this is mandated by management?
Can't say I'm surprised, I saw a similar Pitlick at camp at the start of the year.
Kid has skills.
If he goes PPG+ during the playoffs he might have an outside shot at the main squad next year or at least a late season call up. Physical play was always there now the scoring touch is coming. Good to see.
Looks like he could add some more mass to his frame, but there's a player there for sure.
He could, but he can already run guys over when he decides to finish checks hard.
The important thing is I think he has the frame capable of adding mass, so it's more a waiting game IMO to add a bit each year without losing any speed.
He could, but he can already run guys over when he decides to finish checks hard.
The important thing is I think he has the frame capable of adding mass, so it's more a waiting game IMO to add a bit each year without losing any speed.
He looks a little thicker than he did in the preseason and certainly more confident.
His speed is his biggest asset, he could stand to have better puck skills though. He fumbles the puck a little too much for my liking.
He looks a little thicker than he did in the preseason and certainly more confident.
His speed is his biggest asset, he could stand to have better puck skills though. He fumbles the puck a little too much for my liking.
I wouldn't worry, it's not like he's going to be an elite playmaker at the next level.
He's the closest thing we have to a Kesler in the system, and he seems like less of a *****. He will need to work hard on faceoffs but he seems to have a good work ethic.
One thing some people seem to overlook is the kid has never been able to adjust to a new league and then come back and dominate the next year, or even improve for that matter.
He went to Mankato State really young, started playing better near the end of the year, but realized he wanted to focus 100% on hockey. He goes to Med Hat, has a slow start adjusting again, then gets hurt once he starts playing well.
Then he makes a huge jump to pro hockey, ANOTHER slow start, and is starting to play well right now.
I didn't expect him to get a lot of minutes this year in OKC, a lot of depth down there, but he seems to be breaking through a bit.
I'd let him go back and try to be a PPG player next year in OKC, add muscle, then make a run at the Oilers in 2014.
I wouldn't worry, it's not like he's going to be an elite playmaker at the next level.
He's the closest thing we have to a Kesler in the system, and he seems like less of a *****. He will need to work hard on faceoffs but he seems to have a good work ethic.
One thing some people seem to overlook is the kid has never been able to adjust to a new league and then come back and dominate the next year, or even improve for that matter.
He went to Mankato State really young, started playing better near the end of the year, but realized he wanted to focus 100% on hockey. He goes to Med Hat, has a slow start adjusting again, then gets hurt once he starts playing well.
Then he makes a huge jump to pro hockey, ANOTHER slow start, and is starting to play well right now.
I didn't expect him to get a lot of minutes this year in OKC, a lot of depth down there, but he seems to be breaking through a bit.
I'd let him go back and try to be a PPG player next year in OKC, add muscle, then make a run at the Oilers in 2014.
I can't help but to see some Kesler in his game when i see him play, his build and skating style are pretty similar along with the shot and physical play. He's not as nasty as Kesler and doesn't have the offensive consistency to be on that level but i do see some similarities.
2014 does seem like a good target for him to realistically make a push for a full time spot on the Oilers.
I can't help but to see some Kesler in his game when i see him play, his build and skating style are pretty similar along with the shot and physical play. He's not as nasty as Kesler and doesn't have the offensive consistency to be on that level but i do see some similarities.
2014 does seem like a good target for him to realistically make a push for a full time spot on the Oilers.
Ya, i have no doubt he could muck it on the 4th line next year, but what would be the point?
I know the Oilers are grooming him for an offensive role, and judging by the ton of faceoff work he got in all of the prospect camp days and training camp, I get the feeling they are hoping he steals the 2C spot in 2-3 years, and if not they are really happy if he is a 3C because it means our depth down the middle is likely contender calibre.
