Bang For The Buck

The Oilers turned some good results in the entry draft this summer. They are as follows:

1. 6th Overall:

Sam Gagner- Center/Forward
2006-07 London OHL 53GP 35G 83A 118P 36PIM

Gagner is small, quick, smart with the puck, and very, very agile. However highly acclaimed this prospect comes, however, I will believe nothing until I see the production to match the minor league stats and the buzz surrounding anyone from the OHL, expecially without Rob Schremp doing anything to speak of. However cynical I am, however, Gagner certainly will not hurt the Oilers' lineup. I'm not really sure who could after the abysmal season last year.

2. 15th Overall

Alex Plante- Defense
2006-07 Calgary WHL 58GP 8G 30A 38P +18 81PIM

The Oilers went off the radar a bit to grab Plante, as he wasn't ranked to go until the early second round. This may pay off for the struggling oil, though, in more ways than one;
1. The Oilers have lacked physical strength since the Pronger departure. Plante certainly boasts some, at 6'5" and 220lbs.
2. The Oilers now have the future quarterback of their powerplay unit for years to come
3. 38 Points in 58 games in the competitive WHL is nothing to sneeze at. We may be looking at the next Chris Pronger... one who will stay in Edmonton for years to come, hopefully.

3. 21st Overall

Riley Nash- Forward
2006-07 Salmon Arm BCHL 55GP 38G 46A 84P 87PIM

Nash does, in fact, boast impressive numbers. However, coming from a more obscure minor league (BCHL) those numbers may be a little bit inflated. Nash's entry onto the Oiler's roster will depend on his performance when he is given a chance to test himself on the ice in Rexall place. Nash may be a little bit more of a project to develop, but the Oilers' efforts will be handsomely rewarded if and when they do.