Striking Oil

A debate by the moniker of “Taylor or Tyler” took form in hockey circles at the midway point of the National Hockey League’s season, when NHL Central Scouting ranked prospects Taylor Hall (right) and Tyler Seguin as the one-two punch for the 2010 draft, alternating ranks throughout the year.

What was most intriguing was when Hall, of the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Windsor Spitfires, was ranked number two behind the Plymouth Whalers’ Seguin, ranked number one at the midway point of the season. Both players brought game-breaking abilities to the table, but in different forms throughout their major junior hockey careers.

Who would be drafted first overall?

It was Taylor over Tyler.

Why?

Hall dominated the league as a member of the talent-laden and Memorial Cup winning Spitfires. The team included other first-round picks Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks, 2010) and Ryan Ellis (Nashville Predators, 2009) along with other successful prospects Luke Pither and Eric Wellwood (Philadelphia Flyers).

Hall took the OHL by storm with 280 points in 183 games throughout three seasons. He was a consistent force up front that not only could snipe from distance on a regular basis, but draw attention away from his linemates to set up beautiful plays. Hall finished with 34 more assists than goals in his tremendous OHL career.

The Edmonton Oilers were looking for just that sort of gamebreaker to headline their new generation.

The Oilers finished dead last in the NHL standings last season, giving them the best shot at getting the first overall pick in the 2010 draft. The lottery ended in their favor, allowing them to draft an absolute gamebreaker, Taylor Hall, to headline a new force that could resemble the Oilers of the 80s once this group matures.

Edmonton saw it fit to start building the team by stockpiling standout amateur players such as Canadian Junior hockey hero Jordan Eberle, dangle specialist Linus Omark and the broadcaster’s worst nightmare, Swedish power forward Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. Defensive prospects Alex Petry and Alex Plante as well as goaltending prospect Olivier Roy (that hockey famous last name should sound familiar to you) round out the Oilers’ top prospects.

All of these players are tremendously well-rounded in their skillsets, and most are only a few years away from breaking into the NHL. Expect Hall, Omark and Eberle to have a good chance to make the team next season.

That balance is absolutely key to the Oilers’ successes in the future. Hall, as well as the rest of the prospects, will have the opportunity to work with seasoned veterans on the below-average Oilers team. Once GM Steve Tambellini clears out some veteran contracts that are strapping the team and the prospects mature, I believe he will pursue some high-priced veteran help on the blueline to give the Oilers a real chance at the Cup. Their forward core is absolutely set with this stockpile of offensive firepower, headlined by Hall himself.

The Edmonton Oilers have had a rough go of it with their hockey fortunes since the great era of the 80s, but with this plethora of promising prospects, the Oilers will be back and seriously contending for the Stanley Cup within the decade. Count on it.

-Jordan Kuhns (guest writer)

Anaheim Soon-To-Be Mighty Ducks?

Each June, the most inept NHL teams gather to select hockey's next superstars. It is often a time of hope, where a team can be elevated to greatness following a successful draft. Perhaps, the best example of such a building blueprint is the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks. Chicago selected current team captain Jonathan Toews third overall in 2006 and star winger Patrick Kane first overall in the the following draft.

Beyond Edmonton's selection of Taylor Hall, which looks to be an almost guaranteed success, Anaheim emerged from the NHL draft as a significantly improved hockey team. The Ducks found Canadian defensemen Cam Fowler (right) sitting in their laps at number 12 overall. The former OHL star's demeanor both on and off the ice is reminiscent of former Duck captain Scott Niedermeyer. In my opinion, it seems to be only a question of time before Fowler assumes the duty of team captain, hopefully leading Anaheim back to the playoffs.

With the 29th overall selection, Anaheim then took Emerson Etem, an American. He will provide added depth to a seasonded group of Ducks' right wingers. Currently, Etem projects as a possible third liner behind stars Corey Perry and savvy veteran Teemu Selanne. Look for the American to drastically improve in his rookie season, especially under the tutelage of Selanne. Both right wingers have similar builds at 6 feet and approximately 195 pounds.

The Florida Panthers also really excelled in this draft. I loved the selection of Erik Gudbranson at number three overall. The Canadian defenseman possesses the innate body coupled with a unique tandem of physicality and speed on the ice to contribute immediately in the NHL. Gudbranson is not as skilled offensively, so do not expect the next Mike Green in a Panthers uniform.

Remember, Florida picked up Nick Bjugstad and Quinton Howden in the first round, as well. Selected 16th overall, Bjudgstad is the the nephew of former NHL player Scott Bjugstad, and the University of Minnesota star looks to be a dangerous power forward for years to come. Howden, on the other hand, is not as innately skilled. Nicknamed the "energizer bunny," his scrappy playing style likens him to Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm.

-Brian Tenerowicz