Oil Kings Update

With a record of 8-10-2 through the first 20 games the Edmonton Oil Kings currently sit third in the central division, yet are tied with the Portland Winterhawks who currently sit dead last in the western conference. The sudden decline of the central division has come as a bit of a shock, as both Lethbridge and Calgary have been unable string together more than three wins in a row. The Hurricanes are battling some off ice issues, and though they have one of the more skilled forward groups in the league they have been unable to play as a cohesive unit, and that has been demonstrated over their current four game losing streak which featured back to back losses against Saskatoon and Kootenay.

Though the lack of competitiveness helps the Oil Kings in terms of standings, however they are still in desperate need of elite level forward prospects, and if they are to miss out on a top five pick this year, their goal scoring woes are likely to continue.

There have been a few bright spots on the current Oil Kings roster which includes a dominant start to the year for their newly named captain Aaron Irving, who sits second in WHL defenceman scoring with 23 points. The 20 year old blue liner would likely net a decent return of picks and prospects at the deadline if he’s moved to a contender such as Prince George, Moose Jaw, or Everett. Forward Ty Gerla has seen an increase in playing time over the past few games, and though the two never played together, there seems to be some Pollock/Samuelsson in his game. Brayden Gorda has rounded back into form after a miserable start to the year and is beginning to look like a legitimate top 93 pick in this years NHL Entry Draft in Chicago. The smooth skating blue liner has been excellent as of late, playing a mature game and transporting the puck quite well. Patrick Dea has provided the Oil Kings with some stability in the crease, and earned the WHL and CHL goaltender of the week honors. Rookie defenceman Ethan Cap and Wyatt McLeod have come a long way since September and have already began playing with much more poise and confidence, especially McLeod whose transition to the WHL was a bit rocky. Liam Hughes, who is currently out with an undisclosed injury had a decent start to the year before giving up

Any team under .500 is bound to have a few negatives, and the Oil Kings are no exception. The play of imports Anatoli Elizarov and Artyom Baltruk has been pitiful, and given the program and facilities the Oil Kings can offer, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them go big at the import draft meaning neither of the two will be back for the 2017/18 season. Colton Kehler has been unable to take a step as a 19 year old, and appears to be playing without much motivation. Kehler, who finished with 24 points last season, is on pace to beat his career high by only a slim margin as he currently sits with 7 points in 19 games. Trey Fix-Wolansky had a hot start to the year but has seemingly cooled down with only one goal over the past five games.

The Oil Kings embark on a seven game road trip which kicks off tonight in Cranbrook as they take on the Kootenay Ice before heading to the U.S. to face off against Tri City, Seattle, Portland, Everett, and Spokane. The Kings finish up their road trip with a game in Kootenay before heading home to face the Saskatoon Blades on the 2nd of December.