Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE
Edmonton Oilers assigned the following 26 players to their farm club, the Oklahoma City Barons.
Goalies: Yann Danis, Tyler Bunz, Olivier Roy
Defencemen: Justin Schultz, Taylor Fedun, Martin Marincin, Alex Plante, Colten Teubert, Brandon Davidson
Centres: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Anton Lander, Mark Arcobello, Ryan Martindale, Chris VandeVelde
Wingers: Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, Teemu Hartikainen, Cameron Abney, Dane Byers, Philippe Cornet, Curtis Hamilton, Tanner House, Kristians Pelss, Tyler Pitlick, Toni Rajala, Antti Tyrvainen.
Two of the names that stick out are super youngsters Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins enjoyed a fine rookie season with the Edmonton Oilers, finishing with 52 points in 62 games and as the runner up for the Calder Trophy. Jordan Eberle finished last season with a career-high 34 goals lasts season, leading the Oilers in that category.
Tweener Swedes in Magnus Paajarvi and Anton Lander will get to start the season in OKC and figure to benefit the most from a lockout. They should get a chance to thrive in offensive roles in OKC and continue their growth as pro players. OKC would be wise to put them in penalty kill and defensive situations throughout the course of the season to groom them for their eventual roles in the NHL.
Raw rookies like Justin Schultz and Taylor Fedun will get their first taste of the pro game and figure to be integral offensive players from the defense. They figure to get a lot of ice time getting them ready for the Oilers once the lockout ends. They also will likely benefit from a short lockout.
The Barons will have a nice variety of scorers and role players, strength and speed. Yann Danis will give them solid goaltending. Tyler Bunz and Olivier Roy will be battling for the backup job. OKC should have one of the better AHL clubs as long as the NHL lockout is in effect.
Taylor Hall is not on the list because he is still on injured reserve after he had shoulder surgery that ended his season back in April. Even with the lockout in place, the Oilers will have to pay Hall his full salary until he is ready to return from his injury. At that time, Hall will have to make a decision on whether he will join OKC or perhaps take a spot on a European club.
Nail Yakupov has decided he will not return to his junior club in Sarnia of the OHL, but will instead play in KHL for the Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. OKC and the AHL is not an option for Yakupov.
