But Hartikainen has been the best surprise in first quarter of OKC season
So far this year, Jordan Eberle has brought his “A” game to Oklahoma City, though maybe not his “A+” game. Perhaps I’m judging the 22-year-old sniper too harshly, but I’ve noticed a few soft moments in his own end when he could have been more focused on defence.
Other than that, Eberle has been killing it in OKC, combining well with Justin Schultz, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall on the power play and at even strength.
Here are player grades for all the OKC wingers after 20 games:
Jordan Eberle, A: Such a fine player. He’s creating chances at a high, high rate, giving hope to those who believe his NHL point total of last season wasn’t something of a mirage — as has been strongly suggested by stats guys who rely more on shots metrics — but was close to what one should expect from a skilled player who consistently chips in on good scoring chances.
Teemu Hartikainen, A-: He’s done as much as any Baron not named Justin Schultz to put in his claim on an NHL job. He’ll be an Oiler once the season starts, as he fills a huge need, that of a pesky, tough, fierce, banging winger with some skill. He should be in the Top 9 in Edmonton, and maybe on the first power play unit, though Shawn Horcoff did just fine in the Tomas Holmstrom-role last season.
Taylor Hall, A-: Hasn’t yet brought his best game, even if he’s been putting up the points. Has to find a way to unleash his great shot more, both at evens and especially on the power play. All that said, he’s still a tremendous skater, passer and shooter, plus he’s shown a bit of edge to his game. Has bounced back well from his shoulder surgery and looks good-to-go once the owner and player bargaining committees come to an agreement in the next few weeks, as I expect will happen.
Magnus Paajarvi, B: Big, fast, good skill with the puck, but not much of a shot, not much on-ice vision. He’s a cautious player who won’t handle the puck unless he’s forced to be the main man on the line, as he is when placed with Hartikainen and Anton Lander, who both do their best work away from the puck. He’s a third-line checker from the Magnus Arvedson-school in the NHL, not a first or second liner. But that’s still a useful player.
Dane Byers, B: One of the pleasant surprises. A tough, smart winger who could fill in well on an NHL fourth line. Has some skill as a penalty killer, but his real worth is in providing hitting, toughness.
Tyler Pitlick, C: Not much production, but he’s been chipping in on scoring chances at a decent rate at even strength. Big, fast, somewhat skilled, but needs to find a way to score more.
Curtis Hamilton, D+: Very little offence, adequate defence. He’s the Tanner House of wingers. Hard to see how his game translates into an NHL career, though he’s still a young prospect and once the real NHLers move up, perhaps he’ll do more in an expanded role.
Player grades: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tops at centre.
Player Grades defencemen: Justin Schultz gets an “A+“
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