Confirmed with Link: Avs Sign Oskar Olausson to ELC

[The Abusement Park]

Bowers and Kaut were trash and entitled f***s. They sure made it after leaving the Avs!

OO just has no motor, he's not engaged at all.

I mean I agree he has no motor. But I also just don't think he's that talented. I think he has a decent shot, but nothing better than above average at the absolute best at the NHL level. And other than that what is he good at? He's a fine skater, he's not really a great playmaker, he's ~average size, stick skills are fine. He's just not very talented and then add in the lack of motor and it makes it worse. But in the end his talent is just severely lacking.

 

[NOTENOUGHRYJOTHINGS]

Wasn't there big arguments a few years ago that the Avs showed huge favouritism and blocked some prospects?

None of these guys have shown shit even as AHLers in other organizations. So I'm more inclined to think the Avs generally suck at drafting. They also very likely suck at development too. But choosing to not invest resources in developing OO types isn't really a bad choice. The bad choice is drafting them in the first place.

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

The Red Wings drafted incredibly well for a long time, and they got an unprecedented playoff appearance streak because of it. Getting core players like Datsyuk and Zetterberg out of late round picks basically gave them an immediate second window after the Yzerman era was over.

I think our ship has sailed on that front. For one, it's way harder to find superstars in the 7th round now just in general. And even if we did manage to turn Christian Humphries and Maros Jedlicka into 100 point players the salary cap would probably still tear the team apart in a few years anyway.

What goes up must come down in the modern NHL, I don't think better drafting would really be making a huge difference for the window unless we had managed to draft a franchise goalie somewhere between 2012 and 2019 who could hold the net down right now. The difference that Shesterkin, Sorokin, Dostal, or Wolf would be making on this team right now is pretty obvious. Other than that though, the only thing better drafting would be doing is reinforcing the bottom six forwards and bottom 3 D, while complicating our cap situation even more.

Drafting well accrues assets and depth. Even if you get out priced due to the cap, those are players that you either keep and move out an older piece, or they are pieces that you can trade. Having draft busts repeatedly limits the assets you have and they don’t have any positive effect on the roster. It definitely closes the window.

Honestly, just take a look at Dallas. Their window looked like it was closing, but having Hintz, Robertson, Oettinger, Johnston and Stankoven become meaningful pieces has turned their aging core to a second competitive window.

 

[McMetal]

Wasn't there big arguments a few years ago that the Avs showed huge favouritism and blocked some prospects?

None of these guys have shown shit even as AHLers in other organizations. So I'm more inclined to think the Avs generally suck at drafting. They also very likely suck at development too. But choosing to not invest resources in developing OO types isn't really a bad choice. The bad choice is drafting them in the first place.

It's most likely a bit of both. For a while under Pracey and Hepple, it seemed like they would target good junior players in the late rounds, but fail to notice that they had no real projectable pro level skills. Beaudin, Bigras, Shvyryov, Smirnov, Saigeon, Beaucage, Stienburg, all of them just flamed out as soon as they hit the pros because their strengths weren't suited for that type of hockey. Hell, Jost, Kaut, OO, and Newhook also fit that description.

That could also be used as evidence that promising players stagnate as soon as they really get into the Avs development system. None of the guys they got in ever took the last step. I used to think the development system was the prime culprit, but now I think both the scouts and the development team share blame for that era of duds.

It does seem like the Avs have shifted their philosophy a bit by targeting some guys like Prishchepov, Fisher, Pitner, and Jedlicka who aren't really high skill types but have some projectable pro skills that could make them good depth players. And IIRC the development staff has turned over a lot, too. So we'll see where the next few years take us I guess. I think there's cause for cautious optimism but I understand why this board would be jaded after all of the strikeouts.

 

[LTCPain75]

He sucks. He just never progressed from where he was as an 18 year old, either with his all-around game or with his offense. He's been stagnating since he went to the OHL.

Currently, OO is listed on the Colorado Eagles roster. How is the "OHL" coming into the conversation???

 

[dahrougem2]

The Red Wings drafted incredibly well for a long time, and they got an unprecedented playoff appearance streak because of it. Getting core players like Datsyuk and Zetterberg out of late round picks basically gave them an immediate second window after the Yzerman era was over.

I think our ship has sailed on that front. For one, it's way harder to find superstars in the 7th round now just in general. And even if we did manage to turn Christian Humphries and Maros Jedlicka into 100 point players the salary cap would probably still tear the team apart in a few years anyway.

What goes up must come down in the modern NHL, I don't think better drafting would really be making a huge difference for the window unless we had managed to draft a franchise goalie somewhere between 2012 and 2019 who could hold the net down right now. The difference that Shesterkin, Sorokin, Dostal, or Wolf would be making on this team right now is pretty obvious. Other than that though, the only thing better drafting would be doing is reinforcing the bottom six forwards and bottom 3 D, while complicating our cap situation even more.

Drafting well means you get players on ELCs for 2-3 years and then can bridge them for 2-3 years after that rather than trading assets for a 4M Ross Colton or signing a UFA Miles Wood for 2.5M.

Every dolllar matters, and players on ELCs and bridge deals in prominent roles goes a long way towards extending windows.

 

[The Abusement Park]

Currently, OO is listed on the Colorado Eagles roster. How is the "OHL" coming into the conversation???

I think he means he's been stagnating since when he went to the OHL after he was drafted.

 

[The Kingslayer]

Drafting well means you get players on ELCs for 2-3 years and then can bridge them for 2-3 years after that rather than trading assets for a 4M Ross Colton or signing a UFA Miles Wood for 2.5M.

Every dolllar matters, and players on ELCs and bridge deals in prominent roles goes a long way towards extending windows.

Yup. If the Avs drafted and developed well they would be right there the last few years as legit cup threats even with a fire hydrant in net.

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

It's most likely a bit of both. For a while under Pracey and Hepple, it seemed like they would target good junior players in the late rounds, but fail to notice that they had no real projectable pro level skills. Beaudin, Bigras, Shvyryov, Smirnov, Saigeon, Beaucage, Stienburg, all of them just flamed out as soon as they hit the pros because their strengths weren't suited for that type of hockey. Hell, Jost, Kaut, OO, and Newhook also fit that description.

That could also be used as evidence that promising players stagnate as soon as they really get into the Avs development system. None of the guys they got in ever took the last step. I used to think the development system was the prime culprit, but now I think both the scouts and the development team share blame for that era of duds.

It does seem like the Avs have shifted their philosophy a bit by targeting some guys like Prishchepov, Fisher, Pitner, and Jedlicka who aren't really high skill types but have some projectable pro skills that could make them good depth players. And IIRC the development staff has turned over a lot, too. So we'll see where the next few years take us I guess. I think there's cause for cautious optimism but I understand why this board would be jaded after all of the strikeouts.

Stienburg actually looked fine as a depth forward, I think he’d still be up with the big team if not for the suspension that he needs to serve. Bigras looked like he was going to make it, but started getting concussion issues and then progressively getting worse as he became more afraid of contact. The others yes, terrible picks to begin with

 

[willy702]

If this is how Bednar and Avs treat their draft picks they might as well be size queens and take guys with bottom six ceiling. Not that OO developed but this story about how prospects can't prove themselves with 6 minutes of 4th line duty is getting old.

 

[The Abusement Park]

If this is how Bednar and Avs treat their draft picks they might as well be size queens and take guys with bottom six ceiling. Not that OO developed but this story about how prospects can't prove themselves with 6 minutes of 4th line duty is getting old.

Bednar gives chances to those that earn them and actually have the talent to make an impact. OO hasn't earned that chance and doesn't have the motor or talent to earn one.

 

[willy702]

Bednar gives chances to those that earn them and actually have the talent to make an impact. OO hasn't earned that chance and doesn't have the motor or talent to earn one.

One guy. There have been others. It's his way and that's fine but that's why I said what I did. If this is how young talent is going to be deployed then the drafting should be different. They shouldn't be paying what they are for Wood or Colton, just draft guys for those roles and spend the space elsewhere. Also does justify all the trades too, why hold onto Ritchie if he's going to have to prove he can lead the 4th and 3rd lines in production to crack the top six?

 

[Richard88]

The Red Wings drafted incredibly well for a long time, and they got an unprecedented playoff appearance streak because of it. Getting core players like Datsyuk and Zetterberg out of late round picks basically gave them an immediate second window after the Yzerman era was over.

I think our ship has sailed on that front. For one, it's way harder to find superstars in the 7th round now just in general. And even if we did manage to turn Christian Humphries and Maros Jedlicka into 100 point players the salary cap would probably still tear the team apart in a few years anyway.

What goes up must come down in the modern NHL, I don't think better drafting would really be making a huge difference for the window unless we had managed to draft a franchise goalie somewhere between 2012 and 2019 who could hold the net down right now. The difference that Shesterkin, Sorokin, Dostal, or Wolf would be making on this team right now is pretty obvious. Other than that though, the only thing better drafting would be doing is reinforcing the bottom six forwards and bottom 3 D, while complicating our cap situation even more.

Drafting better would improve depth and improve the capspace situation (due to ELC's).

It would be extension also effectively mean that you don't have to trade away most of your draft picks and prospects to fill depth roles as they've had to do the last few years, since those roles would already be filled, giving you more ammo when you do want to make a splash. Alas the Avs have a bare cupboard because they've had to use all their picks/prospects to fill roster holes via trades since they couldn't fill roles via drafting.

 

[Pokecheque]

If this is how Bednar and Avs treat their draft picks they might as well be size queens and take guys with bottom six ceiling. Not that OO developed but this story about how prospects can't prove themselves with 6 minutes of 4th line duty is getting old.

He gives plenty of chances to young players and prospects, I mean, look at how many NHL debuts we’ve seen this year alone. And guys like Ivan have gotten top six and power play duty.

It does appear if they’re not fitting the role he wants then he doesn’t seem to have time for them. But then again, it’s not like guys like Olausson and Foudy have done much to convince the organization they’re worth the trouble.

 

[Pokecheque]

One guy. There have been others. It's his way and that's fine but that's why I said what I did. If this is how young talent is going to be deployed then the drafting should be different. They shouldn't be paying what they are for Wood or Colton, just draft guys for those roles and spend the space elsewhere. Also does justify all the trades too, why hold onto Ritchie if he's going to have to prove he can lead the 4th and 3rd lines in production to crack the top six?

Ritchie started out in the top six, it wasn’t until a few really bad games that his ice time plummeted.

 

[The Abusement Park]

One guy. There have been others. It's his way and that's fine but that's why I said what I did. If this is how young talent is going to be deployed then the drafting should be different. They shouldn't be paying what they are for Wood or Colton, just draft guys for those roles and spend the space elsewhere. Also does justify all the trades too, why hold onto Ritchie if he's going to have to prove he can lead the 4th and 3rd lines in production to crack the top six?

Who have they not given a legit chance to that has left and been a legit NHL'er? There's a reason Bednar isn't giving OO 3rd line minutes. He's a horrible hockey player. Same with Kaut. And Foudy. And Bowers... That's why they have to get the Woods and Coltons because the guys they draft suck. A lot.

Also Ritchie literally played almost all of his time in the NHL in the top 6 to start the year? He was horrible mostly, but was given a legit chance because he has actual talent and upside.

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

If this is how Bednar and Avs treat their draft picks they might as well be size queens and take guys with bottom six ceiling. Not that OO developed but this story about how prospects can't prove themselves with 6 minutes of 4th line duty is getting old.

I mean, OO can't even proven himself to be a top-6 option in the AHL, why the f*** should he be rewarded with top-6 NHL ice time?

 

[The Abusement Park]

I mean, OO can't even proven himself to be a top-6 option in the AHL, why the f*** should he be rewarded with top-6 NHL ice time?

I can’t believe Bednar held back OO’s AHL career!

 

[Ceremony]

I can scarcely believe what I'm about to do. Here is everyone who's made their NHL debut under Bednar, as well as reclamation projects:

16/17:
Sam Henley - One game, one goal, king shit
Anton Lindholm - Terrible
A.J. Greer - Now seems to have stuck in the NHL if not on one team, but the idea of him always seems better than the results
Tyson Jost - Started off on the first powerplay unit, played over 300 games and you can't remember any of them
J.T. Compher - Inescapable

17/18:
Dominic Toninato - College FA who's up and down between the AHL and NHL his whole career
Andrei Mironov - We'll always have the masseuse
Vladislav Kamensky - Broken in half two shifts into his career
Nail Yakupov - "He skates like he's being chased by bees" is the best scouting report I've seen on HF - for accuracy and eloquence
Alexander Kerfoot - Perfectly serviceable
Sam Girard - He's been top 4 his whole time here

18/19:
Sheldon Dries - He played 40 games this season!
Ryan Graves - He got all the rope that your favourite prospect didn't
Logan O'Connor - Great success!

19/20:
Martin Kaut - He had a full beard when he was drafted, one day we'll find out he's like 40 years old
Conor Timmins - The idea of him far exceeded anything he achieved
Sampo Ranta - No brain but I remember he scored a goal that got chopped off when it shouldn't have
Valeri Nichushkin - He got healthy scratched at times this year

20/21:
Keaton Middleton - He's come back around now, he's certainly getting a chance
Kyle Burroughs - He's still the NHL but not exactly a world beater
Kiefer Sherwood - Not a debut here but has definitely developed since
Bowen Byram - Situationally not the best fit with Toews, Makar and Girard
Alex Newhook - Better than Jost though not given as much of an opportunity, but on a much deeper team

21/22:
Justin Barron - Only played two games but he was there
Ben Meyers - Those 9 games he played looked promising

22/23:
Oskar Olausson - Made me do this, so he's obviously terrible
Shane Bowers - I hope his family's not on here, he's not very good
Callahan Burke - A career in the minors awaits
Jean-Luc Foudy - The space is still there and he's still not filled it
Andreas Englund - I could never tell the difference between him, Burroughs and Middleton. Unremarkable

23/24:
Ondrej Pavel - Has 12 points in 77 AHL games
Jason Polin - Played as many as 7 games for us. Do you remember him?
Nikolai Kovalenko - He was working but now he's gone
Sam Malinski - I don't think he's any good but he's sticking around
Joel Kiviranta - The sort of cheap depth we never seem to pick up from nowhere


24/25:
I'm not going through everyone but Ivan, Prischepov, Innala, Felhaber, Steinburg and Ritchie have all made NHL debuts this year with varying degrees of success and future prospects. Have any of them been unduly cast aside?

In fact, that question again. Unless I've missed anyone, how many of these names really haven't had a fair shake?

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

I can’t believe Bednar held back OO’s AHL career!

 

[Tommy Shelby]

Honestly, the only payer Beds never really gave a fair shot to was Greer. And that's because he absolutely hates his style of play, so the writing was on the wall there.

Some coaches love guys like Greer, so he's been able to find success just skating around and hitting people, while also getting into the occasional tilt