Post by Paul on Jun 10, 2017 10:08:25 GMT -5
iEdmonton Oilers fans have been clamoring to see the team's two best young prospects, defenseman Dennis Busby and winger David Levin, on the ice in Edmonton since they were both drafted in the first round of the 2018 draft, with Busby picked at #11 and Levin at #17. Rumor is they won't have to wait much longer--for one of them anyway. Levin has been reportedly been called up to Edmonton and should be in the lineup for the Thursday, December 31st game against division rival San Jose.
The 21-year-old, who holds dual citizenship in Canada and Israel, will be replacing Otto Somppi in the lineup and will reportedly skate on the team's second line, alongside recent waiver wire pickup Nick Shore as well as Edmonton's "Mr. Everything" Brayden Schenn. Somppi, who has played well during limited ice time, is currently sitting at 8 goals in 36 games, primarily from the 3rd line, but has been dealing with flu-like symptoms the past few days, although he should be available for Saturday's game in St. Louis if necessary. Left-wing Juhar Khaira, who is out with an intercostal strain, could be back this week as well.
Winger Kasperi Kapanen looks to be the immediate beneficiary of winger Andre Burakovsky's season-ending injury, and will move up from his 2nd line right wing spot and slide onto the 1st line with Connor McDavid and Brock Nelson. But with rumors flying GM Paul Pearson has been kicking the tires on a number of different trade options, Levin will get a chance to show just how ready he might be for regular iNHL duty next season--if not sooner.
When asked about Levin's call up and outlook for the season, Pearson said, "He may get a chance to play himself into the lineup for the remainder of the season if he can show a willingness to fight for his ice, defend well and make himself a factor the other team has to account for."
“He’s a solid 200-foot player, so I expect him to play to his strengths and show us what he’s got. He’s a nice kid and seems very cerebral, and really understands when you’re talking systems and things with him," said Head Coach Jack Capuano.
Levin was excited at the prospect of getting into a game when he spoke with reporters earlier today, and now he’ll get his shot as the Oilers look to gain ground in the hyper-competitive Pacific Division, not to mention the Western Conference, where the team is currently sitting in 7th place with 44 points, directly ahead of 8th-place Vancouver, who also has 44 points.
“If I’m in there I’m just going to play my game and make sure that I’m focusing on a strong, two-way game,” said Levin, who was playing well in his first professional season with 11 goals and 22 points in 23 games with Bakersfield. “I would say I’m up to speed [with the systems]. Obviously you pick up stuff every day, but I think the video sessions are pretty helpful. They’ve kind of taught me a little bit. We did a lot of the same things down in Bakersfield, which should help my transition."
Nashville currently leads the Western Conference with 47 points and Calgary currently sits atop the Pacific Division with 45 points, so the pressure is on the Oilers to try to maintain, and hopefully improve upon, their current playoff position.
Capuano also intimated defensemen Christian Wolanin and Vince Dunn will be healthy scratches against the Sharks, along with Somppi. Dunn, who's name has been the subject of heated trade speculation on the internet the past week or so, has reportedly attracted attention as a valuable trade option if Pearson should decide to bring in another player for the stretch run. His ability to quarterback the power-play and generate offense from the blue-line is something which is always in demand in the iNHL.
"You don't replace an Andre Burakovsky easily," said Capuano, "but we definitely have a 'next man-up' mentality. I just told the boys we have to focus on the players we have here in this locker room and not worry about those we don't. I think we have the character and the heart to make this an interesting stretch run for the playoffs."
But all eyes will clearly be on David Levin, a young guy who might potentially be able to step in and give the Oilers a jolt of youthful exuberance and enthusiasm.
Could Dennis Busby be next?
The 21-year-old, who holds dual citizenship in Canada and Israel, will be replacing Otto Somppi in the lineup and will reportedly skate on the team's second line, alongside recent waiver wire pickup Nick Shore as well as Edmonton's "Mr. Everything" Brayden Schenn. Somppi, who has played well during limited ice time, is currently sitting at 8 goals in 36 games, primarily from the 3rd line, but has been dealing with flu-like symptoms the past few days, although he should be available for Saturday's game in St. Louis if necessary. Left-wing Juhar Khaira, who is out with an intercostal strain, could be back this week as well.
Winger Kasperi Kapanen looks to be the immediate beneficiary of winger Andre Burakovsky's season-ending injury, and will move up from his 2nd line right wing spot and slide onto the 1st line with Connor McDavid and Brock Nelson. But with rumors flying GM Paul Pearson has been kicking the tires on a number of different trade options, Levin will get a chance to show just how ready he might be for regular iNHL duty next season--if not sooner.
When asked about Levin's call up and outlook for the season, Pearson said, "He may get a chance to play himself into the lineup for the remainder of the season if he can show a willingness to fight for his ice, defend well and make himself a factor the other team has to account for."
“He’s a solid 200-foot player, so I expect him to play to his strengths and show us what he’s got. He’s a nice kid and seems very cerebral, and really understands when you’re talking systems and things with him," said Head Coach Jack Capuano.
Levin was excited at the prospect of getting into a game when he spoke with reporters earlier today, and now he’ll get his shot as the Oilers look to gain ground in the hyper-competitive Pacific Division, not to mention the Western Conference, where the team is currently sitting in 7th place with 44 points, directly ahead of 8th-place Vancouver, who also has 44 points.
“If I’m in there I’m just going to play my game and make sure that I’m focusing on a strong, two-way game,” said Levin, who was playing well in his first professional season with 11 goals and 22 points in 23 games with Bakersfield. “I would say I’m up to speed [with the systems]. Obviously you pick up stuff every day, but I think the video sessions are pretty helpful. They’ve kind of taught me a little bit. We did a lot of the same things down in Bakersfield, which should help my transition."
Nashville currently leads the Western Conference with 47 points and Calgary currently sits atop the Pacific Division with 45 points, so the pressure is on the Oilers to try to maintain, and hopefully improve upon, their current playoff position.
Capuano also intimated defensemen Christian Wolanin and Vince Dunn will be healthy scratches against the Sharks, along with Somppi. Dunn, who's name has been the subject of heated trade speculation on the internet the past week or so, has reportedly attracted attention as a valuable trade option if Pearson should decide to bring in another player for the stretch run. His ability to quarterback the power-play and generate offense from the blue-line is something which is always in demand in the iNHL.
"You don't replace an Andre Burakovsky easily," said Capuano, "but we definitely have a 'next man-up' mentality. I just told the boys we have to focus on the players we have here in this locker room and not worry about those we don't. I think we have the character and the heart to make this an interesting stretch run for the playoffs."
But all eyes will clearly be on David Levin, a young guy who might potentially be able to step in and give the Oilers a jolt of youthful exuberance and enthusiasm.
Could Dennis Busby be next?