I've been reading quite a bit about how Magnus Paajarvi should start the season in the American Hockey League with the Oklahoma City Barons or if he's lucky on the 3rd line with the Oilers. After the jump you'll see a small clip of what Paajarvi has done in the past and my reasons to believe why he'll be an important player on the Edmonton Oilers.
I guess it is probably safe to say that I'm rooting for MPS. I love his skating, his size, his ability to get into those spots to score, his Glenn Anderson-like fearlessness in regards to going to the net. I think he wouldn't get as much flack as he has been getting if his last name wasn't Swedish.
Check out this clip of Magnus in his rookie year. A year before RNH came along...
Check out this clip of Magnus in his rookie year. A year before RNH came along...
My favorite goal is the last one when he blows by Bouwmeester (who's supposed to be one of the few dmen in the league who can keep up with such players) and muscles his way to the net for a dirty goal.
Paajarvi's rookie season stats:
2010–11 Edmonton Oilers NHL 80 15 19 34 16
These are very respectable. 80 games played too! He's very durable despite being a rookie and the brand of hockey he plays.
Paajarvi's stats in the AHL last season:
2011–12 Oklahoma City Barons AHL 34 7 18 25 4
I've seen prospects put up worse numbers and still make it to the NHL. With that said, it is obvious that MPS doesn't really need anymore time there and it leads me to believe that he is definitely ready for a more pronounced role on the Oilers.
This young man is two years stronger, two years smarter, and two years more experienced. In the clip above, he was doing that as a 19 year old if I'm not mistaken. If you put him on a line with RNH/Eberle OR Gagner/Yakupov. He's going to put up points.
Another thing with PRV is he's not just a defensive liability. He's just as good in his own zone and backchecking as he is in the opposition's end and forechecking.
I would project the Oilers' forward lines to look something like this in the upcoming season:
Hall-RNH-Eberle
Paajarvi-Gagner-Yakupov
Smyth-Horcoff-Hemsky
Eager-Belanger-Jones
I believe there's nothing wrong with having an awesome vet-laden 3rd line. It's a deep and talented roster. Guys like Hordichuk, Hartikainen and Petrell can slot in from time to time depending on the opponent.
Lastly, watch the Oilers' special teams this season. It's going to be like old times again where teams will be afraid to take a penalty against the Oilers AND to be on the powerplay. There's that much firepower on this roster.
Thanks for reading! I hope you've enjoyed the blog. I have Twitter and Facebook if you're so inclined, so drop by and let me know what your thoughts are on the Oilers or anything hockey!
Paajarvi's rookie season stats:
2010–11 Edmonton Oilers NHL 80 15 19 34 16
These are very respectable. 80 games played too! He's very durable despite being a rookie and the brand of hockey he plays.
Paajarvi's stats in the AHL last season:
2011–12 Oklahoma City Barons AHL 34 7 18 25 4
I've seen prospects put up worse numbers and still make it to the NHL. With that said, it is obvious that MPS doesn't really need anymore time there and it leads me to believe that he is definitely ready for a more pronounced role on the Oilers.
This young man is two years stronger, two years smarter, and two years more experienced. In the clip above, he was doing that as a 19 year old if I'm not mistaken. If you put him on a line with RNH/Eberle OR Gagner/Yakupov. He's going to put up points.
Another thing with PRV is he's not just a defensive liability. He's just as good in his own zone and backchecking as he is in the opposition's end and forechecking.
I would project the Oilers' forward lines to look something like this in the upcoming season:
Hall-RNH-Eberle
Paajarvi-Gagner-Yakupov
Smyth-Horcoff-Hemsky
Eager-Belanger-Jones
I believe there's nothing wrong with having an awesome vet-laden 3rd line. It's a deep and talented roster. Guys like Hordichuk, Hartikainen and Petrell can slot in from time to time depending on the opponent.
Lastly, watch the Oilers' special teams this season. It's going to be like old times again where teams will be afraid to take a penalty against the Oilers AND to be on the powerplay. There's that much firepower on this roster.
Thanks for reading! I hope you've enjoyed the blog. I have Twitter and Facebook if you're so inclined, so drop by and let me know what your thoughts are on the Oilers or anything hockey!
