Not too surprised he's getting a look, but I would be (hopefully pleasantly) surprised to see him past the 9 game tryout. I still think he has some holes to fix in his game before he's truly NHL ready.
I just don't see how dominating against 16-20 year olds in the OHL is going to help him fix his holes better than the NHL.
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Vey - Monahan - Shinkaruk looks to be the 1st line "replacement" if Johnny doesn't sign..
Judging from that entire lineup there seems to be no correlation with what we can expect to see on opening night. I wouldn't read anything into it beyond the chance for Monahan to get up to game-speed, and the opportunity for bubble players to make one final push for a roster spot.
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Dealing with Everything from Dead Sea Scrolls to Red C Trolls
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Originally Posted by woob
"...harem warfare? like all your wives dressup and go paintballing?"
A little over three months ago, Tkachuk was all but confirmed to be the fourth overall draft pick and newest member of the Edmonton Oilers. Fast forward to today -- he'll be starting in the top six, on a line with Bennett and Brouwer.
End of the press conference today Treliving was asked about Tkachuk and confirmed he will start the season and play. Said it was day-by-day evaluation. Nothing spell bounding but there you go, he's "Made the team!"*
Keith Tkachuk[bidding his son farewell, as mom looks on] You will travel far, my little Mathew. But we will never leave you... even in the face of our death. The richness of our lives shall be yours. All that I have, all that I've learned, everything I feel... all this, and more, I... I bequeath you, my son. You will carry me inside you, all the days of your life. You will make my strength your own, and see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father, and the father the son. This is all I... all I can send you, Mathew.
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My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Matthew Tkachuk's famous father admits debut will be 'nerve-wracking'
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Sure, it’s a season-opener, a storied rivalry, the christening of a brand-new building.
Even still, it’s not often that a veteran of 1,200-plus National Hockey League contests will admit he might be overwhelmed by butterflies during a game.
So what gives?
Simple.
In this case, Keith Tkachuk won’t be on the ice.
His 18-year-old son Matthew will be.
“Oh yeah, it’s much easier playing the game than being a parent, watching,” Keith said Tuesday afternoon, bags packed for a trip to watch Wednesday’s lid-lifter between the Calgary Flames and the provincial rival Oilers at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
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“It’s going to be crazy,” Matthew admitted after Tuesday’s final prep session at the Saddledome, shaking his head in disbelief. “I’m just so excited for the moment and I’ve got my parents coming, so it’s something I can share with them.
“Obviously, the game is going to be amped up a little bit. I’m just super-excited for the opportunity to play in the NHL. It’s been my lifelong dream. And to be doing it in my first year, I couldn’t ask for anything better right now.”
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I was I initially pissed when I saw that Puljujarvi had fallen to the Oilers in the draft but felt that Tkachuk was a good consolation prize. Now I realize it's only been a handful of exhibition games, but it sure looks like we may have the better player. It could be typical terrible player development by the Oil but Tkachuk has easily outplayed Puljujarvi. He's even giving Matthews a run for his money. Love that this kid has earned a spot on the opening day roster and has a chance to stick all season like Mony back in 2013. That Tkachuk-Bennett-Brouwer line could be an absolute force this season.
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"Illusions Michael, tricks are something a wh*re does for money ....... or cocaine"
I was I initially pissed when I saw that Puljujarvi had fallen to the Oilers in the draft but felt that Tkachuk was a good consolation prize. Now I realize it's only been a handful of exhibition games, but it sure looks like we may have the better player. It could be typical terrible player development by the Oil but Tkachuk has easily outplayed Puljujarvi. He's even giving Matthews a run for his money. Love that this kid has earned a spot on the opening day roster and has a chance to stick all season like Mony back in 2013. That Tkachuk-Bennett-Brouwer line could be an absolute force this season.
You know what I actually think happened? I think that Puljujarvi knew that if he even had an average showing at dev camp, he'd be gifted with a spot on the roster because you know, high pick and Edmonton. And he's seen how poorly previous high picks have developed so in a desperate attempt at controlling his own development, he intentionally played poorly so he could be sent back to junior and hopefully bide his time hoping by some shred of miracle that either he'll be traded for another average defenseman, or that that tire fire of a team would be completely revamped in a few years and actually be competitive.
I mean, you can't blame the poor soul; in his situation one can only hope.
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Originally Posted by Hockey Fan #751
The Oilers won't finish 14th in the West forever.
Eventually a couple of expansion teams will be added which will nestle the Oilers into 16th.
