
#2005 HORNETS ROSTER PROFESSIONAL#
(Photo of Connor McDavid and Stuart Skinner: Stephen R.NBA professional basketball team season 2005–06 New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets season The excitement will build as the season rolls along and the playoffs begin.Įveryone gets their report card next spring and depends completely on how deep this team goes in the Stanley Cup playoffs. There’s no controversy to be found in Edmonton’s camp this fall. The roster is as set as it has been since the 1980s glory years, so a surprise name on opening night probably means an injury has impacted the expected roster.Īcross the depth chart, the youngsters aren’t ready to push and the veterans appear poised to deliver performances equal to or better than one year ago.Įxpect a predictable chain of transactions, as the kids and depth recall options are sent to Bakersfield in an orderly fashion. No surprises is a good thingĪ dull training camp could be a blessing for the Oilers. In the minors, watch for Tyler Tullio to create some excitement with his fairly complete skill set.

It’s always dangerous to read too much into first blush impressions in training camp, but if Bourgault has matured physically it could be a major story in this year’s camp.ĭerek Ryan looks to fill the fourth-line role, play a responsible game and provide quality performances on the penalty kill. Early reports have him looking quicker and stronger than one year ago. The same can be said for Xavier Bourgault. In fact, it’s the strongest single position in the game, courtesy of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The Oilers’ quality at centre is unmatched in the NHL. Added depth in the AHL should be considered, but the club may move a lefty like Hoefenmayer (who was effective with the Toronto Marlies but struggled some on his off side according to reports) to the right side.

Phil Kemp is a recall option for the third pair, Max Wanner will be a rookie with promise in Bakersfield this winter. A key to developing defencemen is making sure they have five year’s experience after five years in the league - as opposed to one year’s experience five times. He is learning on the job and appears to be a player who doesn’t repeat mistakes. This position could use a stronger option for the top pairing (forcing Ceci down the depth chart) and Jay Woodcroft may run Broberg on his offside in a feature role at times this season.īouchard is a rising star, his only sin being a lack of strong defensive acumen. Additionally, Philip Broberg is one of the most valuable young players in the system and looking for more playing time. 1 defenders and a top-four blue playing on the third pairing. The Oilers are championship calibre at left defence, with top No. If it happens, expect Campbell to exit the organization in a trade. It is possible Holland makes a trade during the year to address goaltending quality. The four main jobs are set, with Skinner and Campbell battling it out for starts in the NHL. He is a smaller goaltender (6-feet, 176 pounds) but an effective one.

It’s possible Rodrigue gets a recall during the 2023-24 season.Īn item worth mentioning: OHL grad Brett Brochu, who performed well for the London Knights and represented Canada at the cancelled world juniors, signed a contract with Edmonton’s ECHL affiliate ( Fort Wayne Komets). His performance a year ago (he matched Pickard’s save percentage) indicates he has turned a corner. Skinner and Campbell will get the lion’s share of starts, with Calvin Pickard the obvious recall option as camp opens.
