His footwork was also on display in the offensive zone. This is the part of the game which remains a mystery to me. I think Munzenberger can score. However, he only has 12 points in 92 collegiate games. Yet, take a look at this work across the blueline and also the shot that comes off a quick load.

I believe there is offence to come, and I think the Oilers development group can get it out of him. The question is whether he will sign with the team after his senior year. He was in Edmonton for the summer prospect meetings and this is the only Oiler development session Munzenberger can attend because of college eligibility rules. Hopefully, that can be read as a sign that all parties would like to see Munzenberger in the organization at the end of the season. Given the state of the Oilers’ defence prospect group, especially on the left side, he would be a very welcome addition.

Jayden Grubbe

If I told you the points leader after three games in Bakersfield is Jayden Grubbe, would you believe me? Well, ya better, as Grubbe has started this season very well. It’s clear that he worked extensively on his skating this off-season because it has noticeably improved. This has led to Grubbe getting to plays quicker and creating plays at his own pace, a very good development.

For those who may not remember, Grubbe was a third-round pick of the New York Rangers in 2021., set to be unsigned by the team, he was traded to the Oilers for a fifth-round pick. Grubbe played 67 games in Bakersfield last year, tallying 8-6—14. His major strength is his defensive ability, and as a right-shot centre, he has some strong appeal.

At 6’3″ and 205 pounds, he projects to be a bottom-six forward focusing on penalty-killing and shutting down the opposition’s offensive players. The area where Grubbe needs to improve is his skating. At the end of last season, Grubbe’s skating was the one trait that would hold him back. Here is an example from last season.

His overall posture is quite good. He is low in his stance, and his upper body stays in a nice position. What causes some issues is his skates and how much lift he has off the ice. The idea is to keep the skates close to the ice and to return them quickly underneath the body for the next position. He also doesn’t crossover fluidly, which can generate additional power.

This year, the returns might be early, but there are some indications that Grubbe has tried to improve his skating. Look at this clip, which leads to Matthew Savoie’s empty net goal. Watch his skates, how low they are to the ice, and how quickly he gets them back underneath his body.

There is a little bit of arm sway that you’d like to see be directed back and forth instead of side to side, but overall, it is quite good.

Here is another example of the stride that gets him into a position to attack the opposition.

He gets to a spot for a pass quickly. He then uses the power in his stride along with his size to create some angle on the defender. The goalie makes a poor play but credit Grubbe for forcing the issue.

All eyes are on Noah Philp this season, but Grubbe has a legitimate chance to make some noise in this organization as well. His skating continues to need growth, but there is a chance the Oilers could have a second right-shot defensive centre pushing for minutes in Edmonton in the future.

Noah Philp

Speaking of Philp, he’s played three games on the Condors’ top line with Drake Cagguila and Matthew Savoie. He is 1-1—2 in those games and has five shots on net. Philp has been used in all situations, which encourages development. His offensive skills are still not developed yet in terms of his confidence in what to do with the puck, but it is very early in the season. What he can do very well is win defensive zone face-offs and transport the puck up the ice with pace.

His defensive zone game is very encouraging. Not so much in that Philp suppresses the other team’s offence, which he does well. It’s that he often transitions the puck to offensive forays and doesn’t just settle for up-and-out style of plays, giving up possession. Philp’s time is coming in Edmonton. No question. When it happens is the only uncertainty.

News and Notes

Maxim Beryozkin continues to score. He is up to 5-8—14 in 17 games with the league-leading Lokomotiv team in the KHL. Indeed, Beryozkin leads his team in scoring, which he did in the playoffs last season. Beryozkin’s contract is up at year-end and it will be interesting to see what the Oilers want to do with this player and whether the player is interested in coming to Edmonton.

Sam O’Reilly was briefly demoted from the top line in London that has Easton Cowan and Denver Barkey on it. O’Reilly returned pretty quickly to the group when the Saginaw Spirit dismantled the Knights on Friday night. London plays Erie on Sunday afternoon, so we should get an early read on whether O’Reilly’s return to the role is more permanent.

That’s it for this week with the Oilers prospect report. You can send me feedback right here at Oilersnation.com or on the X to @bcurlock. Have a great week, everyone.