Oilers Prospect Update: Positive signs from AHL Condors despite losses in three of four

This version of the Bakersfield Condors plays quickly and skillfully. Early on, it has bitten them in the rear end. However, if they clean up the defensive zone breakdowns and take better care of possession, this team has the skill to take over games. When I say the Condors play “fast,” I don’t only mean offensively. The next clip below is an excellent display of pressuring a lackadaisical power play unit. The Colorado Eagles have possession behind their own net and are going to set up their power play entry. They have 1:10 left on the man advantage. James Hamblin and Matt Copponi play 2-on-5, killing off 33 seconds. Max Jones hops on the ice for Hamblin and gets a great opening for a chance.

Quinn Hutson – Winger

Only sitting at two goals and an assist through seven games to start his professional career, Quinn Hutson isn’t used to being under a point per game. But the former Terrier should feel good about how he has played. Hutson is creating a ton of offense right now, leading the Condors with 21 shots, but the puck is only going in the back of the net off his own stick. The skilled winger scored a beautiful short-side goal on the power play, displaying some of his finishing ability.

One of the underrated skills I find with Hutson is his ability to take the puck from the wall and get it to the middle of the ice. Goals are mostly scored from the middle, and you can’t get there if players aren’t willing to make a play. The American-born winger is both capable and willing to get the puck to the dangerous spots of the zone, as you’ll see in the clip below.

When the puck is on Hutson’s stick, good things are happening offensively. The skating mechanics aren’t the cleanest, but that doesn’t stop him from playing at a high pace. The processing speed while controlling the puck is the most impressive part of the new Condor’s game. This gives me hope that he can continue to progress and take the next step. The physical tools will need to come along, but I’m excited to see what Hutson can do with a few years of pro experience under his belt. The final clip shows off the skill that oozes from him as Hutson dangles the defender and lays a perfect pass for a breakaway to fellow new Condor Damien Carfagna.

Viljami Marjala – Centre

We can’t discuss skill on this Condors roster without mentioning former Liiga star Viljami Marjala. In his opening seven games, the playmaking centre has five assists and is still featured in the top six, playing a healthy chunk of his minutes with Quinn Hutson. Much like his linemate, Marjala doesn’t have the cleanest skating mechanics either, but the Finnish centre plays within the speed of the game exceptionally well. While Hutson pushes the pace, Marjala trails back and finds the space Hutson creates.

The most impressive part of Marjala’s game to start the year is how he is able to weave together multiple plays with his passing ability. He plays as if he has eyes on the back of his head. Below are two great examples of what he can do to keep plays going and create chances. I highly value this trait in a centre as it shows you’re able to drive a line and connect the game together for your teammates.

Almost the same exact play in two different games. Marjala is great at finding players in the soft areas of the ice, which is why he has carried the assist numbers over from the Liiga. Now, this is just a taste of his playmaking ability. Below are another two examples of his vision blended with the passing ability he possesses.

I’m liking what I see from the young, skilled centreman in the early part of the season. Stuck at zero goals still, unfortunately, Marjala does need to utilize his shot more. It’s not a bad shot, and he showed an instance of changing the angle with a drag release, so he has the tendency to score goals, but the accuracy needs work, and he just loves passing the puck over everything else. Quinn Hutson and Viljami Marjala complement each other extremely well and should continue to play together. If they do, I think you’ll see them have some big nights offensively. But can they keep the puck out of their net while together? That’s the question that needs answering.

Roby Järventie – Winger

Please just stay healthy. It’s no secret that Roby Järventie has struggled to suit up for games consistently throughout his career. This year, the Oilers organization has a rehab plan for him, and he hasn’t suited up in back-to-back games yet. He is not injured — I feel like that needs to be said. If he’s not in the lineup and it isn’t otherwise stated, it’s because they value this prospect and want to prioritize his long-term health.

In four games this year, the Finnish winger has three goals and three assists. Järventie is able to take any puck and make something happen out of it, much like Hutson, in the sense that he can create a lot of offense with one puck touch along the wall. Below is a clip showing how, with one touch, he can make a lot happen.

When in the lineup, Järventie has been playing alongside towering centre Josh Samanski, and it’s another good pairing. Samanski is great at pushing pace, which allows Järventie to play inside the space he creates. It lets him do what he does best — create offense from the wall. The next clip shows Järventie getting involved in transition. Instead of rushing the play, he waits for his teammate to catch up and develop a 2-on-1. Before the puck even touches his stick, he accepts the pass with his skate, and another strength of his is the range of passes he can handle. There’s no such thing as a bad pass to elite players.

I love the approach the organization is taking with Roby. I see him as a bottom-six NHL player with the ability to provide some secondary offense. The skill is there, the work ethic has progressed since his draft year, and it’s just about keeping him healthy now.

In other news and notes, Rem Pitlick is the leading scorer right now with nine points in seven games, followed by all-star Seth Griffith with seven points, and then Marjala with five. The defensive core has had its struggles to start the season. With Akey being the only injured defenceman, they should start to mold together better. Luke Prokop has been impressive on the back end, showing excellent mobility and getting more involved down in the offensive zone. When he was with the Oil Kings, you could see the potential in Prokop, but his offensive upside had mostly been as a shooter from the point. Seeing him activate down the wall is promising.

Cam Dineen and Atro Leppänen are ranked second and third, respectively, in shots on net for the Condors. Some of those are good opportunities, but they need to start looking off the point shot more and use their deception, mobility, and passing ability.

That is all for now. Next week, there will be another update. The Condors play the Calgary Wranglers twice this weekend and the Henderson Silver Knights twice next weekend. Both sets of series will be big games as they’re division rivals, and both teams currently sit higher in the standings. Not the best of starts for the Condors, but there’s a lot to like with this roster.