August 15 marks the day that Edmonton Oilers draft pick Skyler Brind’Amour would have become a free agent. Of course, Brind’Amour was widely expected to sign elsewhere, eventually agreeing to a two-year AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers.
Not uncommon among prospects that play in the NCAA, if they should choose to attend school for four years, their NHL rights become available to teams beyond the one they were drafted by. For the best NCAA prospects this usually has little bearing on their NHL trajectory. Brind’Amour, however, falls into a slim category of four-year college players that have some NHL upside.
The signing
The AHL level deal that Brind’Amour signed is indicative that he still has much to prove before garnering NHL consideration. That being said, though Brind’Amour will be entering his age 24 season, he still has some stylistic positives to his game that might translate to the professional ranks.
Brind’Amour’s offensive totals are hardly the main strength of his resume, as the big centre earned accolades for his defensive game, earning the Gladiator ECAC award for best defensive forward of his NCAA conference. Brind’Amour is also able to use his size to his advantage as a net front scorer. Far from the league’s top prospect, Brind’Amour still commands a watchful eye as a player who might develop into a bottom-six NHL forward.
An NHL debut will have to wait as Brind’Amour will look to prove himself in the AHL next season. Perhaps with a strong season or two, Brind’Amour can raise his profile enough to earn a look in the NHL, though likely pigeonholed into a depth role.
For any Oilers fans lamenting the loss of Brind’Amour and his skillset, it should be noted that centre Jayden Grubbe was acquired. Heading into his AHL rookie season as well, Grubbe possesses some of the same strengths and style as Brind’Amour, while his being roughly four years younger presents its own set of upsides.
It was known that he was signing an AHL deal with the Checkers back in April.
I’m not sure of that NHL upside referenced – he is a massive distant bell.
I think the “Oiler property” to mention is not Grubbe, its Ethan De Jong who the Condors signed to a two-year deal. Brind’Amour’s teammate at Quinnipiac – who outscored Brind’Amour by a solid 25% margin.
It was known that he was signing an AHL deal with the Checkers back in April.
I’m not sure of that NHL upside referenced – he is a massive distant bell.
I think the “Oiler property” to mention is not Grubbe, its Ethan De Jong who the Condors signed to a two-year deal. Brind’Amour’s teammate at Quinnipiac – who outscored Brind’Amour by a solid 25% margin.