Former Oiler Compares Vincent Desharnais to Top NHL Defenseman
A former member of the Oilers made an interesting comparison between a young defenseman in Edmonton and an established player in the NHL.
Former Player of the Oilers Believes Desharnais will Reach Ekholm's Level
Joaquin Gage played 23 games in the NHL, all for the Oilers. The goaltender, who was drafted in 1992 by the Oilers at 109th overall, had some interesting things to say about Vincent Desharnais.
"I think with Desharnais there's a lot of things there, I would have to say I'm about 60% sure there's a possibility that he could play in that top four, I think he could get to an Ekholm level."
– Joaquin Gage
Vincent Desharnais is one of the most interesting up-and-coming players in Edmonton. Drafted 183rd in the last round of the 2016 draft by Edmonton, his development took longer than that of other players. At 27, he will be looking to play his first full 82-game season.
In his career, he has only played 48 NHL games, including 12 in the playoffs, all in the last year.
Two Ekholms in Edmonton - Edmonton to Win First Stanley Cup Since 1990?
Mattias Ekholm is an established defenseman in the NHL. He was traded from Nashville to Edmonton at the last trade deadline in return for Tyson Barrie, after a failed attempt to get Erik Karlsson made Ken Holland turn elsewhere to fill his blue line needs.
It's safe to say that Ekholm is one of the best two-way defensemen in the NHL. His friendly contract of $6,250,000 AAV may not indicate that he is, but he always plays an important role with his team, showing great leadership and talent along the way.
He contributed greatly to the Predators' playoff run of 2017, where they lost in the Finals at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If what Gage says is true, and if Desharnais finally has his breakout season, the Oilers' blue line is in good hands to win their first Stanley Cup since 1990.
Do you think Desharnais will become as good as Ekholm?
You can listen to the full episode of 2 Guys and a Goalie and Gage's statement here:
| POLL |
1 OCTOBRE | 109 ANSWERS Former Oiler Compares Vincent Desharnais to Top NHL Defenseman Do you think Vincent Desharnais will become as good as Ekholm? |
| Yes | 64 | 58.7 % |
| No | 45 | 41.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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