INSIDE THE OILERS

Oilers Rookies report for camp, Connor McDavid comments on the format for the 2016 World Cup, including the U23 North American team and more.

PRE-GAME REPORT

PENTICTON, B.C. – Tonight, the Oilers Rookies look to open their 2015 Young Stars Tournament schedule with a win against the Vancouver Canucks. Edmonton will suit up all three of their biggest stars.



2015 first-overall pick Connor McDavid makes his game debut in full Oilers uniform, while Darnell Nurse and Leon Draisaitl return to a tournament they’re familiar with.



CHOOSING MCDAVID’S ‘MATES



Obviously, McDavid’s high-end skill is well-documented and finding him two linemates for this tournament who could complement him was a task. For tonight, McDavid will centre an Oilers top line featuring Mitch Moroz and Greg Chase.



Moroz was selected 32nd overall in 2012, while Greg Chase, despite some high-end skill of his own, slipped to the seventh round in 2013. Chase has proven he can play at a high level, recording 44 points (18-26-44) in 46 games last season in Victoria. Moroz is an experienced forward and Memorial Cup champion who spent all last season in the American Hockey League.



“We talked about it with management. I felt it was important (McDavid) played with guys that have a little bit of pro experience and both guys tonight have some pro experience. That was our thinking on that,” said Bakersfield Condors Head Coach Gerry Fleming, who will lead the Oilers Rookies this weekend.



While Moroz spent the whole season in Oklahoma City, Chase joined the Oilers affiliate in time for the playoffs at the close of his junior year. The two will likely complement McDavid’s talent in their own ways. Chase is an agitator who can score, while Moroz brings the muscle and net-front presence.



The rest of the lineup is projected to be as follows:



Forwards:



Mitch Moroz-Connor McDavid-Greg Chase

Anton Slepyshev-Leon Draisaitl-Josh Winquist

Connor Rankin-Kyle Platzer-Cole Sanford

Braden Christoffer-Alexis Loiseau-Rihards Bukarts



Defence:



Joey LaLeggia-Darnell Nurse

Ben Betker-Ethan Bear

Colton Waltz-Loik Leveille



LAURIKAINEN GETS THE START



Eetu Laurikainen signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Oilers this off-season. The Finnish goaltender is about to begin his task of showing the Oilers he deserves a spot in their pro system. He will get the start tonight in net for the Oilers.



He’s excited to suit up in Oilers colours for the first time.



“Oh yeah, absolutely. It’s my first game in a long time,” he said. “The last game I played was in April, so I’m excited to go.”



Laurikainen spent last season in Finland’s Liiga where he recorded a 2.10 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage. Prior to that, he spent two years in the WHL playing for Swift Current.



The Oilers have been interested in Laurikainen since his playing days in North America, so he’s a player to watch.



AN UNKNOWN TAKES THE ICE



Anton Slepyshev’s name continues to come up when running through the Oilers prospect pool. He signed his three-year entry level contract in May, signalling he was ready to leave Russia for North America this season. After playing for Ufa Salavat in the KHL for three years, the Russian winger saw his best production in his most recent season.



In 2014-15, Slepyshev scored 15 goals. He added 10 assists for 25 points in 58 games. He also led Ufa in scoring at the Spengler Cup with two goals and three assists in five games.



The Oilers believe he’s very skilled and very talented, but there hasn’t been much up-close observing of this prospect, who the organization took 88th overall in 2013.



Slepyshev coming to North America provides the Oilers with an opportunity to evaluate what they have in the big winger.



“Really good hands, really quick, really a nice, personable guy,” said Fleming. “A little bit of language barrier there obviously. He’s asked good questions on the ice, he seems engaging and he put in a lot of energy out there this morning. We’ll see how it goes as camp goes on here.”