That's a wrap: the regular season begins

Finally...

Oilers pre-season has come to an end. Will the real Penner please stand up, and will last years Horcoff please stay seated? It's always difficult to judge the veteran players during pre-season. Some will drag their feet due to a lack of interest, and some will dominate the game when playing against lesser competition.

I'll be honest, I was only able to catch a couple pre-season games, 1 via 630 ched (that new play by play guy is sure exciteable, eh?). I've been working night shift and my only access to Oilers news is through computer. I can't watch the games online thanks to a gateway security which blocks my access to anything worth browsing. I'm starting to think that it may be time to find new work, can't be having this during hockey season.

What I did see was a pleasant surprise in Chris Van Velde and Richard Petiot.

Coming from the same program as Jonathon Toews and TJ Oshie, Chris Van Velde took the University route. His tenure with the Fighting Sioux saw Chris make considerable strides. His numbers improved each and every year. In his senior year, Van Velde notched 16 goals, 25 assists, and 41 points in 42 games played. Once the Fighting Sioux's season came to an end, Chris was awarded an amateur tryout for the Springfield Falcons. Although he only dressed in the remainding 2 games, it did give some indication of where Van Velde's game was at. This allowed him to better prepare for an Oilers training camp. 

All signs are in favour with Van Velde's future projections where many scouts had him labeled as a 2nd or 3rd line power forward. At 6'2" and 204 IBS, he has all the tools to compliment the Oilers. A centre with size, strength and skill is something the Oilers have been dreaming of for years. He should see some action with the Oilers in some shape or form.

Richard Petiot is a camp invite and another player who has had a lengthy AHL career with only a cup of coffee in the big show. Petiot in recent years has been tossed around the league like expendable garbage. He was dealt by Toronto to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Olaf Kolzig, Andy Rogers, Jamie Heward and a fourth round selection on March 4, 2009. Remember that trade, which saw the Leafs take on some of the Lightnings salary woes. He was then dumped by the Lightning and signed a one year contract with the Blackhaws organization. With a line up like Chicago's, Petiot's chances of seeing NHL action was hopeless. At 28 years of age, Petiot is on his last viable chance to make a club take notice. The Daysland, Alberta product is in good with the Oilers as his arrival couldn't have come at a better time. The Oilers are looking to round out there bottom pairings and are in need of a punishing defensive defenseman. With his size at 6'3" and 200 Ibs, he's know for his heavy hits and his ability to work the corners. For his size, Petiot has good mobility, his skating doesn't look out of place in the NHL.

With Belle, Peckham and Petiot all looking to nab the last spot on the blue line, the Oilers are in for a tough decision. Peckham's younger age and the Oilers investment in this kid may serve as an advantage. Whichever decision the Oilers make, the OKC Barons will be receiving two solid defense men.