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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our choices for most underrated player on the Edmonton Oilers.
Todd Cordell
Ethan Bear.
He’s not the flashiest guy on the ice. He’s not going to put up big point totals. He is just a rock solid defenseman.
Bear is positionally sound, has some ruggedness to him despite a sub 6’0’ frame, and has shown at a young age he can handle big minutes against tougher competition.
Analytically, his profile is really impressive. The Oilers generate 5v5 shot attempts, chances, and expected goals at a higher rate with Bear on the ice than any other defender. He’s also the only blueliner on the team with a positive chance differential this season.
With plenty of eyes on him in what should be an entertaining playoff series against Chicago, I think Bear is really going to make people take notice.
Sean Maloughney
Matt Benning.
Even though Benning dealt with a series of tough injuries, including a concussion. The right shot defenseman had his best season with the Edmonton Oilers.
At 5 on 5, Benning led the Oilers defensemen in GF% with a 58.97% and second among Oilers defensemen who played at least 40 games in xGF%. He finished second as well in ESP/60 (even strength points per 60) at 0.887, behind Darnell Nurse. Benning was able to do all of this averaging the 9th most minutes a game among Oilers defenders this season.
One of my favourite ways to judge defensemen is how they impact the top forwards they play with. When McDavid, Draisaitl, or RNH were on the ice with Benning, their possession numbers were all above 50%. Benning is sneaky good first passer, much more physical than originally expected and dominated the minutes he was given.
Quick side note, Benning played far better with Caleb Jones than Kris Russell and the best thing for the Oilers moving forward is to continue to run the former and get rid of the latter.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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