No coach in the NHL is perfect. We have all been guilty at one point or another yelling at our TV because the coach put player X on the ice during the last 2 minutes of the game when our team is down by 1, or put player Y on a skill line instead of player Z. On one side of the argument, coaches have a much better understanding of their players than we do, their fatigue levels, motivations, etc and juggling that is why they are where they are.

On the other side of the argument is Patrick Russell.

PATRICK RUSSELL

45GP: 0-5-5

Patrick Russell was a great story out of training camp. The 27 year old scored 18 goals and 40 points through 51 games last season. Russell came into training camp and wasn't given any spotlight or thought but as players continued to be cut from the roster, Russell remained. Through pre-season Russell endeared himself to the coaching staff by being an energy player, engaged in the play and throwing his weight around. As the final cuts were made, Russell found himself on the opening night roster.

I almost feel bad because this is where I stop saying nice things about Patrick Russell. Russell deserved a spot on the opening night roster due to the effort he put into training camp and pre-season, of that I have no complaint. However with every passing game that Russell stayed on the roster, it became more and more clear that he was little more than a warm body.

There really isn't much to do for a breakdown for a player who didn't score a single goal. He had the lowest shots of any forward on the Oilers who played at least 40 games, was 5th in hits among forwards and once again had a shooting percentage of 0% because he did not score once.

Like other members of the Oilers bottom six that include Sheahan and Khaira, the Oilers were outchanced and outshot whenever these members of the team were on the ice. It was reported at one point that the reason the Oilers never sent him down to the AHL was because he had to clear waivers and Holland and Tippett were worried that another team would claim him. An idea that really seems baffling based on his numbers.

Early on in the season I can understand why having a player like Russell in the lockerroom is a good thing. It's great to reward that player and to remind every other guy on that team what the right work ethic mentality can do for your career.

At the end of the day, Russell was a fringe NHLer who received too much time on this NHL roster and ultimately wasn't able to do anything with it. I hope he finds a spot in another NHL organization but not in Edmonton.

FINAL GRADE: F

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