[Proposal] Jamie Oleksiak

[D-Money]

The Dallas Stars have been quietly been building a fantastic group of young defenders in their prospect pool. The emergence of John Klingberg and Jyrki Jokipakka was just the start. Julius Honka, Patrick Nemeth, Stephen Johns, Esa Lindell...as a Canuck fan I'm very jealous.

But the one guy I didn't mention above is Jamie Oleksiak. He is their 1st round pick from 2011 (14th overall), and is an absolute beast physically (6'7, 250 lbs). He made the team out of camp last year, but was a healthy scratch until Nemeth got hurt - and even then he wasn't the first guy inserted into the lineup. He's been a bit slow to adapt to the NHL, but showed some flashes throughout the year.

I was listening to an interview with Jim Nill (Dallas GM) recently on Marek vs. Wyshynski, and he was raving about a lot of the young defenders, but didn't mention Oleksiak. When Wysh asked about him, Jim said they see him somewhere in the #6-8 spot to start the year, depending on his camp (not exactly a thunderous endorsement to the former 14th overall pick - but it wasn't Nill's pick.) Now that he's waiver eligible, he has to be on the team, even though management seems to feel that they have better options.

Which brings me to my proposal:

To Vancouver: Jamie Oleksiak

To Dallas: Nicklas Jensen, 2016 2nd round pick (Anaheim)

Dallas has a good prospect pool, but other than Brett Ritchie has nothing at RW. Jensen gives them another option. Plus, they have been great at unearthing talent, and will probably value the 2nd rounder.

For Vancouver, we don't have a single D-man with top-pairing potential (although Oleksiak's potential is fading a bit, he still has the tools to potentially become one). With Hamhuis possible(/likely?) departure, we'll need someone ready to step into a top-4 role, and I wouldn't bank on Sbisa being up to that. The 2nd rounder may be hard to give up, but D-men are valuable, and Jensen's value low. It's likely going to be in the #55-60 range too.

I don't do many proposals on here, but this seemed like a good fit.

[Warhippy]

I'd be very inclined to do this deal but I wouldn't be interesting in giving up a pick in 2016 at all. 1 prospect for another or something in 2017.

You hit on it that it's a need filled for both teams

[Apple Juice]

I don't see them trading Oleksiak this offseason considering they just re-signed him a couple of weeks ago, albeit a one year deal. And I wouldn't be willing to give up yet another 2nd round pick.

[D-Money]

Potentially, this could be a deal done closer to the deadline. Dallas was one of the better teams in the league from mid-December onward, and I believe they will be a playoff team next season (and conversely, I believe Vancouver won't). Perhaps a replacement depth D-man (any of the 1-year deals that we haven't extended), or a forward could be part of the return.

Around the same time we may be trading Hamhuis, so Oleksiak could slot in as his replacement. A Hamhuis trade would also give us other assets which we could use in this type of deal, or make the loss of existing picks easier to handle.

[D-Money]

I don't see them trading Oleksiak this offseason considering they just re-signed him a couple of weeks ago, albeit a one year deal. And I wouldn't be willing to give up yet another 2nd round pick.

1) Oleksiak was an RFA. They offered him his qualifying offer, and he took it. It's not like they were going to let him walk for nothing. The fact that they only offered the 1-year deal may be an indication that they aren't entirely sold on him being part of their future.

2) You have to give to get.

[Monty]

Can't remember the last time you created a proposal. So this is a welcomed changed. I think the last one I did was two or three years ago between either the Jets and Flyers or Jets and Lightning. Glad that didn't happen.

Jensen is a "decent" prospect, but doesn't look like he'll make waves at all, so parting with him isn't going to be a big deal. As for parting with a second round pick, I doubt the Canucks would have used it on a defenseman anyway, so they'd be getting a defensive prospect in return. So that's not bad.

However, Oleksiak is a massive question mark. His size is intriguing, but his foot speed, from what I've heard, is atrocious. A few weeks ago, I was listening to TSN 1290 (Winnipeg) and they had Dallas beat reporter Mike Heika on. When the topic switched to Oleksiak, there was not much positive to say about him. A few things that jumped out were "not thinking the game quick enough" and "can't keep up". Combining these two together makes for a very scary player to have on the ice. One of those things alone is tough, but combining the two is bad news.

One of the reasons the Jets lost interest in Bogosian was because he has low hockey IQ and wasn't thinking the game fast enough. However, the fact that he has very good foot speed meant that he could get himself out of trouble from time to time. However, it was still difficult to see someone with that much talent not able to make the smart plays.

However, if the Canucks trade Jensen for another prospect, it's not as if they are going to get someone without baggage and untapped potential of his own. Obviously I don't know much about prospects worth, but I wonder if this could get done with a lower pick (ie. 3rd, 4th, 5th). Oleksiak may be able to be had with just a second round pick alone. If Jensen is going the other way, I would think it's probably slight overpayment.

Otherwise, the Canucks desperately need better defensive prospects. While Oleksiak is a question mark, he's better than anything else they have in the system.

[Blömqvist]

I like the idea of grabbing one of their young left-handed defensemen like Oleksiak (especially considering he has size), but as others have said, a 2nd in 2016 might be a bit too steep since we're already swapping Jensen as well. Maybe a 3rd or 4th round pick?

Also, where would he slot in considering our defensive depth is quite full already

Edler - Tanev

Hamhuis - Weber

Sbisa - Clendening

Bartkowski - Corrado

Oleksiak?

[Monty]

I like the idea of grabbing one of their young left-handed defensemen like Oleksiak (especially considering he has size), but as others have said, a 2nd in 2016 might be a bit too steep since we're already swapping Jensen as well. Maybe a 3rd or 4th round pick?

Also, where would he slot in considering our defensive depth is quite full already

Edler - Tanev

Hamhuis - Weber

Sbisa - Clendening

Bartkowski - Corrado

Oleksiak?

Slotting him in wouldn't be an issue, especially since this would likely happen at the deadline. It's obvious to anyone that Benning and Co. do not envision the Canucks as a playoff team, or a team likely to make noise in the near future; hence why he's come out so early to say they will not be re-signing Hamhuis and Vrbata. Both veteran players that would probably like to win soon.

By all accounts, Hamhuis will be moved at the deadline; while Bartowski, also on a one year deal, will probably be a healthy scratch more often than not. Finding space for a prospect who would be fighting it out for a 6/7th role wouldn't be tough.

[Gaudette Celly]

2) You have to give to get.

Then not getting. The 2nd stays.

[D-Money]

Can't remember the last time you created a proposal. So this is a welcomed changed. I think the last one I did was two or three years ago between either the Jets and Flyers or Jets and Lightning. Glad that didn't happen.

Jensen is a "decent" prospect, but doesn't look like he'll make waves at all, so parting with him isn't going to be a big deal. As for parting with a second round pick, I doubt the Canucks would have used it on a defenseman anyway, so they'd be getting a defensive prospect in return. So that's not bad.

However, Oleksiak is a massive question mark. His size is intriguing, but his foot speed, from what I've heard, is atrocious. A few weeks ago, I was listening to TSN 1290 (Winnipeg) and they had Dallas beat reporter Mike Heika on. When the topic switched to Oleksiak, there was not much positive to say about him. A few things that jumped out were "not thinking the game quick enough" and "can't keep up". Combining these two together makes for a very scary player to have on the ice. One of those things alone is tough, but combining the two is bad news.

One of the reasons the Jets lost interest in Bogosian was because he has low hockey IQ and wasn't thinking the game fast enough. However, the fact that he has very good foot speed meant that he could get himself out of trouble from time to time. However, it was still difficult to see someone with that much talent not able to make the smart plays.

However, if the Canucks trade Jensen for another prospect, it's not as if they are going to get someone without baggage and untapped potential of his own. Obviously I don't know much about prospects worth, but I wonder if this could get done with a lower pick (ie. 3rd, 4th, 5th). Oleksiak may be able to be had with just a second round pick alone. If Jensen is going the other way, I would think it's probably slight overpayment.

Otherwise, the Canucks desperately need better defensive prospects. While Oleksiak is a question mark, he's better than anything else they have in the system.

Most of the reports I have seen have said Oleksiak's skating is above average, and actually very good for a guy his size. Of course, if he's a step behind mentally, and doesn't react fast enough, some may mistake that as a speed problem.

Some players need time to adapt to the speed of the NHL. Especially when they go from playing 30 minutes a night with the best players on their team against non-NHL-ers, then suddenly thrust into the bigs with limited minutes, and sketchy linemates. It's not like the Stars had a reliable, veteran defensive specialist who could cover for Jamie and give him time and space to find his game.

Maybe the 2nd round pick won't be necessary, especially if Oleksiak doesn't have noticeable improvement (and perhaps if Jensen does). But if Jamie gets traded, there will be a lot of teams willing to take a shot at him. and we'd have to beat out the other offers. It's not like they'll take our offer over a seemingly better one because they covet Jensen.

[Apple Juice]

1) Oleksiak was an RFA. They offered him his qualifying offer, and he took it. It's not like they were going to let him walk for nothing. The fact that they only offered the 1-year deal may be an indication that they aren't entirely sold on him being part of their future.

2) You have to give to get.

I read into why it was a one year deal and it was basically mutual between both parties. Both wanted the deal because it was a show me what you got deal where if he proves himself, he'll be kept and extended during the season. If Dallas doesn't like what they see, they'll ship him out.

I'm not entirely sold on having to give up yet another 2nd round pick. We've been trading away our 2nd round picks almost every year since 2010 and I much rather keep it for next year's draft than having to trade it away. Since Benning is so high on the 2016 draft, I'm sure he's more inclined on trading away the 2017 pick instead of the 2016 pick.

[Apple Juice]

Most of the reports I have seen have said Oleksiak's skating is above average, and actually very good for a guy his size. Of course, if he's a step behind mentally, and doesn't react fast enough, some may mistake that as a speed problem.

Some players need time to adapt to the speed of the NHL. Especially when they go from playing 30 minutes a night with the best players on their team against non-NHL-ers, then suddenly thrust into the bigs with limited minutes, and sketchy linemates. It's not like the Stars had a reliable, veteran defensive specialist who could cover for Jamie and give him time and space to find his game.

Maybe the 2nd round pick won't be necessary, especially if Oleksiak doesn't have noticeable improvement (and perhaps if Jensen does). But if Jamie gets traded, there will be a lot of teams willing to take a shot at him. and we'd have to beat out the other offers. It's not like they'll take our offer over a seemingly better one because they covet Jensen.

Do you mean Jordie Benn?

[Harvey Specter]

Maybe the 2nd round pick won't be necessary, especially if Oleksiak doesn't have noticeable improvement (and perhaps if Jensen does). But if Jamie gets traded, there will be a lot of teams willing to take a shot at him. and we'd have to beat out the other offers. It's not like they'll take our offer over a seemingly better one because they covet Jensen.

Reading through the thread so far, the other commenters have made fair points about the ceiling potential of the two main acquired prospects.

Jensen has shown flashes of brilliance here and there throughout last season, especially after various sources (GM Benning, local and Utica media) failed or mentioned him in negative light in regards to his progression from full-time AHLer to NHL tweener.

If Benning can capitalize on a Jensen hot-streak some time during the season (perhaps near the beginning when players are shuffled in and out of their AHL affiliations), and simultaneously, an Oleksiak cold-streak (hence a possible demotion), then we wouldn't have to include a second-round pick on top.

With that being said, as noted above as well, we would need to give to get but having both players not reaching their potential, from the same 2011 first-round draft class, we may be able to swing a deal of a one-for-one nature (if it's conducted when the market-values are not volatile à la Trade Deadline).

None the less, D-Money, your proposal makes sense both organizational needs- and value-wise, which is a refreshing sight, especially in comparison to the other trade proposals we have seen here on CDC.

[saucypass]

Honestly, I can't imagine Oleksiak's value is too high right now. It's nice that he used to be a first round pick, but he hasn't been playing anything like one.

I would like to do the trade you proposed except I would not be willing to give up the 2nd round pick. I would throw in a 6th/7th pick as a sweetner, or nothing at all.

[Phil_314]

It's either Nick or the 2nd. NOT both of them.

If both of them are worth what Sven was (2nd), and both guys fill needs, why don't we just swap them for each other?

I'd rather keep the 2nd and have another chance at a solid young draft prospect next season.

If we're going to retool/ bottom out I'd do this deal and then trade Hammer, so we'd have several candidates for his role.

Jamie, Luca and whoever else emerges, while we have Brock, Jake and make even Grenier for potential future top-6 R.W.

The central pieces involved would make sense and it's low risk for both sides, so I'd give it a thumbs-up.

[Jägermeister]

I would be alllll over that trade. Let's face it, Jensen really has no future here, and Oleksiak should be a solid shut down guy with some 2-way potential.

With that, I don't know how in to the deal Dallas would be, they could use Oleksiak (at his potential) far more than Jensen (at his potential) and a crapshoot second.

Really though, a pretty solid proposal.

[PhillipBlunt]

This team could use an injection of size and strength to compliment the smaller, more fleet footed puck movers in place. I believe that the Hockey News referred to him as a mammoth all around defenseman with upside.

That has a ring to it.

[D-Money]

I would be alllll over that trade. Let's face it, Jensen really has no future here, and Oleksiak should be a solid shut down guy with some 2-way potential.

With that, I don't know how in to the deal Dallas would be, they could use Oleksiak (at his potential) far more than Jensen (at his potential) and a crapshoot second.

Really though, a pretty solid proposal.

Thanks.

I think Dallas will be fine without Oleksiak:

Oduya - Klingberg

Goligoski - Demers

Jokipakka - Nemeth

Benn

Honka

Johns

Lindell

By the time the trade deadline comes around, they may need an injury replacement, or simply to add a veteran.

Even going forward - Demers and Goligoski are UFA at the end of the year. They'll probably extend one of them (guessing Demers), and let the other walk to give Honka a spot. The year after Oduya is up, giving Johns/Lindell a spot.

There are still other guys who are considered more long-shots (Sinitsyn, Backman, Prapavessis, Haydon, etc.), but one or two of them might develop as well. These are secondary D prospects for Dallas, but they are about the same level as our main ones (Subban, Hutton, Pedan, Cedarholm, Tryamkin, etc.).

It's an embarrassment of riches, even without considering Oleksiak. I think he's getting traded somewhere this year. Given our situation, I hope it's to Vancouver.

[elvis15]

Slotting him in wouldn't be an issue, especially since this would likely happen at the deadline. It's obvious to anyone that Benning and Co. do not envision the Canucks as a playoff team, or a team likely to make noise in the near future; hence why he's come out so early to say they will not be re-signing Hamhuis and Vrbata. Both veteran players that would probably like to win soon.

By all accounts, Hamhuis will be moved at the deadline; while Bartowski, also on a one year deal, will probably be a healthy scratch more often than not. Finding space for a prospect who would be fighting it out for a 6/7th role wouldn't be tough.

Technically they've said they won't be signing them this summer, but it could still get done during the season. I agree though that this would likely be in conjunction with another move, like trading Hamhuis at the deadline for picks/prospects.

If we could do it with Jensen and a 4th or a 5th, I'd be all for it in case it's just a change of scenery that's needed. If he really has deficiencies though then it'd be a risk but potentially one worth exploring.

The only thing I'd have against pursuing someone like Oleksiak apart from actual ability is we also have Tryamkin and Pedan in the system as very big left handed D. We don't have that presence on the right side at all currently, so we may want to explore that instead if we're bringing someone in.

I was about to hit post, but then I figured I could probably find more info on Oleksiak. There are some mixed reviews for him last season, with most lauding his AHL regular season performance this year (but some also noting his unremarkable playoff performance of 0 points and -5 in 3 games and a terrible play defending the series clinching overtime goal).

The OT goal is around the 6 minute mark, and yes that is the Stephen Johns that was included in the Sharp trade and will now be competing with Oleksiak for an NHL spot.

He had 8 points in his 36 NHL games this year, which isn't bad, but was a scratch quite often as noted while other defenders passed him on the roster. I saw some posts noting he wasn't consistent in using his size, and if the main reason they're thinking of keeping him is for physical play as a 6'7" defenceman, then that spells trouble.

Button had this quote about assessing Oleksiak and his development since the draft as well:

“The key in assessing any 18 year old player in draft is to look at the qualities & attributes that translate to the NHL. Then to assess what is truly developmental in his game, understand it, implement it and be patient. All of those working in unison. Every player develops at a different rate. As for Jamie, he has attributes that are of NHL quality and IMO can be a solid player in the NHL. He may not be Chara but he very well could be a Jonathan Ericsson. Have to keep working with him as long as he is putting in time and effort and be patient.”

One of the Dallas blogs had a season review on him as well:

http://www.defendingbigd.com/2015/4/20/8455085/dallas-stars-2014-2015-season-grades-jamie-oleksiak

The Good: Oleksiak is a woolly mammoth on skates, and was by far the biggest player on the Dallas Stars this season. His long reach is able to efficiently break up plays in both open ice as well as along the boards. He doesn't punish opposing players physically, but is getting better at overpowering them or rubbing them out to win puck battles. Oleksiak loves to use his surprising speed to join the rush up ice and start the attack, and he's gotten much better at picking the right times to do it while also ensuring that he quickly gets back into the defensive zone.

The Bad: Oleksiak has an amazing physical toolbox at his disposal, but is still figuring out how to use all his tools properly. Hockey is a fast game where a lot can happen, and there were far too many instances this season where he made the wrong choice and it cost his team. Needs better on-ice awareness, especially in the defensive zone. Possesses a heavy slapshot, but never puts himself into areas where he can actually unleash it. Physical play might not be part of his natural disposition, but it would benefit his team greatly if he were to play with more nastiness on a regular basis.

Bottom Line: Out of all four rookie defensemen on the Stars this season, the 22 year-old Oleksiak is the youngest. He was frustrating to watch at times, but he still improved a lot this year compared to last year. Spending half of this season in the AHL might be seen as a failure by some, but he's been great in his time with the Texas Stars and that will probably help his long-term development.

So I don't know. It seems he's just fitting into his developmental curve and Dallas wants 8 D and could use his size. But then they've had other young D step up and could have Stephen Johns do the same again this year.

Maybe for Dallas it'll depend on who of their young D continues to play well and if Oleksiak can match them or if he falls behind. I haven't double checked but I did see some comments about much of their D needing waivers, so that could be a factor in them making moves as well.

Even if we have Pedan and Tryamkin with size on the left, I'm all for adding another who's more NHL ready (and in case either of them don't turnout). It just depends on how valuable Dallas sees Oleksiak, both in terms of wanting to trade him to begin with, then in terms of assets we'd have to send to get him.

[D-Money]

This team could use an injection of size and strength to compliment the smaller, more fleet footed puck movers in place. I believe that the Hockey News referred to him as a mammoth all around defenseman with upside.

That has a ring to it.

He's a monster.

Question is, can he play like one. So far...no. But if he was already a success, he wouldn't conceivably be available.