The 2019 NHL Draft: An Oilers blunder

It was expected that the team would build around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and become a contender next season. For the team, however, that never materialized.

During that draft, the Oilers missed out on several big names, including Jack Hughes, who has been tearing up the league lately. The 7th Defenseman, Philip Broberg, was chosen instead.

Instead, the Oilers let Trevor Zegras drop to the 9th pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2018-2019. Zegras scored 26 goals and had 61 assists in 60 games for the USNTDP in 2018-2019. Zegras' ridiculous stat line continues through his college career with 11 goals and 36 points at Boston University, along with nine assists in five games at the World Juniors. He would score 23 goals and 61 points in 75 games in the NHL in 2021-2022. He is now the face of the Ducks franchise.

In 64 games as the team alternate captain, Boldy netted 33 goals and 81 points in 64 games with the USNTDP. Later, he went on to achieve success at Boston College, scoring 20 goals in 56 games. Boldy broke out last season, scoring 31 goals and contributing 32 assists in 82 games. He was the Wild's 12th selection during the draft.

Lastly, the Oilers let USNTDP's own Cole Caulfield drop to 15th overall. Now a staple in the Canadiens top-six, Caulfield has put up 72 goals and 100 points through 64 games. During his two seasons at Wisconsin, he scored 49 goals and 88 points in 67 games, following up with 14 goals and 18 points at WJC. Through 123 games, he has 51 goals and 84 points, a top-six production rate.

It may be true that Broberg is a solid defenseman, but the team needs more firepower than a defensive player can provide. Perhaps they should have changed routes, since Broberg has yet to break into the starting lineup, since they let three solid NHLers slip through their fingers.

As Seen On: thehockeywriters.com