Former Oiler prospect makes great NHL debut after refusing to sign in Edmonton

Reports surfaced early this season that Brind'Amour would be leaving the Oilers organization as a free agent after College to join the Hurricanes.

After playing the entire season with the AHL's Charlottesville Checkers, Brind'Amour got the call to the big league to make his NHL debut this week.

The 25 year old forward surprised everyone by potting a goal in his second game.

Of course, one major reason for Skyler departing the Oilers organization had to have been the opportunity to play under his dad, the legendary NHLer Rod Brind'Amour.

However, the Oilers probably won't be kicking themselves too hard for losing out on their former prospect. Brind'Amour hasn't been a blue chip prospect by any stretch.

In his last year of College hockey at Quinnipac University, he only scored 14 goals and 32 points in 41 games. In the AHL this season, he only scored 23 points in 67 games with a -15 rating.

However, Skyler can take a page out of his dad's book that could make him an NHLer. At 6'2 and 200 pounds, and can effectively play a grinder role deeper in the lineup. He has the workhorse attitude of Rod, which simply isn't teachable.

It may sting for the Oilers if Skyler goes on to have a long and successful NHL career, but Edmonton will be just fine. It's honestly a nice story that Skyler can be reunited with his Dad to continue his hockey career.