The Edmonton Oilers made some news on Wednesday as the team announced the signing of 21-year-old, 2017 draft selection Philip Kemp. Meanwhile, 38 year old Mike Smith is looking to stay effective in the NHL and has hired a new goalie consultant to help him train this offseason.
Related: World Junior Update: A Pause and Cause for Concern
The Oilers inked Kemp to a three-year entry-level contract on Wednesday. He was drafted in the seventh round in 2017 and went to play at Yale University after the draft. But, because Ivy League schools have suspended their hockey programs for the remainder of the year, Kemp has elected to forego his senior season with Yale and make the jump to the pro ranks. He’s likely pegged for the AHL if that league has a season.
While no one is expecting Kemp to be a dynamo for Edmonton, but Brian Lawton of NHL Network compared him to Ben Lovejoy. That means there’s a chance this late pick could actually play some games for the team. The Oilers have already shown they can land on some players later in the draft, as Ethan Bear was a fifth-round pick.
Mike Smith Hires San Jose Goalie Consultant
Jason Gregor of Oilers Nation is reporting that veteran goalie Mike Smith has taken another step towards staying relevant and productive this upcoming season. After moving back to Kelowna, he’s hired Adam Francilia as a goalie specialist. Francilia worked with Connor Hellebuyck and is a current consultant with the San Jose Sharks.
It sounds like the Oilers are very much behind the decision and while it’s not expected that Smith will drastically change his game, the two sides will focus on better balance and minor adjustments.
There are a lot of eyeballs on Smith this season and the Oilers took some heavy criticism for brining him back for another year. He’s hoping to show he’s still got a lot of juice left in the tank.
Next: Montreal Canadiens News & Rumors: Caufield, Danault, Julien & Kotkaniemi