Wings Nation First Round Targets: Jake Oettinger
By David Law
6 years ago
After the startling news that Detroit was planning on leaving Petr Mrazek unprotected I was planning to use this article to advocate that the Wings select the top ranked North American goaltender with their first round pick since surely Mrazek would be taken by Vegas. Apparently I was mistaken. Regardless, Jake Oettinger is a very good goaltender and he’s one that the Wings would do well to take a serious look at, especially if they still have doubts about Mrazek. Having completed a year at NCAA Boston University, Oettinger has solidified his position as a goalie with strong NHL potential.
NHL CS RANKINGS
Oettinger is the number one ranked North American Goaltender by NHL Central Scouting.
THE STATS
(Stats courtesy of EliteProspects)
Oettinger has performed very well at high-levels of competition. You can see why he’s risen up the rankings with his performances in the most recent U18 World Juniors and this past year with Boston University in the NCAA. His .934 save percentage during international competition is impressive, but tempered by the small sample size (only 4 games.) That performance is, however, backed up by a .927 percentage over 35 games against older competition in his first year in the NCAA.
While his lack of postseason experience could be seen as a question-mark, he has performed consistently well in international tournaments with the United States development teams in a format that is similar in intensity to a postseason. If drafted, Oettinger would obviously spend time in Grand Rapids and have plenty of time to develop a playoff resume.
THE EYE TEST
Here’s what NHL Central Scouting’s Al Jensen has to say about Oettinger at NHL.com:
“THERE’S A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT HIS GAME. HE’S A BIG GOALIE WHO COVERS A LOT OF THE NET. HIS POSITIONAL PLAY IS VERY GOOD AND HE HAS A PHENOMENAL BUTTERFLY WITH GREAT REBOUND CONTROL.”
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DOES HE FIT IN WITH THE RED WINGS?
If Mrazek had been claimed I would have said yes with some reservations. However, since Vegas took Nosek (there HAS to be a side deal right?!) I will say no. While this is undoubtedly a position of need for Detroit if and when they get rid of Mrazek, it is one that can be filled later on in the draft. Goalies are incredibly difficult to hit on at any drafting position and to risk a 9th overall pick on one is too big a chance to take at this juncture. For now, we have Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek and that is good enough for this stage of the rebuild.
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