Lowetide: Oilers signing Vincent Desharnais, James Hamblin proving innovative, effective one year later

Just about a year ago (March 2, 2022) the Edmonton Oilers signed two minor-league players under contract to the team’s AHL affiliate (Bakersfield Condors).

It came during a time when other NHL teams were signing college free agents, junior free agents and draft picks ready to turn pro or come over from Europe and push for NHL time.

One year later, both men have played in the NHL and provided value to the organization. Here’s a look at progress, why this worked and who might be next on the AHL-to-NHL contract caravan.

The Oilers recalled Vincent Desharnais on Jan. 9. It was six years, six months and 16 days since he was drafted in the seventh round in 2016.

He has been splendid since arrival, even if some luck has been involved.

Desharnais represents the latest example of a player who thrives because of specific deployment. Some of that is due to the fact Edmonton’s head coach (Jay Woodcroft) and defence coach (Dave Manson) deployed Desharnais, and helped him along, when all three were in Bakersfield for a couple of years.

The performance of Desharnais is somewhat reminiscent of Anton Lander’s impressive spike with the Oilers when Todd Nelson was elevated from Edmonton’s AHL team (Oklahoma City Barons). Nelson and Lander were familiar with each other, and Lander was used in a feature role. He flourished.

Desharnais is the No. 7 defenceman on the team, but the description sells him short. His ability to provide a physical presence is one thing but the five-on-five goal share (8-2 goals in 14 games) and he has been a regular on the penalty kill since his recall.

Describing his skill set (giant with a massive wingspan, edgy defender, effective in suppression) doesn’t quite create the entire picture.

Recalling Desharnais, whose skill set was a match for a team need that has existed since Adam Larsson signed in Seattle, gave Edmonton a different look. It didn’t require surrendering a prospect or a second-round pick, but rather amounted to signing the player to an NHL contract after a period of audition in the minors.

Woodcroft was strong on Desharnais before he ever stepped onto the ice for an NHL game. “I think Desharnais has earned the right to be included in the (NHL) conversation,” Woodcroft told me. “I have a good understanding of each of those players and their capabilities. I have comfort in knowing I’ve seen each of these players in different situations, and I think each of them understand the opportunity that is before them. There’s a healthy chance to make the team in Edmonton.”

James Hamblin

NHL teams need centres who can mentor young wingers in the NHL. The Oilers pay a premium every season for a pivot who can do it and the AHL salaries over the years offer proof.

PlayerYearAHL Salary

Josh Currie

2019-20

$160,000

Adam Cracknell

2021-22

$350,000

Brad Malone

2021-22

$280,000

Brad Malone

2022-23

$250,000

James Hamblin can play a No. 1 role, as a centre, in the AHL.

At the very least, Edmonton is getting tremendous value on Hamblin’s contract (his AHL salary on the current two-year deal is $80,000) and there’s a chance there’s more.

During the 2021-22 AHL season, Hamblin boasted an even-strength goal share of 48-29 (62 percent) and he scored 21 goals in 64 games.

He has seen the NHL this season, with no points in 10 games. At five-on-five, he has just a 20 percent goal share but his expected goal percentage is over 50.

If Hamblin can find the range offensively, and hang around long enough to prove himself as a depth outscorer, he could see extended time in the NHL and carve out a career.

Even if he doesn’t have an NHL career, there’s tremendous value in his fine AHL work. Mentoring young wingers in the AHL is an important job for an NHL team.

Who’s next?

It’s important to recognize just how rare both Desharnais and Hamblin are for the Oilers organization.

It’s also important to point out that while signing players to AHL contracts has been going on since the beginning of time, Edmonton’s converting some of those players into NHL contracts at the current rate is new.

Charles Linglet, Mark Arcobello and Josh Currie were quite rare for the Oilers but during general manager Ken Holland’s time with the club, it is becoming more commonplace.

Edmonton’s current 50-man roster includes Desharnais, Hamblin, Justin Bailey and Jason Demers, all retained initially on an AHL deal and then converted to NHL contracts.

Who are the best current candidates? Here’s the list.

The Oilers have been using later draft picks on high skill players like Matej Blumel, Carter Savoie, Tyler Tullio, Maxim Berezkin, Matvey Petrov and Shane Lachance in recent summers.

The spots in the draft being used on skill were once devoted to future role players.

Edmonton still uses picks on those player types (Skyler Brind’Amour, Joel Maatta) but not at the same level as previous drafts.

In the future, inexpensive AHL contracts could be converted into NHL deals for men who are a little older and have refined their skill sets to match possible NHL roles.

It’s efficient, but there is risk. A team can’t afford to clog up the 50-man list with men who are unlikely to play in the NHL.

For that reason, Desharnais and Hamblin are an encouraging tip of the iceberg for Edmonton fans.

(Photo of Vincent Desharnais: Perry Nelson / USA Today)