This morning, the Oilers announced via their Twitter account that they have signed forward Ostap Safin to a three-year entry level contract.
In 56 games played with the Saint John Sea Dogs this season, his first in the QMJHL I should add, Safin has amassed 53 points (24G, 29A) which leads the team and 29 PIMs. Safin was also a representative for the Czech team at the World Juniors tournament where he was effective despite a limited role, producing three points (1G, 2A) in seven games played. Safin, a Prague native, stands at 6’5″ tall and instantly becomes one of the largest skilled prospects in the Oilers’ stable, and that makes him a prospect worth watching over the coming years or months.
From the Oilers’ side, it made sense for them to sign the giant youngster as he is not only having an impressive season with the Sea Dogs but also because the cupboards are bare for skilled players in Bakersfield. That said, Safin still has another year of eligibility in junior and will likely head back to Saint John for his Draft +2 year where he will need to continue his progression and work to refine the finer points of his game. As it the case with many young players, Safin will need to improve his consistency and two-way game if he hopes to transition into professional hockey.
So who is Ostap Safin? Let Curtis Joe at Elite Prospects learn you a little something:
“A competitive, 200-foot player that can fit in a power or finesse role. Skates very well, with balance and noteworthy speed, and handles the puck with ease and control at top speeds. Displays a dangerously accurate shot that he is never hesitant to use; always a threat in the offensive zone. Uses his frame well, to protect the puck, as well as to impose physically upon the opposition. Defensively stable and actively cuts off passing and shooting lanes. Could be more creative, but is more of a straight-line player. Potential is that of a top six forward that can complement similarly high-caliber players.”
From everything I’ve seen and read, Safin has the toolbox and potential to make some noise but he’s going to have to stay committed to working on his game. All scouting reports label him as a skilled guy with excellent puck skills, but it’s much easier to get things done at the junior level when you’re towering over everyone else. Imagine being 16-years-old and going up against this behemoth. Ridiculous. How will that translate into the pro game? We’ll have to wait and see. Until then, we wish Ostap Safin congratulations on signing his first NHL contract. Well done, sir.
SAFIN’S CAREER SO FAR
| Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | Sparta Praha | Czech | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016-17 | Sparta Praha | Czech | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 2017-18 | Saint John Sea Dogs | QMJHL | 56 | 24 | 29 | 53 | 29 | -25 |
Source: Edmonton Oilers, Official Twitter Account, 3/6/2018 – 11:06 am MST
So with Safin, Yamamoto, Bear and Larkin, the prospect list is looking better and better.
It will still take some time for these guys to be NHL ready but it does definitely look like they put a focus on skilled forwards. Gord knows they need them.
If the Oilers can get a top 3 draft pick we should be able to pick up someone who can step in right away and help the team. If the Oilers somehow win the #1 overall pick again do we keep that pick (Dahlin) or do we trade it to whoever gets the 2nd or 3rd pick for a quality player and the 2nd overall pick (Zadina or Svechnikov)? Drafting Dahlin makes a huge mess of our left side but he is the best player in the draft, by a long shot.
If we get any other pick (4 and up) do we trade that pick into another prospect and a top 8-10 pick and hope Bouchard or Dobson are still available to help with our RHD situation in the future? Hmm I can’t wait to see how the lottery plays out. Whatever the outcome, at least our prospect pool will begin to fill again.
If somehow we got the first overall (again), I would be hard pressed to pass on Dahlin as we need value players on cost controlled contracts coming up through the ranks and he would be capped to the rookie limits for the next three years– but it would likely make Klefbom expendable trade bait in the offseason (or next year) to free up cap space and a slot on the left side. If we select 5-10, I would be shopping that pick hard for immediate help, particularly for a right handed RW or RD. If there are no options there for a trade, I would consider a drop back to the mid first round with sweeteners such as someone’s first and second round pick to stock the cupboard up.
There are a couple blue chip RHD in the 5-10 range. Bouchard, Boquist etc.
Don’t think I would trade that pick for more magic beans.
I get the push for immediate improvement, but they’ve been talking about not having time to properly develop a defenceman since before Hall draft and they still don’t have a quality homegrown RHD in recent years (other than Petry).
Keep Dahlin for sure. A D-man of his ilk can be a game-changer.
Totally missed Boqvist! Lots of quality D-Men available in the top 10 and a pair of high scoring RW’s available. We should be able to fill one of our needs! My question is do you trade the #1 pick with the Coyotes if OEM and their 1st round pick is part of the deal back?
Larkin is 25 in div 3 college hockey. So ..
Larkin isn’t a real prospect with NHL aspirations – subject to a miracle.
I would add Makismov to your list (along with Samorukov, Lagesson and Berglund if you want to talk D).
I can’t for the life of me figure out why they would sign Colin Larkin, unless the Oilers are hoping Dylan wants to come and play with his brother… and by with, I mean in the same organization. But even that seems pretty unlikely. I know Dylan is in a contact year, but I fully expect the Red Wings to do everything they can to keep him. Even on a one year contract, Colin seems like a wasted spot. Believe me though, I’d be more than happy to have him prove me wrong.
Geez, that’s a big kid. Can we call him “Groot”? And Yamamoto, “Rocket”?
Does that make Connor Starlord?
Obviously Lucic would be Drax.
?????
This guy sounds good, he never got drafted?
my mistake, trash away at the previous comment lol
never seen him play but wow, 6’5 before skates with that kinda scouting report…could be a serious problem alongside connor letsgooo
Do Safin and Maximoff play on the same line for the Ice Dogs?
C’mon!! Safin plays for the SEA Dogs, Maksimov plays for the ICE Dogs!! Get it right.
How much do you think Nashville would charge Katz to develop this kid in their farm system for a couple years?? Maybe Poile at the Malibu beach house for a couple weeks??
If this guy can make a splash as a top six forward it would be fantastic. It’s a good thing I’m so patient. I’m glad we have a shot at Dahlin; no matter how good we finish,….. (go Connor go)
Given Safin was drafted to the NHL out of Europe prior to being drafted in the CHL import draft, the “20 year old” rule does not apply and he is eligible to go to the AHL next year as a 19 year old.
It will be interesting to see what the Oilers do with him next year.
I think his offensive box cars don’t reflect the year he’s had – the Sea Dogs are the worst team in the CHL and, after they traded Valeno a few months ago, Safin is really the lone offensive threat – he has very little held.
Not to mention, the Dogs have dressed 10 forwards on many nights and asked Safin to play center (he’s a right winger).
Given the foregoing, he’s had a great season as a rookie in the Q.
I’m not so sure the Oilers don’t assign him to Bakersfield in October.
Given the success the Oiler’s have had in developing players I hope they send him back to the Q to further develop his skills. What the Oiler’s need to concentrate on is obtaining players that will help their team now, not five years from now. They should look at other organizations and see they send their draft picks back to juniors to further mature and develop.
Shoots Left, plays right wing.
Man….. its like he’s Todd approved already.
Good luck. I hope he keeps improving.
He’s a beast He’s goin be great