Comments on Oskar Osala?

by curiouscanesfan on Jan 22, 2011 11:51 AM EST

It's great that Boychuk and Dalpe are tearing up the AHL and Samson is still going strong. Would anybody care to give a status report on Oskar Osala?

Osala is looking pretty solid for the Checkers now, with 38 points in 45 games, good enough for 2nd on the Checkers and 12th in the AHL.

When you look at points per game, Boychuk leads the Checkers with 1.17, followed by Dalpe at 1.11 and Samson at 0.96. Osala isn't that far behind at 0.84. He's also leading the Checkers in assists. The Checkers list him at 6'4" and 226 lbs, which is up 7 lbs from his weight on the Canes' site. He's not as hefty as Dustin Penner or Byfuglein, but Osala is no lightweight.

Does Osala have a shot at playing for the Canes? Is he strictly a left wing or could he move to the right?

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Osala

Osala is playing really good hockey right now. Every time i’m at a checkers game he is playing really. He had a goal last night and was all around a solid player.

by Elliott Farrell on Jan 22, 2011 12:26 PM EST reply actions

Thanks, EF. Is Osala always at left wing?

by curiouscanesfan on Jan 22, 2011 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

Osala and the Canes

Osala has tons of potential. He has excellent North/South speed. He has soft hands and a great shot. He controls the puck quite well. He plays right wing now when Daniels puts out of the Boychuk/Dalpe/Osala line. Here’s what Osala has to improve to make the jump to the NHL:

1. Consistent, extreme effort each shift; and having the endurance to move his feet even at the end of his shifts;

2. Ratcheting up his physical play;

3. Improving his skating in general;

4. Increase the explosivity of his first two strides.

5. Improve to some degree the speed of his decision-making.

When the lightbulb clicks on for Osala and he makes those changes, he’s a very solid NHL forward forward. He’s a prime candidate for the Gary Roberts school. He has no problem playing right wing.

by abramsdoug on Jan 22, 2011 12:46 PM EST reply actions

Perhaps needs one of those borderline-illegal caffeine drinks?

by curiouscanesfan on Jan 22, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

It’s a mindset. Osala has really improved enormously under the guidance/coaching of Jeff Daniels. He is a much smoother, much more physical player. He didn’t get nearly enough attention in the Washington system. If he keeps to the program, he should be on the Hurricanes roster at some point – whether that is another year or two years, will depend on him and also on factors beyond his control – such as trades or draft picks.

by abramsdoug on Jan 22, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

on that AD I agree 100%

he has come a long way…too bad those before the canes didn’t care enough or thought enough about him to take the time & effort…

The moment you write off the Hurricanes,
they make you look bad !!

by CaniacSteve on Jan 23, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions

MY LEFT WINGER HAS A FIRST NAME.....

….IT’S O S K A R….
MY LEFT WINGER HAS A SECOND NAME….
….IT’S O S A L A

by CarolinaCanes on Jan 25, 2011 1:23 PM EST reply actions

Osala and the Right Wing

Osala is playing right wing on most shifts for the Canes which is a good thing for him. The Hurricanes need a right wing with size, speed, lateral quickness, physicality and good hands. Osala is making excellent progress.

by abramsdoug on Jan 25, 2011 1:46 PM EST up reply actions