Hrabal in, Chorney out...for now

It's a good news, bad news day for the Oilers when it comes to prospects. The news that the Josef Hrabal camp decided the offer the Oilers were making was indeed good enough, means a new 2 year-2 way contract for the Czech blueliner with some good offensive instincts. I was told today that Hrabal is a poor man's Denis Grebeshkov and with some AHL seasoning could turn into a valuable commodity for the Oilers. He skates really well and can move the puck effectively. Hrabal will not be at this week's prospect camp, but will come over for main camp and is expected to stay for the entire season, regardless of where he ends up playing.

Now for the bad news.

Taylor Chorney will not be in Edmonton this week for prospect camp, and there's a chance he won't be here for training camp in the fall as well. The negotiations between the Oilers and Chorney's advisor (he can't have an agent yet as it would ruin his college eligibility) are not going well. So bad in fact, there's a good chance the D-man might be returning to UND for his senior season.

In my opinion, it sounds like Chorney is getting some bad advice. What else does he have to accomplish at the college level. If anything his development will likely take a step back by playing for the Fighting Sioux one more year. And now with a guy like Hrabal about to get a full year of pro hockey in North America, it means another guy who will be ahead of Chorney on the development track.

I have been told the Oilers have made their final offer, and a deadline might soon be put in place for the Chorney camp to sign, or the Oilers will pull it off the table and he will have to return to college, which is something neither side wants.