Observations:

September 2015 – Lander potted a shorthanded, game winning goal in the Oilers first pre-season game against the Flames. All signs point to Lander cementing himself on the third or fourth line this season with the potential to be a regular penalty killer. His smarts and good hockey sense are traits that have kept him in the organization this long and he put them to good use in the pre-season debut. The time is now for Lander and he has had an excellent showing in camp thus far. Tyler Thomson

January 2015 – Since the coaching change for the Oilers, Lander has found himself back in the line-up and centering the third line alongside Nail Yakopov. The two have found some chemistry of late and an increase in ice-time. Lander is also getting some second-unit power play time. It may be the last chance for Lander to impress and stick with the big club before the Oilers enter an off-season in which the centre position will surely be addressed. Tyler Thomson

December 2014 – After a seven shot, three hit and 9-for-13 showing on face-offs, Lander has been sent back down to Oklahoma City after one game. After visibly outperforming fellow centre Mark Arcobello and Leon Draisaitl sitting in the press box, the Oilers questionably made the decision immediately following the game. This move cements Lander's place in the carousel of bottom-six centres the Oilers freely plug-and-play and is a testament to the minuscule fantasy value he provides. Tyler Thomson

December 2014 – Lander has been called up to the Oilers for the first time this season. Oklahoma City's captain and leading point scorer (27 points in 26 games) is looking to stick with the Oilers after impressing with the Barons this season. The move comes as no surprise and it should push Leon Draisaitl and Boyd Gordon to elevate their play as Lander is an effective bottom six forward. His fantasy upside remains limited but with no set second line centre the position is always up for grabs. Tyler Thomson

September 2013 – The 2012-13 season closed with Anton Lander splitting time again between Edmonton and Oklahoma, albeit, he played less games (11) with the parent club in his second go-round. With several key training camp injuries down the middle, Lander's chances of cracking the opening day roster in Edmonton have improved and he's looking to bring a high-energy game to impress new bench boss, Dallas Eakins. His future with the Edmonton Oilers appears to be destined as a bottom-six two-way forward, especially given the team's depth of high-end forwards. Brendan Ross

February 2013 – Lander has continued to disappoint offensively in the minor pro levels, but his ‘complete’ game keeps him on the radar for recalls as Edmonton needs him. In his latest recall he suffered a broken foot and will be out for a month. It is not expected that Edmonton will find room for him in an offensive role with the high talent assets they have, but he should still stick in a lower line role with modest production. Jason Banks

April, 2012 – While he is not the flashiest or most talented prospect, Anton Lander is a very complete hockey player.  His first pro season in North America left a lot to be desired – six points in 56 games in Edmonton and five points in 14 games with Oklahoma City of the AHL.  However, his intangibles will assure that he sees good ice time in the NHL as he continues to mature and gain confidence offensively.  He will be a key member of the eventual rise of the Oilers. Eric Daoust

Fantasy Outlook: C+

Modest upside. Safe bet to stick in the NHL.

Footage:

Lander’s first NHL goal:

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Anton Lander Statistics

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