Observations:

June 2018 – Last season was undoubtedly disappointing for Slepyshev. He had stretches of time missed due to injuries, combined with some lacklustre performances on the ice, caused the young Russian to play in just 50 games where he recorded six goals and 12 points. He often found himself in the press box and appeared to fall out of favour with Edmonton Oilers’ coach Todd McLellan. Slepyshev rarely found himself on a scoring line or on the power play as he wasn’t given much of a chance to succeed offensively. With his strong stride, dangerous shot and very good size (6-02, 220 lbs), Slepyshev has all the tools to be an effective top nine player in the NHL but needs to find some consistency. Questions have been raised about his off-ice commitment level and his relationship with the coaching staff. His contract is set to expire on June 30th and at that point he will become an RFA. In May, his KHL rights were traded from Ufa Salavat Yulayev to CSKA Moscow and the reports circulating from the Russia are that Slepyshev will be leaving the Oilers to play for CSKA. Jameson Ewasiuk

June 2017 – Anton Slepyshev spent most of the season in and out of the Edmonton line-up. Anton played 41 games scoring four goals and picking up six assists. He started to come alive in the second half of the season, where he played mostly on the fourth line but also spent some time on the third line. During the playoffs Slepyshev managed to play 12 games and scored three goals. Slepyshev is expected to play a bigger role next season for Edmonton. I expect him to play in at least 50 games where he should be around the 20-point mark. If he continues to grow he could find some time in the top six due to Edmonton lacking depth on the right-wing. Spencer Pomoty

October 2016 – Anton has scored his first NHL goal against Carolina on October 18^th, it took him 13 NHL games to capture that milestone. Anton also finished the game playing in the top six. Brayden Sully

October 2016 – For the second consecutive season Anton Slepyshev has managed to crack the Edmonton Oilers opening day 23-man roster. The former 3^rd round pick was expected to be able to play a top nine role last season when he made the Oilers line up, but seemed to struggle with consistency and keeping up with the pace of play. This year, while Slepyshev has only played one of three games, he will be given more of an opportunity to stay around long term and succeed with younger players around him that are AHL eligible. He has yet to manage his first NHL goal and consistently get into the line-up. Brayden Sullivan

September 2015 – Slepyshev scored the overtime winner in the Oilers fourth pre-season game against the Jets on September 25th. He found himself at the right spot on the ice and blasted home an accurate one-timer to seal a three goal comeback. While he started the game with Yakupov and Lander, it was a juggling act all night long. Slepyshev did not look out of place in this contest and clearly showed he has the speed and skill to potentially be a weapon in the NHL. He still needs time to adjust to the North American style and his defensive responsibility will need work but it certainly seems the Oilers faithful should be excited that Slepyshev came across the pond when he did. Look for him to make some noise in the AHL this year. Tyler Thomson

May 2015 – The Oilers have signed Slepyshev to a three-year, two-way entry level contract. This is very exciting news for all who follow the Oilers as Slepyshev has high end skill and a strong desire to score goals. He had a breakout this year in the KHL and is expected to come to North America this summer. Ufa’s general manager stated that Slepyshev wanted to play in the NHL and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him on Bakersfield’s starting roster this upcoming season. Tyler Thomson

March 2015 – Slepyshev experienced an increase in ice time as his season wound down with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL. The expanded role with Ufa is a welcome sign for the 20-year-old who had a very slow start to his fourth KHL campaign. Slepyshev finished off the year with 15 goals and 25 points in 58 regular season games. Despite his team being bounced in the first round of the playoffs, four games to one, Slepyshev displayed the high end stick handling and vision that made him a coveted NHL draft pick. This was even more evident earlier in the year when his team participated in the Spengler Cup, where he lead Ufa in goals (3) and points (5) in five tournament games. The challenge still lies in getting him to come to North America and compete for a spot on the Oilers. As of now, there is no sign of him leaving the KHL. Tyler Thomson

May 2014 – Slepyshev finished second on Team Russia in scoring at the WJC, serving notice that he’s definitely an NHL prospect. The trick is to get him across the pond, and that’s where his fantasy value takes a hit. He’s 50-50 at best in terms of coming over here within the next three years. In the meantime, he’s playing against men who outweight him by 25 pounds or more in the KHL. – Dobber

June 2013 – To the surprise of many, Anton Slepyshev was passed over in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft after being ranked as a second round prospect by most services. The fact that 30 teams passed over him makes one wonder what the issue was because he was certainly worthy of a late round flyer. Slepyshev is a big powerful forward with a sniper’s mentality who gets around the ice with ease. He is prone to falling into scoring slumps and periods of inactiveness but when he is on his game, he is a scoring threat. He packs a good shot with a quick release and can operate as an average passer as well. Playing for Novokuznetsk and Ufa in the KHL, Slepyshev compiled seven goals and nine points in 26 games. Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook: B-

His outlook takes a big step forward now that he is officially committed to the Oilers. While he is most likely a season away from the NHL, Slepyshev owns top six skills.

Footage:

Anton Slepyshev 2011-12:

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