Eakins recalls young Chara with Islanders

The Edmonton Journal profiles young Oilers defenceman Martin Marincin as a win in yet another Oilers' season of losing.

At 192 pounds now, the projection is he'll need to eventually hit the 210 mark or so as he develops into a shutdown rearguard.

“With his size and his stick and the way he skates, that works perfectly if he can get the strength,” said coach Dallas Eakins

Also: “I had a cup of coffee with the New York Islanders when Chara was there and this kid was on it then,” said Eakins. “Marty knows it. He’s working on it.

“But, it comes down to the player who has to say, ‘I’m not going to be a gangly, weak guy on the ice. I’m going to turn myself into a beast.’ ”

Source: Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal