We know the list of hockey players the Edmonton Oilers would like to unload this weekend. Sheldon Souray; Ethan Moreau; Robert Nilsson; Patrick O'Sullivan and on it goes.
Last season, Steve Tambellini waited on Dany Heatley and watched the world go by. This season, he has already added a player (to replace Kyle Brodziak, dealt a year ago) in the deal trade early this morning for Colin Fraser.
Rumors tonight that the Oilers are trying to move up to #15, likely in an effort to select Dylan McIlrath. That might not be enough to get the big defender, but its in the neighborhood.
Trade chips include the men listed above; Andrew Cogliano; Riley Nash; Dubnyk or Deslauriers. It going to be a helluva weekend.
The more I think about it, the more I like the Fraser deal. Why? It is an example of a smart bet. There's nothing fancy involved, no whale hunting, no attempt to outsmart anyone - just a simple trade in which what you're getting is probably better than what you gave up.
ReplyDeleteI think Tyler is the one who likes to say that all a GM can hope to do is make a series of smart bets and have them pay off. I fully agree, and this is a tiny example of Tambellini going that route.
On the other hand, we hear this talk of trading assets for picks and if rumors are to be believed, no one in Edmonton has ever looked at expected value from mid to late first round picks. The guarantee of an impact player is gone at #15 and if you're talking Penner or Hemsky for such a pick I think you're completely out to lunch. It's a special kind of Christmas Eve right now and not everything we get tomorrow will necessarily be what we asked for. Here's hoping time shows we can appreciate those things.
Bah. I'm going to miss the draft for the first time in years. Unfortunately there's not as much joy in checking back here and TSN at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, we should make all make precise guesses as to who gets dealt this weekend.
My guesses: Souray, O'Sullivan, Moreau and Jacques.
Tambellini spends some time talking about how Hall can play center in one of those sidebar videos on TSN. Combine that with Tencer's twitter feed ("Just talked to another highly respected scout who says it's tough to find anyone in the business who thinks the Oilers will take Seguin") and the shininess factor and I'd bet a case of Keith's on Taylor Hall at #1.
ReplyDeleteShowerhead nailed it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think GMSTv3.0 is dumb enough to leave too much value on the table if Hemsky and Penner are in play.
15OV better have some special attached to it like a tough minute out-scorer who is undervalued in his current market (like Weiss if Tallon is shopping him)
I think Jon is right on the names but Souray may not move until after July 1 due to settling of th FA market and expiration of Souray's NTC.
I'd be happy if the Oilers were able to pick up McIlrath, but I bet they'd have to give up less to get Tinordi, and likely be just as happy with the guy.
ReplyDeleteThe conventional wisdom seems to be Souray moving after July 1st, but looking at the FA crop that's out there I'd say the options in the trade market are better for a lot of GM's at this point. Not saying Souray is necessarily one of them, but I'll bet the conversations are a lot more in-depth than they normally would be given Souray's health and situation.
ReplyDeleteI can deal with Penner for #15 OV and hopefully another Fraser type for the bottom six...With Penner I can live with believing Tambo thought he was selling high no matter how the trade turns out...We should remember that beyond all the prospect talk Hemsky is the only sure thing on the roster...if he's playing he's gonna produce points and make his linemates better
ReplyDeleteAre we just blue skying Penner for #15 or did someone mention this as a possibility?
ReplyDeleteLT: Hmmm. I picked up on it from the rash of comments at the bottom of your previous thread. Looking closer, it seems that it goes straight from "EDM is interested in #15" - from Dreger - to "Penner for 15" - unsourced.
ReplyDeleteThank you for having a BS detector.
Dreger on sportscenter this afternoon laid out the rumor as basically what i wrote 15th and a warm body for Penner....but later said that other teams are pouncing now that they know it ups for grabs, probably no deal 'til the pick comes up tommorrow evening to try and maximize the return
ReplyDeleteChrist we gave up more than 15OV to sign Penner and he just had a great year.
ReplyDeletePenner or Hemsky only go if you buy an excellent prospect, or multiple picks.
They lose blue after this season with the nearing of UFA status.
I mean value, not blue. Weird typo.
ReplyDeleteI can't find any reason to dislike the Colin Fraser deal, but it'll take a lot more than that to convince me these guys have a clue. When the reward and risk are this low, it can be chalked up as rearranging deck chairs.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand all this whale hunting nonsense on this site or the others. You can get difference makers this way, so to take that tool out of the toolbox seems really crazy to me. However, I will agree it's a move that you can only make so often.
Per the previous thread and rookies, I think an MPS will require far less sheltering than kids graduating from playing kids.I think you could drop him into 4LW and forget about it. Taylor, even as a rookie, is not going to bleed like 13 and 89 did, he's the talent of his year. In terms of 'real' rookies then, guys who need the shelter and will turn your hair grey anyhow, there's Eberle. That's One. I think you can afford Two on your roster. Which by my math = 2 real rookies (Eberle + ?) plus Hall + MPS. I don't think that gets shredded.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I asked earlier if a US Jr pick can be sent to the AHL, where the CHL guys can't, or is it the same rule for both? For some reason I thought it was a CHL thing. Someone here knows for sure.
I can get behind Penner for a top-10 pick. Connolly, Niederreiter, one of the d-men (especially Gormley). But for the 15th to take McIlrath?
ReplyDeleteWould you trade Penner right now for Coburn? Because I don't see McIlrath having any more upside.
kris said...
ReplyDeleteChrist we gave up more than 15OV to sign Penner and he just had a great year.
Agreed - it has to be more than a warm body and therefore it has to be a motivated buyer for Penner. What exactly would be Florida's motivation for giving up a quality player and a 1st rounder for Dustin Penner? What good would that do them?
Just watched the Oil's infomercial (did they buy the time from TSN?). They talk about a wildcard F in the top 10 testing off the scale for 'drive, leadership and determination' (the same stuff Riley Nash was made of iirc). The kid supposedly told them he was going to be in the NHL @ 19 and they said they thought he could be the future best player of the draft.
ReplyDeleteThink they're serious or just screwing with the other teams?
I'd guess Connolly if its true.
Is anyone else who watched Oil Change convinced it'll be Taylor Hall now? They were gushing over this guy. At the least, it's a very good smokescreen for Boston to ramp up their offer.
ReplyDeleteIf Campbell(potential #1 goalie with pedigree) is available at 15 I think about trading Penner(as I don't think he'd re-sign in two years). If not then just take BPA at 31.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get Campbell, who, in three years, likely would be ready to take the reins just as this team would start to be highly competitive.
I get giddy thinking about it...
So how bad was Oil Change?
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing I can't watch it here because I'd probably have a stroke.
//I don't understand all this whale hunting nonsense on this site or the others. You can get difference makers this way, so to take that tool out of the toolbox seems really crazy to me.//
ReplyDeletePlease name a Stanley Cup champion built around imported whales, that didn't have a home grown core.
Whales are a last piece of the puzzle. Not the first piece. Not until you have your own strong internal team culture created in a home-grown core.
Interesting.. perhaps turning horton into cogliano with the 15th,.. cogliano w neilson could provide a (small) package of offence to florida.. you think the oil could get a warm body back w the pick (15).. depending if nils contract is too off-putting?!.. (pure speculation)
ReplyDeleteIn the show, Hall seemed a little bit less polished than Seguin. But Hall was all passion. You can tell, he just wants to succeed so bad. He has the hunger.
ReplyDeleteHunger like Stauffer at a buffet table.
Still, I don't think they can mess up...
"And the Oilers are proud to select, Jesse Ninnimaki!"
The who?
Showerhead: Agreed, good trade for us, the right idea. Also agree, there better be an awful lot of value coming back for Hemsky or Penner. A healthy Hemsky with linemates (including D) that can hit the net produces stats in the top 15 in the NHL, maybe even top 10 if he gets in with great linemates. Penner is a 235lb man who skates well and can score 30+ goals in the NHL. You don't trade those kinds of assets for a project, some hope, and a case of beer. I have faith in Tambellini. I think he is going to surprise some of you.
ReplyDeleteRe: Souray...I agree that they don't move him until after July 1, if they do at all. I wonder about Lowe's comments regarding Pronger in a recent interview where he said (paraphrase) "if there is one thing I would do differently, it would be to make Pronger play or sit out rather than trading him as soon as he demanded". Foreshadowing for Souray? Souray would garner more value if he played well to start the season and could be shipped off mid-season/trade deadline without this trade demand hanging over the Oilers brass. It may not be very probable, but I would love to see these guys tell Sheldon to play or sit out. Who cares about distraction. We're 30th place team that with some luck and good health might be 25th next year.
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ReplyDeleteAshley, interesting comment from Lowe,
ReplyDeleteI always thought it would have been better to move Pronger at the deadline- in Aug you're just not as desperate to get him, because you think some of your other bets will pan out, or all your guys will remain healthy, or your 3points out of 8th and could use a point shot on the PP. None of that is nearly as acutely felt the previous summer.
//Please name a Stanley Cup champion built around imported whales, that didn't have a home grown core.//
ReplyDeleteThe Rangers?...but look at the path it put them on..still whlae hunting 16 years later
RiversQ: "I don't understand all this whale hunting nonsense on this site or the others."
ReplyDeleteLanguage means different things to everyone. When I use the phrase, I mean it with the connotation Edmonton has taught me. IE the Oilers go whale hunting by making offer sheets like Vanek's or by spending their entire summer courting Heatley when it's clear he wants no part. If you read "whale hunting" to mean "trying to get a good player" then my apologies :)
Was I the only one who noticed that Tambo really did not have the center stage on Oil Change? I was shocked at how Lowe was very much in charge. I Tambo was not even there for the first 2 days of scout meetings. I do not see that as being normal for the GM
ReplyDeleteBoth are pretty likeable kids. Seguin seems to have the slier, more sarcastic humour. Hall's passion and drive really comes through.
ReplyDeleteI could not trade Penner for 15 overall. That pot would have to get a lot sweeter.
If it's Nash and Cogs, then git'er done.
Showerhead: I think the problem is trying to blow 20% of your cap on one player year after year after year after year. I think that's a pretty good indicator you don't have a plan.
ReplyDeletePick the right one at the right time and place and it's a hell of a move. Lowe just learned the wrong things from the original Pronger deal.
I wonder about Lowe's comments regarding Pronger in a recent interview where he said (paraphrase) "if there is one thing I would do differently, it would be to make Pronger play or sit out rather than trading him as soon as he demanded"
ReplyDeleteOh god.
Did he really say this?
Yes, as well as saying he should've started the rebuild then.
ReplyDeleteWell, hopefully he takes that lesson with him to his Next GM posting.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting during the scouting meeting where someone said Hall would win at all costs & they all agreed there was no one on the roster like that now.
ReplyDeleteSo Hall is Ryan Smyth with better chops then?
ReplyDeleteI'll take that program anytime.
RQ said...
ReplyDeletePick the right one at the right time and place and it's a hell of a move.
Really? Who woulda thunk.
Alice said...
Well, hopefully he takes that lesson with him to his Next GM posting.
Why? While he's with the Oilers I want him to learn from every possible experience and bring that learning to the table. If he moves on to another team, I hope he forgets every single thing he's ever learned.
The Mcylrath thingy is getting bugging.
ReplyDeleteIt's not like it was a super deep year in Dmans like the Doughty draft.
Riv: I saw that quote the other day and I just had to laugh because a lot of us wondered why Lowe gave in to Pronger so easily and considering the return he got fucked eight ways to Sunday.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I haven't watched Oil Change but I'm going to catch it on TSN2 at 130am NST and I imagine I will be laughing and also vomiting if Lowe really is as centre stage as one poster here put it.
I'm sure LT will have another and one last Hall vs Seguin thread tomorrow but here's how I feel about it all.
I"m not saying Hall won't be a star and I'm not saying that either of Eberle or MPS will but I will submit that we've got more wingers closer to the level of Hall then we have pivots close to the level of Seguin and that's why I want the centre.
Selecting Hall tomorrow means nothing more than us then having to turn around and try to trade some winger depth for a centre the calibre of Seguin and we're back to the old ways of having to make two moves to address one need and I'm tired of it.
I love 10 and I'm an 89 fan but neither of them projected or projects to be the cornerstone of Seguin so why pick another fucking winger when that #1 centre is staring you in the face.
It makes no sense to me.
Dennis, don't know if it comes as any comfort, but your thoughts on Seguin agree with Lowe's thoughts on the special.
ReplyDeleteDennis: All depends on how you evaluate Eberle.
ReplyDeleteThere's one scene in the movie where Tambellini and Lowe are riding in the back seat of the vehicle talking about Hall. Lowe tells the story of the kid and his Dad skipping a hockey game to see the Heritage Classic and then Lowe gushing about how much he loves hockey.
ReplyDeleteThe camera then pans over to Tambellini and he smiles like a proud parent.
I'm not saying they're taking Hall, but man that looked pretty ridiculous in the back of the van.
LT: what are your takes on my take?:)
ReplyDeleteIf we draft Hall, how do we get our Seguin type to take us over the top?
Can Lowebellini make that happen?
I thought it was interesting during the scouting meeting where someone said Hall would win at all costs & they all agreed there was no one on the roster like that now.
ReplyDeleteWell there's.... ? uhm or I mean...??
Stortini - maybe?
Who am I missing here, there has to be someone - right?
You don't draft for need. You just don't.
ReplyDelete"...is one of my personal favs and one of the best names in the draft. A big strong power forward that plays nothing like the stereotypical Swiss player. Has adapted well to the North American game and has the potential to be the best player ever out of Switzerland. - Blue Bullet"
ReplyDeleteBest PF in this year's draft, he's a big winger with soft hands. Scouts will worry some over his skating, but he's a physical player who will no doubt play in a team's top 6 and those player-types don't come along everyday. Desjardins suggests he may be a little shy offensively (meaning he's more of a complementary player) but he's going to be taken early - LT
The Swiss winger played in 100-plus games this season, starting with the U-18 Ivan Hlinka tournament last August, the WHL regular season and playoffs, to say nothing of a starring performance at the World Junior Championship that also earned him a berth on the Swiss entry at the senior men’s World Championship in April and May. During that time, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to score big goals and provide glimpses of a power forward game that can irritate and infuriate opponents. Those who know him say he’s absolutely driven to become the best Swiss player ever and the first Swiss player to star in the NHL, yet in the conservative world of the NHL scouting fraternity, there may still be some who aren’t entirely sold because of the color of his passport. - Bob McKenzie
"Plays with a ton of passion. Hates to lose. Has an excellent shooting touch. Good strength and likes to be physical."
"So much for Swiss stereotypes. Competes hard all the time and has an obvious passion for the game." - Michael Remmerde
I'm thinking this is the guy they're referring to as their wildcard top ten forward. His name is Nino. I think they might be right.
Ribs, I was thinking it was him or Gudbranson.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until this debate is over tomorrow night. Like a lot of people I've gone back and forth on who I want and I've resigned myself to this opinion:
ReplyDeleteHall seems to be the BPA, and you take him because of that reason alone. For all we know the Oil might have a top three pick next year(more likely than not imo) and the franchise center could come that way. Another possibility is that Gagner has a breakout year as a #1 C. That said, if Tambo can get value out of swapping the picks then I say do it.
Finally, I would like to thank LT and all you other bloggers for all the work you've done in the last couple of months. I sometimes think the Oilblogosphere is now the best part of being an Oiler fan.
It should be fun tomorrow!
TSN has Oil change up...here.
ReplyDeleteRLR Mock Draft from Woodlief, if it hasn't already been posted.
ReplyDeleteI've been a Seguin guy for a long time and still am. There are a myriad of reasons, all of which have been hashed out a million times...
ReplyDeleteWatching Oil Change though my feelings were reinforced. Seguin came across as calm, intelligent, composed, all things I'd want from a franchise player--the same kind of thing you see from a guy like a Jonathan Toews.
On the other hand, Hall was a bit dopey, but with a real heart on his sleeve kind of passion. He's clearly a guy who will play all out and with reckless abandon, which sets a great example but opens him up to a lot of potential damage. His moxy and attitude was really Ovechkin-esque in my opinion.
In the end, I'm really hoping for Seguin tomorrow, though admittedly I think it will be Hall.
For fun here are two rumours gregor reported from LA on Team 1260. He made sure to be clear that they are rumours, but thought it was interesting talk the eve of the draft:
ReplyDelete1. Edmonton trades 1st overall to boston for the 2nd overall and Milan Lucic.
- Gregor laughed out loud when he heard this one (from a 20 yr scout in the NHL). That's a lot of money for a 20 goal scorer, but Lucic would make us harder to play against.
2. Boston trades 2nd overall and Michael Ryder to Edmonton for Ales Hemsky and Jordan Eberle.
- A lot to give up, but completes the overhall.
Not sure how i feel about either, and since they are just rumours I won't lose sleep. But it does seem that Tambellini is trying to do things. I expect a lot of stuff from the Oil this weekend. here's hoping we aren't disappointed.
Dennis: I don't think the Oilers can go wrong with the choice. Everything else, they're on their own. :-)
ReplyDeleteI do think Gagner is going to be a helluva player, though.
DBO: We'd be getting screwed big time in the 2nd trade.
ReplyDeletefpb: agreed on the 2nd deal. Funny but feel like a kid before Christmas. Lots of presents coming our way. Change is good for this org right now, and it'll be a fun team to watch over the next few years.
ReplyDeleteGreat documentary. I still think that Hall is going to be the bigger of the two because his body looks bigger (broader in the shoulders and hips; ie larger bones). Did anyone else notice this in the documentary footage? I know they currently weigh about the same, but Seguin defintely looks smaller to me, and at the combine already kind of looks filled out and ripped. Hall's body is not there yet, still kind of boyish, but big. I think Hall is going to be the heavier of the two by 10-15 lbs if that means anything to the Oilers, and I'm not sure it should given that these boys' value goes far beyond their size. Yet the Oilers seem to have tunnelled into a "we need to get bigger" way of thinking of late which will further edge them to Hall. It's a good choice, but then again, I don't think they can really go wrong on this one.
ReplyDeleteDBO: Yeah. But less intense. When does the 1st round start? (Eastern time =)?)
ReplyDeleteAnd something popped up in my mind.
How many of you guys actually played competitive hockey? And how many at high level? (AA/BB)?
Gregor also had this to say:
ReplyDeleteThe Oilers and Gilbert Brule look like they are headed to arbitration later this summer. The Oilers will qualify Brule, but he will file for arbitration. Brule’s camp will be looking at something along the lines of $2 million/year or more. Will this affect Brule’s status with the team? We might find out this weekend.
Just watching the show now and its hilarious - the voice sounds like the guy from all American Justice (murder documentaries) and they use the same music - I guess the Oilers did get killed last year.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until this debate is over tomorrow night.
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Whew.
Coverage starts at 7 pm eastern on TSN. And streaming live on TSN.ca.
ReplyDeleteDBO said...
ReplyDeleteCoverage starts at 7 pm eastern on TSN. And streaming live on TSN.ca.
The draft, you say... How about the Oil, where do we pick? Do we got a gooder?
;o)
Taylor Hall:
ReplyDelete[In regards to interviewing with the Oilers] "Well, I hope that went well, it's the team I wanna go to".
Looked pretty serious, almost nervous.
Lepper, that line, as he stepped out of the interview room, really did strike a chord.
ReplyDeletespoiler - the wildcard was a F. Gubrandson is not.
ReplyDeleteI like Seguin, but I have to say that I like Hall.
ReplyDeleteI hope they pick him.
Check out this highlight package of Seguin. Say what you will about Hall being the better player (those of you that do) this Seguin kid can flat out play.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttmQdc85PTc
spOILer: i think we have a good pick. Can you say Steve Kelly?
ReplyDeleteHe's real fast.
ReplyDeleteSpoiler,
ReplyDeleteIt really, really did. Kind've like when you bring a girl flowers, ask her out and she says "she'll think about it".
Having people really want to be here is a great feeling.
Many people have said it already - Penner or Hemsky for a mid-round 1st is insanity. You're not going to get a player nearly that good from that pick, unless it's the '03 draft, which is the deepest draft of all time. In the '04 and '07 drafts, you would have gotten zip at #15 (Petteri Nokelainen? Lauri Tukonen? Colton Gillies? Alex Plante....) In better draft years, you may get a decent player, but not a 1st line forward. It just doesn't make any sense.
ReplyDeleteTambo also looked at Hall's dad with the "Are you still fucking talking?" look.
ReplyDeleteLink to "Oil Change" if anyone missed it earlier in this post.
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip318193#clip318193
I've been a Seguin guy from the get go, but agree with the posts above.
ReplyDeleteWhen asked "Why do you want to be an Oiler" Seguin talked about being able to handle the pressure in a Canadian market and Hall talked about his experience helping build Windor into a winner and wanting to do the same in Edmonton.
Now I really, really want both.
If I can only get one its still Seguin for the reasons Dennis outlined but making a serious play for the 2nd is not a bad thing. (As long as it doesn't involve MPS)
Sorry, Deano, didn't hear him say forward. It was a helluva list of qualities though.
ReplyDeleteWG, if it's Lucic, as rumoured, I'd have to think long and hard about it.
ReplyDeleteEven the Oilers couldn't fuck up the 1st OV pick tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I'm so optimistic about the rest of the next 48 hours though.
Lucic is a nice player.
ReplyDeleteLucic with his contract is a huge liability.
Steve Kelly was awesome.
ReplyDeleteHall's game is like a fist through a wall.
Only akward part of that oil change for me is the meat market the trials was. Two grown men commenting about boys bodies as some women prodded them with tongs and stuff.
Smarmy Boss said...
ReplyDeleteOnly akward part of that oil change for me is the meat market the trials was. Two grown men commenting about boys bodies as some women prodded them with tongs and stuff.
Maguire's still watching that segment on replay. And he got to watch it first on Tuesday.
Steve Kelly was the fastest awesome ever.
ReplyDeleteRE:I thought it was interesting during the scouting meeting where someone said Hall would win at all costs & they all agreed there was no one on the roster like that now.
ReplyDeleteWell there's.... ? uhm or I mean...??
Stortini - maybe?
Who am I missing here, there has to be someone - right?
They traded all those guys away (or released them) to get the current crop of "skill" guys.
Hey - maybe the Oilers will pick that 3rd guy that they think is a hidden gem instead of Hall or Seguin. In a couple of years when that kid turns out to be better than those two, the Oilers will look like geniuses
ReplyDeleteBookie: That wouldn't surprise me (Granlund or Tarasenko)
ReplyDeleteThey both have N1 pick numbers.
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ReplyDeleteI love Seguin's type of humor and relaxed mood
ReplyDelete''So what position do you play?''
''Defense''
I wonder about Lowe's comments regarding Pronger in a recent interview where he said (paraphrase) "if there is one thing I would do differently, it would be to make Pronger play or sit out rather than trading him as soon as he demanded".
ReplyDeleteLast summer - Souray quietly asked for a trade - his value was at an all time high...
Lowe / Tambellini made Souray play. Now Souray's value is very low. I'm not sure I trust those two with asset management... Their track record is extremely poor.
Although I must admit - it is due to their incompetence that we are drafting 1st overall.
Boston trades 2nd overall and Michael Ryder to Edmonton for Ales Hemsky and Jordan Eberle.
Done - in a nanosecond...
Hall / Seguin / Penner / MPS / Gagner / Horcoff / Cogliano
That is a rebuild with size & talent; a core that could compete within two years...
Gord: Horcoff and Cogliano.
ReplyDeleteYeah sure.
^ This.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't be nice if Burke and Sutter failed to get a pick? I believe the TSN panel qualified their attempts today as "desperately trying".
ReplyDeleteBurke's hope is Kaberle, and he doesn't sound like he's heard what he wants to hear yet. I'd bet he's targeted CBJ, ANA, DAL, etc, teams that would be happy for a relatively inexpensive guy of that quality.
And I'd bet PIT has called and he's holding out for better.
But god I hope he goes O-fer.
Sutter?
He's aggressive, but doesn't have a lot to offer up. But I bet Iginla would be, if a team was okay with the salary.
But he stands a serious chance of going O-fer. And that bodes well for the division in a couple of years.
Horcoff and Cogliano.
ReplyDeleteYeah sure.
C = Seguin / Gagner / Horcoff
LW = Hall / Penner / MPS
RW = Cogliano / ? / ?
I see a core of three scoring lines - the best defense is a good offense...
Plus cap space to reward those who get the job done...
Actually PIT has #20 or something like that. If they think they're unlikely to sign Gonchar for what they want, I can see that happening. Fuckin Burke. The TO media will immediately fellate.
ReplyDeletePlus cap space to reward those who get the job done...
ReplyDeleteSince Horcoff will be ready to vanish off the books... ;-)
Gord: Cogliano has regressed in the 3 last years.
ReplyDeleteMight want to check that out.
It's just the trading Hemsky part.
Why would you do that? He's a PPG guy who plays against the tough guys. There's no need to gamble here. You're missing 3 RW's and your 2 of your core might blow up (Penner and Horcoff)
Not that it really matters, but Cogs can't play RW. If anything, you'd move Penner or MPS to RW and Cogs on the left (or center where he's most effective aside from FOs).
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRegehr is normally at LD, busy hitting Hemsky, so Hall should be okay.
ReplyDeleteNot that it really matters, but Cogs can't play RW.
ReplyDelete@ misfit
Weird - when Cogliano scored three game winning goals in three games...
I am fairly sure Nilsson played LW.... Gagner played C.... Cogliano played RW....
But what do I know....
I think ribs is right that the player they Oil are after as the dark horse is Nino.. I did a write up on my blog in one of the comments, but I'll summarize.
ReplyDelete- The scout talking most about this dark horse was a scout in Western Canada. Nino plays in the WHL - Check.
- They mentioned this player could play any role "UP FRONT" (i.e. forward?). Nino is a great 2-way player, and can pretty much do it all. Checkmark here too.
- They mentioned this player scores big goals. Nino definitely did that in the WJHCs, for one - check.
- They mentioned this kid has a great attitude and is a leader. I don't know much about him, but I think this fits Nino too from what I've read/seen.
- They mention that if the player had another month to prove himself, he could have gone #2. Everyone knows Nino rose very quickly in the draft each month after the WJHCs... he could easily have hit #5 with another month.
This for sure isn't McIlrath. I am pretty sure it's El Nino. And I've been riding the El Nino train since seeing him smack the Russians around, so I'm glad to hear they've taken big notice.
I'm just mulling over the Oil Change documentary. Does anyone feel "entitlement" in Seguin's words and body language? Or is it just a relative thing because Hall is so earnest?
ReplyDeleteAshley: I don't think so at all.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I prefer Hall over Seguin. But I think Seguin is just a very open and honest kid. I think he's also pretty modest, so I don't think there is any sense of entitlement there at all.
Ash:
ReplyDeleteNope.
I think he's extremely well spoken though.
If I was hiring for almost any position in the world other than professional hockey player, I'd take Seguin.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I noticed it a tad, but I don't know that I'd call it entitlement. I think what I was feeling when he was talking was a more "coached" set of answers. I say that as someone who wanted Seguin up until about 48 hours ago.
ReplyDeleteIf you go back and listen to the "Why do you want to be an Oiler?" question...Hall talks about the fun of growing up with a bunch of young guys and building a team from the ground up and winning together (I'm sure that resonated in KLowe's Boys on the Bus loins). Then if you list to Seguin's answer he basically says why he would be a good FIT for the Oilers not why he wants to BE and Oiler (I handled the media, I improved my game, etc, etc). He gave compelling reasons why they should pick him, but didn't reveal any reason as to why he personally wanted to be an Oiler. It was agent speak...which they all have a little of, so you can't fault him too much.
I live in L.A. and I'm going to the Draft tomorrow, I'll be happy at about 4:32 when it's over.
Yeah, probably an overread on my part re: Seguin.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else feel like a 6 year old girl/boy on xmas eve?
Ashley: absofreakinlutely. I just bought a new house and will be in TV limbo leading up to the draft. I'm getting Shaw in to hook my TV up and they're pencilled in for 3-5pm tomorrow. Draft starts at 5, and I have this fear that they're going to screw up the install and not have my tv up in time for the draft. LOL This is bigger than Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMoose,
ReplyDeleteEntirely out of curiosity, what swayed you in the last 48h?
I don't see how Chia could possibly trade the #2 after trading the #15.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't think they'll be all that unhappy with Seguin. Seguin could use another year of Junior and Savard's noggin isn't going to last for ever.
I do hope we do a deal with Boston though. We could use a RWer for Gagner. They have an extra one with the Horton deal. Something like Nilsson + CGY 3rd for Ryder. I'd even consider swapping Khabby for Thomas.
If you could get the 4th overall out of the BJs, would you take Fowler over Gormley--considering the Hall factor?
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI got the impression that Seguin wants to go #1 overall more than he wants to be an Oiler. In a sense, that's good, he wants to win. But the desire level to be an Oiler seems less than Hall's. Hall nearly got me with the "this is the team I want to play for" line.
But they both very obviously love the game, and want to be winners.
Burke doesn't pick in the 1st round, nor do the Flames, meanwhile Oilers select the best 18 year old in the world.
ReplyDeleteGreat draft day for Oilers fans.
I'd love to see Calgary make a desperation trade for Spezza - maybe Regehr, Backlund and Nemisz.
ReplyDeleteIt would be fitting if Sutter left the smoking ruins of the Flames development system without a single viable NHL prospect and the team with no cap space for years to come.
I think we should take the dumbest kid #1 - he might actually stick around.
ReplyDeleteA smart guy will eventually see the shallow ineptitude of Lowbellini for what it is and head for the exit as soon as possible - or in the case of Nash - not even enter the room.
Racki,
ReplyDeletewithin the context of the Oil Changes banter, im pretty sure they were referring to Brett Connolley.. but from your description, perhaps nino gets some consideration also...
Where's the dedicated draft post?? Can't wait. ;)
ReplyDeleteLT: You know that's a copout, right?:) Please try to sell me on how the Oilers will get the pivot they really need and why I believe they can acquire one by having to make yet another move after they add to the winger surplus when they select Hall.
ReplyDeleteBTW, for the guy who laughed about the look on Tambo's face when Lowe was talking about Hall making the heritage classic you pretty much nailed it; the only thing I would add is Tambo was like the pleased wife who can only agree with what her husband says.
And some of you know I compare Lowe's presence and ultimate authority to Clarke's with the Flyers and Sinden's with the B's and watching last night's special only reinforced that. I still have the feeling that Lowe calls the shots but Tambo announces them and he's there to take the heat because Lowe's still afraid to stand in there after the Smyth trade.
Anyway, I had a feeling that the Oil Change would have a few clues as to who the Oilers would take -- and the brass will admit this later on -- and from watching that and seeing them mention that fucking Heritage Classic I think it's clear the Oilers are taking Hall and I think it's a mistake.
It's up in the air who's a better prospect and Hall hasn't gone anywhere close to creating enough distance where by the Oilers pass on the kid pivot who'll address their biggest forward need.
As I said earlier a pick for Hall just means we have to package some of our forwards for an elite centre.
Mustafa:
ReplyDeleteTwo things, and they might both be completely irrational / gut feelings. Hall's desire level, listening to him in interviews, you just get the sense he wants to be great. I don't get the "I'd skate through a brick wall to win a Stanley Cup" vibe from Seguin.
Secondly, I think I've just come around to BPA. Yeah there's the argument that Seguin is a year behind in his development but the problem with that is that is assumes Hall will somehow magically STOP developing while Seguin continues his upward trajectory.
I've tried not to place my feet firmly in one camp to avoid being disappointed. So...should be fun.
Dennis: I must like Gagner a little more than you do, because to me he most certainly projects as a guy with the skill and brain to deliver on a top line.
ReplyDeletePlus, there's another draft next season and based on what we're told EDM won't be trying to contend this season.
BPA.
For those who saw the special and wondered about that player the scouts were talking about, I believe it is Nick Bjugstad.
ReplyDeleteLT: For what it's worth, Guy thinks the mystery guy is Austin Watson.
ReplyDeleteBob McKenzie: "Austin Watson is a prototypical pro winger with size, strength and speed and the ability to use it all to get in on the forecheck and provide physical play, though some wonder whether the Windsor Spitfiire turned Peterborough Pete can be an offensive factor at the pro level. Many of the same things were being said about RYAN KESLER at the same age."
ReplyDelete"If I was hiring for almost any position in the world other than professional hockey player, I'd take Seguin."
ReplyDeleteSure. And down the road even GM or head of the PA.
"40:25
I wasn't prepared to like Taylor Hall. I had the other boy ahead. When I talked to the kid I liked him. He had personality. He's loaded with passion. You can ask him something about the Quebec League. You can ask him something about the National Hockey League, and he know's what's going on. Everywhere. He is focused, focused, focused on hockey. The team comes first in talking to him. And I didn't think I was going to get that from him. He proved to me time and again that no matter what the stage was, no matter what the importance was, he was going to find a way to be successful for himself and for his team. And he's a winner. He is what we don't have."
Sticker price just went up, Peter.
Leaning a bit to Team Goofy over Team Slick.