Jim Matheseon tells the news this morning in regard to the Oilers and Fernando Pisani. The door hasn't completely closed on a deal, but things aren't hopeful at this time. Pisani had one of the truly magical runs in Oiler playoff history, spring 2006. He was also an extremely useful winger who served as mentor to many Oiler forwards over the years.
Injuries and illness have shot holes in his career and I don't think we can blame the Oilers for passing on the opportunity. A team with so many man-games missed over the last three seasons has to factor in health when deciding who to sign for next season. He's been a favorite of mine since he got here. Cerebral player with a wide range of skills and ready to fill any role asked of him. Coach material. A good soldier. We'll remember you, Fernando Pisani. And that's for sure.
Classy post LT
ReplyDeleteyes it is, but i really don't want Pisani back. time for the Oilers and Pisani to move on.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how the Oilers get themselves a decent checking line without having Horcoff and Pisani on it. The PK is surely to suffer without finding a suitable replacement for Pisani.
ReplyDeleteTambellini sure likes to make people sweat before dropping the cleave on them.
Can't imagine him getting much more than the league minimum and if the Oilers aren't willing to pay that for Pisani they're a bunch of nitwits.
ReplyDeleteIt's been fun.
ReplyDeleteGonna miss that guy if it's true.
Can't imagine him getting much more than the league minimum and if the Oilers aren't willing to pay that for Pisani they're a bunch of nitwits.
ReplyDeleteThis is it exactly.
If he goes down with injury there are kids to come up off the farm.
If Renney is coach, he'll go PvP so 83 is tough minute RW, but past that its very thin on anyone who can check an actual NHL player.
He's not a flashy player, but he's effective and can do things so few players left on this team are actually capable of handling.
ReplyDeleteIf the Oilers have had any history of actually filling the holes they create, I could probably understand it, but they simply don't. Health is a concern, but having Pisani for 35 games is better than having him for none. But he won't be replaced, and our already miserable PK will be even worse.
It's nice that Matheson checked in on the situation, but it doesn't seem like it's really news, and I wouldn't be too sure the door is shut yet. Did anyone really think the Oilers would be falling over themselves to get something done here before the draft? It's always seemed more likely that if Pisani is going to be a fit next season, it's going to have to wait for a better picture of how the team starts shaping up. The most realistic scenario, if he's going to be offered a new contract, is a mid- or late summer signing once the dust has settled on the draft, buyouts, free agency, and whatever trades can get made. If he can get a decent offer elsewhere after July 01, more power to him. But it's always seemed like the realistic way he might stay is as next season's Mike Comrie, signed late when the player personnel and budget available are way clearer than they are now.
ReplyDeleteThen again, what do I know. Maybe no contact really means no interest. But no contact seems to be the emerging Tambellini m.o., regardless.
Between he and Reasoner, you've gotta wonder how negatively the injuries and struggles impacted them. Both had JUST turned the corner on long development phases and looked totally legit; then had their momentum and development ceased. It's really too bad. Fernando could have been a 20-goal-man, and Marty was really rounding into a 2-3 guy on a good team. What might have been...
ReplyDeleteI still hope Fernando's back, even if it's just to teach the young'ns
Is he really not coming back or has Tambellini just not gotten around to dealing with player contracts yet? This guy is frustrating to watch, letting good time go bye while he 'evaluates'.
ReplyDeleteAs was said above, Pisani for part of the season is way better than no Pisani at all. And the way player procurement goes with this GM,that is what they are likely to have: no player procurement.
"If you know anything, let me know," said Witken.
ReplyDeleteThat quote of Pisani's agent suddenly brings to mind Ol' Gil from the Simpsons (aka Lemmon in Glengarry Glen Ross). All sweat-stained, rumpled shirt, wringing his hands as he aw-shucks to the fast talking journalist.
There were a lot of posts around here earlier this year saying he should get a training camp invite and then see what he does with it before making an offer. I agreed with them. I like the guy but it's not like he plays a role that can't be filled, and his recent history says the Oilers might need to fill it for at least half the season anyway. The problem is that this is the Oilers we're talking about, so they won't fill it. That said, I'll be sad to see him go.
ReplyDelete"A team with so many man-games missed over the last three seasons has to factor in health when deciding who to sign for next season."
ReplyDeletePerhaps, but why start now?
Don't know if everyone caught this from The Sun on the Oilers' Hall V Seguin decision
ReplyDeleteIt seems early to be counting him out just yet, but articles like this in the paper hinting at more communications problems will probably annoy Tambellini and help make his decision.
ReplyDeleteWould be sad to see Fernie go but not surprised given the man-games lost. Not hard to see this coming at all.
ReplyDeleteWhen healthy he was the best PK forward the Oilers had and this is another skill that's in short supply on this team right now. Maybe it is easy to replace, but it's not something that management has done an adequate job addressing.
When you look at it, over the last few years we've sent or not resigned our best PK forwards (Stoll, Reasoner, Pisani) and overloaded Horcoff (who's willing) and Moreau (who's willing but no longer able).
Another hole to fill on a roster replete with them.
Not making an offer to Pisani might give us some insight into Tambellini's plans.
ReplyDeleteI would prefer to have him back at a reduced cost. Maybe 2 years and then he can retire an Oiler.
But perhaps this is part of the sweeping change to team culture. ...Moreau, Pisani, Staios gone.
That's too bad, because if any of the present Oilers goes to bed every night wearing his Oildrop Underoos, it's San Fernando.
That TSN special should be pretty exciting to watch.
ReplyDeleteUmmm, Kevin, what do you think?
Well, Steve, you're the GM, you should have some ideas by now.
But I've only just started! How can I make any good decisions without considering it fully? And why do people say this Taylor Hall is so much better than Tyler Toffoli anyways?
Seguin, Steve, it is Seguin
Whatever.
doesn't make sense to finalize any decisions until after the draft.
ReplyDeletemight have to make some deals around the draft, and the team won't have taken shape yet.
so i can understand the reluctance for tambellini to pull the trigger on anything.
for now.
after the draft, during even, need to make serious decisions. the time for evaluation is over.
Maybe it is easy to replace, but it's not something that management has done an adequate job addressing.
ReplyDeleteI never said he would be easy to replace, just that he could be. It's a role that is a bit easier to fill than, say, PPG forward or something like that. And even if they sign him, they might need to fill his role anyway for the times he's out for whatever reason. I like the guy, but let's not get too sentimental here. If there's room for him on the roster closer to the pre-season, then make an offer, but in the meantime, I'd see what kind of alternatives will be on the table leading up to the draft and on July 1. But, as you say management hasn't done that in the past, so they probably won't this time either.
"We were... with both of them on their visits here, including to Daryl Katz’s home."
ReplyDelete:O
I remember seeing someplace that Pisani's agent had asked the Oilers for permission to start contacting other teams prior to July 1, but was turned down by the Oilers.
ReplyDeleteCan't remember the source, sorry.
Analysis, by paralysis ... I wonder how long Tambo would take to order a coffee a Tim's at lunch. He might cause a riot from the 100 people behind him in line.
Maybe it is easy to replace,
ReplyDeleteDid you see the pk guys better i listed?
The answer is fuck no! to both.
"Classy" NHL teams have an honour system where they pay injured players even when they're injured, don't they?
ReplyDeleteI believe I read that some time ago. They don't have to pay them according to the contract, but they do anyway.
It seems that this honour system works against a player like Pisani. If the Oilers could stop paying him when he's out without looking like jerks then they might be more interested in signing him.
ya, it seems to be taking a while for the Oiler management to deciede on player movements. i didn't know our players were that valuable!
ReplyDeleteBar Qu,
ReplyDeleteI imagine it more like this:
Steve Tambellni: "So Stu, what do you think for first overall?"
MBS: "Well I think that.."
Kevin Lowe : (interrupting) "DID YOU HERE THE JOKES THAT HALL WAS TELLING?!? HE'S HILARIOUS"
MBS: "..as I was saying.."
ST: "I didn't understand his jokes"
MBS: "...that they best guy.."
KL: "HE ASKED ME ABOUT MY RINGS TOO!! HE WANTED TO TOUCH THEM!!"
MBS: "...for us going forward..."
Waiter: "Do you guys know what you are having for breakfast?"
ST: "I can't decide between the fruit bowl and omelette"
MBS: "...given which other prospects we have..."
KL: "HE SAID HE WANTS 7 RINGS!! 7!! I'LL HAVE THE PANCAKES"
ST: "I think I want an omelette, what should I have for my filling?"
MBS: "...that the best decision for us..."
KL: "PANCAKES, PANCAKES, PANCAKES!"
ST: "Waiter, what exactly is Av - oh - cado?"
KL: "I LIKE SUGAR ON MY PANCAKES"
ST: "I'll have the tuna sandwich"
MBS:(thinking) "I wonder if Howson is hiring?"
Paralysis by analysis? Physician heal thyself.
ReplyDeleteTambellini, by waiting, isn't doing anything 29 other GM's don't do, but Oiler fans have to over-analyze, critique, and scream bloody murder at every single bit of news that comes down the line.
This "Tambellini is disrespectful and unprofessional" line that seems to be making the rounds in the local media is a joke. By and large it's been given life by a bunch of people with personal axes to grind and without all the facts.
mmm...pancakes...
ReplyDeleteSalary cap dollars can't be risked on a player who's one relapse away at any second from being gone for the season.
ReplyDeleteA good and loyal soldier but it's time to cut him loose. Fortunately he got in enough games to qualify for his pension.
Lowe and MBS finish their meals as Steve waits patiently, a bare plate before him. A nervous waiter approaches...
ReplyDeleteWaiter: "I'm sorry, sir, but even though the chef agreed, the tuna sandwich won't be served to you. It was given to that gentleman..."
The waiter gestures to Doug Wilson, who waves cheerfully from the next table with tuna (or is it whale?) dripping from his gob.
Moose, I posted an article on this site a while back about Hossa and how things worked out with the Red Wings.
ReplyDeleteAfter negotiations for a long term contract failed, they gave him permission to explore offers from other teams prior to July 1.
This is a guy, who would have teams lined up to throw big bucks at him come July 1, but Detroit did the honorable thing.
Now here's a guy who's been a good soldier and given all the injury history etc. might have a tough time landing his next contract.
So instead of cutting him loose, Tambo won't offer him a contract nor will he let him negotiate in advance of July 1.
Seems to me, but this time of year, Tambo should have a damn good idea what slots he wants, needs to fill etc.
That's not the way to treat loyal employees - see Detroit comment above.
This "Tambellini is disrespectful and unprofessional" line that seems to be making the rounds in the local media is a joke. By and large it's been given life by a bunch of people with personal axes to grind and without all the facts.
ReplyDeleteWhile this is true, there are too many anecdotes about communication problems in the organization to ignore them all.
I like that the media is becoming testy with Oiler managment.
The MSM have long been just another cog in the Oiler PR wheel, its about damn time they did their job and were a bit more adversarial when required.
WG, that was awesome.
ReplyDeleteI think it's safe to say this draft will be Tambellini's defining moment as the Oiler GM.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be a thought process in the blogosphere that suggest Tambo's power lies in the Bruins wanting Hall and what they can get in return.
I am strongly of the opposite belief (i.e. Tambo's ultimate power lies in denying the Bruins Hall). The bottom line is the Bruins are already deep at center with Savard, Bergeron and Krejci AND they need to make hay now while players like Savard and Chara are still in their prime. Tambellini can and should be able to get the Seguin pick with Penner or Hemsky and/or other spare parts going the other way. Penner in particular has to be very attractive to the likes of Neely, Chiarelli, etc.
June 25th is Tambellini's day to prove his critics wrong. If he comes out of it with Hall and nothing from the B's, it's a good day for Oiler fans regardless but it's also proof that our GM can't effectively wield the hammer when he has it.
=(
ReplyDeleteugh...this is a really tough part of the season to be reading blog comments. there's nothing worse than Y&R type drama and speculation because of a matheson article.
ReplyDeletenothing, and i mean nothing, makes us look more like a sewing circle than a long offseason.
i wish we could be arguing about the merits of corsi and home ice advantages right now.
Actually I'm not sure how Metz can do just one show on Tambellini making one decision.
ReplyDeleteIsn't this more deserving of the Ken Burns 10 episode mini-series treatment?
Denying Pisani the opportunity to negotiate elsewhere, while not negotiating with him, is despicable.
I suspect the simple answer is that both parties are fine with waiting until the Free Agency period to see what sort of value Pisani establishes.
ReplyDeleteI like Penner, want him to stay, but if Tambellini can pull off a 2nd overall for Penner + miscellany I'll dance a jig.
ReplyDeleteI love how that special is set to air before the draft.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be interesting I guess, but ultimately won't tell us a thing.
It would be great though if Tambo took calls from Chiarelli to discuss trade scenarios on speaker with cameras rolling and didn't tell him about it.
"I like Penner, want him to stay, but if Tambellini can pull off a 2nd overall for Penner + miscellany I'll dance a jig."
ReplyDeleteIf Burke can pull off the trades he did to draft the Sedins, getting the Seguin pick should be in the realm of possibility for Tambellini or at the very least on his radar screen.
I guess the primary difference there is Burke was a far better poker player than the other GMs around the table that week. I've seen nothing to indicate Tambellini (even with pocket aces in his hand) can win a pot off Chiarelli.
if i'm Boston and i'm as close to winning a cup as they are, then, yes, the #2 oveall pick is in play. with all due respect to drafting very high, and perhaps getting a great player in the future, the Bruins need to win now, and they haven't in my opinion, done enough to get themselves to a championship. if i'm the Oilers, perhaps i'm working on them with an offer of Penner or Hemmer, and a prospect not named MPS or Ebele (Riley Nash?) and #31, plus take a bad Boston contract back (Ryder?) to try and pry the #2 pick.
ReplyDeleteI -- along with a lot of other matchups/numbers guys -- was Fernie before Fernie was cool and it's shame if they're letting him go just because they want to make change for the sake of it.
ReplyDeleteSure, there's a number for a contract with him that I wouldn't eclipse but it sounds like they haven't even investigated that possibility and if that's the case then that's just being stupid.
Dennis: Yeah, I think with Pisani you can easily imagine (and sign him to) a number where the risk is mitigated and he's all upside. But, beyond that, it's a chance to let a hero retire with the team he broke in with, and if you can do that painlessly it's something that should be pursued.
ReplyDeleteAnd, for the record, I can't possibly imagine a scenario where Pisani is having a negative effect on the 'culture' of the team. Just can't do it.
If he comes out of it with Hall and nothing from the B's, it's a good day for Oiler fans regardless but it's also proof that our GM can't effectively wield the hammer when he has it.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe the Bruins just want Seguin/ Hall rather than Penner/ Hemsky? Maybe they are unreasonable?
Denying Pisani the opportunity to negotiate elsewhere, while not negotiating with him, is despicable.
Is it true? If so, how the hell is Pisani prejudiced in any way? He has to wait 2 weeks until he can negotiate with any team! My God, what an outrage!
This GM bashing has just got to the point of stupidity. Yeah, the team sucks. Yeah, you have a right to be mad about it, but you also have a responsibility to turn on your brains occasionally too.
@dennis, you really think letting pisani go is "for the sake of making changes?"
ReplyDeletelast year he was an average student (IB classes, but bad marks) at best with horrible attendance. there's plenty of those types out there.
he was a good soldier, with a remarkable 6 week window in 06. can we just leave it at that and let him move on.
i can't believe how tied we are as a fan base to players that have resulted in ZERO playoff appearances in 4 years. yet, we constantly criticize the GM for innactivity -- i tell ya what, i wouldn't want tambi's job with this set of neurotic fans.
This is laughable. Tambellini emerges with the very best 18 year old in the world, but he's somehow still "ineffective".
ReplyDeleteDoes it go without saying that the team had to finish last overall for him to accomplish this feat? I'd say that's pretty damn ineffective management.
Sean Horcoff = Emile Heskey??
ReplyDeletei can't believe how tied we are as a fan base to players that have resulted in ZERO playoff appearances in 4 years. yet, we constantly criticize the GM for innactivity -- i tell ya what, i wouldn't want tambi's job with this set of neurotic fans.
ReplyDeleteSo, the fanbase complains about inactivity, until the GM does something, and then they complain about that action being stupid, and then they complain about inactivity... rinse and repeat.
You realize that complaining doesn't lead to missing the playoffs four times, right? It's overhauling your roster four times in four seasons and never doing it close to correct. Which, maybe that's what people are upset about, the fact that losers in a loser organization keep making loser moves.
But, it's cool, Tambellini has been active. Firing the training staff, handing Pisani his walking papers, and figuring out how to get Khabibulin out of prison... that should be worth ten or eleven wins. Are we a playoff team yet? No? Let's sign Kovalchuk!!! He turned us down? That's fine, we're rebuilding!!! Are there any 38 year old goaltenders on the market?
hunter1909 said...
ReplyDeleteI had no idea just how anti-Hall the Oilers bloggers really are, until scanning today's Lowetide.
Either that, or most of simply have your collective head up your arse so far you're now looking out at the rest of the world through your own throats.
The ad hominem comment at the end is the very definition of 'trolling'. There's a way to make comments without resorting to name calling and personal attacks.
The "I'm right and everyone else who doesn't agree with me are [expletive] idiots" tact is the furthest thing from wanting a conversation; it serves only to incite a flamewar.
The ad hominem comment at the end is the very definition of 'trolling'.
ReplyDeleteQuite correct. Trivia question: what's the universally acknowledged best way of dealing with trolls?
I know I'm not going to deign to respond to Ducey's "but you also have a responsibility to turn on your brains occasionally too."
ReplyDeleteBut I can now understand why he would support a lack of respect in others.
Quite correct. Trivia question: what's the universally acknowledged best way of dealing with trolls?
ReplyDeleteTrolls are infamous for their regenerative abilities, able to recover from the most grievous of wounds or regenerate entire limbs given time. Severing a troll's head results merely in temporary incapacitation, rather than death. After cutting off a troll's head or other limbs, one must seal the wounds with fire or acid to prevent regeneration. Because of this, most adventurers will typically carry some sort of implement capable of creating fire.
Apparently, Wizards or torches.
Much respect for pisani,.. the Shorty in overtime is one of my favorites.. that damn goal made me believe, haha...
ReplyDeletewith that said, another soldier given no respect..
"If the Edmonton Oilers wanted the right-winger back, certainly at a major pay cut from his current $2.5-million salary, they likely would have sent agent Mark Witken a proposal by now, or at least talked, but there hasn't been any of that.
"If you know anything, let me know," said Witken."
Tambi is making it too easy to roast him for his public (including coaches, players, prospects) ambivalence..
I agree with some of the posters on here that the best solution to the Hall/Seguin debate is to draft both of them, which would be a major coup for a rebuilding team. Unfortunately, I don't think Tambo has the stones to pull something like that off. It would require the Oilers to come out and say, "we're drafting Hall with the first pick" and the fact that they haven't done that leads me to believe that they're not even going to try to get both picks.
ReplyDeleteI think what Lee meant to say was that if Tambo comes out of the draft with Seguin and nothing from the Bruins, then he's failed. And its completely true. Tambo holds all the cards and has a team with a clear preference for one of the prospects, despite public comments to the contrary. If he can't squeeze something out of Boston, then he's completely ineffectual. If some people on here can't wrap their minds around that, then I'm at a loss for words. But they clearly are the last people that should be criticizing anyone's intelligence.
Has their been another AJHL team, or Junior "A" team anywhere in Canada, that's produced the number of NHL players as the St.Albert Saints?
ReplyDeleteHas there been another AJHL, or Junior "A" team in Canada, period, that has produced as many NHLers as the St. Albert Saints?
ReplyDeleteI find it fun some say we won't be able to PK or have a checking line without Pisani. Ufa much?
ReplyDeleteHe's been terrible last year, and didn't check jackshit. He was there and nothing changed.
We should AQUIRE some good defensive players, they're usually around fairly cheaply, and we can insure we have those guys if we don't chase big free agents
@Lee:
ReplyDelete//Salary cap dollars can't be risked on a player who's one relapse away at any second from being gone for the season.//
If he goes on the IR his cap $ go on the IR too, in itself this shouldn't be an issue one way or the other.
What's an issue is if you lay off some other available 'Pisani-type' because you think you have that hole filled. So I agree this is a training camp invite, like what Comrie got last year, because at that point you've had a chance to do your shopping.
Nobody wanted Pisani for a playoff run a few months ago. Nothing has changed in that regard.
ReplyDeletefpb: It's not that the world will end if/when Pisani leaves. It's the fact that the GM has done nothing, nadda, zilch, zippo to replace PK'ers through free-agency or trades the last couple of years.
ReplyDeleteAnd when you look at who's gone out and what's come back and where our PK has been (after where it was), you'd have to be smoking the drapes not to be concerned that it hasn't been addressed.
What you just said was exactly what someone else said after I commented about Reasoner not being replaced. We can replace through FA and besides, we have thecaptainethanmoreau. Well look how it's all turned out.
I'll be interested to see if it finally gets addressed...because it has to be or we're going to suck some more this season.
If Pisani is unsigned & healthy by training camp - definitely worth a look see...
ReplyDeleteAnd if his playing is up to par & we have cap space, definitely offer him a one year contract up to a million dollars.
Low risk... And if he gets injured after 20 games - at least the talented prospects will have AHL experience...
If perchance the AHL rookies (MPS / Eberle) excel deserving a call-up - while Pisani & all other forwards remain healthy; worst case scenario is that we lose him on waivers...
Definitely a few "if's" involved - but having an experienced Game 7 veteran who has proven to be a team player is definitely worth considering on a one year contract.
Oilerdago: Weren't we last in PK and last in the NHL? Some change can't really do that bad honestly. We can't go down any further, might as well try new guys out
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit surprised by Pisani's approach.
ReplyDeleteThe Oilers have exclusive rights to negotiate with him until July 1. Perhaps they have decided to wait until after the draft to see if they move Moreau, O'Sullivan, and/or Nilsson. Depending on what happens with those three contracts, they may decide to make Pisani an offer prior to July 1. As such, it makes perfect sense to maintain his rights, which they have bought and paid for 100%.
The roster is in a state of flux, and Tambo is trying to move some forwards out. Pisani should just shut up about it. He sold his rights to the Edmonton Oilers when he signed his massive contract 4 years ago. It isn't his decision, and, to be frank, the whining veterans on this team constantly complaining about their lot in life is getting a bit much.
Pisani must be pretty confident he'll get an offer from one of the other teams. Why else would he burn his bridges with Tambellini?
Personally, I think he ends up in Italy.
fpb: We've been in the bottom 3 the last 2 seasons. We showed no improvement last year (percentage wise we were roughly the same) because it was not addressed in the off-season when everyone knew it needed to be.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I have no prob w/the decision if that's what's best for the team. I will point out (and I think David Staples did the numbers) that Pisani (when healthy) was our best forward on the PK.
I'm just saying they need to bring people in (and I think you are as well). You can't keep sending guys out who can kill penalties and bringing in kids who can't. That's not even a zero-sum game.
LT wrote a classy post on a classy player, but on the whole this comments section is something less than that.
ReplyDeletenothing, and i mean nothing, makes us look more like a sewing circle than a long offseason.
My wife participates in those occasionally, she calls them "stitch and bitch" sessions. At least they're accomplishing something on the stitching end of things.
Even if he takes Seguin, I don't think there's any chance Tambo allows him to go back to the OHL next year if he has any say.
ReplyDeleteTaking Hall and having him not do much for the big club while Seguin dominates in Junior can be explained, as can Hall playing only OK for the Oil while Seguin lights it up in Boston or Seguin playing OK for the Oil while Hall lights it up in Boston.
Taking Seguin and having him flounder in junior next year is the one scenario that would be guaranteed to get him fired before the season ends, and he has to know that.
No chance he'd allow for it.
LT wrote a classy post on a classy player, but on the whole this comments section is something less than that.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Bruce. Pisani is one of my all time favorites. Classy player, fun to watch.
But he's not gone yet. If and when he signs somewhere else or retires, I'm sure you'll see a little more respect.
At this point, I'm okay with the Oilers playing tough with Pisani. Pisani didn't reveal his colitis during his last contract negotiations -I wouldn't have either- and the Oilers gave him a deal that hampered them a little going forward. So the Oilers don't owe him the sort of "we're loyal because you were loyal" deal that other players might get. They owe him a chance at making the team if he can show he is worth it.
IMO, anyway.
@ Magnus
ReplyDeleteI still don't get how Tambo is automatically supposed to get something from Boston.
If he calls Boston and says, "what will you give me to lay off of Hall?", and Boston says "nothing, we will take Seguin", what should he do?
Tambo can take Hall and Boston may be very happy to take Seguin or they may turn around and trade him for Jason Spezza or Vinny L or Iginla or prospects. The have no incentive to deal only with Edmonton for Seguin. Its the highest bidder among 29 other teams.
I don't care how good or bad Tambo might be, he can't create a desire from Boston to pay for the right to get Hall, if it isn't there.
Now I am not saying it won't happen, and I hope it does, but to say Tambo is incompetent if he doesn't beat something out of Boston is unfair.
"Or maybe the Bruins just want Seguin/ Hall rather than Penner/ Hemsky? Maybe they are unreasonable?"
ReplyDeleteA distinct possibility which is exactly why Tambellini should be telling the world at large A) we're drafting Hall and B) Selling the Bruins on the immediate upside of Penner or Hemsky
Oilerdago: I firmly believe we should aquire a bunch of guys who can play PK, or developp some in our own lot. Who says Eberle or Paajarvi can't PK? It isn't rocket science.
ReplyDeleteWhat astonished me this year was that they were pratically the same guys all year, even if we did terribly. I mean sure playing a guy like Robert Nilsson or Brule on the PK seem like the brightest idea, but it might work, worked out for some skilled guys. (Like Sergei Kostitsyn). Some guys play better defensively when they know cheating ain't going to lead them nowhere.
Well well, Looks like playing Chorney on the PK wasn't so weird after all.
ReplyDeleteHe's 1st on the club for GA/60 on the PK at 3,80. (For those who played a good amoun of PK) He was actually in the top bunch in the NHL (Passing guys like Volchenkov)
And then there's POS at like... 9,59. Terrible
fpb: PK may or may not be rocket science. But that was exactly the attitude a lot of people had when Reasoner and Stoll were let go, sent away.
ReplyDeleteAnd now the last two years we've been 77% and 78% on the kill. Maybe it's players, maybe it's coaching, but up until then MacT's team's were among the best at killing penalties.
You have to get a vet FA who can win a face off, and a couple of disciplined forwards. I don't think you rely on kids who are still on training wheels to kill penalties. Maybe you try them if they show the skill set, but rely on them?
Not sure what this says about the organization's communication with its players, but the picture in
ReplyDeletethis article shows Pisani and Lowe were at least in the same room together as recently as a couple days ago.
They must have talked about something...
Woodguy is doing a great job on scripts today...want to take another stab?
ReplyDeleteto whom ever cleaned up this thread, thank you! the bashing was getting real BORING!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how Hall would do on the second pk unit. Tied for second in the OHL for SH goals (4) last year means he was certainly getting pk time.
ReplyDelete(Side note the lead in the OHL for SH goals was Alex Hutchings with 11)
I wouldn't mind seeing hall getting most of his ice time on special teams and 4v4 to start.
Good foot soldier who was a key contributed to the last cup run.it got him 4 years/$14million but he has hardly earned it.injuries & illness are the reason.too bad but his time is up.I don't think anyone will take a chance on him with his colitis issue...good solid player that every winning team needs...the oilers are rebuilding
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter who the Oilers take and who Boston takes. They Boston guy is going to look better in all likelyhood due to playing with better players on a better team.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Hall's "NHL Readiness" might look the gap look very bad.
scot nichol is a guy that should be on the oilers radar July 1st.he's a top faceoff/penalty killer in the NHL,he's an Edmonton boy & is a perfect short term 4th line centre/penalty killer.him & horcoff could take all the defensive faceoffs...Pisani is no longer needed,we need a defensive centre.
ReplyDeleteThere's a couple teams out there I could see taking a chance on Saint Fernando.
ReplyDeleteLA (20th pk), for example, has the cap space to take a chance on someone who may not put in a full season.
Agreed with Dug. And Bruce. LT puts together a classy post about a classy OIler and the mudslinging commences almost immediately, just like every other thread.
ReplyDeleteHere's an idea. Someone should start a blog and everyone into the mindless bashing can go post to their heart's content over there. I've been coming here since day one pretty well and I can barely stand it anymore. Have to skip over a lot of shit to get to the good stuff.
Here's to Fernando. He created some of the best memories for Oiler fans in the last twenty years and when he wasn't scoring in that miracle run he provided quality every time he stepped on the ice. If Tambellini could find a few more like him then this club would be a lot better for it.
Unfortunately even if he is willing to take minimum salary I don't see him getting a deal anywhere. Never mind the injuries, he has a chronic illness that incapacitates him. COuld you even insure that contract?
Tough way to go out but I think that's it.
BDHS: Well put. This should have been a Fernando thread.
ReplyDeletespeeds: I KNOW! A lot of kids who came through the St. Albert hockey system made the NHL. A LOT!
Just found this list of St. Albert Minor Hockey Assoc. (SAMHA) alumni who have played in the NHL:
ReplyDelete# Player First NHL Team First year
1 Troy Murray Chicago Blackhawks 1981-82
2 Dean Clark Edmonton Oilers 1983-84
3 Emanuel Viveiros Minnesota North Stars 1985-86
4 Todd Ewen St. Louis Blues 1986-87
5 Rob Brown Pittsburgh Penguins 1987-88
6 Greg Hawgood Boston Bruins 1987-88
7 Ron Shudra Edmonton Oilers 1987-88
9 Geoff Sanderson Hartford Whalers 1990-91
8 Roy Mitchell Minnesota North Stars 1992-93
10 Jamie McLennan New York Islanders 1993-94
11 Chris Osgood Detroit Red Wings 1993-94
12 Jarome Iginla Calgary Flames 1995-96
13 Nathan Dempsey Toronto Maple Leafs 1996-97
14 Jason Holland New York Islanders 1996-97
15 Ryan Bast Philadelphia Flyers 1998-99
16 Travis Roche Minnesota North Stars 2000-01
17 Brett Lysak Carolina Hurricanes 2003-04
18 Steven Goertzen Columbus Blue Jackets 2005-06
19 Erik Christensen Pittsburgh Penguins 2005-06
20 Drew Stafford Buffalo Sabres 2006-07
21 Brendan Mikkelson Anaheim Ducks 2008-09
An impressive list of athletes!
Plus Messier.
ReplyDeleteMark Messier...?
ReplyDeleteFernando was a beaut... shame the way it went down.
All,
ReplyDeleteI apologize if my contributions to this thread lowered the level of conversation.
This blog is the class of the Oiler Blogosphere, and I feel terrible if I am contributing to the lowering of the conversation.
Cousin Fernando deserves better.
You have to sign him to a 1 year 750K given the lack of actual NHL players lining up on the right side past 83.
If Tambellii thinks he can do better than 34, then fine do better, but its a crime if he isn't offered a contract and they don't do better.
Woodguy: Your post was fine, i was deleting ALL references and you quoted one. No harm, no foul.
ReplyDeleteBut you should buy me a beer. :-)
Didn't Mike Comrie play for the Saints as well?
ReplyDeleteYep. Same time as Jamie Lundmark. I once left the arena telling my wife Lundmark would be a star and Comrie wouldn't make it (Comrie has just lit it up inside the building).
ReplyDeleteSigh. :-)
But you should buy me a beer. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think the correct answer is several.
I'll work to make that happen.
I'm thinking junior hockey is not part of the St. Albert Minor Hockey Association for that list. It looks like Messier played his minor hockey in Portland and then came to play in St. Albert when he was 15.
ReplyDelete"My Dad was playing in the Western Hockey League for the Portland Buckaroos and that's where I got started skating and attending practices. I played my first year of organized hockey there," Mark stated. "My Dad was responsible for setting up all the minor hockey in Portland. A lot of people didn't even know hockey was there until he got the whole minor hockey going." - Mark Messier
I pulled the SAMHA list from their website not sure about the missing Pros. However, with the help of Wikipedia I found a St. Albert Saints alumni list:
ReplyDeleteStu Barnes
Brian Benning
Perry Berezan
René Bourque
Zac Boyer
Dave Chyzowski
Mike Comrie
Craig Coxe
Greg Hawgood
Nick Johnson
Jamie Lundmark
Stan Marple
Mark Messier
Troy Murray
Fernando Pisani
Steven Reinprecht
Geoff Smith
Mickey Volcan
Troy Murray was a heck of a hockey player.
ReplyDeleteThanks LT. What we should do is chip in and pay for a bouncer for this place to keep things in line. Maybe Louise could come in and crack some heads. ;)
Louise was the best mod hf ever had; I can't afford her but would kill for the opportunity. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Oilers paid Pisani when he had his health issues, unlike Buffalo, who stiffed Numminen.
ReplyDeleteThe Oilers own his rights till June 30. There have the right to make him wait, to see if they are getting Wheeler or a player from Boston to lay off Hall, or to see if they get a RW in the Souray deal.
The Red Wings situation is totally different. Hossa declared his intention to NOT sign a contract. Pisani hasn't severed his ties with the Oilers, and the Oilers won't decide till after the draft (appropriately) whether they want Pisani back.
Troy Murray was a heck of a hockey player.
ReplyDeleteHe grew up 2 doors down from me. I didn't know him too much growing up (he was a few years older than me) but his dad was always over at our place. My Dad said that Keenan killed his career.
Hugh - I'm trying to remember Murray. He had his best years in the eighties, it was Savard and then him and they had some great wingers, of course Larmer and then Secord, Olyczk when he was a kid, Tanti, later on Vaive, Steve Thomas.
ReplyDeleteThey could score but other than Larmer and Murray they weren't much for the defensive side of it.
I think that by the time Keenan came into the picture he may have started to fade a bit. Of course they moved Savard and then they had brought in Sutter and drafted Roenick but I know that when they moved him to Winnipeg it wasn't that big of a deal, which leads me to believe that he may have been on the downside of his career by then. I think he had back or knee issues as well.
Still was a solid role player in his later years and he was on that Avs team that won the Cup in 96.
Thought I'd chip into the St.Albert conversation.
ReplyDeleteGrew up there, played hockey there, along with my older brother.
My Dad was heavily involved in hockey there, and has remained so 15 or so years after we moved from there, and after my brother and I long stopped playing hockey. Dad truly loves hockey.
Anyways, St.Albert is unfortunately thrown in with Edmonton when it comes to listing players coming from there, whether that's fair or not, the place has an uncanny ability to produce good to great players.
Troy Murray was before my time, but he was often talked about around the rink.
I remember Dean McAmmond, lighting up midget, and of course I remember Pisnani, Lundmark and Comrie on the Saints.
The one that stands out for me (well maybe because I knew him and his family) my father managed him, and my brother played with him was Jarome.
He was incredible as young Major Bantam player, and then as as underage Major Midget player before going on to star at Kamloops.
I remember him making the Centre on his line in midget, Spencer somethingorother, an allstar and some thought he was the real deal.
Jarome left, and soon after the Centre was discovered as a bust in Junior.
That's too long, and besides I'm rambling now.
Sorry LT.
And perfectly stated BDHS. The people commenting should be more respectful and grateful for this blog.
All class.
Thanks BDHS, LT et al. That had gotten unseemly.
ReplyDeletere: Fernando, I have super mixed feelings. I want the Fernando I remember to play here forever, but that guy hasn't been around for a couple years. Last year I noticed him losing some puck battles that he used to win and lagging behind the play a time or two and I concluded it was likely a physical thing since the guy has never been found wanting on the mental, emotional, or effort meters. So even "healthy" and playing, you wonder what you might get in the games he might play.
The other thing is if you're going to expect the guy to take a haircut from eight figures on his last contract to likely six on his next, that he's not apt to sign an extension in the traditional sense. Much more likely he'll go on the open market and try to get a sense of his value at this point, and he could easily wind up being and August or even September signing.
On the positive side, I will say that all three of Pisani, Horcoff and Moreau played their best hockey of the season in the late going when they were put together and given a defined role on the club. Unfortunately, $10 MM is a pile for a checking line.
Jfry:
ReplyDeleteI said there was a limit I wouldn't go past so I'm not totally tied to 34 but i still believe he's worth a better-than-minimum deal even if he's not gonna play more than 50 games.
Although to be fair RDR made a good point about the Oilers trying to get rid of other guys before they decide on 34 but my only retort would be you'd hope they'd communicate those plans to 34.
But the way Lowe and Tambellini have treated KP and Daum -- notice I moved Tambellini up to equal billing with the Oilers version of Bobby Clarke and Harry Sinden -- give us the idea that they aren't out to do anything unless it suits their own MO; and maybe that's a good thing but the early optics aren't great.
Dennis said...
ReplyDeleteSure, there's a number for a contract with him that I wouldn't eclipse but it sounds like they haven't even investigated that possibility and if that's the case then that's just being stupid.
Brownlee in his piece and in the comments on Fernando. Seemed to indicate the number Pies and his agent are looking for is 1.5M.
I would not mind him back at all. But with his injury history. I am not sure I would want to give him anything over 1M on a short term deal.
Single smartest player in Oiler history.
ReplyDeleteYes yes I know that is saying a lot considering that history includes Gretzky and Kurri..... the best decision makers of their era.... that is saying tons.
To the extent current Oiler management does not believe Pisani at $1 million does not help this team...... is just more evidence of their complete and utter inability to manage a roster
Oh yeah...we still need a 3rd line RH center "Tambi" and I cannot say that with anymore sarcasm.If you cannot sign someone in that role....resign because after you get fired...you will be selling used cars as a career
I saw the topic and expressed my views. Did not read the recriminations from some of the lowbrows who love to attack Oiler players.
ReplyDeletePisani is guilty of one thing having the 2nd best run of an Oiler in the 06 playoffs......well behind CFP and then being sick. Was that his fault. Nope. Was he overpaid for what he contributes? probably but to anyone who slags his play: F __K yourself!!!! Do you want me to be more explicit?
He plays smart, he plays hard, he plays injured and he embodies a work ethic the Oilers need to embrace to be successful.
So to anyone who attacks Pisani: look in the mirror I promise you jag offs that you do not do your job as well as Pisani does his job. So when we talk about changing a culture...it is not away from Pisani's work ethic...it should be towards it.
Health be damned, I still think Pisani has some good hockey left to give to the oilers hockey club.
ReplyDelete