If Martindale returns — and that’s a big if, considering he has signed with the Edmonton Oilers and is still at their camp — what’s to say they won’t surpass those numbers?
Is it a slip or does Mr. Campbell know something? It's certainly possible that the 67s management has been informed or that Martindale has let it be known.
Anyway, I felt it was worth posting. We wait.
Probably just an assumption.
ReplyDeleteHold on, knowing how diligent the MSM is on accuracy he MUST be signed.
6'3 C with offense don't grow on trees, even if he has motivation problems. The 2010 draft is the gift that keeps on giving.
With his 4 years in the CHL, he should probably turn pro. All the sudden a log jam at C in the org. WTF?
Also,
Since there is a new thread I thought I'd post this here.
Bookie from the last thread said in regards to MVP's first period back:
What? Commentors on Oiler blog sites overreacting and being a tad dramatic? That's unpossible!`
Actually I was in my truck for a good chunk of the day and the 1260 morning show, Spector's show, Stauffer's noon show and Gregor's show were all full of fury at how bad MVP was last night and last year.
Its not just the blogoshere.
Its nice that the MSM has finally clued in to what a lot of people have said for two years.
Still have to credit Tyler for writing this article the same day the Oilers signed Khabby.
Here's the money quote:
. Outside of 42 games in 2008-09, Khabibulin has not been a great goalie since 2001-02. Since then, he’s finished 18th, 27th, 43rd, 30th, 25th and 6th in save percentage. I am amazed at the number of people who are focused exclusively on the “6th” in 2008-09 with no thought whatsoever about the last five seasons and six years of his career. I was listening to Ryan Rishaug on Gregor’s show going on about how Khabibulin’s GAA is always below 3.00 which is a fine example of how setting the bar low enough will ensure that everyone passes.
He's been worse since.
Its funny that the MSM who are piling on him now are the same guys who threw around "Stanley Cup winning goaltender" and "Elite NHL goalie"
Its more than funny.
Unless you're an Oiler fan, then its tragic.
Like Mel Brooks said :Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die.
In this case tragedy is when Khabby posts a .700, comedy is when he's only on year 3 of a 4 year unbreakable, untradeable, deal and the group of forwards could make the playoffs.
I must have had as much coffee as DMW.
Honestly with everything I understand about the situation, this is the player that the 50th contract should go to. Tulupov is the only other pushing the issue. Marincin is heading back to junior I think when all is said and done (still needs to fill out and adjust to the grind).
ReplyDeleteI've been saying all along that the Oilers are keeping their options open. As a 2010 draft they did have an option on Martindale (Davidson too) to bring him to camp without a contract. That hardly means the team is not interested in signing him. They wanted to keep that 50th spot open, not a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteIf Marincin goes back to junior that removes his ELC from the equation. Wouldn't surprise me if they made that moved & signed Martindale at the same time.
@Woodguy: Today's Edm Journal sports section had a page wide headline in large font saying "Bulin wall collapses in opener" with a four column-wide photo of Khabi being scored on right under it. I think the heat may be on.
LT,
ReplyDeleteReliable source within the organization when I asked if they had signed Martindale tells me "No we have not".
Maybe it happens tomorrow, on the weekend or not until next summer... but as of 8:03 pm, it's not the case. Or so I'm told.
- Guy
Thanks, Guy. Appreciated.
ReplyDeleteEthan Moreau scores LA's first pre-season goal.
ReplyDeleteEthan Moreau scores LA's first pre-season goal.
ReplyDeleteI would bet on a big season from Ethan, well, in his own mind that is.
I've been saying all along that the Oilers are keeping their options open.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. They obviously know the plan and we (read:me) just speculate and I tend to expect bad things from these guys.
Then again, I have given v3.1 all kinds of kudos for the development system he's built/building, and for giving Stu enough rope to hang himself with on draft day.
I should know by now the only time to fear a v3.1 decision is when it involves players at the pro level.
Aside from Belanger, (and perhaps Eager) the list is short on good and long on WTF?
Would still like to see Davidson signed soon so his agent doesn't whisper sweet nothings about a better ELC if he goes back in the draft and does better than 167th.
Hope they sign Martindale and have him turn pro if he's ready.
A bit off topic, but an interesting read about a hockey fighter. Brent Severyn from Vegreville on fighting.
ReplyDeleteBrent Severyn on Fighting
Oh gawd.. (my sentiment after starting to read the comments from yesterday).. people are already hammering on MVP..
ReplyDeleteGive the guy a chance to get into a flow.. you know, play some games.. before jumping all over him.. its like you people are getting in line to kick him just because it is in fashion (and the odds are in favour of another lousy year)..
I just dont see what is gained by pilling on now, before things actually get ugly.. Losing a pre-season game doesnt mean squat..
Martindale may be one coach away from turning into something very special. Though he's been dissed for his laziness, he's still developing in terms of character and attitude. AHL experience might be an eye-opener for him in terms of how much commitment is needed to be a successful pro. I'm thinking Bruce's opinion of patience might also be interpreted as the brass trying to see if he'll pick it up a notch to earn his ELC.
ReplyDeleteBruce,
ReplyDeleteSTOP STARING AT ME!!
Kinger: I'm not staring at you, I'm staring at Candace the photographer. With reason, I might add.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see if the Martindale signing starts a chain of events (waiving, releasing, trades) or not (sitting on hands and clapping for your 'visionary teambuilding' strategy).
ReplyDeleteI figure that if LT is predicting a trade to start every year, one of those years he has got to be right.
mermall - underwater collection of stores for aquatic people
On a completely separate note Roger Ebert really likes Moneyball as a movie and in my experience, Ebert likes movies for the right reasons (I have only very, very rarely been in disagreement with his opinion on a quality of movie). Don't know what that's worth to anyone, but I thought I would put it out there.
ReplyDeleteI would bet on a big season from Ethan, well, in his own mind that is.
ReplyDeleteHas there ever been a season that wasn't?
BQ: now that Ebert's relatively healthy he's back to tearing up the occasional movie and I really love that about him. When he was very sick I think he got a little soft - and fuck, that's gonna happen - but a more robust Ebert means a cattier Ebert and we are all the better for it.
ReplyDeleteAs for Moneyball, I think people's enjoyment will depend upon which prism people view the movie through. If you expect it to be a dead-on interpretation then I think you'll be disappointed; and I say this without having seen the movie.
personally I will watch it with the idea that the movie was made on the premise of a few people applying a somewhat new approach to an old sport and I'll take it from there.
Kinger: well-played:)