Showing posts with label NHL trade rumors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NHL trade rumors. Show all posts

Monday, June 30, 2014

Are the Oilers making another move?


The Oilers just finished signing a last minute pending UFA last week and then picked up their pick skilled center at the draft and a handful of draft prospects who may or may not ever see the light of day in the NHL. You can take a closer look here at my draft analysis on the Oilers.

With free agency coming up they still have to either trade or land a few more players. Who is left? Who are you OK with? What would you attempt if you were GM of the Oilers? These can be difficult decisions for management. The team is extremely under the microscope now so every move they will be careful to feel like they have made the fans happy without sacrificing the future. I listed the player in red that I would at least entertain if gotten for right trade and/or price. Without going into detail on every player feel free to comment your thoughts.

Who can they trade for?

Vincent Lecavalier C
Braydon Coburn D
Brayden Schenn C
Sean Couturier C
Ben Lovejoy D
Martin Hanzel C
David Moss R/L
Keith Yandle D
Bryan Bickell L
Jamie McGinn L/R
Kyle Clifford L
Dwight King L
Jordan Nolan L/R
Patrick Marleau C
Johnny Boychuk D
Tyler Myers D
Eric Staal C
Jordan Staal C
Rene Bourque L/R
Josh Bailey C


Who can they sign as a UFA? 

Danny Heatley LW
Thomas Vanek LW
Brad Richards C
Dan Boyle D
Paul Stastny C
Jerome Iginla RW
Mike Cammalleri LW
Mike Ribeiro C
Martin Havlat RW
David Legwand C
Ryan Malone LW
Olli Jokinen C
Ville Leino LW
Milan Michalek LW
David Booth LW
Christian Ehrhoff D
Andrej Meszaros D
Kyle Quincey D
Sami Salo D
Brooks Orpik D
Willie Mitchell D
Dave Bolland C
Stephane Robidas D
Matt Moulson L
Radem Vrbata R
Jussi Jokinen L
Mikhail Grabovski C
Devin Setoguchi R
Steve Ott C
Nikolai Kulemin R
Steve Downie R
Lee Stempniak R
Matt Niskanen D
Dustin Penner L
Vernon Fiddler C
Daniel Winnick L
Marcel Goc C
Anton Stralman D
Brian Boyle C
Mark Fayne D
Brendan Morrow C
Mason Raymond L
Michal Handzus C
Peter Regin C

The list is plentiful so there will be no shortage of availability. If you strike out at the top end guys, wait a day to a week and you get the bargain prices. Who would you consider giving a contract to and for how much term and or dollars? My biggest point is there is lots of players available and many will be a upgrade in the bottom 6.

So your the GM, what's your offer?  Do you continue waiting or step in and swing for the hills or offer short term but overpay on a 1 or 2 year contract?

In the meantime and in between time that's it for another edition of Jambalaya hockey discussion.

P.S. #follow me on twitter for some recent updates of possible UFA signing info or possible trades. Sometimes I get some good heads up in advance but to be fair most often I do not. I prefer to not use blog for those type possibilities#


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

What to make of the 2014 NHL Draft Top 4 Prospects?

The city of Edmonton and Oiler fans everywhere are buzzing about this years NHL Entry Draft coming up at the end of June. Granted there is not much else to be focusing in on with the exception of the hiring of Craig Ramsey yesterday as a assistant coach.

The difference this year is the unpredictability of who the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres will be picking and what will be left for the Edmonton Oilers. From the best information I can gather the Oilers so far have the players ranked in this order if they could select their Top 4 rankings. They will select the highest ranking player they have listed and be happy doing so.

#1. Aaron Ekblad
#2. Sam Reinhart
#3. Leon Draisaitl
#4. Sam Bennett

The only thing that may stand out different for the Oilers from most of the NHL is where they rank Draisaitl. Very few teams rank him in their top 3 and would much sooner have Bennett in that slot. Until recently I was pretty sure needing offence the Panthers would for sure select Reinhart or Bennett but a recently posted article here may tell us different. Ekblad may be a risk but Florida even last year did not go with the high offensive output of Drouin instead selected the big man-child from Finland. It is very likely this could be the situation this year and a franchise defensemen is not such a bad prize to grab.

Buffalo is up next. On their website they specially linked this video to their site evaluating players at the draft. Reading too much into this? I don't think so. There is lots of other opinions and this video could be a tell they want Sam Reinhart. Should he be off the board then it's highly likely a low scoring team like Buffalo will go with Bennett. 

So if the Oilers do have their rankings as listed above by me, it's almost a certainty that Reinhart will be gone in the top 2 picks regardless. That leaves their list as they pick up Ekblad at the #3 spot if Florida takes Reinhart but if Ekblad goes to Florida and Buffalo takes Reinhart, then the Oilers will select Aaron Ekblad.

I am pretty sure when the Oilers walk to the podium June 27th they will be selecting a large, skilled and smart franchise Defensemen in EKBLAD or a potential #2 large bodied, strong, skilled Center in DRAISAITL. Either way, the Oilers will be getting bigger and more skilled in one of their most desperate needs moving forward. It's a good year and Oiler fans have something to be excited about.

NEXT UP? My Year End 'REVS 2014 Top 15 NHL Prospect Rankings'

Monday, February 24, 2014

Yakupov VS his 'Draft Class and Rookie competition'

What do the following players have in common?

2013/14:
Nail Yakupov 55 games = 23 pts / Avg PPG =.42
Ryan Murray 58 games = 19 pts / Avg PPG =.33
Alex Galchenyuk 44 games = 23 pts / Avg PPG =.52
Morgan Rielly 51 games = 19 pts / Avg PPG =.37
Hampus Lindholm 57 games = 21 pts / Avg PPG =.37
Jacob Trouba 43 games = 22 pts / Avg PPG =.51
Filip Forsberg 12 games = 5 pts / Avg PPG =.42
Mikhail Grigorenko 18 games = 3 pts / Avg PPG =.17
Zemgus Girgensons 56 games = 17 pts / Avg PPG =.30
Cody Ceci 27 games = 6 pts / Avg PPG = .22
Tomas Hertl 35 games = 25 pts / Avg PPG =.71
Olli Maatta 57 games = 23 pts / Avg PPG =.40

Each one of these players were drafted in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Also each one of these players has played NHL games. Which then brings us to another question. Which of those players are in their sophomore season having played their first year in 2012/13 ? The reason is, we often see a player enter their first year on fire and drop in their sophomore one.

2012/13:
Nail Yakupov 48 games = 31 pts / Avg PPG =.65
Alex Galchenyuk 48 games = 27 pts /Avg PPG =.56
Filip Forsberg 5 games = 1 pt / Avg PPG =.20
Ryan Murray 58 games = 19 pts / Avg PPG =.33

When combing these same players combined NHL games to date your totals look like this on a PPG basis…


Nail Yakupov 103 games = 31 pts / Avg PPG =.52
Alex Galchenyuk 92 games = 50 pts /Avg PPG =.54
Filip Forsberg 17 games = 6 pt / Avg PPG =.35
Ryan Murray 58 games = 19 pts / Avg PPG =.33

While Yakupov certainly rose to the top in his rookie season, his sophmore season has been a disappointment. Alot different on his PPG pace then Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who also struggled in his sophmore season.

Ryan.Nugent-Hopkins 102 games = 76 pts / Avg PPG = .75

 I can list so many great players that struggled their second year but we don't have time to go into the excessive numbers that fall into that category.


Nail Yakupov last year was a rookie but other then he and Galchenyuk, he was required to compete for rookie of the year against older drafted players coming into the NHL at a older age. Lets look how they fared as a rookie against Yakupov but a year older or more...

Jonathan Huberdeau 48 games = 31 pts / Avg PPG = .65
Jonas Brodin 45 games = 11 pts / Avg PPG = .24
Sven Baertschi 20 games = 10 pts / Avg PPG = .50
Vladimir Tarasenko 38 games = 19 pts / Avg PPG = .50
Charlie Coyle 37 games = 14 pts / Avg PPG = .38

Having said that, since he competed against older players in his rookie year, let's look at their sophomore year totals for a total combined total and included is Nail's draft year comrades. This would mean no matter the age, all those players who have entered the NHL along with Nail, we are comparing their PPG. 

Nail Yakupov 103 games = 31 pts / Avg PPG =.52
Alex Galchenyuk 92 games = 50 pts /Avg PPG =.54
Filip Forsberg 17 games = 6 pt / Avg PPG =.35
Jonathan Huberdeau 104 games = 53 pts / Avg PPG = .51
Jonas Brodin 101 games = 27 pts / Avg PPG = .27
Sven Baertschi 46 games = 21 pts / Avg PPG = .46
Vladimir Tarasenko 92 games = 53 pts / Avg PPG = .58
Charlie Coyle 84 games = 32 pts / Avg PPG = .38
Ryan Murray 58 games = 19 pts / Avg PPG =.33
Tomas Hertl 35 games = 25 pts / Avg PPG =.71

With the exception of a small sample of Tomas Hertl, taking a look at these totals, I think we all can agree that while Nail started this season with some difficulties he is not that far off from other players struggles as well when we look at the bigger picture here. I think it is also fair to say that his offence has sacrificed some at the expense of learning a better defensive game. All in all I believe that Nail's trade value is not down but in fact just about to start turning in a upward arrow.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Buffalo trade looming? 'Anything is possible!'


Been getting some questions flying my way today on a possible Buffalo trade rumour in light of speculation they are in discussions with a couple teams and one being the Edmonton Oilers.

Let's be straight up, I have not heard Grigorenko's name used at all, only who could it be the Oilers could trade for and what do they give up. So since everyone is speculating let's have some fun and look at some possibilities.

1.Ryan Miller
2.Thomas Vanek
3.Some 3rd or 4th line player
4. Mikhail Grigorenko

Let's cover each one....
1. Ryan Miller? While it is always possible, unless Dubynk is going to Buffalo I do not see this happening. We can't have 3 Goaltenders here and Miller has a high cap this year and we are running out of space. The only possibility if MacT was interested would be a trade something like Ales Hemsky, Martin Marincin and Dubynk for Ryan Miller. The trade off would be 8.5 M in NHL salary to Buffalo and 7M in NHL salary to Edmonton. Marincin is the price to to pay to unload the salary and get a more established goalie. * For those doubters of Miller, he is still a top 10 Goalie in this league IMO but do not think he would want to come to Edmonton with his NMC.

2. Thomas Vanek? After Edmonton pushed up his value on the RFA Market, he is now being made available in their rebuild. A awesome player but not sure the Oilers can afford this player without sending some cash away. Again any possible trade means money out and that requires a team adding something extra to help compensate. Possibility could be Hemsky, Jones, a prospect like Marincin or even Gernat along with a 2nd rd pick in 2014. Not likely to happen for a 1 year contract but again does it matter if the oilers can afford even 1 year and give up little? 

3. 3rd or 4th line player? Take your pick but I highly doubt the Sabres are interested in a player like Hemsky for a single year at his price tag. Unless they are shedding salary for salary, it is highly unlikely.

4. Grigorenko? This could be a interesting twist. The Oilers liked what they saw in Grigorenko when he came to town to visit before the draft, the scouts liked him but Nail and Ryan were no brainers when it came to 1st OV picks. But with so much talent coming up the ranks in Buffalo, they could afford to unload him for the right price. Buffalo was not pleased with his progress last year offensively but are we not talking about the same coach Ruff who many Oiler fans feel mishandled Hall at the World Championships? This trade makes sense from many view points? But to make this a fair trade what would Edmonton need to give up. Remember Buffalo is rebuilding and earlier in their stages. Maybe Lander, Marincin and a 3rd round 2014 draft pick? Is that over payment or under payment?


This is ALL speculation but should these 2 GM's talk trade, it would make for some very interesting news.

in the meantime, keep your stick on the ice!


Monday, July 15, 2013

Questions & more Questions in "Oilerland" pt 1

Where do I start? Between the MSM of TV and Radio, along with all our Oiler bloggers on the Internet and fans on twitter and Facebook, the world of hockey has some real crazy talk happening out there. Sure some stuff sounds quite interesting and plausible but some stuff does not even make sense. Sometimes it is simple deduction in figuring out what is ludicrous or what has possibility.

 I am like the next guy, always interested in the next possibility, be it a trade or signing or buyout. Also when trying to wade through the mud of the dirty waters of rumours and speculation, all you have to do is consider the few facts in front of you.When a team is over the cap, very low % of a chance that a team in that standing will trade for a player who has a high salary. Sure the Oilers can keep some kind of salary but unless they are getting a need met in their organization , why would they take on salary as well? Also it is unlikely a team will trade for a player unless they believe they can help their organization especially at the cost it takes. Some teams may take on salary for depth like Dallas did with Horcoff but they need the cap room first. All those small details need to be figured out.

The great insiders of the game don't just have a GUY, they have people who know or have heard that people are talking. They then do simple deduction of what are the different possibilities and demise from that conversation. After all that is done, they throw out that rumour possibility and then check out the reaction from the players, agents and the NHL clubs. Depending on what they hear, they either move forward or pull back off of the rumour. Very seldom, the great insiders know actual facts from directly within until it looks like it is almost all but over and the contract is all but signed.

There are only really 3 players who are constantly in rumour mills and could or have some kind of trade value should the Oilers make such a move. (we will all disagree of how much trade value they carry but nonetheless they still have trade value of some sort. More then say Ryan Smyth at this point of his career)

Ales Hemsky:
A rumour for picking up Zack Smith from Ottawa is possible if they consider him a option as their third line center. MacT has said Gordon is 3rd line center so trading hemsky for a guy who would be a 4th line center and keeping part of his salary and paying that high of a price? Does not make sense. Oilers might as well keep Hemsky and worse case scenario is wait til trade deadline and get what they can to a contending team. Trading Hemsky to Ottawa does not make as much sense either if there is no room in the top 6. Who wants to pay 5 million to a player on the 3rd line? Remember Bobby Ryan going to Ottawa in a trade? That closes those doors. OTTAWA? 10% chance

What about New Jersey and the Devils? Unlikely due to his contract size unless the Oilers picked some of it up on their end. If that were to happen, who does NJ have that the Oilers need? You need to have a match for that to occur. NEW JERSEY? 10% chance

Been hearing about rumours to Long Island to join John Tavares? He would look good there very likely but doubt it happens. They have been going younger and are tired of possible injury prone players, they just bought out their worst mistake in franchise recently , they don't want any part of Hemsky IMO. NEW YORK ISLANDERS? 5% chance (never say never)

Remember the CBJ rumours awhile back? With Howsen out of Columbus maybe not the same desire for Hemsky as there once was? Or is there? They have been stockpiling some talent and maybe they are willing to take him for a spin if they can unload some money back to Edmonton in a deal. Sorry Ryan Johansen will not be coming back in a deal if only Hemsky is included, does not make sense from a CBJ perspective. Just look at there roster and it may give you a couple ideas. COLUMBUS? 15% chance

Forget Philly, the Rangers or even Boston. Those locations sound too cash strapped to even consider his 5 Million and unless they send back something Edmonton really needs why would they eat some of his salary? 

What about Pittsburgh? I know they are a cash strapped team. They have spent quite a bit on their top level players already so this trade would have to have the Oilers eating some of his salary. Is that possible? Only if they send something back the Oilers want or need. They are deep in defencemen, so that is always a good possibility. Your guess is as good as mine. PITTSBURGH? 10% chance.

Unless MacT is a real salesman, I think we see Hemsky still start the year in Edmonton with the understanding if he plays good, a Stanley Cup contender may trade for him before the deadline.Worst case scenario, one of Edmonton's top 6 goes down on one of the wings and Hemsky moves up a spot to the 2nd line and actually does return to scoring again when it matters.

IMO, if you can't bring decent 2nd line defencemen back or a 3rd line winger minimum, you keep the assets and at worst send him off at the deadline for cheap or let him play out his last year in Edmonton. Hemsky can handle our 3rd line role IMO. We may be grateful we kept him if you look at our current bottom 6 forwards. btw...the total % I show is 50% chance he gets moved only. (watch now how some other team I did not mention trades for Ales Hemsky)

I have been told by a few different places to look into some other options for him to go to Vancouver, Minnesota or Anaheim. Not sure I can see that happening myself but can't say never.

NEXT POST COMING ON; Ladislav Smid

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Defencemen: Crazy or Legitimate Speculation in "Oil Country"?

What a crazy day in the world of the NHL. Is there another sport that knows how to build excitement in and around the game for so many days of the year like the NHL? granted it may only be in North America and or Europe but it is huge and it dominates the world of sports all over. Twitter has exploded today. Just check what is trending and you will see.

Something to keep in focus during this time, these are mostly all only teams potentially interested in making a move. It does not mean there is a move to make. Enough said, in today's earlier blog we covered potential Goaltenders the Oilers could consider, but what is happening with Defencemen in the world of speculation and rumours? Is there any legitimate rumours or interest or is most of this all smoke and mirrors and people having fun making things up?

Lets take a closer look into D-men that may be purely speculation and or legitimate guys the Oilers are considering bringing to Edmonton in the very near future.

The following are speculated to be considered being traded for or coming to Edmonton;

Braydon Coburn (Age 28, 6'5, 220 lbs)
While I write this, the rumours are going crazy the Oilers are going strong after him. I would think there are some legs to this one and it is possible it could happen by the end of the night as long as it is not for the #7 pick tonight. If it includes a deal for Braydon with a 1st round it will be pushed to the Oilers know who they have available at the #7 slot tomorrow. I like this move for the right price but would be very upset if we lose chance at Monahan or Nichuskin and have Coburn and a later pick like Horvat or Lazar. Like those players but they are not the same quality player. This is a big player who can do some damage to opposing teams forwards who like to crash and bang.

Jake Gardiner (Age 22, 6'2, 184 lbs)
jake has been mentioned in several different options and 1 being the trading of 1st round picks between the Leafs and Oilers. The Oilers may like Jake but not to fall that far back in the 1st round. Jake would be a great addition but not at the expense being considered. Doubt there is any movement to this any longer but still makes good for interesting conversation.

Kris Letang (Age 26, 6'0, 201 lbs)
The best player potentially the Oilers could pick up. Guys like this do not come available very often. Problem? High $ to pay for a top #1 D-man. Is he worth it? He is IMO but let's face it, his numbers points total would not be much different then they were with the Pens as Oilers do have high end skill. This is a PPG player and they are rare. Don't be fooled by the fact he gets points cause he is in Pittsburgh. This guy makes many plays on his own. I would trade the house for him (almost) if we were able to extend his contract signing first). Untouchables for me would be J.Schultz, Hall, Yakupov and RNH.

Dion Phaneuf (Age 28, 6'3, 214 lbs)
Another trade rumour that involves Gagner but the loss in that trade without Dion being re-signed is substantial and could he handle being a local boy under scrutiny? His next contract he won't want a hometown discount so I doubt it's a match but regardless as a player, I do like him in second pairing. This is purely speculation to me cause TO has mentioned the want to replace Bozak but let's face it, they are going hard after a Big Center in the UFA market who was just bought out and I would not doubt if they promised #1 Center position to a certain newly bought out sought after UFA Center.

Fedor Tyutin (Age 29, 6'2, 216 lbs)
I really like his size and his puck movement, if the Oilers were able to land him, he could fill in nicely on that second pairing. 

Johnny Boychuck (Age 29 , 6'2 , 225 lbs)
Rumours are abound that Johnny could be had for the right price. With d-men coming up in the system it is possible they are hoping to unload some salary and he was slated to return back to Edmonton last time when he was a UFA upcoming but Bruins convinced him to stay on. I am sure he made the right choice but Johnny loves Edmonton, grew up loving the Oilers and his family is here. Not sure there is a match for what Bruins want but this speculation could have some feet as a possibility at least.

Wade Redden (Age 36, 6'2 , 205 lbs)
The Oilers Kevin Lowe wanted him years back out of Ottawa but Truth is Redden wanted nothing to do with us back then. I say why bring him back now as a depth d-man if he didn't like us then why should we take a chance on him now. I know petty of me huh?

Rob Scuderi (Age 34, 6'1, 216 lbs)
I know his age is against him but I have always loved the way Rob plays the game. Would be great for a second line pairing tops or in our bottom 5 or 6 role. A 2 year deal would be fair to me if you can convince him of the potential and he would sign with 2.5 million range. I highly doubt it and suspect he goes back east.

Jonathan Blum (Age 24, 6'1 , 186 lbs)
This player is sought after by the Oilers if you read the rumours the past couple years. While he would be a interesting player, he has no real size like fans and coaches say this team needs. Not a upgrade IMO.

Keith Yandle (Age 26, 6'1, 190 lbs)
A top pairing d-man that we could use now. Problem? Can we afford to pry him out of his organization without giving up too much to get him. I don't think we want to give what the Coyotes will want in return. I think there is talk but it ends quickly when the Oilers top players are brought into the equation.
Zach Bogosian (Age 22 , 6'3, 215 lbs)

Ron Hainsey (Age 32, 6'3, 210 lbs)
Another older but good experienced player who can handle the minutes. He is a bigger player who can handle himself well. Never been considered All-Star quality but could be a good stop gap until the prospects are matured enough.

Tyler Myers (Age 23, 6'8 , 227 lbs)
A enormous player who has taken a fall for the worse. Maybe it was the pressure , maybe the injuries but regardless he has fallen lots. Carries a high price tag but you have to take risks sometimes but question is would he be worth the risk? It will take a lot to pry him out of Buffalo. No? Maybe not.

Jack Johnson (Age 26, 6'1 , 231 lbs)
I like this player more then most and would love to find a way to land him. He is a beast on the ice and not easy to move. He makes some mistakes but is still fairly young and growing into his game. I think he can be had with CBJ but only time will tell. 

All in all there may be other potential rumours or speculation to come but this covers the majority of players that are available. The following is my order of preference if we were to land a player (excluding how much they make or would cost to get)

1. Kris Letang (all I require in this trade is to see a extension)
2, Keith Yandle (as long as RNH,Hall,Eberle,Yakupov,J.Schultz and Klefbom are not included)
3, Braydon Coburn (could potentially be done or done as soon as tomorrow at the latest.)
4. Tyler Myers (Doubt the Oilers want to do this with the $ and risk factor)
5. Fedor Tyutin (Could be a possibility. Give it a 30% chance)
6. Jake Gardiner (Highly unlikely now but where there is smoke there is fire sometimes)
7. Ron Hainsey (Have not heard much interest directly from management)
8. Dion Phaneuf (don't think many fans like this or Dion but would fit well but not sure of attitude)
9. Johnny Boychuck (Like the potential possibility if the Oilers got him for right price)
10. Rob Scuderi (Highly unlikely as may want to return to play in the east)
11. Jonathan Blum (Not sure how MacT feels but Tamby loved this guy)
12. Wade Redden (I don't think there is any interest and Oilers would consider if in playoff race)

NEXT POST TOMORROW AM: 

Goaltending: Crazy or Legitimate Speculation in "Oil Country"?

Welcome aboard Keith Action! Welcome aboard Dallas Eakins, Move aside Tamby, there is a new Sheriff in town and he is 'Cleaning up' the ice!

Ok, so maybe that is a little far fetched for opening comments but everyone of us has to say MacT has made life much more interesting in Edmonton since stepping up to the GM chair. He promised that this team will change and status quo will not remain and something needs to be done. He said he was impatient and that made Oiler fans all giddy after years of Mr.Dithers being the last to the party almost every time. I know Oiler fans want to see some huge trades, some top talent moved in and the Oilers take the stud d-man and/or #2 centre this team really needs. They want a huge LW player and dont care what it takes to get what they want. Or do they? I think we Edmonton fans want everything but are unwilling to part in our hearts with anything.

Like many of you, I want to win every trade the Oilers make. The Oilers are close to our heart and we take it personal when someone speaks ill of a player we like. Having said all that, let's take a look at some rumours, crazy or legitimate happening in "Oil Country".

Roberto Luongo (Age 34, 6'3 , 217 lbs)
This has been beat to death and I do believe Luongo was intended to be the big purchase last season if the lockout had not happened the Oilers were considering. Would Luongo consider coming to Edmonton? Don't let people's speculation fool you. Luongo wants a Stanley Cup and he stands to win one if he came to Edmonton within the next 4 years. Weather? He has the money and the home in the south, it is not as big a deal as some like to think it is.

Ryan Miller (Age 32, 6'2 , 175 lbs)
Will cost a dime but the Oilers have the assets to acquire if they choose. Question is in play as if Ryan would be ok in a Canadian City. Very much loves America and likes playing in the easy travelled east is what I have heard from interviews with people close to him in the Buffalo media circles. I would say the chance of him wanting to come to Edmonton is around 40% but you never know. Myself? I like his play and think he is a player who can take us over the edge.

Marc Andre Fluery (Age 28, 6'2 , 180 lbs)
I get that everyone and their dog thinks he sucks right now. He has failed miserably in the playoffs for two straight years. He has struggled like Luongo on the highest levels of play but is stellar when there is no pressure. On the other hand he won a Stanley Cup, has the pedigree and you don't just get a world class goaltender for a good price to acquire and a good salary cap price unless you take some chances. Stay with Status quo and you get status quo.

Ray Emery (Age 30, 6'2 , 196 lbs)
Has been to 2 Stanley Cup finals and has experience in returning to top form. He has bad games but every goalie has 1 once in awhile. I think he is the most logical , affordable and best to tandom with DD.

Anton Khudobin (Age 27, 5'11 , 203 lbs)
Is not ideal to me to come in here and a shorter goalie is not common in the NHL these days. I think he is a perfect backup but don't expect him at any point to carry the Oilers or really challenge DD for #1 spot. This acquisition would be to have a solid #2 backup and thats it. I will say though his NHL limited stats do read well for SP% and GAA.

Cory Schneider (Age 27 , 6'2, 197 lbs)
Cory would be a interesting catch but not IMO at the cost of a 1st round pick in the top 15 OV selections. Too questionable with a 2 year contract left only and a player who has yet to carry the load of a NHL team for a season or do anything more then Luongo in the playoffs. Good goalie but a better #1 the DD? Not exactly a young goaltender at 27 and yet to be a legitimate #1 goaltender. Granted in another city in the NHL he may have been for awhile but in the end, he is still a bigger risk then Luongo at a higher price.

Which of these possible goalie rumours are legitimate in your opinion? Who is a terrible purchase to you? Do you trade DD if you land one of these guys are have a good tandem?

Providing we are not moving out of the top 12 draft picks in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and not giving up Hall, Eberle, RNH, Yakupov, J.Schultz or Klefbom, I would put my selection of preference in the following order...

1. Ray Emery (least risk, sign as UFA for free and gives 1 last year for DD to continue to get better)
2.Ryan Miller (as mentioned, I do not think he would want to come here)
3. Roberto Luongo (I get the risk factor but am ok with it. Canucks eat some salary? I'm in)
4.Marc Andre Fluery (may be a huge risk but no risk, no reward! May just need change of scenery)
5.Cory Schneider (could be a great guy if we traded out for DD and a 2nd round pick in Anaheim's?)
6. Anton Kudobin (a great backup to DD for a season to see what they have)

Disagree? Feel free to drop a comment why and share your views. It will be a fun couple days and next following 2 weeks. What will happen? A quality netminder will arrive soon in Edmonton but who?

NEXT POST COMING TODAY: Defence: Crazy or Legitimate Speculation in "Oil Country"?



Monday, June 20, 2011

Sheldon Souray or Ryan Smyth?

Now that buyout time is on us, one has to wonder why the Oilers have yet to make a move on Sheldon Souray. They will have to put him on waivers and after that if no other team claims him, he can be bought out. But that hasn't happened yet. Why not?

The salary cap is going up for next season and the Oilers do need to add some salary to the payroll to make the cap floor. Souray, if willing to play here, can fill the cap void. Maybe that's why the Oilers have yet to buy him out?

Word today from Bob McKenzie is that Ryan Smyth has told the Kings that he would like to play in Edmonton next year. If a trade can be done, he wants to come home. HOLY CRAP!!! I'd take him in a heartbeat. No questions asked. Smyth is everything an Oiler should be.

Smyth back in Etown would bring the cap up by $6.5 million next season and would make the cap restrictions all better again. He has 1 year left on his current deal.

If the Smyth trade can happen, then see ya Souray. If not, it's damn possible #44 is back on the blueline next season. Ugh! BRING BACK SMYTH!!!

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Friday, February 5, 2010

Daily News & Rumors




The Oilers are no longer undefeated in February, maybe they will be in March?

I was attending an OHL game last night and had no connection to the internet so I could not post the trade.

Devils send:

F Patrice Cormier
F Niclas Bergfors
D Johnny Oduya
1st round pick (this year)
2nd round pick (this year)

Thrashers send:

F Ilya Kovalchuk
D Anssi Salmela
2nd round pick (this year)

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, Sheldon Souray has submitted list of teams he would waive his NTC to go to. The teams on the list are the Ducks, Kings, Stars, Rangers, Capitals, and Flyers.

The Nashville Predators have re-signed Forward Jordan Tootoo to a 2 year deal worth $1.25 million per year.

According to John Kincade of The Fan 680, Kari Lehtonen will most likely be traded. He said the Stars and Blues seem to be leading the way.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Could Moreau Be A Leaf?


Darren Dreger from TSN is reporting that The Leafs might be willing to take the Edmonton Oilers Ethan Moreau. The Leafs are reported to be looking for some kind of compensation from the Oilers for taking Moreau's contract as he has one more year on his current deal and it's a $2 million cap hit..

What kind of compensation? The Leafs most likely want a draft pick from the Oilers.  Would they take a prospect instead of a pick? I don't know.

It's also been reported that Exelby or Stempniak are the Leafs mentioned in this deal. One of them will be the "prize".

Let's not get our hopes up. Tambo might still be assessing.

-Smokin' Ray-

Friday, January 29, 2010

Daily Dose (Rumors and Oilers talk)

 

Quick question Oiler nation, who is your favourite Oiler? Please comment your answer.

Oilers notes: Oilers fans, guess what? Your next game is against the Calgary Flames, so someone will pick up 2 points. Just imagine what the Flames would feel like if they continued their losing streak with a loss against the Oilers. You know, the team that hasn't won a game in 2010? Maybe Lubomir will pull off something like this again Goal against the Flames.

Lubomir Visnovsky - According to Graig Woodburn of Weei.com sports radio network the Boston Bruins are not willing to give the Thrashers what they want for Kovalchuk so they will pursue players like Alexei Ponikarovsky, Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, and Lubomir Visnovsky instead.

Ilya Kovalchuk - According to Bob Mckenzie of TSN, he stated the the LA Kings are the front runners for Ilya Kovalchuk. Also, NHL Analyst Steve Kouleas was having a chat with Puck Daddy on the score television network and Steve suggested that if the Kings were to acquire Kovalchuk they would have to give up something like Alex Frolov, Jack Johnson, a young roster player/prospect and a 1st round draft choice like I suggested yesterday.

Ray Whitney - According to Darren Dreger of TSN, Ray Whitney may be the most sought after player in the NHL. If what Darren said is true, up to 10 teams have interest. He suggested the LA Kings, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators all have interest just to name a few.

Ethan Moreau - Whoever stated that 5 to 10 teams are interested in Ethan Moreau is full of crap.  Maybe a team or 2, but based on how he has played as of late, I can see why not many teams are interested.

Update on Moreau - I have seen rumors on various sites that the Ducks like Souray...well now it seems they are one of the few teams that like Moreau as well. We will have to wait and see how this all pans out. Moreau is currently a team worse -29 on beers and jeers points done by Smokin' Ray.

As always all comments are welcome!

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