In this segment of Hear Me Out, I am going to talk trade talk. I am not one for this kinda thing but I have nothing else to do until Thursday. So here we go...
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Well there seems to be some really good players available right now. (according to sites like hockeybuzz, spectors, and the 4th period which most of the time they are wrong or full of it.) How can we not think about the possibilities out there? I don't think that any of the players listed here are really all that attainable by the Oilers but let's take a look anyways.
Marian Gaborik
- I would like to have this guy. Very fast and has a pretty wicked shot. His defensive is lacking but makes up for it with his offensive production. However he hasn't played 82 games since ... well never. He played 81 once in 2002/03. Is he worth the gamble? Not sure. He is also listed as a RW. Would he play left wing and not look out of place? Would he still be a floater?
Ilya Kovalchuk
- I would also like to have this guy. He does play left wing and shoots right. He's fast and agile. I think he could have magnificent chemistry with Hemsky. Again he isn't a very defensive minded person, but you know what? Most highly offensive people suck at coming back and helping out. So would I take a chance on this guy? Yes I would. Today.
Jay Bouwmeester
- I have already heard of talks that linked Mr. Bouwmeester to the Oilers. But do we really need to add another 4.8 million to the payroll? Imagine for a moment.. Souray, Visnovsky, Gilbert, Bouwmeester, Grebeshkov, Staios with Smid/Strudwick on reserve. I have to admit. Pretty nice defence corps. But can he survive in his hometown or crack like many others before him?
Jason Spezza
- Another injury prone guy. When he is on his game he is awesome. When he slumps he slumps. He is quick on his feet and has a pretty deadly shot. His face offs are not that bad either. All he could do is help this team. As long as he doesn't slack off for MacT.
Dany Heatley
- When the Heat is on, he's flying. At one point he was one of the best in the game. He is a natural left wing and could compliment Hemsky nicely. I am not sure I would take a chance on him. I don't think that he fully recovered mentally from the crash.
Maxim Afinogenov
- I used to think this guy was the cat's meow. But times change. I'd maybe give up Nilsson for him. But even then I think that is to steep. He still is fast which is Oiler style, but is his work ethics really all that good? And again he is a right winger who shoots left. Not really a fit for the Oilers top line.
Michael Nylander
- All I have to say is HAHAHAHAHA! That is karma for you. I am sure you all know the story behind him with the Oil. Don't want him, don't need him.
Mattias Ohlund
- While he is a quality defenceman, we really don't need him either. Pass.
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Now after all that. who would I take 1st?
Ilya Kovalchuk. He is what we need. Can we get him? Doubt it. (please prove me wrong)
So now I guess the real question is who do we give up?
Brodziak? Schremp? Garon? Roli? Nilsson? Moreau? Cole? Penner? Horcoff? Pouliot? Grebeshkov? Staios? Smid? Cogliano? Gagner? Hemsky? Souray? Visnovsky? Gilbert? Strudwick? Stortini? Brule? MacIntyre? Pisani? Deslauriers? Reddox? Some Kid in the Minors? Or #1 pick this year and next?
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What do you do?