While the NHL is still at a impasse and we await the fate of this season, hockey is still alive and well , just not the level of hockey and media hype that is known as the NHL.
I continue getting lots of questions on twitter , facebook and emails and as promised in the past, I said I would try my best to answer your questions as honest and factual as I can. Sometimes I am fortunate to get some inside information and have no problem being bold telling you so. However that is not often so one thing you will not find from me is, making up rumours or spreading stories that I am only guessing at and making it sound as legitimate NHL or Hockey Information. I will however tell you if it is only my opinion or rumour only. Many times, one can read behind the lines,that is, if you do some investigation and put 2+2 together.
Let's go ahead and cover some hockey related questions regarding our beloved Edmonton Oilers and other interests around hockey.
Will this Downtown Arena in Edmonton deal get down or are we in for further threats os relocation?
The Katz group and City Council both have shown to be terrible negotiators. The deal that was on the table was good for both sides. Does Katz group need further assistance? He can't expect to make further profits on the back of tax money, he needs to be reasonable. On the other hand, the city has lots to win by adding further development around the arena district. The added tax money over the years is only a win win for the City of Edmonton. It does have complications but what business venture is not risky. It takes money to make money. Sit back and do nothing and you will get exactly that....NOTHING!
I believe this deal will get down but have no clue how or when. It's a mess, but both Katz and the City want to make money and not be left holding the bill. It will get down, question really is how and when.
Is there a possibility of playing a 82game NHL season?
I see no possibility at all. The NHL tried to use the impression they were bending but set another deadline only to have the NHLPA not even counter offer but give three offers all of which were based off their original offer. IT's sad for hockey. Personally, I think this season will be canceled and the players are going to really take a beating should that happen.
Whats your thoughts on the OKC Barons and their talent level?
OKC is crazy loaded with talent. Should they not win, it's not because of talent but because a lack of team chemistry. I have been impressed with Hartikainen and Paajarvi coming out of the gate. It is important for their future to perform well early and stay consistent. Marincin has been exactly what I thought he would be like. Some people still question the level he is playing at and feel he is making too many mistakes but Coaches Nelson and Thompson disagree. They speak highly of him at every level. They know he is still a work in progress and you can't expect to see him look like a seasoned veteran just yet. His pairing with Schultz is a story in itself to how the Oilers feel about his future.
Who do you think will be the Barons Points leader this year?
I say Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. I know Schultz is killing it right now but logic tells us it will have to slow down at some point.
You originally thought Nail Yakupov would put up .50pts/game in the KHL, do you think any different?
Nail has adapted quite well to playing in the KHL. Much faster then I anticipated. I could see him actually increasing his pts/game to a .75/game mark. Anything more would be a incredible feat over a longer period of time. His goal scoring ability has been what has surprised me the most. Glad to be looking wrong on my early season estimates
What prospects for the June NHL Entry Draft in 2013 do you think the Oilers are high on early?
I know Stu likes what he has seen from Max Domi of London who has 19 points in 11 games or Johnathan Drouin who has19 points in only 8 games for the Halifax Mooseheads. Heard from a few people on the inside that lots of the Oilers scouts are closely watching defencemen Pulock, who has 17 points in his 14 games in Brandon.
It is still early to gage much but the Oilers do not view this draft as deep as other media types have. Some believe this draft group is real deep but the Oilers look at the top 20 and feel anything past that is not much different from last year. As Stu said however, it's still early and there is plenty of time for players to rise.
It is still early to gage much but the Oilers do not view this draft as deep as other media types have. Some believe this draft group is real deep but the Oilers look at the top 20 and feel anything past that is not much different from last year. As Stu said however, it's still early and there is plenty of time for players to rise.
What 2013 Prospect has surprised the most?
As I mentioned in my last blog on '8 Questions in Oil Country" I felt Jonathan Drouin out of the Halifax Mooseheads was the player to watch to rise in the rankings. He has not let me down. He is making Grigorenko's numbers look silly for a 17 year old kid.
As mentioned above I know the 'Magnificant Bastard' already has had his eye on him along with several other scouts. He may even become a top 5 Ranked player by year end.
As mentioned above I know the 'Magnificant Bastard' already has had his eye on him along with several other scouts. He may even become a top 5 Ranked player by year end.
Should we trade for Luongo?
Absolutely yes......IF we can aquire him at a reasonable price. i.e.: straight up for Shawn Horcoff contract etc..He is a elite goalie. He has attitude, but not every player has to be media friendly. All I care about is can he help our team win. Do I like Kessler? NO! But he can help our team win. I believe this team adding Luongo could contend with 2 years. I say yes and let it work itself out. They will not trade for him unless the numbers work in maintaining blance for their stars. (At least I would hope)
For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to
