**LIVE BLOG** Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings (12/15/09)

Welcome everyone to Oilers Jambalaya - the blog that just keeps getting better (this time thanks to Jay at Low On Oil who provided the tip.)  CHECK OUT Low On Oil's Game Preview

At 7:00 pm you will see in that box below, the Tweets of Smokin' Ray (@OilersJambalaya), Paq Twinn (@PaqTwinn) and the Edmonton Oilers (@NHL_Oilers) without signing up to Twitter.   I know... about time.

You can follow the game LIVE and it's easy to do.  You will be able to ask questions or just simply state a comment by writting in the box at the bottom of the application (THE BOX LOOKS DIFFERENT AT 7:00).  So feel free to talk to us (NO SIGNUP REQUIRED) and tell us what you think of the game and the new *TweetCast*.  Heck, you don't even need to include a name.

It's a new process for us so it may not run smoothly this first go around. *fingers crossed*  But once we figure this out...  LOOK OUT WORLD!

Either way it's going to be epic (probably only for us) evening. Let's just hope not epic failure.  Thanks for coming and enjoy your stay at Oilers Jambalaya.  GOILERS!

EDMONTON OILERS (15-13-4)
vs
LOS ANGELES KINGS (21-10-3)

Tuesday, Dec 15/09

7:30 pm MT

Dustin Penner - I Like The Cut Of Your Jib #6

The 6th installment of "I like the cut of your Jib", belongs to Mr. Dustin Penner, born on September 28 1982 in Winkler, Manitoba. Here is a guy that took the road less traveled to the NHL. He refused to take "NO" for an answer.

Minor Days

His hockey career started in Winkler playing for his high school team, the Garden Valley Zodiacs. After high school Penner was cut by several teams, including 3 times by his local Jr. team. Penner took the only opportunity available and went to play for Minot State University-Bottineau for 2 years. It was either that or get a "real" job. He broke his femur the 1st year and won "Most Determined Player" award in his 2nd season, scoring 20 goals and 33 points in 23 games, in 2001-2002. Penner then went to an evaluation camp in Saskatoon, averaging 3 points per game, he was noticed by U of Maine asst. coach Grant Stanbrook. He helped take the U of M Black Bears to the NCAA championship game, where they eventually lost 1-0 to Denver.

Anaheim Days

On May 12 2004, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim signed the undrafted free agent. He recorded 28 points his 1st year in Cincinnati, and in the 2nd, he amassed 39 goals and 84 points in only 57 games for Portland. In 2006-2007 Penner found himself with a full time spot on the Anaheim Ducks roster, where he set a team record for rookie scoring with 29 goals and 45 points, good for 2nd in team scoring and helped Anaheim win their first Stanley Cup. That was all Kevin Lowe needed to see and sent out a 5 year, 21.25 million dollar offer sheet for the 6'4" 240+ lbs left winger. When Anaheim elected not to match the contract, Penner was off to Edmonton.

Edmonton Days (MacTavish)

In Penner's 1st season with the Oilers, he scored a team high 23 goals and improved his point total to 47 on the season. Penner's 2nd season as an Oiler is where his character was truly put to the test. After showing up to training camp out of shape and starting the season slowly, then head coach Craig MacTavish, publicly called out his big power forward numerous times. It must have bothered Penner, but he always showed class and took the high road. Penner's family was hurt by the actions of MacTavish. Frank Penner the manager of Norpine Auto Supply in High Level, a former customer of mine and Dustin's uncle, conveyed these thoughts to me. The expectations and pressure that were placed upon a 4th year pro were simply unrealistic. In hindsight he (Frank) was absolutely right. It's not as though Dustin was drafted with a high pedigree, he was never drafted at all.

Edmonton Days (Quinn)

It's amazing what can happen in one year. After being leaked as part of a package offered to Ottawa for Dany Heatley, which was rebuked by Heatley (NTC), Penner took his game to the next level. Today with the wily old Pat Quinn behind the bench, Penner is a man transformed. It can be argued that he has never played better. I don't know what sweet nothings Quinn and Asst.Tom Renney whispered in his ear, but it worked. Quinn has gotten everything MacT wanted and more out of the farm boy from Manitoba. He has been far and away the most consistent performer for the Oilers this season. He has already surpassed his goal totals for last year and only needs 2 more points to pass his point totals for last year as well. Penner is currently on pace for 92 points and 46 goals, which is almost double his most productive 47 point season, which was his first as an Oiler.

So for all the hard work, determination and perseverance, as well as a healthy appetite for "wheat and barley based beverages", I like the Cut of your Jib. Go get'em big guy.

-PaqTwinn-

B&J #95 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs St. Louis Blues (12/11/09)

Welcome to Oilers Jambalaya - An Edmonton Oilers Hockey Blog. Beers & Jeers is a dual collaboration between Smokin' Ray and Paq Twinn. We hope you enjoy our Edmonton Oilers full game recap. We thank you for come here to read this recap.

------------------

- Who's Out? Who's in? Grebeshkov was rumored to be coming back in after being out for 13 games with a knee injury.  It was also rumored that both Sheldon Souray and Tom Gilbert are suffering from some sort of injuries.  However, nothing changed and the lines stayed the same.  Here is the link to the injury report.

- The Oilers continue their crazy run of road wins.  They have never won 5 straight road games all in one trip.  Does this make this current squad great?  And they did it without Hemsky?  WHAT!?!

------------------

Pre-Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (14-13-4) at St. Louis Blues (13-11-5)

------------------

TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

Penner-Gagner-Brule
Jacques-Horcoff-O'Sullivan
Moreau-Potulny-Cogliano
Nilsson-Stortini-Stone

Smid-Visnovsky
Souray-Gilbert
Strudwick-Staios

Deslauriers
Dubnyk

------------------

**These are Re-Tweets of Paq Twinn's LIVE TweetCast© at http://twitter.com/OilersJambalaya/edmontonoilerstweetcast **

1st PERIOD

- Getting set for the #Oilers vs #Blues / Puck drop at 6:08pm MT. / Let's see if the Oilers can continue the roll. GOILERS!!!
- Deslauriers vs Conklin / GAME ON!!!
- Lines stay the same for the #Oilers / Grebeshkov is still out and Souray and Gilbert are playing. 17:30 left in the 1st period.
- Oiler Lines: 27 89 67 - 22 10 19 - 18 16 13 - 32 46 12 - 44 77 - 5 71 - 34 24 - 38
- Jackman goes off for 2. Oilers PP14:06 1st
- Oilers didn't get much done on that PP.
- Storts and Souray both want a piece of Winchester. Refs break it up.
- Souray and Winchester go off for coincedental minors. halfway through the 1st
- Backes scores, banging in his own rebound after a rap-around. 1-0 Blues
- @OilersJambalaya says What's going on Oilers? Let's get it going. GOILERS!!!
- @dantencer says Looks like Brule and Jacques are banged up...both missing shifts in this 1st period.
- Oilers have taken a step back since the Blues scored. #pickupthepace
- Horc gets hit with Berlunds stick. Oilers PP for the next 4 min. 2:07 1st
- Pens rings one off the post. nice plays by Gags and Gilbert to set it up.
- JDD is having some difficulties after making an awkward save. The play was reviewed and NO GOAL.
- After 20 mins, the Blues lead the Oilers 1-0.
- The Oilers need some better efforts tonight, they don't look hungry out there.
- Kypreos makes a good point. Hopefully JDD's leg doesn't stiffin up during intermission.

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period is under way. Oilers PP for 1:53 to start period.
- JDD with a massive save on Backes as he was on a PK breakaway.
- Oilers PP is awful tonight. Didn't get any good chances at all.
- Oilers aren't hitting enough in this game and as say that, Souray levels Steen. Souray will get a penalty for that though.
- No penalty for Souray, but Stone goes off for 2. Oilers PK 13:18 2nd
- Oshie wires a one timer past JDD on the PP. 2-0 Blues 12:06 2nd
- FIGHT!!! JFJ vs Crombeen, JFJ hangs in there after taking early shots. Great fight, fairly even.
- @dantencer says Great tilt. Give Crombeen the decision over Jacques, though JF came back late in the scrap.
- Halfway through the 2nd and Oilers look to be still feeling thier way into this game. Get more aggressive/assertive NOW!
- Souray with a nice backhand deke, then just misses the rebound into the bottom corner. The puck stopped right on the goal line. #soooclose
- Conklin makes his best save so far, on Patty-O.
- Backes with a shot, Winchester crashes the crease, JDD falls, Winchester tips it in. 3-0 Blues.
- The goal is under review for a highstick tip.
- @OilersJambalaya Smid knocked that one in. 3-0 Blues
- The goal stands. 3-0 Blues. Winchester never touched it. Backes gets credit.
- Oilers have a lot of work to do now. Not sure if they're up to it.
- Oilers have looked like they did 2 weeks ago, horribly inconsistant.
- Souray got called for penalty, didn't like it, told off McCreary. McCreary kicks him out of the game. Oilers down to 5 D now.
- Oilers on the PK. 3 min and change to go in the 2nd
- Oilers manage to kill off the minor to Souray.
- Bru SCORES! He wacks it in after a good shift by him Gags and Pens. :10 left in the 2nd. 3-1 Blues.
- After 40 min, the Blues lead the Oilers 3-1.
- Oilers may have a chance here, after scoring a late goal they should gain some momentum for the 3rd.
- They'll need to play waaay better if they are going to come back in this one though. Blues have pretty much dominated so far.

3rd PERIOD

- 3rd period is underway. Lets see if the Oilers have some more fight after Bru's goal to end the 2nd.
- Oilers are playing better this period. More time in Blues zone.
- After the first 5 mins the Blues are starting to push back.
- Quirky Fact. Gordie Howe only had 1 Gordie Howe Hat Trick. Howe did it get named after him?
- Bru SCORES! Pens with great puck control, Gags with a super drop pass. Bru one times his 2nd into the net. 3-2 Blues 11:29 3rd
- Murray calls a timeout for the Blues after that goal. Oilers have life
- Gags SCORES! another great shift by the 1st line. 3-3 Tie Game. 8:41 3rd. GOILERS!
- Gags, Bru, and Pens are out again and giving the Blues fits.
- Horc SCORES! after 2nd line dominates down low. 4-3 Oilers 6:08 3rd
- Oilers are flying out there, Blues don't have any steam left after 4 unanswered goals by the Oil.
- @OilersJambalaya says @PaqTwinn HAHAHAHAHA!!! Conklin still sucks. #thevoodooworked
- Pens, Bru and Gags has combined for 8 points tonight.....so far.
- @OilersJambalaya says Oilers Dustin Penner is a Game Breaker. / Penner 4 Team Canada!!! #youhearditherefirst
- Pens SCORES! after JDD makes a big save, Pens takes it and drives straight to the net, backhand and in. 5-3 Oilers 2:57 3rd.
- @OilersJambalaya says Conklin should have pulled himself RT @PaqTwinn Blues pull Conklin, 1:38 3rd
- Game Over. Oilers Win 5-3 @ Blues.
- Oilers manage to come back after being down 3-0 late in the 2nd. Bru sparks the comeback with 10 sec left in 2nd.
- Pens (1), Bru (2), Gags(3) get the stars tonight.
- Great road trip, no other Oiler team has won 5 consecutive road games in one trip.
- Thanks for following this Live *TweetCast* Next up the Kings come to town on Tues. game time is 7:30.
- @NHL_Oilers says To clarify, the record set tonight is 5 straight road wins on the same trip. Oilers franchise record is 8 straight road wins in 86-87.
- @NHL_Oilers says Nilsson's assist on Horcoff's winner was the 100th point of his career. He has picked up a point in all 5 games since returning from injury.
------------------

GAME HIGHLIGHTS



------------------

FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 5

St. Louis Blues - 3

------------------

Game Summary

(Click to Enlarge)

(Click to Enlarge)

------------------

BAD TIMING PENALTY

None -

------------------

GAME STAT LEADERS

Edmonton Oilers Summary

(Click to Enlarge)

St. Louis Blues Summary

(Click to Enlarge)

------------------

BEERS

Dustin Penner - The flying fridge was on fire tonight.  He rattles off a 1 goal and 3 assists night.  Wow!  He made the puck look like it was metal and he was the magnet.  It was crazy.  With the Oilers trailing 3-0, Penner and his mates picked up the pace and started knocking in the puck.  Team Canada announces that he's on the short list.  Well no kidding.  All you have to do is watch him.  He can change a game much like he did tonight.  For a solid game, it's beer bong time. Cheers!

Gilbert Brule - This guy gets a wow as well.  WOW!  His uncanny chemistry with Penner continues and for the second time this year he has a two goal game.  2 goals and 1 assist to go along with a +4.  If that doesn't equal a good game then I must be a fLames fan.  Outstanding effort was shown by Brule tonight.  His first goal is what started the whole comeback.  Great game. It's Miller time. Cheers!

Sam Gagner - People are starting to wonder why he is playing on that 1st line.  I think tonight he showed why he can play there.  His vision is sick.  He sees stuff that most common NHL players can't.  He found Brule for his second goal in the high slot with a beauty pass.  The only thing cheesy about Gagner tonight was his goal. But who cares?  Take as you get them.  Good night tonight for Gags.  Frosty Budweiser? Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Jeff Deslauriers (He buckled down after a near leg injury.  He finished the game in top form.), Shawn Horcoff (He scores the winning goal and has a awesome night on faceoffs.  He was 20W-8L=73%  His shoulder was either very numb or he's feeling better.), Lubomir Visnovsky (He played pretty good tonight.  He involved in some great chances for the Oilers.), Tom Gilbert (He played well despite losing his defence partner.)

------------------

JEERS

Patrick O'Sullivan - Ok.  Enough is enough.  If I was Pat Quinn I would be grey.  Ok, so he is grey.  Well then I'd go bald because he's not playing hard and it looks like he doesn't give a crap.  Sure at times he wows us for a quick second or two.  But if Bobby Nilsson is making you look bad, then something is wrong.  If his play doesn't change soon, we can all expect his name to be caught up in rumors.  Bad game tonight. Boooooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Ethan Moreau, Andrew Cogliano, Ryan Potulny (This line was -1 and they didn't create many chances. The worst Oiler line of the night.)

-------------------

GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - He didn't play well.  He was Baaaad.

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - Also Baaaad.  But better than Moreau.

-------------------

OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - I'm a typical Oiler fan.  Up until the last 11 seconds of the 2nd period I was losing it.  I was snapping.  This team SUCKS!  But then Brule scores.  Ok, life's looking better I think to myself. Then the 3rd period the team gets rolling.  Not Stortini this time.  Nope.  It's the Penner show.  The Penner/Gagner/Brule line were the Oilers tonight.  Their never give up attitude won them this game.  That was a thing of beauty to watch. This team not only screws with your mind and heart, but they can also bring ecstasy.  I love this team. GOILERS!

Paq Twinn - WOW! The Oilers looked dead in the water tonight, losing 3-0 late in the 2nd. Then the 1st line took over. Brule scored with 10 sec left in the 2nd and teamed up with Pens and Gags to take over the game in the 3rd. All together the 1st line combined for 9 points as the Oilers scored 5 unanswered goals. Horc got the game winner for the 3rd time this road trip. That's how to earn that 7 mil and shut up your critics. As much as I love the win and a record 5 consecutive road game win streak, the Oilers left something to be desired during the first 40 mins. They looked like the slumping team of 2 weeks ago, in the 3rd they were the team that won 4 in a row. This team still struggles to find consistently, but they are getting better. The power play still needs work, they were brutal tonight, though Hemmer's absence may have something to do with it. Perhaps the most impressive part of the come back tonight, was that Souray got himself ejected for filling McCreary's ear with obscenities, and left the Oil with only 5 D for the 3rd period. Maybe that is what gave this team some life cause they had none before the misconduct to Souray. I have to break up this game grade.  Game Grade: 1st/2nd D, 3rd A

-------------------

POST GAME REACTIONS



-------------------

GAME STATS

- Game Summary

- Event Summary

- Scoring Chances (MC79)

- David Staples/Player Grades (Cult of Hockey)

- Full NHL Play By Play

- Oilers Time On The Ice

- Opponents Time On The Ice

- Faceoff Report

- Shots Report

-------------------

NEXT GAME

Edmonton Oilers

vs.

Los Angeles Kings

Tuesday, Dec 15/09

7:30 pm MT

Sportsnet West

-------------------

Thanks for stopping by and reading the Edmonton Oilers Full Game Recap. Don't forget that you can agree or disagree with us on Facebook and Twitter. Just look for Smokin' Ray Burnt and Paq Twinn. We will see you all next game. GOILERS!

-------------------

You can comment below without signing up!

**Pick Name/Url or Anonymous**

(Edmonton Journal) Cult of Hockey Player Grades - Oilers vs Lightning (12/09/09)

Once again David Staples of the Edmonton Journal's Cult of Hockey has allowed me to do the player grades for this game. You can read it here at Oilers Jambalaya or you can read it HERE.



Now I hope you understand how hard it is to grade a game that's choppy.  It was cool that we were able to see the game, but it was so choppy at times I missed little sequences.  But here is what I saw.

The Cult of Hockey Grading System: 10-perfect game, 9 extraordinary, 8 great, 7 good, 6 above average, 5 average, 4 below average, 3 poor, 2 terrible, 1 deserves to be in minors.

 #27 Dustin Penner (7) - I didn't find too many faults in his game tonight.  He played pretty good and scored a typical Penner in front of the net goal. Heck, he even led the team in faceoffs.  He sure plays a complete game this year. I hope he gets more than a nod for Team Canada.

#89 Sam Gagner (6) - He played well but was still over matched in the Oilers end at times. He has been better in these last two games and he needs to find that "next level" if he's to do well as a #1 center.  He had 3 shots and his pass/shot gave him an assist on the Penner goal.  Overall, not a bad game.

#10 Shawn Horcoff (5) - He was near invisible.  He played 22:12 and although most of those minutes were decent minutes (1:46 of PP time and 2:36 in PK time) he needs to be more effective.  This was not the same Horcoff as we seen the last two games.

#13 Andrew Cogliano (5) - Cogliano had some good moments in this game.  Nothing that was over the top or anything.  He has this way of looking like he does a lot out there, while really all he is doing is skating fast.  He reminds me of Todd Marchant, only he can't win faceoffs.

#19 Patrick O'Sullivan (4) - He was not good at all.  He brought down the 2nd line with his sub par play.  Hedman scored that goal and that was O'Sullivan's guy and he didn't take him. He just seems lost out there right now.  He only had 3 shots and if he is going to earn his money he needs goals.  And how do you get goals? You shoot.

#67 Gilbert Brule (6) - He was pretty good.  He kept trying to make nice plays to Penner and instead maybe should have taken more shots himself.  But all in all I don't have much to complain about.  He's way better than I ever thought that he could be.  And this is just the beginning for him.

#18 Ethan Moreau (4) - The Captain didn't do much tonight.  I don't know about you guys, but he's not really contributing much.  It's almost like he's just taking up minutes when someone else could eat hose minutes.  Don't get me wrong, he's not terrible right now, but he also isn't a contributor.

#22 JF Jacques (6) - He was the best player on his line.  He had 5 hits and it seems like if he is doing that, then he's doing his job. 

#16 Ryan Potulny (5) - He was another one of those looked average type of players tonight.  He did what he could and it definitely wasn't fantastic.  He was just plain jane average.

#46 Zack Stortini (9) - The man had a Gordie Howe hat trick and still added another fight to his resume near the end of the game.  This was the best that I have ever seen him.  He had 3 hits and I didn't notice a single error (other than 0 for 6 on the faceoffs) on his part tonight.  So that's why I'm giving him a 9. All this and he only played 6:22.  Should this game earn him a 10?

#32 Ryan Stone (8) - The other bash brother was also good tonight.  His fight was a good one and it impressed me that he could chuck them like that.  He was hitting everyone (I don't know how the NHL doesn't count more hits) he could and even created some scoring chances.  He also played just over six minutes tonight, but he made the most of it.

#12 Robert Nilsson (7) - He was pretty good tonight and picked up another assist.  I maybe should have given him a 6 but he plays so well with Stone and Stortini and it's helping him shine.  I'm sure that he's thankful to get back into the lineup.  He seems to be trying to not make those little mental mistakes that have plagued him in the past.

#44 Sheldon Souray (7) - He was left alone on a wicked 2 on 1 for the Lightning's first goal.  Not totally his fault, but he made a decision to take the passer and that left St Louis all alone with JDD.  He and Gilbert were on for three Oiler goals and the on for the first Tampa goal.  Although he wasn't all out aggressive, he played pretty darn good.

#71 Lubomir Visnovsky (5) - All the defence were pretty average tonight including Visnovsky.  I've seen him be better.  He played 21:00 minutes and had 1 shot and 2 blocked shots.  Not really a night to remember.

#77 Tom Gilbert (6) - It was his error (pinch) that caused the 2 on 1 and essentially, the first goal of the game.  He did however score ten minutes later to even up the score.  So does that balence things out?  He actualy was decent tonight.  It appears to me that he's been getting better as this road trip goes on.

#24 Steve Staios (5) - Quite an average game.  Not much to say here.

#5 Ladislav Smid (5) - He had a fairly decent game.  He blew a spaz and knocked some guys down.  I kept waiting for him to score another goal tonight but it never happened.

#43 Jason Strudwick (5) - Also an average game.  Oddly enough, no goals were directly his fault.

#38 Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers (7) - His willingness to battle for 60 minutes helped the Oilers win this game.  He made some good saves all throughout the game.  But once again the Lightning went up high on him and scored.  How is that possible when the guy is that tall?  He's playing better than anyone expected.

#40 Devan Dubnyk (N/A) -  He did not play.

--------------------------

**Normal Beers and Jeers-Edmonton Oilers Recap to follow.**

Edmonton Oilers - What To Do With The Free Agents?

The Edmonton Oilers have too many Free Agents at the end of this year.  What does Steve Tambellini do about this mess?  Does he just ride it out and try and re-sign as many as he can at the end of the year?  Does he trade them away for equal or better value (or in some cases, no value)?  What to do???

Here is a place to go to see the what the Edmonton Oilers Players are making. (Cap Numbers)

Unrestricted Free Agents

Fernando Pisani UFA ($2.5 million cap hit) I would not keep him.  Sorry, but his time is up here.

Mike Comrie UFA ($1.25 million cap hit) I would not keep him.  His coming home was nice.  But he's not a fit here.

Ryan Stone UFAVI ($600,000 cap hit) I would re-sign him for $1 million a year for two years.  He somehow makes the team better, so we best keep him.

Jason Strudwick UFA ($700,000 cap hit) I would not keep him.  He's slow and he's not able to keep up with most of the plays.  He's a funny guy though.

Dean Arsene UFA ($386,000 cap hit) I would re-sign him to a two way deal for $600,000 a year for two years.  I liked what I saw in his brief stint with the Oilers.

Restricted Free Agents

Sam Gagner RFA ($1.625 million cap hit) I would resign him for no more than $3.5 million a year for 5 years. He just might be the "future" of the Oilers.  Sign him long and cheap.

Andrew Cogliano RFA ($1.133 million cap hit) I would re-sign him for no more than $2 million a year for 3 years. He's a keeper even though I hear he's been shopped around.

Marc Pouliot RFA ($825,000 cap hit)  I don't think I'd keep him either.  Maybe try and include him in a deal this season.

Gilbert Brule RFA ($800,000 cap hit) I would re-sign him to $1 million a year for two years.  He has emerged this year and should have to play well for the next two years and then get rewarded.

JF Jacques RFA ($525,000 cap hit) I would re-sign him for $750,000 a year or under. Great hitter and is a physical player.  As long as his injuries don't keep coming back, he's a keeper.

Ryan Potulny RFA ($595,000 cap hit) I would re-sign him for $750,000 for two years.  I like his style of play.

Liam Reddox RFA ($515,000 cap hit) I would only re-sign him on a two way for under $600,000.  With the rise of Stone and Potulny, he's now expendable. Can he be included in a deal?

Colin MacDonald RFA ($550,000 cap hit) I would re-sign him to a two way for under $600,000 for two years. Good player for the Falcons.

Ryan O'Marra RFA ($1.22 million cap hit inc. bonus) I would re-sign him to a two way for $750,000. Anything more than that and I'd let him walk.  He needs two more years in the minors, at least. And let's be real... $1.22 million a year?  That sounds like a Kevin Lowe contract.

Denis Grebeshkov RFA ($3.15 million cap hit) I would re-sign him for the same amount, $3,150,000 to two year deal.  I like his play, but I think the Oilers would trade him if given a chance. The guys like Chorney are making decisions harder.

Theo Peckham RFA ($600,000 cap hit) I would re-sign him for $750,000 a year over three years.  I like what he brings to the table, but he has lots of room to improve to warrant big money. 

Jeff Deslauriers RFA ($625,000 cap hit) I would try and trade him.  If not, then try and re-sign him to a two year deal for $750,000.  He's good, but I like Dubnyk better.  Maybe I'm wrong.

Devan Dubnyk RFA ($700,000 cap hit) I would re-sign him to a three year deal worth $750,000.  I think that in time, he will be better than JDD.  Either way the Oilers will have to decide which of the two they will keep.  Signing Khabibulin to a four year deal makes no sense.  Why lose a good prospect for a set of old balls?


Before anyone freaks out about what I just wrote, there is a lot of work to do with this hockey club.  Trades are sure to happen and no one can predict who's around at the start of next season.  These are just my opinions and I have no idea what the Oilers cap numbers will look like next year.  Granted, if the Oilers were to sign all the people to the deals I have just said, then other people will have to go. I can tell you right now all these deals, plus the existing one's, would put the Oilers over the cap.  I just haven't got that far yet.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?