Michael Garnett / Is He Right For The OKC Barons?

Now I understand that the OKC Barons might have one of Devan Dubnyk or Jeff Deslauriers -- and that's the best possible option -- to start the season. But if either one of them do not clear waivers or the Oilers decide to keep both with the big club, the Barons need another option as Bryan Pitton is not the answer.

In fact, I wouldn't cry if Pitton went to Stockton -- or which ever team the Oilers choose to affiliate with -- and was a tandem with Andrew Perugini. His (Pitton) best GAA was with the Thunder this past year. It's clear by his stats that he can't play at a higher level than the ECHL, and he's not a good enough goalie to bother keeping around the Barons. Worst comes to worst, he can be called up if needed or play as a back up. But according to Kevin Lowe, the Oilers organization is only going to operate in a forward motion. No more shortcuts. Wouldn't this include turfing Bryan Pitton and picking up a better goalie?

Enter Michael Garnett.

Who?

Well, to be honest, I don't really remember why I picked this guy. I don't. Maybe I seen him on TV or read about him somewhere? I can't remember. But there must have been a reason. *shrugs shoulders*

So let's take a look at what possibly makes him so special and why I think he should be signed to be a Baron.

He achieved his best career GAA this season (2.06) and he posted 5 shutouts. Not bad. He was 24W-15L-4T in 44 Games. Again, not bad. But most importantly, these games were played in the KHL (Balashikha MVD HC) so it wasn't like he's been playing in a bush league. I think we can all agree that the KHL is decent league. No? With an average that's that close to two goals against is pretty good. Take a look at the NHL stats, I think you can make your own assumptions.

Maybe I picked him because he's from Saskatoon, Sask? He's practically a local and possibly an Oiler fan. Maybe that's part of the reason I liked him? I don't know. Did I mention he played his junior hockey in Red Deer? Again, practically local. Or maybe I picked him because he has AHL experience by playing for a few years with the Chicago Wolves and he could easily step into a role in OKC and be comfortable?

I really don't remember. All I know is that I have had his name saved in my draft box for a while now. So I thought why not post this? Maybe someone else out there knows more about him and can fill me in on why I liked him at that time.

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt at Oilers Jambalaya-

Oklahoma City!

Hey all! Been a while, I've been busy. But let me say how happy I am to see the Oilers affiliation go to OKC. I think Kevin Lowe and Steve Tambellini did a very good job in the moving process.

I am also impressed with the logo, colors, and jerseys. I think OKC is going to be a great place for our younger guys to grow. I really hope this franchise sticks unlike the last few AHL franchises the Oilers have created, (ahem, Roadrunners...)

Let me say though, it would have been nice for the team to be called the Oil Barons, but that's just my opinion. You guys give us your opinions on the move and the new AHL team.

I won't give you my assessment on the season because we all know how it was, and it's a little late now. But we should all be looking forward to the draft and the next season in Oil Country, because it should be a young, exciting one.

More off-season blogs to come!

-Nick "Oilers Fan" Walker-

p.s. Hall or Seguin? Give me your opinions. I'm on team Hall.

Rough Draft Roster

Yesterday I mentioned that one of the big questions during the chat with Bob Funk and Kevin Lowe, was about who would be playing in Oklahoma City next season.

Teemu Hartikainen is one player that could be starting in here. But if you look up Oklahoma City Barons on Wikipedia gives you an idea of who could be playing here.

The bloggers from Lowtide break down a roster on who could play, and who could get offered a contract from AHL free agency. If you were to compare the Wikipedia list and Lowtide's list. There are some notables names that aren't in Wikipedia's list. Like Chris Vande Velde, the Minnesota native just finished his college career at UND. Vande Velde and Eberle both spent time with the Falcons during the final games of the AHL regular season. There is alot of debate whether if Eberle will be in Edmonton or Oklahoma City at the start of next season. Eberle hasn't had much time off that past year, after playing in the World Jrs in Canada. Then playing with the Falcons, and now is playing in the World Championships.

Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson (a.k.a MPS) could be here, but he still doesn't have a contract with the Oilers. Steve Tambellini has been at the World Championships, watching all the Oilers prospects. And it's been rumored that he has a contract ready to offer to MPS.

Goaltending is another issue with the organization right now. Wikipedia has Devin Dubnyk listed on the roster, but if he gets assigned to Oklahoma City. He would have to clear waivers, before he could be assigned to OKC. Kevin Lowe did say in the chat the other night, that they are looking for an AHL veteran goalie. Someone who can handle taking most the games, between the pipes. Bryan Pitton spent most of the year back and forth between Stockton and Springfield. He has one year left on his entry level contract. And he needs to have a good season, to be offered a contract after the 2010-11 season.

Oklahoma City fans shouldn't get their hopes up too much about the #1 draft pick. Whether it's Hall or Seguin that gets drafted by the Oilers, either player will NOT be in Oklahoma City. The only that would be possible would be on a reconditioning stint. Some links which you could find out more about the Oilers prospects can be found here from Coppernblue.com. And some good info on Hockey's Future here about all the NHL's prospects.

OKC Barons Press Conference Videos

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) / The Whirl Wind 2 Weeks

What a messed up and wacky two weeks that was.

It all started with a message from OilFieldHockey.com to me saying that he heard the new AHL team was going to be called the Oklahoma City Barons. (I had guessed the Oil Barons) He said it was from a good source and he really thought it was legit. We decided to wait on it (and not look stupid) and sure enough two days later, out of the blue, this tweet came out.

Seeing that made us believe that this had some real legs. We decided to go ahead and float the idea out there and see what happens.

Next thing you know, the Copper&Blue.com and OFH had found some logos for the Barons.

Well that really sold us. That's it! In our minds, the Barons were going to happen no doubt about it and most people believed as well.

Then once Prodigal Hockey had announced that there was going to be a press conference on the 19th, the buzz made a bigger noise.

So with time until the PC, I had a lot of time to analyze those logos. I figured out how the layout would go and I assumed (and was right) that the Barons would use the Oilers jersey design. So I made a terrible photoshop version of my concept. I really can't believe how close I was. They should give me a free jersey just for guessing it correctly! *nudge, nudge*

On May 16th, things went from confidant that they would be the Barons, to what is going on? Bisons shirts? Logos being Trademarked? Bisons. Twisters. Roughnecks. It was nuts!

Even through all that, I still had that feeling it was the Barons and this was just Prodigal Hockey trying to mess us up. I mean really... I had to be. I changed my banner and committed to the Barons and I wasn't turning back now.

Then finally the big day arrived. OFH was prepared and set to be at the Cox Convention Center for the big reveal. I was manning the TweetCast back here in Alberta.

The day went by so quick and the excitement level was really high. I'm sure all the people enjoyed their time down at the presser. I did enjoyed myself and I wasn't even there.

After all the commotion was over, Bob Funk Jr. and Kevin Lowe took the time to answer our questions and we all had a great time reading all the different responses. (very cool that they had those two answering our questions)

One thing I did learn from Prodigal Hockey and the OKC Barons tonight, they loved the fact that we (OFH and OJ) helped create the buzz that they so desperately needed. The respected the fact that we worked hard trying to find the real scoop on this team. I think they now have the same admiration for us as we have for them. I like them. This should be a nice friendship. 

Thanks for bringing the OKC Barons into our lives Prodigal Hockey. You already have changed a lot of lives. Mine included.

Let me tell you, after all the constant digging and searching for the past two weeks, it felt good to post this. It felt like forever.

Welcome to the Oilers family Oklahoma City Barons & Prodigal Hockey.

-Written by Smokin' Ray from Oilers Jambalaya-