Howdy, from OKC

Hey y'all! (Okay, enough with the slang) I just wanted to introduce myself real quick. I'm new to blogging, so I apologize in advance for being inexperienced.

First, thanks to Ray for giving me the opportunity to post my opinions here, I really appreciate it and look forward to helping out the site. Just a bit about myself, I was a Blazers fan for the last 5 years of their existence. I lived outside of OKC for all of it, so I went to games when I could and kept up online the rest of the time. I was disappointed when they folded, but with the rumors that the AHL was coming, it was only because I'd be without hockey for the year. Now that the Barons are here and opening night being October 9th, I'm very excited for the season. Having kept on eye on the Oilers struggles, and reading up on the prospects the organization has, I'm looking forward to the future of both franchises.

Leading up to the season I hope to give my take on the team and the prospects, and once the season gets started I hope to give a recap on most of the Barons games.

To keep up with me, you can follow my Twitter account, @AHLBarons. Any questions or comments, you can email me at erictheblue17@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to the season and riding the ride with y'all (last time). GO BARONS!

-Written by Eric Rodgers-

Oklahoma CIty Barons Press Conference Photos

Click on the Photo to view the rest of the Photos taken at the Press Conference.

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.