A Look into the UFA 'Left Wing' position in Edmonton

We all know the Oilers are looking for a top 6 big forward with experience to play on the first or second line. Question we have is, is their one on the UFA radar? There is some confusion out there on certain players being a Center when they are really a winger and vice versa. Also moving a player from LW to RW or vice versa is not always a good choice. Sometimes because of their shooting angles a player is better moving up a specific side.

 i.e: Eric Cole moved to his off side on wing during his spell. Even Yakupov on LW to start the year. Yakupov is much better and more comfortable on the RW. Having said that currently our top wingers are....

LW; Hall, Paajarvi
RW; Eberle, Yakupov
(assuming Hemsky is moved out) Truth is, Paajarvi as much as I love what he brings is a 3rd line LW at this point in his career and can fill in on the 2nd line with injury for a short spell. We really are in need of a LW player. So, let's see what is out there on the Left Wing UFA Market.

Brenden Morrow
Ryane Clowe
Simon Gagne
Clark MacArthur
Dustin Penner
Valtteri Filppula
Danny Cleary
Vinny Prospal
Mason Raymond
Matt Cooke
Raffi Torres
Victor Stalberg
Bryan Bickell

There are some others but not ones that I would even think the Oilers would consider. Do any of these players stand out to you. Remember this player just needs to be a fill gap for 2 or 3 years. After that they should be more developed in their system or trading for a upgrade. Whats your thoughts?

I personally like the idea of one of Morrow, Filppula, Stalberg or Bickell. Anyone else only for bottom 2 lines to round out what we will need. Not much out there for left wing on the UFA market. BTW...Clarkson in NJ is a natural RW and the experiment on LW did not have positive results in NJ so I do not think you can move him there.

Looking at whats out there, I would prefer to make Gagner our second line LW and bring in a big Center. Our lines would look to be adjusted  from here...

Hall/RNH/Eberle
Gagner/ ? /Yakupov
Paajarvi/ ? / ?
Brown/ ? / ?

What are your thought? Going to be a interesting next 4 weeks. I expect by July 15th we will know where this team is sitting player wise going into next year.

A look into the UFA "Defencemen" position in Edmonton

We already know there are few centremen available to the Oilers on the UFA market coming up but what about Defence? It has been mentioned now for years we need a fix. What could possibly be out there for defence? Let's take a look at the possibilities that are mentioned going into the UFA market in less then a month;

UFA Defence

Ron Hainsey
Mark Streit
Marek Zidlicky
Rob Scuderi
Jordan Leopold
Toni Lydman
Douglas Murray
Anton Babchuk
Adrian Aucion
Andrew Ference
Joe Corvo
Michal Rozsival
Adam Pardy
Scott Hannan
Wade Redden
Mark Eaton
Ben Lovejoy

These are guys on defence who I think would even be given consideration let alone actually offered a opportunity in Edmonton. There are some possibilities here but outside of Haninsey and Streit, you are not getting that top pairing defence you may be wanting in the UFA Market. How much would you be willing to pay for one or the other on the UFA Market? Your not trading for a top 2 defencemen without giving up one of the Oilers 'sacred 5' so you either pay one of those guys or continue to develop your own. IMO , other then a trade MacT may make a offer to either of these guys but no more $ then 4.5 million/year and no longer then 3 years in term. Myself, if they could land him, I really like Rob Scuderi but likely he gets resigned or signs elsewhere for more. Some have said he wants to play in the east, only time will tell.

'Keep your stick on the ice!'

Edmonton Oilers "Moves or Non-Moves"? Pt 2

OK, the Sheriff has done it again and in less then a week. He has removed the man behind the 'strings' as far as the ice time goes. Was this expected? Was this a last minute change in direction for the Oilers? Was this a good move or bad move? Lots of questions but as the Sheriff has already said, there is lots more ahead.

We can debate on the Oilers decisions till the cows come home but the only fact we have in front of us is this team is NOT a playoff contender yet. Sure they may only be missing a piece here or there but in the end, someone needs to take a risk. Example...Ray Shero took some big risks in Pittsburgh. He brough in Morrow, Iginla, Jokinen and Murray to a team that had been winning without those guys. In the end, his All-Star team never did make it to Lord Stanley's Wedding. Think back to the New York Rangers on a few occasions. Trying to assemble a cast of all-stars does not work very often. Maybe that is the problem in Oil Country. Maybe we are so afraid to trade off a star in worries that we need only all-stars (Schultz, Eberle, RNH, Hall and Yakupov) and we will be set. Those players we have, I want! On the other I want a exciting team but one that wins.

All that being said, I am one fan who is hoping the Sheriff knows what he is doing. 'In MacT we trust'.

Having had a few conversations since earlier this week, in and around the Oilers brass, local and afar, I have gleaned some new insights that could turn out to be pretty interesting. In no way am I saying I have inside information from the GM and as we all know any info from within a organization is only information and is not legit until it actually happens and someone makes a decision or pulls the trigger. MacT has a quick trigger hand, so expect a few casualties along the way. I heard the nervousness in his voice but I also heard confidence to stand up and be accounted for. The nervousness we heard from was the human element. Nobody wants to fire someone (usually) on the other hand he is not afraid to declare it was HIS CHOICE. He will live or die with his decision.

Now to more potential Oilers 'Moves or Non-Moves';

1) Goaltending to compete for 1st string;
It is sounding more and more that the Oilers are looking for a established Goaltender. The European route sounds to be one of development they will go with. Train and develop in the AHL while working a draft pick goaltender with them on the farm. It is possible we don't pick up a goaltender until the third round. What are potential names for this year?

Let's look at possibilities of possible interest. Ryan Miller / Roberto Luongo / Marc-Andre Fluery / Ray Emery. Don't laugh! It's a very real possibility for the Oilers. Let's look at these Goalies closer into what they could potentially offer.
Ryan Miller - A #1 Goalie who still has lots in the tank and has been in several swirling rumours from the City of Buffalo, New York City, Carolina and even Florida. I have no qualms about Ryan and what he brings, it's his price tag and if he would even want to live in the cold Tundra of Edmonton. (Buffalo is not that nice of a place but he is at least a American). Would be my #1 choice should I be the one choosing.
Roberto Luongo - This is a mixed bag to Oilers fans. His contract is terrible but what do we care if it builds us into a winner. I believe Luongo still has 5 years left in him as a Top 10 Goalie in this league. It's hard to say if he would be ok coming here but on the other hand Gilles needs to make something happen as he will NOT be able to carry both Goalies going into next season or his job is lost. Luongo wants a chance to win and Edmonton may just be that place for him to do so. He would be my #2 choice. (keep in mind the comments from Bob Stauffer from last season should the lock-out had been shorter and a big move from the Oilers.)
Marc-Andre Fluery-A player with high pedigree who has lost incredible favour with his organization in Pittsburgh. Not playing him later in the playoffs and being swept in 4 by Boston is sending lots of subtle signs. Sometimes Goalies just need a change and could Edmonton be that change he needs. I know last years playoffs and this years as well has Oiler fans scared of him, but no risk? Little reward! You will NOT get a top notch Goalie by UFA or trade cause they are too high priced or won't get traded cause everyone wants them. People though Patrick Roy was going downhill early before being traded to Colorado. It's a risk, but no risk and you get the Dubynk's of the world only.
Ray Emery- Past his prime years now but could be a quality challenger to raising Dubynk's game. Likely not a permanent thing but a stop gap in the mean time.

NOTE: I know Oiler fans want the best Goalie possible, for the least cap dollars and a low amount of years to pay on his contract along with a guy who can be clutch and has performed well in the playoffs and even won a Stanley Cup. Can't have all of those things in one package. You get the bad with the Good. The closest in that group of Goalies is Ryan Miller. Clutch goaltending in regular season? Roberto Luongo, not playoffs maybe. Fluery has won a stanley cup and performed well during the regular season but last two playoffs has stunk out the joint. Emery? Been to a Stanley Cup final! It will be interesting where we go from here. MacT believes in building from the Back out, so Goaltending will be addressed I believe in a big move. Only time will now tell.


2) Coaching;
With Krueger gone and all the hype on Dallas taking his spot, you have got to believe it is his job and final paperwork is only left. The assistants won't be staying, it's clean house time and likely that extra coach will be Paul Maurice. Do I like Maurice in as the associate? Not really sure how much he has to offer but one can hope I guess. I would rather Dallas goes a little outside his circles but as long as no coach is 'old boys club' I am ok with the move. I expect by Tuesday afternoon everything is done including a press meeting.

No one can say it's boring in the off-season in Edmonton can we?

A look into the UFA 'Center' position in Edmonton

Today we are going to look at potential Centre position players that could be brought in. We may just need that depth center position filled here in Edmonton OR could we trade Gagner potentially if he is asking for too high a price and sign a decent Centerman to replace him? Only time will tell for Oiler fans but in the meantime let's take a look at what is available on the Free Agent market for Centre's July 1/2013.

Elias, Patrik » 6'1 194 lbs
Ribeiro, Mike » 6'0 176 lbs
Connolly, Tim » 6'1 192 lbs
McDonald, Andy » 5'10 187 lbs
Antropov, Nik » 6'6 245
Roy, Derek » 5'9 187 lbs
Koivu, Saku » 5'10 181 lbs
Cullen, Matt » 6'1 194 lbs
Lombardi, Matthew » 5'11 194 lbs
Zubrus, Dainius » 6'5 225 lbs
Weiss, Stephen » 5'11 192 lbs
Malhotra, Manny » 6'2 216 lbs
Handzus, Michal » 6'5 216 lbs
Wellwood, Kyle » 5'11 185 lbs
Bozak, Tyler » 6'0 187 lbs
Reasoner, Marty » 6'0 190 lbs
Gordon, Boyd » 6'0 201 lbs
Hecht, Jochen » 6'1 192 lbs
Steckel, David » 6'5 223 lbs
Lapierre, Maxim » 6'2 220 lbs
Regin, Peter » 6'2 196 lbs
Halpern, Jeff » 6'0 203 lbs
Nichol, Scott » 5'8 179 lbs
Chipchura, Kyle » 6'2 209 lbs
Adams, Craig » 6'0 198 lbs
Hall, Adam » 6'3 205 lbs
Bolduc, Alexandre » 6'2 201 lbs

Of these players available, very few would be of interest to replace Gagner at center, so unless they can grab a top centerman in the NHL entry draft, very unlikely they let Gagner go unless they secretly plan to move Hall to the centre position. (I highly doubt they go that way). Take a look see at some possibilities here for that 4th line role behind Horcoff if he is not traded. Belanger's replacement is very likely going to be a faceoff winning centre who has speed to burn and is a big boy who can land a good hit.

I will discuss under comments some of my thoughts as too which players I like  or dislike.

'Keepin on Keepin on'

Edmonton Oilers 'Moves or Non-Moves'?

Today being just another day in the life of Oiler fans, it was a good day for a blog that raised some thoughts and or questions for some of the greatest hockey fans the world has seen or heard.

The hockey world does not always make sense. Sure, eventually what goes around, comes around, but that does not stop the pain suffered by Edmonton Oiler fans since the devastating Game 7 loss in the 2006 Stanley Cup. It's like the pain never stops. Just when there looks to be hope at the end of the tunnel, WHAM! Right in the gut once again. Kind of reminds me of growing up in elementary school and facing the big bully each day that wants your 'yummy' lunch your mom sent.

I must say, the Oilers organization should be credited with some good work being 'spin doctors'. Seriously, think about it. Ever since the 2006 Stanley Cup run, the Oilers have found a way to spoon feed us some good hope that this team will eventually return to make a solid run at Lord Stanley's Cup. A feat few teams ever get close to , let alone actually accomplish.

Having said all that, there is the newest Sheriff in town and his Name is 'Sheriff MacT' and he is ready with guns loaded to run the bad guys out of town! Ok, if I am going to make that analogy, I better describe who the bad guys are right? Wrong! I am going to leave that up to you incredible and knowledgable fans. What I am going to do is walk through some possibilities moving forward and what I think is going to happen. I have mentioned this before and will reiterate it again, you can read between the lines if you pay close attention to the subtle things being said. There is always the local gossip rumour mill and of course there is occasionally some insights learned from things said by the Oilers brass that gets passed on through those 'casual get togethers' in the community. So having said all that here are some of the 'Moves or Non-Moves' that could possibly be on the horizon in Oil Country in the coming weeks and months.

1) Horcoff; Will be moved out but a trade will be the way MacT tries to move him out. I know he still has a couple years left on his contract but to the right team this could make sense. There are likely about 5-7 teams who may have interest , while maybe 2 or 3 have more interest. The possibilities? A team on the verge of making a run at the playoffs and/or a team who needs to reach the cap floor. I do not believe Horcoff moves via a buyout as that likely will be used on Belanger if he can not be traded which most believe he can not be moved any other way. The Oilers will not use both their compliance buyouts this year so expect a trade or Shawn will have one more year playing Center in Edmonton.

2) Smyth; I know many fans who want him gone but Ryan has lots to prove. He will have extra motivation this year to make up for the worst year of his career. Ryan will be settling for 4th line duty this year, maybe 3rd line in the case of injuries once again but 10-12 minutes a night of TOI could make him a valuable asset in played in right circumstances.

3) Belanger; See comments under Horcoff

4) 2nd Goaltender; Yes, fans wanted the latest and greatest finish Goalie but there are a couple other options lying out there. Don't write off a move for a top notch Goalie. The Oilers making a play for Luongo is still not out of the question (like it or hate it). In addition, Miller could be in play from Buffalo. Like him or not, Miller even with a bad season in Buffalo still makes the clutch saves, his SP remains close to the same year after year as does his GAA. (Something to be noted of what is a indicator of a consistent and good goaltender is that his SP and his GAA remains much alike year after year) There are exceptions when playing behind a terrible defence that changes year after year but it's a good mark of a great goalie. Unfortunately a terrible playoff record year after year falls into that same category. It may be neither goalie but look for a move along those lines as a possibility if not this year absolutely next year.

5) #7 OV Draft pick 2013; The greatest likelyhood is keeping the pick. I would think the likeliest pick will be Monahan and or Darnell Nurse if they keep the pick and with who may be available. If they can, MacT will make a push to get MacKinnon but that would be a absolute gift if he can pull that off. It's not happening but we can dream. There is a possibility they do press to move up a few and get Barkov. Some talk suggests to move up to the 4 or 5 spot to get Barkov will mean giving up this years #7, 2014 1st OV selection and a roster player of significance. What I can say is I do not believe the Oilers will take Lindholm and/or Zadorov as some suggest they can. Nurse is a much better skater then Zadorov, is more mobile, has a better 1st pass out of his zone and is still close to 200 lbs already. I do believe if they can not land MacKinnon (Highly unlikely) Barkov (slim chance) or Monahan (50% chance) then they will try to trade down with Columbus and land Lazar and/or Horvat. Lazar is underrated IMO and if they can not land those earlier three centres I mentioned I do believe Lazar is next on their list. NOTE: I do believe the Oilers like Pulock as well should they have a opportunity to trade with Columbus for their two higher picks for their #7 slot. Would Ryan Pulock (Captain, over 200 lbs, has a slapshot already over 104 mph) with Lazar be acceptable? It's a chance there is a possibility there. Should be a much more interesting draft for us then previous years.

6) New associate coach; It will happen, they need someone with NHL experience who can help with technical skills. MacT has indicated with subtle hints that coaching needs to be more rounded and after hearing rumours circling Oil Country, I am prett certain we will see such a thing happen.

7) Klefbom; Contrary to some people's opinions if he is healthy, he will make the Oilers out of training camp I believe. I understand why people say he needs time in OKC but how do they know? Until you see him play in training camp and a few per-season games you can not make that judgement unless as fans we know better then coaches. Rushing him to the NHL means he was not ready, him playing cause he is better then the other players in camp does not mean rushing at all. I have high expectations of Klefbom and believe he will make believers out of alot of fans this coming season. Only question will be. 'is he fully healed up'? I expect our defence to be Smid/Petry/J.Schultz/N.Schultz/Klefbom/UFA or TRADE

Thats a few random thoughts for today. Next blog we will continue with some more Moves or Non-Moves in Oil Country.