Was 'Free Agent Frenzy' enough?

I really wish I could sit here and write and tell you how well MacT did since he took over at the helm. The bigger question remains, 'is what he has done anything different then what Tamby was already doing'? For me, there is lots of talk, but little results to follow. I know he has made moves and some fans are super excited about Horcoff moving on. Some fans feel like these free agent signings are a sign he can be a mover and a shaker.

Thing is, there is nothing he has done that Tamby could not have done. You can drink the kool-aid but not me. Let's look at what he has accomplished

He replaced the coach:
Not really a improvement until we see the difference on the ice cause we have now a inexperienced coach who has promised a lot but has not. Every single coach coming in talks big and says how this team is going '....' but in the end there is very little difference. Things SOUND good but as of right now, I don't hold out much hope.

He didn't qualify some offers:
Again this is something that even Tamby did , so nothing to note of significance there.

He picked up Belov:
a move that may sound good but can't sing his praises until we can see if he actually can play in the NHL.  

He made a trade to unload Horcoff:
Again as much as people think this was a huge deal, not really. Horcoff is a quality center in the 3rd line role. It is not his salary it is his cap hit. On some teams they want that very benefit and as much as some want to say and claim it was unlovable, it wasn't. We can argue all day and night that we disagree but that contract was not that impossible at this stage now. Yes, he needed to go, not because he was bad in his role but because it was time to move on. Not a big deal or something that Tamby would not have been able to do either.

Free Agent Signings:
Sorry, but Ference's contract over 4 years is not a value signing on Free agent frenzy day. Glad they have a player who wants to be here but he is not a 2nd pairing d-man. Maybe he is on this Oilers team but I would rather see another player who has some size maybe and can do the same things. Also the wrong shot player we needed. Time will only tell on him. Goalie? Ok, we got a back up, Tamby could not have done that? We signed Boyd Gordon who was a solid 3rd line signing but while stats show him playing well, we have heard and saw others come in and fall apart. Sorry the other signings don't even count cause once again Tamby IMO could have done the same.

In the end, I am still ok with MacT in the helm of the GM chair but let's not praise his 'accomplishments' until actual success has gone hand in hand. Still waiting to see what will happen with doing something that will actually help this roster. I like the strengthening on the blueline but once again it is a wait and see cause neither is proven to the extent they will be relied on. My grade for MacT to date? I will give him a C+ for hard work and effort. What I do believe is MacT is a learner and as he grows in his job he will get better, that is what I am optimistic about.

A Closer look into the Edmonton Oilers 'Recruitment'

In light of recent activity both good and bad in many people’s opinions, I have decided to now put my ‘Oilers fan’ hat aside and put on my ‘Oiler Blogger’ hat on. I know, my last blog basically ripped MacT and the Oilers (as have some of my tweets on twitter @revingev) but today it is time to take a different perspective of the Oilers organization.

After years of ‘retooling’ and ‘rebuilding’ or whatever you choose to call it, the fans in Edmonton and Oiler fans around the NHL have grown impatient over the progress the team has made in recent years. Many people felt and still feel that nothing is really going to be much different this year from any other. Will we see progress again this year slightly over last? Maybe, but not much other then the continued maturity of the skill players the Oilers already have.

In all fairness, if MacT had to do it again, would he have proclaimed to make bold moves , say he was an impatient man and/or tell people if he did not return from the draft without some roster players it would be a disappointment? I think he still FEELS that way but being a new GM, he was hoping he could be a mover and shaker and do some things differently. There are a number of reasons other teams seem to make moves and not the Oilers in my view. Are they factual? I have no idea other then just speculating or as some say, just guessing based on what we have seen or heard. IMO these are the possible reasons the Oilers seem to miss out on great trades and or free agents.

LOCATION:

I know, I have continually said that players don’t usually care about the weather cause most the season they are away or have their off season in a warmer climate. Problem is, the more you talk to players these days, location is extremely important. They are looking for a place where they can not be in the limelight and or can get away from all the stress of pressure they feel from the media and or public. Sure some players love the limelight and like that attention but not all. Some players dream of playing and living in warmer weather conditions. Can’t say I can blame them. Some players want the extras that come from playing in a state of the art building with training equipment etc...

My suggestion:

Why not trade for and draft or reach out to UFA’s who like the spotlight? Sure they may be a little cocky or have some attitude, but is that so bad? I know we want character players but do we always need polished boys who say or do the right thing? If they don’t help you win, why does it matter? Just a thought! On the other note, I believe the team is going in the right direction with our new downtown arena complex. Nothing like a good time in a positive environment with state of the art facilities. Great for the players and the fans. 

WINNING CULTURE:

Every player who says winning the Stanley Cup is not important should have their head examined cause that’s why they are paid to play. We don’t pay them to look pretty, provide a nice game here or there and collect there cheque. Every fan, dreams of their team winning or at least competing to win the Stanley Cup. In the end, we should not be upset at a player who does not want to come to a losing team. Sorry Oiler fans but we all know, at this time we are close to being a winning team but not yet. Sure we can convince some we are almost there but in the end, players want to come and play for a winner. Hopefully soon the Oilers will arrive there.

My suggestion:

Allow time for the young core to develop and surround them with the best staff available. Pick a system and stick to it. Also stick to the plan of how you want to build your team. (ie: Big and mean VS Puck possession etc…) Fans will be willing to wait if they see continued success each year. With that, to be a winner you need to take chances in your trades. No complaints really in amateur scouts but there is in the pro scouts. Their success has been terrible and when you keep doing the same, your results stay the same. Let’s find some scouts who know how to find good players once in awhile. (ie: Glencross, Ryan Jones) through small trades and or waivers. We need to have more hits then misses.

PERSONAL PLAYER RECRUITMENT:

Winning teams have players who go out and pursue the UFA’s when they are available. Before a player becomes available they are already talking about possible teams to join in the future. It’s not wrong for a player to recruit early, there just friends, however a team recruiting before UFA time is illegal. Philly players help make attraction better, Boston does the same as does Pittsburgh. Even Calgary in the past worked hard on personal recruitment among the players. It may not be liked by some people but it is happening and if you don't jump on board you will get left behind.

My suggestion:

Recently we saw this with Justin Schultz,  however this seldom is seen. In today's post-modern way of thinking, players who are younger are more interested in being ‘wanted’ or ‘needed’ then in the name on the Jersey in the front. Continue to make this a priority of the players selling the organization rather then the GM’s and such. Sure they want to see the President and the GM but more importantly they want to see ‘friends’ asking them. Key point here is to think of what is most important to ‘people’ NOT to ‘players’. Sometimes we forget that these guys don’t need our city, our city needs them! Should we bend some? Absolutely, it’s a business, do everything we can, and with this young core we have, make them the recruiters.

TEAM UNITY:

I know this may sound like such a small thing but it is important to have a locker room where teams learn to rely on one another and work things out among themselves and even self-motivate each other. We have heard of several rumours over the years of locker room problems. Some is always bound to happen, the question is rooting out the ones who are not team players.

My suggestion:
 It is a new day and age , most the old ways of developing team chemistry is gone. Adapt or be left behind. If a team is run like a hierarchy it can reflect in what kind of team you have on the ice. Giving more responsibility to your team is important to that chemistry of a winning culture. Every team needs to be encouraged to give their input. When a player feels valued it will change their whole attitude and way of thinking.

UNWILLINGNESS TO PROMOTE OR TRADE VALUE:

I know this will be unpopular to Oiler fans but we can not continue to think as a organization that we can win every trade. Someone has to lose and unless your good at it , you will likely lose a few. Sometimes they can work both ways but most times there is a loser in the deal. You cannot get better by trades without trading better players who have value or at least ‘believed’ value.

My suggestion:

When your considering trading someone, don’t tell the world you need to move them. Don’t sit them in the press box. Highlight them in their strengths on the ice and make reasons in the room and with the player as to why your making the changes. (ie: Ryan Whitney value is decreased with the way he was played and even critiqued in the MSM) Find a way to speak positive of players but yet working on improving their challenges at times. I believe Todd Nelson was always good at this. Sure he spoke highly of players (after all, they are humans not robots) but he also talked about area’s to work on. Too often in Edmonton players are ripped apart and that information gets dissected by other teams scouts. A little strategy in how we handle critiquing could go a long ways. In addition how we handle disgruntled players will go a long ways in seeing them traded for at least something rather then rusting in our organization. Have we also forgotten that the way we treat a player can spread like 'wildfire' in the NHL among the NHLPA? Just a thought!

Having said all that, I am not employed by a professional hockey team and never have been, so what do I know? What I do know is how people want to be treated regardless of how much money they make. Team building and training is what I do and that my friends, I believe goes a long way in developing success within any organization.

NEXT POST ON 'DEVELOPMENT CAMP' 2013:

The Oilers have tendered 6 players.

Semi Breaking News

The Oilers have tendered 6 players today, Fedun, Harikainen, Gagner, Tryvainen, Paarjarvi, and Hovinen.


People they did not tender.
Theo Peckham,Tuebert, Plante and Cornet these players will become UFA's on July 5th.



Thoughts on not tendering Peckham.
Peckham was a very disappointing player this season so I understand why they let him go but maybe they should have tendered him and traded for a 4th rounder or something.

Tendering thoughts.
I agree with everyone we did tendered except for maybe Tryvainen as I don't think he will turn out plus he is going to finland.


More news to come on this subject.


This has been written by Noah Fuchs aka NHL rumors guy

"Post Mock Draft Prediction, How did Oilers Jambalaya do"?

Well before I go into some thoughts on how the draft day figured in the bigger picture of life, I wanted to release the results of the Mock Draft that myself and my 2 Draft Party comrades did in comparison to some other bloggers and MSM. Before I share of how well we faired, I must say, I have never actually attempted an actual MOCK Draft and wow, is it difficult, even for the best at this. Here was the final results...

BOB MACKENZIE'S 2013 NHL DRAFT 'FINAL RANKINGS' 

(Not Mock but is a Consensus from scouts)

3/30

OILERS JAMBALAYA 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Evan 'revingev' Renaerts

3/30

SLUGGER 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Joel Slugoski

3/30

SINGLES 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Aaron Singleton

4/30

CRAIG BUTTON'S 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Craig Button

5/30

EDMONTON OILERS HEAD WRITER  2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Ryan Dittrick

5/30

OILERS RADIO NETWORK 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Bob Stauffer

2/30

OILERS RADIO NETWORK 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Jack Michaels

2/30

EDMONTON OILERS REPORTER 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Tom Gazzola

2/30

OILERS RADIO NETWORK 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Dan Tencer

2/30

OILERS NATION 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Jonathan Willis

1/30

COPPER AND BLUE 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Derek Zona

1/30

COMING DOWN THE PIPE 2013 NHL NOMCK DRAFT 

by Guy Flaming

3/30

HOCKEYPROSPECTUS 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Corey Pronman

4/30

THE HOCKEY NEWS 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

4/30

CBC SPORTS 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT

6/30

SPORTSNET 2013 NHL MOCK DRAFT 

by Sam Cosentino

6/30

All in all you can see how difficult it is to do well. Congrats to Sam Consentino and CBC Sports as I could not find  better MOCK Draft winners! Someone had to do well.(or 2)

Keeping on top of all the twitter rumours, TSN , Sportsnet and other outlets was not easy. Not to mention keeping up with information on Oilers players we barely knew.

Glued to the TV. phone and Computer for hours on end during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft

Ok, having now covered the fun part of the draft (making predictions, good food and drink, and good company enjoying being a draft junkie with prospects) that moves us onto what actually happened in New Jersey today. What exactly did happen in New Jersey? Sorry Oiler fans but I will not sugar coat this draft and stand by and hear how we tried and it is hard. Mr Dithers did that and got ripped for it. 

Not a real good move losing our 37th pick for 3 others in later rounds when those other picks have even a lower % chance of ever playing in the NHL. At least at 37 there were a couple more good d-men, Triston Jarry was still on the table as was Eric Comrie. What about Robert Hagg? Should I go on? It was a real 'Feaster' move and it reeked big time to me.

Was I ok with our #7 pick in Nurse? Would have really preferred Nichuskin but will trust that Stu had more to say on this and that they have good Intel on Nurse not everyone did.Not to mention other teams passed as well, so it was not just the Oilers.  I was hoping we would make a trade with those draft picks in 2nd round or the newly traded ones but nope! Nothing, zilch, this draft was all about restocking the cupboards. Really? You know what? I am just going to say nothing rather then say something I will regret down the road. This draft reminded me back to 2007 draft and the disappointment it felt like picking up Riley Nash and Alex Plante in the 1st round?

Yup, no more needed to be said. Am I bothered we never got a trade done? It sucks but it happens but this draft we were to unload some prospects and re-stock the system with younger potential not more of the same. MacT made a lot of bold promises and so far? Not to impressive. He really needs to say nothing rather then get Oil Country all worked up. Yes, I obviously am worked up. Not sure this team can even make the playoffs this next year, yet again! With only about 10 days left, MacT has more work in front of him then he can handle. Just wait. When he does not get what this team needs, know what we will hear? 'It's hard to make a trade in the NHL, it's expensive to pick up a UFA who usually want to be overpaid.' My best guess why we didn't land a trade we wanted? We spent too much effort on trying to get Cory Schneider and that was a Goose chase from the beginning. MacT should remember the Nylander days and what Lowe went through with Gillis. The guy is a joke. Ok, enough from me today. Sorry to rant on, should have called this blog, 'Rant on young man, Rant on'!...lol

In the meantime and in between time, that's it for another Draft season at Oilers Jambalaya

Forwards: Crazy or Legitimate Speculation in "Oil Country"?

This mornings post is the last in looking at the crazy rumours going around in regards to the players the Oilers may be interested in for this upcoming season. Some of these rumours have legs and others are nothing more then pure speculation. I offer some thoughts and a look at all those potential names that keep popping up here and there in the world of social media.

Today is the big draft and for the first time in several years we don't get the player we want automatically here in Edmonton. Our fate depends on the decisions of the teams before us. Mainly Carolina and Calgary. That villain in Calgary can actually still hurt us here in Edmonton by drafting our player we want out from under us. 

Let's look at the potential forwards who have been mentioned as possibly coming to Edmonton over the last month or so...

Bobby Ryan (Age 26, 6'2, 200 lbs)
I really think there are no legs to him coming to Edmonton nor does he want to. He is a power forward who would fit well here but not likely to happen.

Michal Handzus (Age 36, 6'5, 213 lbs)
May be getting old in the teeth (or lack of) but is a incredible smart and excellent role payer in that 3rd-4th line center position.

Viktor Stalberg (Age 27, 6'3, 209 lbs)
Is actually a RW not a natural LW player who we need. I like him but like Hemsky you never know what your getting. Rather have and grow Paajarvi.

Dave Bolland (Age 27, 6'0, 184 lbs)
Why do people think he is worth the $? Not a player we need unless we are making a pick up at trade deadline and making a run at the cup. He wants to be paid like a 2nd line center. Not a big player but does play like one. Remember Oiler fans RNH is bigger and just as strong, just not a hitter and grinder.

Dustin Penner (Age 30, 6'5, 245 lbs)
I would be ok with his return but can not see MacT wanting him here or Dallas Eakins either due to lack of consistent play game to game. Don't think Penner wants back under MacT either.

Cal Clutterbuck (Age 25, 5'11, 213 lbs)
Perfect fit for a 3rd line role for awhile while we still develop players. Will show teams not to mess with us or you ma get a boarderline hit on your best players. hate to play against him so might as well have him play with you. Pitlick is worth the risk IMO

Paul Gaustad (Age 31, 6'5, 223 lbs)
Not sure how easy it would be to get him to Edmonton but his size is perfect to what we are needing. Not very likely to end up in Edmonton but we should keep a eye on this player.

Martin Hanzel (Age 26, 6'6, 236 lbs)
Not sure what would be required in a trade but have heard several different occasions #Oilers have looked into this player. Perfect Center with size we could use. Also a great checker

Patrick Marleau (Age 33, 6'2, 220 lbs)
Not mentioned much recently but I have heard some rumblings that just because it is silent, do not rule this out due to salary reasons. A stop gap in Edmonton for a few seasons? Our second line center we need? Doubt it happens but needs to be considered.

Chris Stewart (Age 25, 6'2, 231 lbs)
Is a risk due to decline in play and not always consistent but another player that can throw his weight around and compliment our skill players? Unlikely as well. Dallas won't be high on him or MacT for that matter.

Manny Malhotra (Age 33, 6'2, 220 lbs)
This could be a possibility if Manny is willing to settle for a 4th line role. If not for eye injury he would be perfect for 3rd line role but injury puts his ability in question. Depends on the market IMO.

Nik Antropov (Age 33, 6'6, 245 lbs)
Do not think there is any interest to this one but had to acknowledge the speculation

Nathan Horton (Age 28, 6'2, 229 lbs)
Oilers will make a push for his services but bigger question will be, does he like the Oilers? His next team will be because he chooses to play in a city and team he loves. Why do I have a feeling he wants warm weather again? Why do I say that? Why leave a cup contender unless your looking for one of 2 things. $ and or Leisure and pleasure.

Drew Stafford (Age 27, 6'2, 214 lbs)
This is more speculation then anything and the Oilers have been quiet on this one, but I would say there is a 25% chance of inquiry if they don't land there top choices.

Ryan Johansen (Ahe 20, 6'3, 203 lbs)
Don't give up on this possibility. Ryan is out of place in CBJ country. They are not developing him the way it was anticipated or is he just not as good as prospect as some say. I am not high on his potential other then a 3rd line role. His upside is limited. Check his stats, don't see him as top 2 center on any team but maybe he is a late developer. He could be worth the risk if the price is right. Oilers? You still inquiring?

David Clarkson (Age 29, 6'1, 200 lbs)
Wants the 'Big Smoke' as his destination by those claiming to be close to him. If he leaves NJ he ends up in TO I believe. Also is a natural RW so remove any idea's Oiler fans. We have Yakupov on the RW and Clarkson is not great on LW in experiments NJ has attempted him there.

Nino Niederreiter (Age 20, 6'2, 208 lbs)
Could be a possibility as well. Things have not gone well for Nino and maybe he needs a change of scenery. Nino for Paajarvi later on after draft? I think there is some interest from Oilers, question is How much?

Zack Smith (Age 25, 6'2, 212 lbs)
Depending on what they actually would need to send to Ottawa, Zack would be a interesting acquisition for the Oilers. Still find this rumour to sound off some.

Sean Couturier (Age 20, 6'3, 197 lbs)
Unless the Flyers want our #7 and we trade, I do not see the Oilers getting him. Would you do #7 for Sean straight up? What if the trade was The Oilers #7 and Paajarvi and Marincin for Braydon Coburn , their number #10 and Sean Couturier?

Ryan Malone (Age 33, 6'4, 224 lbs)
If the Oilers want to take a risk on his injury prone body and for a good price to pay for that risk but I do not see this as legitimate. Unless the Oilers get something out of this, it is not happening.

These players are not all really in play but you can bet your Grandma's pension that one could be in Oil Country by the start of the next NHL season. (If not traded here, they play here?...lol) All kidding aside, I am pretty certain one or two will be landed , question is, who?

If I had to select my top players I would want regardless of salary or what it took to acquire them I would place these forwards in the following order of priority.

1.Bobby Ryan (Age 26, 6'2, 200 lbs)

2.Sean Couturier (Age 20, 6'3, 197 lbs)

3.Martin Hanzel (Age 26, 6'6, 236 lbs)

4.Nathan Horton (Age 28, 6'2, 229 lbs)

5.Patrick Marleau (Age 33, 6'2, 220 lbs)

6.Ryan Johansen (Ahe 20, 6'3, 203 lbs)

7.Nino Niederreiter (Age 20, 6'2, 208 lbs)

8.David Clarkson (Age 29, 6'1, 200 lbs)

9.Michal Handzus (Age 36, 6'5, 213 lbs)

10.Cal Clutterbuck (Age 25, 5'11, 213 lbs)

11.Viktor Stalberg (Age 27, 6'3, 209 lbs)

12.Paul Gaustad (Age 31, 6'5, 223 lbs)

13.Drew Stafford (Age 27, 6'2, 214 lbs)

14.Chris Stewart (Age 25, 6'2, 231 lbs)

15.Dave Bolland (Age 27, 6'0, 184 lbs)

16.Manny Malhotra (Age 33, 6'2, 220 lbs)

17.Zack Smith (Age 25, 6'2, 212 lbs)

18.Dustin Penner (Age 30, 6'5, 245 lbs)

19.Nik Antropov (Age 33, 6'6, 245 lbs)

20.Ryan Malone (Age 33, 6'4, 224 lbs)

Stay tuned folks for a incredible ride of emotion today.

NEXT POST COMING WILL BE: 
"Post Mock Draft Prediction, How did Oilers Jambalaya do"?