Todd McLellan shuffled the deck after two periods last night and lit a fire that leveled the Jets. The McDavid line acquired a giant and the Nuge line picked up a very nice fit, with the result in the final 20 (four goals and a 5×5 Corsi event total of 24-7) suggesting it might be worth taking the new configuration out for a spin more often.
THE DEFENSE
- Russell-Benning had a fine game, Benning was firing headman passes often. I like Russell LH side more than right and the pairing won the Fenwicks by a mile. Todd McLellan won’t be able to protect his second pairing, let’s check these possession numbers in a week.
- Nurse-Gryba skated and chased, Gryba turned the puck over a couple of times. Nurse had a good night with the puck as transporter, tried to do less and because of it got more done. Nurse’s passing is going to be a vital part of any success for this duo.
- Jones-Simpson were effective and efficient despite some giveaways, both men cashing assists (Simpson’s on the splendid McDavid goal). Jones was sent out after the game, but he was one of the most impressive players in camp over the first 10 days. Simpson survived the latest cuts, once again exceeding expectations.
#Oilers assign Downing, Jones, Laleggia & Mantha to @Condors, place Callahan & Lowe on waivers for the purpose of assignment.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 24, 2017
No surprises, I was impressed with defenders Caleb Jones and Ryan Mantha. Edmonton has a growing list of defensemen who are big, fast and possess a range of skills. More on the remaining men in a minute.
FORWARDS
- The Chris Kelly (Malone-Russell) line was mind blowing, four points and the trio gets to stay and fight another day. That’s some damned fine teamwork.
- Nuge played with Jokinen the entire night, two periods with Puljujarvi and the third with Strome. I thought the line looked good throughout but it was absolutely more lively with Strome on it.
- The Letestu (Khaira-Kassian) line had another solid night, Khaira is really establishing himself. He should probably cut down 17 pim nights, though.
- McDavid-Puljujarvi is a new secret weapon and deadly. JP made a lovely tip pass to Connor McDavid for 97’s goal and then (much like his first NHL goal) was in the right place to poke him a marker of his own. I hope we see this combination again. A note for Patrick Maroon, who confronted slayer Byfuglien who was throwing McDavid around for fun.
DISTANT BELLS
- The distant bells are decimated now, a lonely bell ringing for Patrick Russell. Three injured men (Sekera, Ferlin, Benson) also remain but in name only. Patrick Russell is this year’s champion in this category.
- Russell was one of the college free agents from one year ago (Matt Benning, Drake Caggiula, Nick Ellis) and is a Chiarelli-type (pain in the ass, rugged, hitter, some skill). Players like him have played in the NHL on Chiarelli teams. I wonder about the boots, but credit to him for getting this far.
UNCERTAIN OILERS
- We are down to 11 now, I count three among these players who will be on the opening night roster (more if someone is on IR with Andrej Sekera).
- Any guesses? I’ll go with Yohann Auvitu, Jujhar Khaira and Iiro Pakarinen.
- Chris Kelly has been inconsistent in camp but the Oilers are giving him the full look, he is probably still in the mix. I will guess he doesn’t make the team, but these games can serve as auditions for other teams.
- Ty Rattie had his best outing last game, earned another. I can’t see a scenario that gets him on the opening night roster but he is absolutely a recall option.
- Kailer Yamamoto has been an amazing success during training camp. No matter what, he has delivered a fantastic performance and given fans a taste of what is to come. Maybe more. That’s breaking news.
- The club has 10 defensemen remaining for seven or eight positions, meaning one or two of these names will make the team. We shouldn’t be surprised by Auvitu and Stanton’s presence, they were hired to compete and Auvitu has a one-way deal. Mark Fayne remaining is fascinating (he has been inconsistent) and Dillon Simpson making the opening night roster would be ultimate Simpson. He’s been winning battles since his draft day.
CERTAIN OILERS
- This is the heart of the order. I think we could see a RHD acquired by opening night, we often talk about Colin Miller but perhaps there are other targets.
- Anton Slepyshev is 10 days from Game One. He’ll need to play some this week.
- The entire group has yet to play together, the four lines look promising so far this fall, led by an outstanding group of centers.
- Cam Talbot is Cam Talbot.
You’ll notice that when I state opinion it’s clearly stated as such and not as fact.
The key phrase in what I wrote is “my guess”
That’s the difference.
Stating opinion as fact is when things go off the rails.
Also,
Once again I engage in polite conversation and once again you’re a dink.
Auvitu in the lineup presumably means that Gryba is out so they would need someone to play the right side. Nurse is definitely not going to shift to the right side, he’s still learning to be an NHL player on his natural side. The logical choice for the coach is the player that played there last year. I just hope that they would keep Benning at 2RD (if he’s performing well_) and drop Russelll to 3RD but I don’t see it.
Why would Auvitu being in the lineup shift Russell to 2RD. Chances are Gryba is never the 2RD. Auvitu in the lineup may push Nurse to his right side or Auvitu will play the right side
I’m on the pro-Russell train now.
Well, not quite, but I am glad to see that, so far, he’s looked much better (by my eye) on the left side which was predicted. Small sample size and middling competition, however, in each game they’ve played, they have been the top pairing with the “tough minutes”.
I’m simply worried about what happens when Auvitu is in the lineup over Gryba and the potential for Russell to shift to 2RD.
Not necessarily. I predict they buyout Russell next summer. His contract is structured so that if they buy him out then, they only pay him 611,000 for the 2018-2019 season. I thought it was a boat anchor until I noticed that. Maybe a brilliant contract in the end.
The only saving grace of that contract is that when the Oilers desperately need cap space next summer, buying out Russell will save them almost $3.4M (he’ll only cost them 611k next season if he’s bought out. I predict he gets bought out. Lucic and Sekera don’t save the team much if they’re bought out. That might be the way they keep Nuge (along with letting Maroon walk).
To be fair, Todd messes up Puljujärvi’s name consistently.
– my gut says same . Its such a good point you raise: your an awesome poster
– They are winning the cup this year btw
– If Joki is effective 3W, this year, i.e.better than last year, not as good as 2 years ago, he’s going to be worth a lot more than 1MM
– as for your guess, well that’s your opinion. I’m just stating facts relative to a players value
– If he’s shown to be a worthwhile player, he will cost the Oil a multiple of $1MM: for real
– I thought you said you didn’t like only opinions: I guess only yours?
Woodguy v2.0,
We can agree, though, that spending to the cap in September is incredibly stupid, right?
Compare this to the time that the dementor was still trying to decide who should be on the team after the season had started.
What a different world we are in today!
If Jokinen plays well enough that the organization wants to re-sign him, I can’t see it for being near the league minimum – it will mean he’s had a material positive effect on the team and will clearly require a raise.
Chiarelli is likely looking for “next year’s Jokinen” next spring (and each spring thereafter).
We don’t know that he’s not spending to the cap even if he doesn’t bring in another player prior to October 4.
He’s got two contract spots (1 if Yamamoto somehow stays).
I believe he is looking to evaluate the current roster and see where he needs improvement, be it RW or RD or somewhere else.
It’s been very well documented that Buff doesn’t give a shit about preseason. He knows he’s not auditioning for a job. But he clearly doesn’t use it as a chance to dust off the cob webs and work on anything you think you’re weak on. We know he hasn’t historically kept himself in shape after the season ends, he’s relying on raw talent. He seems to me like one of though life, never pushing himself.
I would argue that it’s the results themselves that are meaningless in preseason, but there’s always work to be done, and for what he’s paid, he might be professional about it.
Taking in a few Vegas games this year. Ticket prices safely above average. This year anyway they won’t hurt league revenues.
If you had told me during Nuge’s first couple seasons that in a couple years we’d have 2 centres better than him and only through the draft, I would have laughed in your face.
my gut feeling is that season we’ll see Nuge’s true value. For the first time in his career he won’t have to drag around Ebs and pick-up the defensive slack for both his wingers, while also facing tough matchups.
You’re absolutely right, as I said earlier in the comments section I would prefer the Oilers kept RNH.
His contract might be too expensive to keep, especially if the Oilers re-sign Maroon.
My guess is 3 years $10M, but I said the same about Russell
I’m not sure when he switched back to D though (in regards to his numbers)
I think he’s worth much more as a Dman than foward.
At 758 gp I wouldn’t expect him to give a shit about pre-season.
Its like talking about practice. (“practice??!?!”)
Kinger_Oil.redux,
– Joki: he’s either gone, or signing for way more than $1MM
He’ll be 35 next year.
If he plays 82 this year then he’ll have played 973 games and made over $40MM in his career.
My guess is that a shot at the Cup would probably take precedence over maximizing form $1MM to $2MM or so.
Well he better bloody well add someone.
Not spending to the cap in 97’s last cheap year is terrible.
Peter spends to the cap every year, I expect this year to be no different.
You gave me the best TV data, but I still don’t dare guess what they get for local TV.
$10MM?
Seems low, but I don’t dare guess higher.
I think EDM is over $25MM, but not sure.
But what about their penalty box slot machine prediction. With penalties being on the upswing and all
Yeah well I think I’ll wait and see what Maroon signs for, if he even signs, before I wave goodbye to Nuge.
Lot of posters here seem to be in a big hurry to get rid of our third best forward. I say keep the strength down the middle. .
Excellent point!
Of course it follows that: How in the world can you “prove” Admiral Yamamoto is better than playoff tested veterans in September? Certainly not in exhibition games.
Emphasis on who “the fool” is here; whether Edward Woodward in The Wicker Man movie or Lowe+MacT mismanaging the franchise for 15 years.
Larsson ($4) Klefbom ($4)
Sekera ($5.5) Benning ($2.75)
Nurse ($2.25) Russell ($4)
Jones
I’m confident with this d-core at that price point. 18/19 season.
I think this is exactly the plan.
Aha yes Sekera, forgot that guy.
Luckily with your savings recommendations on Benning & Nurse, I can now afford him.
Appreciate your response,
Bonuses?
https://oilersnation.com/2017/09/22/report-oilers-start-contract-talks-with-patrick-maroon/
Yes, Khaira has been brought through the Oilers’ system in a proper manner. Too bad there aren’t other players from his draft year.
The Oilers seem to be getting player development correct now, though, as you wrote.
Pescador,
– Where is Sek?
– $7MM for Benning + Nurse is way too much for a 2nd pair + 3rd pair D: but if they progress a lot, great
– Strome could be gone next year: who is he? We don’t know. $3.8 is total guess,and doubt he shows he’s worth more than Maroon, who you have at $3.3
– Joki: he’s either gone, or signing for way more than $1MM
– Besides that, your good!
I don’t see that line up for this season, at least not consistently game over game.
Seems much more likely for 18/19.
FORWARDS:
Maroon (est. $3.34) McDavid ($12.5) Puljujarvi ($925,000)
Lucic ($6) Draisaitl ($8.5) Yamamoto ($925,000)
Caggiula (est $2.25) Strome (est $3.8) Sleppy (est $2.75)
Jokinen ($1) Khaira ($1) Kassian ($1.95)
DEFENSE:
Larsson ($4). Klefbom ($4)
Nurse ($3.5). Benning ($3.5)
Jones ($925,000). Russell ($4)
GOAL:
Talbot ($4.17) Back up (est $1.83).
CAP HIT:
I have $71.6M roughly, before bonuses. Can someone please help me with my bonus estimate?
Also anyone I under/overpaid?
Thanks
– At 23, he’s applying to be a 4W, not being asked to score a lot, and just get hopefully get better.
– “No pressure kid, but look whose chomping to take your spot”, says OIL MGMT
– I have no doubt in the MacT era, he would have been pitched as a “power-forward C”, and mis-cast as the C of the 2nd line, and been thrown out of town by now
– That’s what a good team, depth, intelligent management and the luxury of letting players marinate affords us.
If you noticed that during that confrontation, buff was the one that didn’t want to throw down with maroon. Buff was just looking away and didn’t want anything to do with maroon. Definately looked like maroon wanted to go.
Agreed. Nuge stays. Keep the best players.
Guelph down 4-0 in the third to Windsor – Samorukov is -2 with a shot on goal.
If they have 2 guys on the IR all time, they’d be cutting into that 4M pretty quickly if they still carry 23 players (maybe they look at carrying 22?).
Maybe the thought is “Let’s play out 40-50 games with a cushion, barring a great opportunity to add someone, and re-assess as time progresses.”???
Jujhar Khaira is going to be a good player on the ice and in the dressing room.
LT is correct: Jujhar is establishing himself on the Oilers’ roster. He has had an impressive camp, adding more depth to the team. I love his potential and his mature perspective on being a member of the Oilers.
https://www.nhl.com/oilers/video/post-game-raw–jujhar-khaira/t-277437406/c-52907003
Woodguy Knights’ revenue projection incoming…
Russell at 2RD is a perverse result – he is materially less effective on the right side.
Lol… I don’t think this word means what you think it means.
/”stevesmith”
But yes, the exchange rate against USD has improved for CAD.
No paper currency is allowed to appreciate. See the AB minimum wage increase Oct 1, a measure instituted because Gov’ts would rather spend money they don’t have and protect banks over caring for the poor and those on fixed incomes, no matter the political party.
We will be shamed by History.
No cost other than a potential injury. A broken hand or concussion would be a terrible way to start the year. All for some preseason bs? That doesn’t make sense.
I believe his quote was about ticket revenue, not overall revenue. http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/golden-knights-owner-says-ticket-revenues-par-canadiens/
The 15/16 NHL revenue was $4.1B, split 30 ways means about $137M per team. So using those old figures, the Vegas need to contribute that much to keep the cap flat. Suite revenue aside, that means an average ticket price of $186, and never a cold seat all season long.
I’m not sure what all the other inputs are to HRR, but it seems that they might indeed be a drag on the cap.
There is no cost to fighting Byfuglien in a pre-season game because it is a pre-season game. This is when one can safely take an instigator penalty and send a message to Byfuglien.
All Maroon did was tell Byfuglien was that all he is ever going to do is talk.
Foley said “ticket revenue”, not overall:
In an interview with Forbes, Foley said the Golden Knights are “number five, six or seven in terms of ticket revenue in the league,” adding that they’re ahead of the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.
Godot’s right that the local TV and radio revenues will be much less in Vegas.
If their arena numbers are that high though, they’re probably not a drag on the cap.
I’d argue that matters only in the extreme (like the end of Jultz in EDM) so its not much of a worry.
Buff’s Relative GF% to team (played toughest comp last 4 years)
20092010 -8.81
20102011 16.26
20112012 -6.09
20122013 2.11
20132014 -12.09
20142015 1.19
20152016 7.65
20162017 0.35
He’s good. Don’t know what happened in 13/14 though.
Great teams are run like a meritocracy, if Yamamoto is better than the rest of the players available at RW, you play him until he proves otherwise.
The difference here is that the Oil have a number of players/prospects to choose from these days unlike the decade of darkness, why make decisions today that can be delayed till later, it is a fool who exercises an option prior to expiry
Yeah, I think he’s avoiding that too.
I still have them with ~$4MM in space when you account for the most likely bonuses.
Please who smile all the time are the best people.
I love them.