Did you ever hear the story of the Hunt brothers and cornering the silver market? Nelson Bunker Hunt invented his brother Herbert and then the two of them acquired two thirds of the world’s silver supply in an effort to build a James Bond movie. In the end, they lost an enormous fortune. A brother, Lamar, is often mentioned as a footnote in the silver story, America owing him a major debt for coining the name “Super Bowl” for the annual NFL championship. He suggested it at a meeting shortly after leaving his house with his children in pursuit of a ‘super ball’, the most frustrating toy of my childhood (here, specifically the roof scene).
Cornering the market on silver was a crazy idea, as is trying to corner the market on defensive prospects. This week, Ken Holland may take another defenseman inside the top 10 — running the team’s total to three in seven years. If Phil Broberg joins Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse, Edmonton will have devoted triple the number of top 10 overall picks on defensemen in those seven years than they did in the period 1979-2012 (Paul Coffey).
THE ATHLETIC!
The Athletic Edmonton features a fabulous cluster of stories (some linked below, some on the site). Great perspective from a ridiculous group of writers and analysts. Proud to be part of the group, here’s an incredible Offer!
- New Lowetide: Ken Holland’s work week: Fixing the third and fourth lines while saving money and overhauling the penalty kill
- New Jonathan Willis: How are the Oilers affected by early offseason trades and buyouts to Dion Phaneuf, Andrew MacDonald?
- New Lowetide: Falling talent and other fun facts that could benefit the Oilers in the NHL Draft
- New Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Evaluating the pros and cons of potential Oilers buyout candidates
- New Lowetide: Oilers GM Ken Holland is shopping for 20-goal scorers on a budget. What will he find?
- New Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Jay Woodcroft returning to coach AHL Condors and be reunited with Ken Holland
- Lowetide: Looking at the Oilers’ options for the No. 8 pick at the 2019 NHL Draft.
- Jonathan Willis: How many of Sam Gagner, Zack Kassian and Jujhar Khaira can play top-nine minutes for the Oilers?
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Q&A with Ken Holland: On the draft, buyouts, free agency and how to have a successful offseason
- Lowetide: Trading for Loui Eriksson: What makes sense for the Oilers?
- Jonathan Willis: Differing needs of Oilers, Jets could create a trade fit
- Lowetide: How will Ken Holland build around Connor McDavid?
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: The top five players the Oilers could lose in the expansion draft
- Jonathan Willis: What a trade involving Edmonton’s No. 8 pick might look like given Ken Holland’s history
- Lowetide: Hard Target Search: Finding the Oilers a centre who can penalty kill, help shape a useful third line, and serve in a mentor role
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: How a third-line grinder launched the star-filled Oilers to their first Stanley Cup and a hockey dynasty.
- Lowetide: Is Zack Kassian the answer for the McDavid-Draisaitl line?
WORKING ROSTER 2019-20
I’ve included the RFA’s and estimated cap hits from Matt Cane (here). Edmonton won’t sign Rieder and may trade Puljujarvi, but this is the point where we begin. I didn’t include a backup goalie, that hole may not get filled until early July. We don’t have the cap number but we’ll get that this week, too. Reading the tea leaves, it might be less than $83 million, that may force more buyouts.
MCKENZIE’S LIST
Bob McKenzie’s list is out today, cannot wait for it. McKenzie used to be the editor of The Hockey News, and built their annual draft list into the industry standard. Once he hit television, McKenzie established his consensus list that is now the industry’s bible. I’ll be especially interested to see movement inside the top 10 overall and the number of USHL kids near the top. His list a year ago closely mirrored the Oilers list (clearly).
We’ll talk about this more at some point, but I think McKenzie warrants consideration in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Not the media division, but rather as a builder. Seriously. The NHL draft is one of the major events on the calendar for the league, and McKenzie’s diligence in making the annual ranking (plus some marketing savvy by TSN) have resulted in an enormous industry boom. How much is the NHL draft worth?
How much more compelling is following along now as compared to 1974? A whole helluva lot, and McKenzie helped build it. The consensus list gives us a starting point, and a battering ram against stupidity by the local team. It’s like watching a poker game where the viewer gets to see all the cards. If you remember the draft before he arrived, you know the value. Anyway. McKenzie. HHOF. Worth considering.
BAKERSFIELD CONDORS WORKING ROSTER 2019-20
How many recalls do you see here? I see Evan Bouchard, Caleb Jones, Cooper Marody, Tyler Benson, Joel Persson, Ethan Bear, Josh Currie, Patrick Russell, Kailer Yamamoto, Shane Starrett and others. How many recalls do you see in a typical year? How well do they do? Here’s last year:
Kevin Gravel was recalled October 19, played two games and was returned. He got another call on November 1, and hung around the rest of the season. He finished 36, 0-3-3, underlying numbers were solid and he should be in the NHL next season as a 7D or better. Unlikely with the Oilers. He is 27.
Cooper Marody was recalled October 21, he stayed up until November 2. In that first look, he played two games, playing less than 10 minutes both times (two shots in each game). His second recall came November 10 and he was dispatched on November 23 with the coaching change. He played four games, only one more than 10 minutes. He was recalled in December (6-11) but did not play, finishing 6, 0-0-0 on the season. He is 22 and we should see him more in 2019-20. In a lost season, Oilers should have played him more up top, in my opinion.
Patrick Russell was called up November 15, and would play four games in his first look without registering a point. He looked capable as a fourth line player (not a lot of offense) but was sent back November 30. A quick recall (Dec. 2-5) got him two more games, and he finished 6, 0-0-0. He is 26 and was a Group 6 free agent (UFA) before re-signing with Edmonton in the last few days.
Caleb Jones is the star of our look at 2018-19 recalls. He got the call on December 12, and he returned to the AHL January 21 for the remainder of the minor league season. While in Edmonton, the young man impressed with his speed and guile, making smart plays with the puck and adjusting to the speed of the NHL game. Jones played some tough minutes due to injury, played over 20 minutes seven times. He is NHL-ready and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Edmonton’s new general manager make room for him via a summer trade. He went 17, 1-5-6 and he just turned 22.
Joe Gambardella was recalled December 30 and played his first game the next night—the same night his brother worked his first shift as a NYC police officer. He hung around the first time until January 15, playing in four games and not showing a lot. His second recall had more impact, as he arrived March 15 and played through the end of the season. An impressive forechecker, he showed skill as well, finishing 15, 0-3-3 on the year. I think he has a chance to play more games for Edmonton in 2019-20.
Brad Malone got a call January 31, and like Gambardella spent the rest of the season on the NHL roster. He played 16 games with no points. He recently signed with Edmonton.
Josh Currie received a late recall, February 18. I often wonder how many times he’d be in a conversation for the call to the NHL before. No matter, he took full advantage upon arrival and stayed for the rest of the year. He went 21, 2-3-5 and impressed, suspect he’s about where Gambardella is on the organization’s depth chart. He is 26.
- Caleb Jones 17, 1-5-6
- Josh Currie 21, 2-3-5
- Kevin Gravel 36, 0-3-3
- Joe Gambardella 15, 0-3-3
- Brad Malone 16, 0-0-0
- Cooper Marody 6, 0-0-0
- Patrick Russell 6, 0-0-0
Last year, the recalls played 117 games, scored three goals and 17 points. Next year’s recalls will blow that away.
i think Podkolzin has been defined as an average skater, and for a person who is supposed to be such an elite talent he didnt even get a point per game in the Russian version of the junior league.. one wonders how good he actually is if he isnt creating offense against his peers as an alleged skilled player
I think it’s Podkolzin staying in the KHL for 2 years (might actually be a good thing for Edmonton), and I don’t know anything about Boldy, really, but generally he has not been ranked with the Top 8-10 which Edmonton might choose, has he?
Then again we have seen outliers like Kaliyev, Lavoie, and Tomasino discussed as well.
LT,
Why are very few people talking about Boldy and Podkolzin at #8.? They seem like great fits
Lowetide,
Should the Canucks draft Philip Broberg at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft?
https://www.vancourier.com/pass-it-to-bulis/should-the-canucks-draft-philip-broberg-at-the-2019-nhl-entry-draft-1.23858921
“J.D. Burke at Elite Prospects is blunt in his assessment of Broberg, who he has ranked 29th overall: “Broberg might have the worst hockey sense of any of the top defensive prospects in this year’s draft.”
New for The Athletic: The Oilers’ conundrum in taking Philip Broberg with the No. 8 overall pick
https://theathletic.com/1032562/2019/06/18/lowetide-the-oilers-conundrum-in-taking-philip-broberg-with-the-no-8-overall-pick/
You know, it’s never too late to start.
I appreciate that P.
What the Raptors did was impressive. More impressive was what they did against the Bucks arguably a team they didn’t match up as well against.
My comments on the NBA and by posting the article was that the game is about shooting beyond the arc and under the basket. Everything in between has disappeared. It isn’t the fault of the players/coaches b/c they have gotten better at shooting the 3 ball and are just doing what the analytics say (shoot as many 3s as you can).
The NBA has a history of tweaking the rules for the better. I would like to see the line moved back more and the shorter “wing 3” increased or even eliminated. The rationale for this is explained in the article so I won’t go over it here.
If only Gorton had kept McDonough and J.T. Miller, eh?
Except when the Raptors play. They not only won this Championship because of their shooting ability, but because of their innovative and constantly evolving defence.
Nick Nurse is a genius. That’s why he’s so successful. Same with Scariolo.
Especially significant run and style as even non-sports fans, not just non-basketball fans, became invested in the Raptors this season and playoffs. They were just as stressed as anyone during those final moments!
Even my Dad, who doesn’t really watch sports anymore, had suggested that he wouldn’t mind a Raptors hat. “At least Toronto has one good team!”. Hahaha. He’ll be getting one, courtesy of me.
In two trades with Cheveldayoff and Gorton:
RFA Brendan Lemieux and RFA Jacob Trouba
for
Kevin Hayes UFA rental that they turned into a 5th round pick, and RFA Neal Pionk.
So after the dust settles it will be
Lemieux and Trouba for Pionk and a 5th.
Gorton’s playing chess in New York. Loved his draft last year (Kravtsov, K’Andre Miller, Lundqvist, Lindbom) and this Kakko character might be okay, too.
Ha
Was not directed at you,
I have never thrown a disparaging word your way & I don’t imagine I ever will.
Not mentioned in the article is that O’Connell himself has said in interviews that, as assistant GM, Gorton was instrumental in the drafts that picked Bergeron and Kreczji, or that he was the one who went after Tim Thomas when he was playing in Europe.
To tally, Bergeron, Kreczji, Thomas, Chara, Rask, Savard, Kessel, Lucic, Marchand. What exactly did Chiarelli do to bring them the Cup again?
Ya Jeff Gorton. Good management… man…
Hard to knock him for that…
YKOil,
He is a witch.
Gorton is a force, no question about it.
He knew exactly why he had to tear it down – the defense would never get ‘there’.
He knew exactly when to start tearing it down – when many of the key pieces still had a lot of value.
He has nailed the order in which to trade those pieces too.
I expect to see him sign Trouba and Kreider as the Rangers undergo one more year of ‘rebuild’ action (say good-bye to two of Staal, Shattenkirk, Namestnikov) and then that team will start to really move. Just outstanding work really.
And no conditional picks based on him re-signing in NY?
https://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/personal-decision-for-trouba-jets-werent-the-issue-for-departing-defenceman
No prob!
Even a simpleton like me understood it!
Agreed, for sure a 1st.
And huh. Out of division/conference I guess? Definitely odd not letting teams talk to the player before hand as well. Will be interesting to hear more for sure.
Pouzar,
Awesome piece. Thanks for sharing.
It’s been a little more than 5 years since I lived super close to Kyoto. I used to go there a lot because of the proximity. The food was certainly passable but just okay.
Back then, Wasabi to the south was much better, but current denizens of Edmonton probably know better.
Yeah at least the 1st rounder for sure.
Some twitter accounts reporting Friedman was saying that other teams had better offers. I suspect we may hear more on that in the coming days.
That’s a great point, and 100% true. If not trumped, for sure a large part of the value can be re-couped around deadline day. So yes, absolutely agree it’s a good move by Groton.
My thinking was that potentially Chevy’s hands were tied and that maybe this was fairly the best offer he got for Trouba. Even if that’s true, good on Groton for being the one to extend it.
Awesome list thank you fine sir!
That’s the preference but it’s not set in stone. Thx!
They did, they shut down the best 3pt shooting team in the NBA.
Kerr was out coached by Nurse at every turn on Defense and on Offense.
The finals had both teams going back & forth with scoring runs. The Raptors pushed the ball up court better than the Warriors & scored on them with 3pt shooting as well as the high/low in the post.
It was extremely entertaining and the best team won.
If you were bored watching that then I’m sorry but your mind is simple
Pouzar,
Does it have to be on Whyte?
Maki Maki
8109 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 3Y9
https://makiedmonton.com/
Otherwise, I’d head up to Jasper Ave and go to Kyoto or Japonais Bistro.
Kyoto Japanese Cuisine
https://kyotojapanesecuisine.ca/
10128 – 109 Street, Edmonton
Japonais Bistro
https://japonaisbistro.ca/
11806 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0N7
There isn’t a poor choice on the list, he’ll enjoy any of these venues, should he choose one.
A return that could be trumped by Gorton on deadline day if they are out of the playoffs.
Great move for the Rangers.
Yeah Pionk is not a prospect. He played 21:10 a game (4 sec shy of Skeji for the team lead) and faced more than 40% elite opposition (as Alpine mentioned). He didn’t do well at all in those minutes, but pretty sure he’s an NHL defensemen.
And also the 20th could not be Yamamoto, Boeser or Pastrnak, but instead Beau Bennett or Jacob Josefson.
Trouba the player is very clearly worth more than Pionk and the #20 pick, but if he’s a one year rental (which sounds likely) then this is an OK return.
SIDEBAR:
ATTN FOODIES!
I have a bud staying on Whyte Ave as we speak and he is looking specifically for a quality Sushi restaurant.
Thanks in advance.
Winnipeg is in cap space hell – this allows them to keep Laine
I’d be fine seeing MPS return as well. Something that gave me pause though is that he was among the worst penalty killers in the league last year, and has only been a regular PK option for the past 2 seasons. I’d assumed that this player would/should be a positive PK option, but that may not be the case. So that’s dampened my interest more than a little.
1) I consider Laine’s shot almost generational – maybe a smidge below Ovi but ahead of Stamkos potentially
2) Laine is not an elite player or maybe not even the next tier. 1.35 P/60 this past season – horrible possession numbers, horrible goal shares numbers and worst relative possession and goal share metrics on the team.
Yeah, I think although Gregg’s super smart, he pulled the wrong lesson from it. A little like the Oilers love affair with coke machines.
Jordan,
Your A to B to C logic is severely flawed. Why in the world would Chevaldayov spread the rumor that Trouba wants to play in the US? That would sewer any and all leverage he had in trade negotiations. Like all damage control situations, a competent GM like Chevy would seek to keep as much of that info under wraps as possible.
The much much more likely explanation is that Trouba and his agent leaked it to other GMs via the media.
In the situation with Evander Kane, even though a trade was desired by all parties, Chevy got a much better return when he wasn’t undercut by Kane’s agent.
https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/jeff-gorton-appears-to-be-executing-the-same-plan-that-turned-boston-around/
Maaaaan
“Enter Jeff Gorton.
Jeff Gorton became the interim general manager for the Boston Bruins on March 25, 2006. The young executive made some great trades as an interim general manager. He traded goaltender Andrew Raycroft to the Toronto Maple Leafs for goaltender Tuukka Rask, and on July 1st, signed Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard as free agents. On top of that, Gorton ran the 2006 draft which produced Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic, and Brad Marchand. Zdeno Chara would go on to win the Norris trophy as the best NHL defenseman in 2009, and Tuukka Rask would win the Vezina trophy for the best NHL goaltender in the 2014 season. On July 15, 2006, Peter Chiarelli was hired as general manager and about a year later (June 27, 2007), Jeff Gorton was relieved of his duties. He was picked up by the Rangers as a pro-scout.”
Maybe he wants 9M? Or is totally set on testing the market, period?
Not being allowed to talk to the player would definitely scare away buyers. And drive down the return I’d think.
Can’t be good news. Guess we’ll see if the Rangers can convince him to stay at a reasonable price.
Chevy went from being the hardest GM in the league to make a deal with to drunken sailor mode pretty quickly. 😉
He’s not such a bad skater.
You mean what we hope for our D?
Jordan,
Why wouldn’t Chevy let Rangers talk extension so as to get a bigger haul? er Hall?
I think I understand this move now.
Chevy talks to Trouba’s agent about an extension and gets told – No. We’re going to free agency.
Chevy tries to get the team to the finals ASAP. Lose both years 2018 and 2019 to the team that makes the makes the stanley cup finals.
Chevy starts spreading rumors that trouba wants to play in the US, so there is both a reason to trade him beyond the desire to go UFA.
Chevy doesn’t allow other teams to talk to Trouba.
Chevy takes the best deal he can that doesn’t bring back major money to trade Trouba without it leaking that they want to go to UFA.
This makes the deal make a lot more sense than what we have seen.
I guess we’ll see what Trouba signs for (if he signs).
Finally awake for more than the 5-6 hrs spent with my wife & children
A. At breakfast before they leave for school
B. As long as I can stay awake after school.
Last 3 days have been the best energy days in 6-7 years.
Glad you’re feeling better Ricki – hope the Bear family stays healthy with you too.
The Spurs were the best 3 pt shooting team in the NBA this regular season.
EDIT: they didn’t attempt much though. Dead last.
Aww, poor Gregg. The game changed because of teams like the Spurs. Now it’s changed again because of the Warriors.
The Raptors showed that a deep healthy squad that spreads the scoring around the roster can beat perimeter 3pt play.
He has offensive skills but his ability to give up the blue line would make Russell blush.
I don’t think it’s enough for Trouba, but I think Pionk is better than a lot of posters here seem to think he is.
He looked very good playing for the USA at the World Championships last spring.
Awesome news!
Laine has a great shot. What else is special about his game?
If yer into basketball…a great read on the evolution of the game with improving 3 point shooters.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26633540/the-nba-obsessed-3s-let-fix-thing