If the season resumes in the next few weeks, the earth will move under our feet again. If things remain dormant through summer, then we have some conclusions to make on the current roster and the 50-man list ahead. Interesting times.
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 Athletic, less than two coffees a month offer here.
- New Lowetide: What does Jesse Puljujarvi’s Liiga season tell us about his future?
- New Daniel Nugent-Bowman: How Oilers plan to help arena workers unclear with games postponed
- Lowetide: NHL season on hold might impact Oilers evaluations, summer plans
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman and Jonathan Willis: Key questions surround Oilers in wake of NHL’s coronavirus suspension
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman and Murat Ates: ‘It hits you so hard’: Health crisis puts vital Oilers-Jets game in perspective
- Jonathan Willis: Mikko Koskinen vs. Mike Smith: Who starts Game 1 for the Oilers?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has found a home as a winger
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Q&A: GM Ken Holland on Oilers’ playoff push, offseason plans and Hart thoughts
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Oilers observations: Mikko Koskinen comes through in offensive power outage
- Jonathan Willis: Evan Bouchard, Tyler Benson and more: 20 observations on the Bakersfield Condors
- Lowetide: Caleb Jones represents Oilers template for development success
- Jonathan Willis: Rookie pros Dmitri Samorukov, Kirill Maksimov learning in Oilers’ system
- Lowetide: Oscar Klefbom’s return and usage a key element for Oilers stretch run
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: How ‘little firecracker’ Josh Archibald went from unknown to vital with Oilers
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Determining Connor McDavid’s linemates remains a pressing and perplexing problem
- Lowetide: Reasonable expectations for Andreas Athanasiou and Tyler Ennis over the next 15 games.
- Jonathan Willis: Ryan McLeod offers the Oilers size and speed. But will he score in the NHL?
- Jonathan Willis: Which players pose the biggest threat to Leon Draisaitl winning the Hart Trophy?
- Lowetide: How the Oilers deadline deals might alter summer plans
- Jonathan Willis: Splitting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl saved the Oilers’ season
- Lowetide: Is the OHL still the Oilers’ primary resource at the draft?
- Lowetide: The Oilers’ 2017 draft and the value of waiting five years
THE 50 MAN
1 G Mikko Koskinen. His .917 save percentage is No. 12 among goalies who have played 30 or more games this season. His .921 EV strength save percentage has him No. 15 in the category. His cap hit is $4.5 million for two more years. I’d place him as NHL average as a goalie and we can argue about how much that should cost. I think he’ll be one of the two goalies in Edmonton next season.
2 G Mike Smith. His .902 save percentage ranks No. 36 among 45 goalies who have played 30 or more games. At even strength, he has a .903 SP, that has him No. 42 among those same starters. I don’t think his numbers warrant an extension but do believe he’ll get one. His 19-12-6 record is a selling point.
3 Stuart Skinner. He owns an .892 save percentage for the season, ranking him No. 45 among 49 ‘qualified’ goalies in the AHL this year. I think his January performance (SP over .920) shows promise, but overall the season has clearly been a struggle. I’d like to see him as a starter in front of a good AHL team. Best number since turning pro .903SP in the ECHL.
4 Shane Starrett. He posted an .874 save percentage in what was a disappointing and injury-riddled season. He is a free agent (Group Six) a year after he looked close to getting his first NHL cup of coffee. The life of a goalie, man. Had a .918SP in 42 AHL games in 2018-19.
5 G Dylan Wells. He posted an .878 save percentage in the AHL and .871 in the ECHL. Has one more year in his entry deal, highest pro SP is .912 (in 22 ECHL games).
6. G Angus Redmond. He is winding down the entry deal, spent mostly in the ECHL.
7 G Olivier Rodrigue. This is a slide player but he’ll turn pro in the fall. Rodrigue is a significant prospect, his .918 save percentage ranking No. 2 among QMJHL goaltenders this season. As there is no obvious starter for Bakersfield this fall, it’s possible Rodrigue plays a significant role as a rookie pro. He might be No. 3 on this list one year from now.
8 LD Oscar Klefbom. A true value deal ($4.16M with three full years to go) brings quality offense (62, 5-29-34) combined with big defensive minutes (six minutes a night of five on five time against elites). Music!
9 LD Darnell Nurse. Big man has a big deal and plays major minutes. Signed for the next two years at $5.6M, he’ll be free to go at that time. Nurse averaged almost seven minutes a night against elites in 2019-20, leading the team, outscoring elites 25-18.
10 LD Caleb Jones. An extreme value deal for the next two years ($800,000 per annum) he has surpassed Kris Russell this season and should be a lock for 3LD in 2020-21. I know the Oilers have had a hella rookie season but don’t overlook this player. Major development.
11 LD Kris Russell. He has one more year ($4M) left and is in roster peril with the development of Jones. It’s no longer a matter or like/don’t like, it’s a matter of roster efficiency.
12 LD William Lagesson. He has the talent to be an NHL regular but it might not be in Edmonton. We talked about the three men (Bear, Jones, Lagesson) who needed to play this season, in order to get a feel for what chores they could accomplish in the NHL. Lagesson is the odd man out in the group, but he has talent.
13 LD Brandon Manning. He played nine games with the Oilers this season and is a free agent this summer.
14 LD Keegan Lowe. Also a free agent, struggled in his role (AHL veteran and mentor) after doing a fine job previously. Uncertain he’ll be back.
15 LD Dmitri Samorukov. This a player who might emerge in a “Bear-Jones” manner in the next 18 months. He’s strong, has good wheels and a mean streak, plus can move the puck. Teams need a defense factory and damned if the Oilers don’t have one up and running efficiently.
16 LD Philip Broberg. I’ll be honest I don’t know this player any better now than draft day. I DO know that he had a better season at 18 than Oscar Klefbom. He played 45 games, averaging 14 minutes a night (1-7-8) and 23-24 on ice goal differential at even strength. Oscar played 33 games, averaging 13:44 a night (2-0-2) and 11-12 on ice goal differential at even strength.
17 RD Ethan Bear. I liked him on his draft day but would be a liar saying this was the expected outcome. Bear has been the Oilers best defensemen this year, full stop. Played over 6.5 minutes a night against elites, outscoring 25-19. Outstanding rookie.
18 RD Adam Larsson. He played against elites for six minutes a night and plays them to a draw. That’s very valuable in the NHL. I’m not sure he’s going to be able to hold back the water, prospects are arriving 10 at a time. I’m going to miss the shutdown blue when they’re gone.
19 Matt Benning. I’m a fan but he’s in the “Gary Lariviere” spot and that probably means he’ll be gone to a new town in the next 12 months. He is a productive NHL player, three minutes a night against elites and on the right side of goal differential from the beginning.
20 RD Mike Green. Deadline acquisition and a free agent this summer, I’m not certain he’ll be a one-off rental. Ken Holland likes old defensemen almost as much as he likes old goalies.
21 RD Evan Bouchard. He’s NHL-ready and when Bouchard arrives I expect power-play time to be a part of his usage. High octane forwards need sweet tape to tape passes and Bouchard is ideally suited to the role. Has improved defensively in the AHL.
22 RD Logan Day. He is RFA this summer and I’m uncertain he has done enough to earn another deal. Then again, like Stuart Skinner, I’m uncertain if the Oilers can get a read on any of these prospects in such a tough year.
23 RD Ryan Mantha. His entry deal ends this summer. It’s wildly unfair to see how his contract rolled out.
24 LC Connor McDavid. No matter what happens this spring and summer, the frustration of last April has been replaced with something better.
25 LC Leon Draisaitl. This could well be his peak season and represents one of the best in this team’s storied history. He’ll win the Art Ross now, will he win the Hart?
26 LC Jujhar Khaira. He is signed for $1.2 million next season and could land a job as a No. 4 center. He has struggled all year on the wing but showed well late as a pivot. Great PK helps.
27 LC Riley Sheahan. There was a rumor he (and Josh Archibald) was close to a contract but nothing lately. I wonder if Khaira ends up with the job next season. Doubt both would return. UFA.
28 RC Gaetan Haas. He’s an interesting player but may land a two-way deal over the summer. I’m not sure what role he can fill. UFA.
29 LC Markus Granlund. Split time between Edmonton and Bakersfield this season, not close to the role envisioned last summer. UFA.
30 RC Cooper Marody. Marody’s season is a wild disappointment. Injuries and illness derailed him at the exact point where he should have been pushing for regular NHL duty. Has one more year, opportunity might have passed him by ala Shane Starrett.
31 LC Ryan McLeod. I was impressed with his offensive numbers as a rookie (56, 5-18-23). He has the speed and two-way acumen to develop into a solid pro if there’s enough offense. He showed well.
32 LC Colby Cave. He played with the Oilers (11 games) and Bakersfield (44 games) and could be insurance at center again next season. RFA
33 LC Brad Malone. He delivered another solid AHL season but didn’t see the NHL. That might indicate moving on, and Cave’s roster presence makes Malone superfluous. UFA.
34 LW Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. I love watching him and this season his offense is alive. A generation of high picks who pack huge lumber to the plate, Nuge is one man who can flash the leather too. He belongs on that line with Leon and the Spokane Kid.
35 LW Tyler Ennis. He is UFA but won’t cost the moon and was on the way to a 20-goal season (or close) in 2019-20 when the break hit. Speedy and skilled, he will be a solid signing option.
36 LW James Neal. He scored 19 goals and the trade allowed Edmonton to get out from under the Lucic contract. He has three years left at $5.75M. Buyout possible.
37 LW Andreas Athanasiou. It would be a mistake to overreact to Athanasiou’s first 9 games as an Oilers player, but it’s also true any new contract will take up significant cap. A 20-goal man making $3 million is worthwhile but he scored 11 in 55 games this season. Holland’s handling of this player is one of the more interesting items of summer.
38 LW Joakim Nygard. Bullet train has already signed an extension ($875,000) and his five on five points per 60 (1.27) is solid considering his depth linemates. I suspect his second NHL season will be more impressive.
39 LW Tomas Jurco. I liked his play early in the NHL season (1.04 five on five points per 60 but solid in possession) but he got sent down and then was injured, so there was no second chapter in Edmonton. UFA, uncertain to return.
40 LW Tyler Benson. He played less than 70 minutes in the NHL at five on five (0.88 points per 60), had good possession numbers. He played mostly with Riley Sheahan and Josh Archibald, would like to see him higher in the batting order next time. He didn’t score in four AHL games after getting sent back and his totals in the minors are shy of his rookie season, but the Condors were born under a bad sign this season. I like him as an NHL player and soon.
41 LW Joe Gambardella. He was my pick to be ‘college man finds NHL’ from the 2018-19 Condors but Dave Tippett chose another. Gambardella fell from 29 goals last year to 14 this one. He has one more year on his two-way deal.
42 LW Ryan Kuffner. RFA who came over at the deadline from DRW, he had a solid college career but struggled (36, 6-5-11) in the AHL this season. Dobber says “has good size, is smart and quick with a nose for the net and finds the open spots to receive passes.”
43 LW Nolan Vesey. He scored 2-4-6 in 15 ECHL games and (over two seasons) 25, 1-3-4 in the AHL. RFA, unlikely to return.
44 LW Ostap Safin. An encouraging season from a young man who had injury issues during his final months in junior hockey. In 54 ECHL games, he scored 16-19-35 this year and we should we him in Bakersfield 2020-21.
45 RW Kailer Yamamoto. I always said the only worry was injury, but would be a liar if I said KY’s season was a reasonable expectation. I believe’s repeatable, although 3.16 points per 60 at five on five may not return. A massive draft and development win, kind of a forward version of Bear.
46 RW Zack Kassian. He had a weird year but the production (59, 15-19-34) was rock solid. Posted 2.21 points per 60 five on five and was productive while running some luck (16.67 shooting percentage). Signed a four-year, $3.2 million contract during the year, we’ll be talking about it for some time.
47 RW Alex Chiasson. Signed for one more year at $2.15 million, he was coming on late in the season (65, 11-13-24). Posted just 0.87 five on five points per 60, he was effective on the PP (5.44 per 60) and that may make a Neal exit easier for management.
48 RW Josh Archibald. He started slowly and has been a big part of the team since mid-season. Posted .65 goals per 60 at five on five and gave the team a reliable two-way winger.
49 RW Patrick Russell. Russell has five assists in 45 games, and I’m thrilled he made it to the NHL. Love the longshot. He scored a goal and it got called back, if there’s one thing I would change about this season it would be that goal being erased. He is UFA, coach likes him.
50 RW Josh Currie. NHL teams need players who can play center in the NHL and help along skilled prospects. They have to overpay for them because the carrot of recall doesn’t appeal to all (Europe pays well). Currie is UFA and a perfect fit for the role, if he wants to come back my bet is he will.
51 RW Kirill Maksimov. He scored 40 goals in the OHL a year ago and has a nice range of skills. His adjustment to the AHL occurred in a season when the Condors had very well difference makers offensively. Thus, Maksimov went 53, 5-8-13. I believe he’ll blossom if the team can place him with a center who can make a difference at the AHL level. Cooper Marody might be that player.
52 Cam Hebig. His second AHL season didn’t reach the levels of the first (that’s a theme) and the current management team didn’t sign him. Hebig is in a tough spot for an NHL contract with the Oilers but his 11 goals as an AHL rookie in 2018-19 probably gets him a deal somewhere.
52 names because of the slides (Broberg and Rodrigue), tomorrow we’ll talk about the new hires and possible additions, as well as the players unlikely to return.
I thought this might be of interest. A cure for the WueFlu based upon drugs already approved for human use.
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/coronavirus-australia-queensland-researchers-find-cure-want-drug-trial/news-story/93e7656da0cff4fc4d2c5e51706accb5
My friend has been locked down in Hubei (in Wuhan) for 59 days. He was finally able to return to Chengdu (in Sichuan province) yesterday. Buckle up, it is going to be a long ride.
I agree with much of that (i.e. $3M doesn’t get you a legit top 4, etc.) and there are fair points.
At the same time, I don’t think the Oilers’ cap situation lends itself to paying for a “back-up 2RD” at close to $3M. That would be a nice luxury to have but there are holes on the roster to fill (not back-up holes).
You may resort to running in the grocery store 🙂
Ha ha the store had 2% milk in large quantities, and mostly everything as normal then again but the prices are too high no one wants to clean out the shelves yet.
hunter1909,
Two and half hours later… still no one has heard from Hunter.
#gotmilk
Going out to buy milk – wish me luck.
Gallows humour…which is my favourite kind..is surfacing.
Justin Houston
@FinsUpSailor
·
Mar 14
**Breaking**:
In order to help with the spread of the Coronavirus Justin Trudeau has asked all those over 70 years old to head to their nearest airport to welcome flights from Europe and China.
The virus is coming from unchecked flight into Alberta.
https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/braid-calgary-has-bulk-of-provinces-covid-19-cases-and-international-flights/wcm/72431174-bb74-4c42-8586-d48851ffdde3/
Jason Kenney
@jkenney
I visited
@FlyEIA
Intl Arrivals to monitor #COVID19 screening measures.
I am very concerned about reports from travellers on inadequate federal screening protocols for international travellers.
I have directed provincial officials to deploy provincial resources to AB airports
We convinced my father in law to come back early from Mexico last night. I was really wondering what kind of measures the airports were taking to get the info to passengers by the time he got back to Canada (Calgary). There was nothing. Unbelievable.
He’s self isolating now, but I imagine there are many who haven’t.
Yes.
It bears repeating.
Okaay… but it was a “watch” and not a “read”, no?
Robyn Urback
@RobynUrback
Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia are now all sending provincial officials to airports out of concern that CBSA agents are not telling people about the 14-day isolation period. Pretty massive abdication of federal responsibility. Other provinces should quickly follow suit
This thread has nothing to do with hockey or politics.
Please read it.
Your life or that of your loved ones depends on it.
https://twitter.com/punditclass/status/1239367962135425024?s=20
Same link as the presser above, Andrew.
I heartily recommend to everyone to watch Chernobyl if they haven’t already seen it. It was the Top rated TV show on IMDB for a while but dropped below Band of Brothers.
Just substitute Covid19 for radiation and USA for USSR to see how chillingly the present is mirrored in the past. When politics push aside the truth, people die.
After watching each episode, go to youtube and listen to the Chernobyl podcast. They interview Craig Mazin, the writer/producer and it’s amazing bonus content.
I mentioned last night that it was a “strange coincidence” that HBO was showing all 5 episodes back-to-back.
I also endorse the show. And I rarely do that with anything that originates from TV.
So can NHL teams talk to them before that because there is no formal agreement between leagues these days?
$2.5-$3M doesn’t normally buy you a legit top 4 guy though.
I think Holland/Tippett do want to sign him, and do view him as a potential top 4 option, at least as cover. I don’t think they EXPECT Green to play top 4 though. Probably 2RD-A and 2RD-B with Larsson. I think if they can swing it the Oilers RD will be Bear/Larsson/Green with Bouchard the first call.
If Green signs in that range that’s a completely reasonable amount to spend on RD (pending Bear’s deal I guess). And at that price he’s and Larsson are good bets to cover 2RD/3RD minutes IMO.
They have always had good music.. Season one the player piano was consistently playing Radiohead.
I had completely forgotten about that. I’ve been wading through the sludge that is the second season in the hopes they turn this train wreck (sorry) around, I’m going to watch S3ep1 in full later tonight. Fingers crossed.
KHL contracts expire at the end of April (in the normal course).
Massachusetts also.
Ireland as well, 2 days before the big event.
I try to stay out of the political perspectives here as our host’s request & personal preference but, yeah, when a Premier intrudes on a federal responsibility because he thinks it is putting lives in danger that is not a good look on the PM.
BTW I responded to your question to me from the thread a couple of days ago. I wasn’t up at 4 a.m. when you asked it 😉 so not sure if you saw the response or really care. I basically just agreed with you and added a bit.
I caught it and would like to thank you for your response… although your inclusion of Nietzsche really surprised me and raised my curiosity. Maybe one day we will quaff an ale and talk about it.
I lived with a postmodernist Education prof in the 90s (not in that way lol). I had to mark her papers for her or everyone in her classes would’ve gotten zeroes.
Nova Scotia’s premier, who is a Liberal, announced today that he is putting provincial people at the two airports there also.
The feds are MIA.
Quebec too. I’d bet BC tomorrow.
This.
The sooner the entire country gets to lock-down the better. It’s the only way to effectively social distance.
Italy and Spain sure wish they had the opportunity to lock down 7 days prior.
We have it. Stopping the spread is crucial. The choices we make today…
Completely OT
This new episode of West World is the last place I expected to hear Pulp’s “Common People”…
They’re all protecting Dear Leader.
We’re fucked.
OriginalPouzar,
I don’t see volunteer or community work on that list, may be an opportunity to give back some of your skills in a beneficial way?
That may be a good discussion for the rest of the week. What options are there for the many good folks on this blog to help out in these difficult times.
Depending on number, of course, I like that.
I thought he was still under contract for the season though. Do contracts there end on a specific date like the NHL or are they individually negotiated?
Oh, again, we are on the same page – I do so Holland looking to bring Green back and something in the $2.5M-$3M range. I think that Holland/Tippett see Green as a legit top 4 guy still that can play 20 minutes per night – based on usage in his couple of games. I do not feel comfortable with the soon to be 35 year old in that role and at the cap hit – Holland, I believe, feels differently.
I do think that Berglund may be an NHL option this year but its based off of performance in the SHL (and mostly what I’ve heard/read). That is far from a sure thing and, as I posted earlier, the Oilers should prepare in the off-season thinking unproven prospects will not be on the team and forcing them to beat out an incumbent.
For years the Oilers have gone in to season relying on prospects to fill holes – generally will the opposite of success.
Ohio too.
Jason Kenney
@jkenney
·
1h
I visited @FlyEIA
Intl Arrivals to monitor #COVID19 screening measures.
I am very concerned about reports from travellers on inadequate federal screening protocols for international travellers.
I have directed provincial officials to deploy provincial resources to AB airports
Judging by HH’s link to the presser above, CBC is giving Kenney lots of love for his thoughts on the sad state of affairs at the airports.
Damn, all Good Life Fitness’ closed effective immediately – thought I had one more day.
So, the three things I care about for “me”:
Sports
Gym
Travel
All gone – blah!
Yes, I’m being selfish but I’m allowed to be.
Illinois closed all bars and restaurants today. with 93 confirmed cases.
I can’t see there being any bars or restaurants open in AB by next weekend.
The sooner, the better.
They’re not completely out of ammo but what little they have left won’t be pretty if that’s a road they really want to go down.
Matheson is reporting that the Oilers are indeed talking contract with Slepy’s agent.
Pretty much feel the same. I just think Holland sees it differently so am expecting Green to at least get an offer. Whether or not he accepts it remains to be seen but I think we both know that Holland likes lots of experience for the dressing room as well as on the ice so it won’t surprise me.
If you are correct that Berglund is only half a year to a year away from ready for the NHL that also has to play into the decision of who to sign and for how long.
But, yeah, there are better alternatives out there if they are willing to sign for the money a 6/7 dman should make.
Madeline Smith @meksmith
BREAKING: State of local emergency declared for #yyc
CEMA Chief Tom Sampson speaking now. Following facilities closed: all city-owned fitness facilities, pools, arenas. Numerous YMCA facilities. Will get a full list asap. #covid19
Calgary public libraries are also ordered to close #covid19
Calgary State of Local Emergency Declared 8;45 pm
https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1239384711299915781?s=20
“Earlier today, Canucks Sports & Entertainment staff were updated that a member of our fulltime office staff has tested positive for COVID-19. The diagnosed individual is receiving care, observing 14-day self-quarantine guidelines and is feeling better. Anyone who may have had contact with the individual have been notified and are also observing self-quarantine for precautionary reasons. As a result, CSE’s offices are closed tomorrow and employees are preparing to work from home wherever possible. We are receiving guidance from the health authorities on next steps.
The individual does not have a fan-facing role and is not in contact with the players, hockey operations personnel or Rogers Arena part-time events staff. Therefore the Public Health Authority has confirmed the public risk of exposure is low.
CSE is taking continued, proactive steps to be a responsible member of our community, observing the impact of events and interactions, for the greater good of the health and safety of Metro Vancouver. We continue to urge everyone to focus on their health and appreciate their patience and understanding during this time.”
Trent Carroll, COO, Canucks Sports & Entertainment
These fucking clowns are in charge of Canadians safety.
https://twitter.com/punditclass/status/1239367962135425024?s=20
what is with that smug smile on Joly?
Not to mention that impromptu presser being a lovely example of social distancing for the rest of the country.
Just heard from my two sons…one in Edmonton, one in Vancouver.
#1 son in Vancouver is a film photographer on major projects and has been laid off indefinitely as all film and TV production in the Lower Mainland has been suspended. This will be a major blow to the BC economy.
#1 son in Edmonton is married to a teacher who was due to go back to work tomorrow after maternity leave. All schools and daycares in Alberta have been shuttered…so she’s in limbo although I’m happy she won’t have to work in that environment.
Mrs. Hair (who works in the senior’s care industry) and I have decided to self-isolate although neither of us has symptoms. Mrs Hair has COPD so is very vulnerable.
This shit is getting very real folks…please stay safe.
Harpers Hair,
I believe teachers and staff will continue to work in AB, but sans students.
Classes are cancelled but teachers could still be working. Here is a snippet from an e-mail we received this evening from the superintendent of our local school division:
Its ugly already and its not even started.
At least the mid cap and junior producers are likely hedged out a few quarters at least which will help but the big boys don’t hedge and, well…..
We are essentially on the same page – Rusty needs to go (that’s all but unanimous) and, assuming a second is gone (likely Benning), then a veteran depth d-man is required.
I just don’t think Green is that guy and I don’t think he’s your ideal guy either given your preferred age range (29-32) – I want that veteran to be more of a guy that can be counted on for “solid minutes” more so than a former offensive producer with defensive deficiencies on the wrong side of 35 that will want to get paid still.
Tanev, Edmundson, DeMelo, TVR, etc.
Pescador,
Pair of Brown Eyes too
Nice,
https://youtu.be/_tqdLPnGjoA
One of my personal favs
I can’t think of a better country to be in than Canada during this world pandemic
Honestly, my greatest worry in terms of infrastructure and containment is our proximity to the states. It will be absolute tragedy down there (and as mentioned, tens of thousands of snowbirds coming back from there shortly).
I agree. This maybe a inflection point against the spread
Singapore.
+1
The Canadian dollar will tank due to low oil prices.
If you need to embezzle some cash to the U.S. I can recommend an excellent holdings company that I happen to be the current CEO of;
Pyramid Cash Holdings Inc.
Send me all of your cash & investment capital,
I will work my magic & it will come out on the other side clean as a whistle.
The more of your friends that you bring with you, the better returns I can promise you.
That goes for anyone else on this blog as well
I think there is a good shot that Berglund may indeed be NHL ready, if not in October, shortly thereafter.
At the same time, that is just opinion and speculation. For too long this team has “assumed” that a prospect was going to be ready for a roster spot and planned on it only to have the prospect not be ready.
While Berglund may very well be ready we don’t know and I think it would be prudent on management to plan for him to be an NHL player and have him earn/force his way on to the team – a veteran depth d-man would accomplish that.
—————–
Jones can play the right side and Coach T has talked about his footwork helping him in that regard but, at the same time, he’s shown to be better on his natural side and actually was quite express that shifting back to his left side was important in the spike we saw from him over the last little while, with Klef out.
Like Rusty, I think his “ability” to play the right helps but shouldn’t be counted on as primary deployment.
I agree fully Berlund is merely backup to Jones having to fill in right side with Lagesson playing left side. This is the exact pairing that played first pairing for the Condors and should be able to handle short term third pairing in the event that injuries occur.
OK best irish tune…
Tura Lura…the band with van morrison
Dirty Old Town
do I even have to mention who the glorious band is?
Edit: also possibly Streams of Whiskey
That’s a Lanky song about the area near where I was born.
Irish bands made it famous though.
I think we were healthy coming out of camp this year weren’t we? The first period of game 1 changed that though (Larsson).
Yup, as maybe Lagesson’s biggest supporter over the last few years, I still thing that “at bats” is the only thing he needs to prove to be an NHL player, however, at this point, assuming normalcy, i don’t see him clearing waivers at the end of Sept/early Oct as a major risk – recall that names that cleared last year at that time – some very intriguing and skilled players.
Apologies if it (or I) quoted the wrong post – sometimes when I click “quote” weird stuff comes up – I may have missed it.
My response was to the position that Katz and OEG only stepped up because of the social media (and other) pressure – I mean the “delay” was like 24 hours (give or take) after the shut-down – there is zero indication that OEG was every “not going to help” – in fact, without specifics, in the presser the morning after with the business guy, it was clear.