Unkown Legend

by Lowetide

How many players outside the NHL now could help the Oilers next season? I’m not talking about Bouchard or Broberg or Benson, those men are technically in the NHL as we speak. No sir. How many outsiders have the talent to get inside the NHL?

THE ATHLETIC!

Great perspective from a ridiculous group of writers and analysts. I am proud to be part of The Athletic. Here are the most recent Oilers stories.

JESSE PULJUJARVI

Twitter is fire in regard to the big Finn coming to Edmonton, a reminder that real men calm their ta-ta’s and wait for the official announcement. I see Jesse Puljujarvi as a two-way, top-9 winger who could slide in on a line with a veteran two-way center. He played well with Ryan Strome, that kind of player might be a solid fit. Lucas Wallmark would be my choice, maybe Florida signs Bert Olmstead as general manager and he wants Kris and Patrick Russell. I kid. Anyway, Puljujarvi can help. If he finds his way, perhaps he can emerge as Zack Kassian’s replacement on a skill line. We’ll see. One thing: If he plays on the third line, Oilers must get him an actual two-way center. Maybe there’s a Matti Hagman out there who can provide JP with the same kind of cover Hagman did for Jari Kurri 40 years ago.

Ilya Konovalov is under contract for 2020-21 in the KHL, but he could push for an NHL job now. Seasons of .930 and .912 save percentages in an outstanding league mean this player is already posting totals that serve notice on his possible NHL future.

Anton Slepyshev could help this team, in my opinion. He has speed, size, and enough scoring to be competition for the bottom six wingers (Chiasson, Archibald, Nygard, Benson) next year.

I’m impressed that Ken Holland reached out to Slepyshev, who got a better offer at home. I have no doubt Konovalov will be in his sights if the goalie can deliver a quality season. And, if reports are true, getting this far with Puljujarvi is terrific news.

The job of a general manager is to optimize the roster in any way possible. I gave him a B in the season ending report card. If he gets Puljujarvi under contract at a reasonable rate, his 2020-21 grade could be an A. His pursuit of all available hands has been impressive, and honestly, opposite George to the Oilers own past when they were sending good NHL defensmen to Chocolate City. We shouldn’t forget that about the current admin.

CHICAGO

Lots of online fretting over Chicago’s romp of the St. Louis Blues last night. I have a different opinion on the game. For me, you’d always prefer a tough game against an opponent in order to get ready for the big games. The Flames and Oilers did each other a favor, the lights are on and there’s no dullness remaining. The ‘Hawks had what amounts to another hard practice. There’s a difference. Oilers in four.

UNKNOWN LEGEND

Fernando Pisani scored three points in his final two regular season games of 2005-06. He then proceeded to score five goals in six playoff games against the Detroit Red Wings. He remains an icon in Oilers lore.

Who will be this year’s Pisani? There are several candidates, from Josh Archibald and Joakim Nygard to Andreas Athanasiou to Tyler Ennis. I’m going to select Alex Chiasson, because he’s a veteran and will get power-play chances. You?

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N64

jp: And google translate is sooo much smoother for Swedish than for Finnish

Someone’s gotta tell Google to pull the Tikanese out of their Finnish Machine learning datasets

jp

SwedishPoster: Of course. Here you go. https://hockeysverige.se/2020/07/30/en-oforglomlig-hockeysommar-for-philip-broberg

That is a really nice read.

The kid sure seems to have a good head on his shoulders. And yeah, it sounds like Larsson has gone above and beyond. All good stuff.

And google translate is sooo much smoother for Swedish than for Finnish!

jp

SwedishPoster,

Thanks!

SwedishPoster

jp: Thanks for this, great to hear he’s got an even keel on things.

Don’t suppose you have a link to the interview? (for a google translate)

Of course. Here you go. https://hockeysverige.se/2020/07/30/en-oforglomlig-hockeysommar-for-philip-broberg

DevilsLettuce

Trying to act like Holland was anything but doing a damn good job trying to keep the Detroit playoff streak alive for ownership at the end when he wanted to rebuild is hilarious.

He’s walked into Edmonton and has them projected to absolutely beat the bullocks off Bertbert Ragdoll and the Vancouver Canucks for the next decade. The crowd loves to see it.

He has in one season at the helm brought in a winning kick ass coach, insulated the high end talent with enough pieces to compete and lucked out with have one of the best young D cores around.

Speaking ill on Holland’s past or current accomplishments is just a verbal sign that the spicy taco ring in your shorts won’t wash out and you can’t decide to walk bow legged or ass clenched to numb the spicy pain.

pts2pndr

Harpers Hair: I know exactly what I’m talking about and hardly need pompous condescension to aid me in any fashion.

Holland was well past his due before date when he was replaced and the Oilers have a long list of hiring has beens or never weres to run the team.

Hell, it wasn’t all that long ago that Pat Quinn, Peter Chiarelli and Craig Ramsey (among others) were seen as saviours.

And yet, here we are.

A team that’s been rebuilding for a decade, has had multiple high draft picks and still doesn’t have a complete top six, a credible bottom six, a number 1 D or a top ranked goaltender.

Can Holland fix this in his lifetime…maybe.

Detroit didn’t think so.

It obviously takes no skill to ba an ass! Congrats on your crowning achievement!

Fuge Udvar

False narratives everywhere today.. Yzerman knows more about AA even when though Yzerman was in Tampa from 2010-2019. Holland is an old has been.. When it is well established that not only did he step aside for Yzerman to come to Detroit but that Holland had to make choices against the long term to try to keep the playoff streak alive. Which was important to Mike Ilitch at the time.

I love all the old stories on this blog but that grain of salt is starting to look like a boulder.

JimmyV1965

Silver Streak: OP thats completely incorrect….he has a below average shot according to people in the know, and I believe he has been in the league 5 years not nine games….Yzerman knows him well and said goodby.

He had to be doing something right, averaging 23 goals per 82 games in his career.

JimmyV1965

Harpers Hair: Absolutely no need to read minds here.

Holland left the Wings three weeks after Steve Yzerman took over.

Yes, he was involved in a rebuild that produced an historically bad team this season and will likely take years to turn around.

And, yes, he should get credit for the Wings long record of success but ignoring the mess he left behind is ridiculous.

And adults will judge Holland’s record on what he has done here. I was very skeptical of the hire, but Holland has been very good this year. Any adult, unbiased person would recognize that.

It doesn’t matter what AA does. It was a very good trade when it was made. The odds of getting a good player with two late second round picks is very unlikely. The odds of AA becoming a contributing member of this team are much more likely. But either way it’s a gamble. He made a good bet, but he can still lose the bet.

Reja

Munny: The biggest problems are in the bottom half of the roster.I’ll take those problems any day over the alternative.

That said, we went deep in 06 because no one could match with us.The top 2 lines would saw off and the bottom 2 would come out ahead.

We’re close, i think you’re right.Just not quite there yet.But tantalizingly close.

And who knows, we have yet to see the Oilers with a perfectly healthy, something-to-prove 97 this season.Bear’s rested and has games under his belt now.Jones has flown more sorties.Haas & Nygard too.Ennis and AA added.JJ at C.Neal healthy.Playoff Drai and Kass…

Who knows..It’s definitely not unpossible.If they can put it all together, it might be unstoppable (well, through the West anyways).

Nice post. For me unleash Leon the best player in the world, yes the best player in world and he’s all ours and the trolls can sit on it.

Munny

Reja: Holland at 5 largeand Tippett walked into a dream scenario we have probably the deepest D in the league and our first two lines have the best centres in the league.Young Oiler fans need to snap out ofpoor me attitude because this team is close.

The biggest problems are in the bottom half of the roster. I’ll take those problems any day over the alternative.

That said, we went deep in 06 because no one could match with us. The top 2 lines would saw off and the bottom 2 would come out ahead.

We’re close, i think you’re right. Just not quite there yet. But tantalizingly close.

And who knows, we have yet to see the Oilers with a perfectly healthy, something-to-prove 97 this season. Bear’s rested and has games under his belt now. Jones has flown more sorties. Haas & Nygard too. Ennis and AA added. JJ at C. Neal healthy. Playoff Drai and Kass…

Who knows.. It’s definitely not unpossible. If they can put it all together, it might be unstoppable (well, through the West anyways).

Reja

Eh Team: Holland’s time was up in Detroit and Yzerman was available.But Holland stepped intomuch better situation.Much more money, a franchise begging for some kind of competence, big upside with McD and Drai and nowhere to go but up. All the Oilers need is league average management and they will be long term contenders.

Holland at 5 large and Tippett walked into a dream scenario we have probably the deepest D in the league and our first two lines have the best centres in the league.Young Oiler fans need to snap out of poor me attitude because this team is close.

Reja

Eh Team: The obvious reason is that Detroit isn’t planning on competing for a couple of years so picks are more valuable to them than a non-elite player. That doesn’t mean that AA isn’t a decent NHL’er but that means he isn’t what the Red Wings need right now which is simply future value.

A.A is going to score some big goals. He’s our ace in the hole but don’t tell anybody especially the sleazy Dallas Stars who were gifted exempt status over us.

Eh Team

defmn: Harpers Hair: Of course he built the current Red Wings and was relieved of his duties.

I don’t believe that is true. Holland is on record as saying that he stepped aside because it was Yzerman’s time just as Devallano stepped aside for him when he thought Holland was ready.

That was confirmed by the pizza ownership gang. Nobody fired him or asked him to leave. He chose to pass the GM job to Yzerman out of loyalty to the Red Wings for the good of a smooth succession.

Very unusual but very classy.

Holland’s time was up in Detroit and Yzerman was available. But Holland stepped into much better situation. Much more money, a franchise begging for some kind of competence, big upside with McD and Drai and nowhere to go but up. All the Oilers need is league average management and they will be long term contenders.

jp

Munny: might pick up some shit on the cheap a year or two from now…

Damn..

Eh Team

jp: tavvey tune: I fear we are in the process of finding out why Detroit would unload a big, fast, 30 goal scorer, under control contractually, for a couple 2nds. I hope I’m wrong but it’s not looking like it.

The obvious reason is that Detroit isn’t planning on competing for a couple of years so picks are more valuable to them than a non-elite player. That doesn’t mean that AA isn’t a decent NHL’er but that means he isn’t what the Red Wings need right now which is simply future value.

jp

Kinger_Oil.redux: – Haha!One of my favourite thesis.Yeah in a season, the best teams have the best goalies.And season over season the best teams (and goalies) change. In a short tournement though, it’s goalie

– Goalies go really hot (or really suck),over any small sample size, regardless of team.That’s where all the volatility is game over game…

– 2 years ago Fleury was exceptional: way better than the season, and they almost won the cup.Last year he was below average in playoffs and they lost in first round.

–Tell me whose hot goalie, I’m all in that team over playoffs…

Right, OK.

jp

hunter1909: In 2016 that would have been described as a colossal question.
As write this, the Death March™ technicians are feverishly constructing the next phase of our successful(since 2014) contest.
It appears that very few fans are bothering with hockey right now. Once the start of actual games begin then interest will return.
We want to extend the Death March deadline to the beginning of the next series; the one that opens with 16 teams and ends with a cup winner(hopefully Oilers).

Well I thank the team for their efforts.

I’ve placed my bet now as well, since I feel good about the team making it to the round of 16.

Munny

Some more background on the Redball SPAC I just came across on CNBC:

This isn’t the first time a firm attempted to use a SPAC to acquire sports-related properties. Andrew Murstein, president and COO of Medallion Financial Corp., launched Sports Properties Acquisition Corp. in 2008, joining forces with Major League Baseball League Baseball legend Hank Aaron and former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo. The company folded in 2010.

RedBird is a big player in the private equity sector, with companies like the New York Yankees’ YES Network in its portfolio. The firm is run by former Goldman Sachs executive Gerry Cardinale, who also had a hand in forming Legends Hospitality with the Yankees and Dallas Cowboys.

On July 20, RedBird also announced it purchased 85% of the French soccer team, Toulouse Football Club from owner Olivier Sadran who will retain a 15% stake in the club and remain on the member board of directors.

might pick up some shit on the cheap a year or two from now…

jp

Harpers Hair:
a complete top six, a credible bottom six, a number 1 D or a top ranked goaltender.

Can you list the current teams that have all this?

OriginalPouzar

Not that PP2 gets much time, and far for me to question Gully’s deployment, but instead of Nurse/Bear on the point, I wouldn’t mind seeing AA/Bear out there for two one-time options from the tops of the circles (Kailer, Ennis and, maybe, Kass or the one of Neal and Chiasson that didn’t play much on PP1 that shift).

Munny

Silver Streak: OP thats completely incorrect….he has a below average shot according to people in the know

I’m not sure who these people in the know are, but I’ve watched him play, and I’ve reviewed his highlight reels a couple of times since we traded for him, and I’m sorry, I’m with OP on this: AA’s one-timer is top-end.

Reja

hunter1909: When Harper’s Hair gets rid of Underdog, he’ll rule the world.

If that fast talking smooth operator paid the $100 he owes me on the Connor Nathan bet I could then parlay it at 25 to 1 then after the Oilers win the cup take the $2500 and let it all ride on back to back for a total of let say $27500( fun money) Holland and Tippett walked in at the I can’t believe it’s butter moment. Fuck Calgary and even with the Pom Pom Canuck fan I still have no hate for the Canucks how can u hate a team that’s won jack diddly. Anyhow how many more hours till the Oilers run roughshod over the politically incorrect Blackhawks. Shane where are you. Shane don’t leave. Shane… Shane….

OriginalPouzar

Silver Streak: OP thats completely incorrect….he has a below average shot according to people in the know, and I believe he has been in the league 5 years not nine games….Yzerman knows him well and said goodby.

and in those 5 years he has seasons of 18, 16 and 30 goals (plus a rookie season that extrapolates to apx 20 after he was called up).

I would say Holland knows him better than Yzerman and Holland said hello……

Kinger_Oil.redux

jp: I thought good goaltending was all about the team.

– Haha! One of my favourite thesis. Yeah in a season, the best teams have the best goalies. And season over season the best teams (and goalies) change. In a short tournement though, it’s goalie

– Goalies go really hot (or really suck), over any small sample size, regardless of team. That’s where all the volatility is game over game…

– 2 years ago Fleury was exceptional: way better than the season, and they almost won the cup. Last year he was below average in playoffs and they lost in first round.

– Tell me whose hot goalie, I’m all in that team over playoffs…

tavvey tune

Silver Streak,

That’s my concern. A weak team had a young asset with potential, a likely building block, and let him go. I’m not writing him off, just expressing trepidation. He could be a good bottom six guy, if they use his speed in a role he can excel at. I’m not sure I see top six right now…

hunter1909

godot10: Isn’t there a problem with your countdown clock?

The problem is, no one gives a flying monkey about hockey right now in July.

You are right: the clock is not accurate anymore, and this could be fixed as early as the weekend.

OriginalPouzar

The hiring of Craig Ramsay as an assistant coach in replacement of Kelly Buchburger was lauded by Oiler fans as the hiring of a saviour?

In any event, not sure what that has to do with the hiring of Ken Holland and his ability/pedigree/history of building hockey teams.

Silver Streak

OriginalPouzar: AA has a fantastic one-timer off the rush…..

My goodness, the player has played 9 games (injured for most of them).

OP thats completely incorrect….he has a below average shot according to people in the know, and I believe he has been in the league 5 years not nine games….Yzerman knows him well and said goodby.

godot10

hunter1909:
Hunter1909 2020 Playoff Death March™ FINAL WEEK(Subject to revision)

Enter Now!

It’s free!

It’s easy!

https://oilersdeathmarch.com/playoffs-2020/

Returning Players: Use your original names for continuity purposes.

Isn’t there a problem with your countdown clock?

hunter1909

Harpers Hair: Holland was well past his due before date when he was replaced and the Oilers have a long list of hiring has beens or never weres to run the team.

Was Sather past his due date when he went to work for Dolan?

hunter1909

Reja: Have no fear underdog is here.

When Harper’s Hair gets rid of Underdog, he’ll rule the world.

hunter1909

krakman:
What do the resident gamblers think of the Oilers at 25:1 for the cup.

I think the play in teams will have abig advantage in the second round and Chicago is a good match up for the Oilers. Great top end talent and special teams could carry them through a few series. Goaltending is the big wildcard but between the two I would think they can get average goaltending through the playoffs would that be good enough?

I’m thinking of laying some money on them butmaybe my bias is clouding my judgement too much.

Oilers with the top 2 players in the game together, playing every game at home in Edmonton, and coming from a solid 5th place Conference position look like an OUTSTANDING bet at 25 to 1.

Reja

tavvey tune:
I fear we are in the process of finding out why Detroit would unload a big, fast, 30 goal scorer, under control contractually, for a couple 2nds.I hope I’m wrong but it’s not looking like it.

Have no fear underdog is here.

jp

Kinger_Oil.redux:
– Starting Goalie is just lights out

I thought good goaltending was all about the team.

hunter1909

jp: Have you picked a tiebreak for the playoff death march?

How about Rafferty vs. Bouchard – which one plays more post-season games?

In 2016 that would have been described as a colossal question.

As write this, the Death March™ technicians are feverishly constructing the next phase of our successful(since 2014) contest.

It appears that very few fans are bothering with hockey right now. Once the start of actual games begin then interest will return.

We want to extend the Death March deadline to the beginning of the next series; the one that opens with 16 teams and ends with a cup winner(hopefully Oilers).

OriginalPouzar

Harpers Hair: Yes, if it’s played…no problem with rollover.

If it is significantly delayed, it could leave countless players in limbo as we’ve already seen this offseason.

For example, Reid Boucher signed with CKSA which has reported 20 Covid cases.

He won’t be getting paid anything until the KHL season starts and I doubt he is very eager to go there.

It’s going to be an issue and could spread to other leagues.

The point you were making is that the potential suspension of the league would create an issue for those with one year left on their KHL contracts as the contracts would roll-over and they wouldn’t be at liberty to come over.

Fair enough if the season is cancelled but not really an issue if its postponed/delayed (and I wouldn’t imagine it would end after the NHL season in such an event).

jp

tavvey tune: I fear we are in the process of finding out why Detroit would unload a big, fast, 30 goal scorer, under control contractually, for a couple 2nds. I hope I’m wrong but it’s not looking like it.

It’s not all roses to be sure with Athanasiou.

One thing to remember though is the guy who traded for him would know the player better than the guy who unloaded him.

Definitely no guarantees it works out but I’ll give the player a lot more track (well into next season) before making a firm decision. JMO.

Harpers Hair

defmn: Sigh. Are you trying to make me sorry I tried to be helpful and politely point out that you don’t know what the fuck you are talking about?

Grow up, huh. You don’t have that many more years to get there.

I know exactly what I’m talking about and hardly need pompous condescension to aid me in any fashion.

Holland was well past his due before date when he was replaced and the Oilers have a long list of hiring has beens or never weres to run the team.

Hell, it wasn’t all that long ago that Pat Quinn, Peter Chiarelli and Craig Ramsey (among others) were seen as saviours.

And yet, here we are.

A team that’s been rebuilding for a decade, has had multiple high draft picks and still doesn’t have a complete top six, a credible bottom six, a number 1 D or a top ranked goaltender.

Can Holland fix this in his lifetime…maybe.

Detroit didn’t think so.

hunter1909

Harpers Hair: Holland left the Wings three weeks after Steve Yzerman took over.
Yes, he was involved in a rebuild that produced an historically bad team this season and will likely take years to turn around.
And, yes, he should get credit for the Wings long record of success but ignoring the mess he left behind is ridiculous.

Honestly when you talk about the old times at CKUA you’re insightful and a fountain of pure golden memories.

Holland bashing is altogether less, ahem, savory.

OriginalPouzar

Unless something goes wrong at practice tomorrow, with Sheahan and Jones both participating in practice today, I think we can be pretty confidant on what we will see to start the game saturday afternoon:

Nuge/Mcdavid/Kassian

Ennis/Drai/Yamamoto

AA/Sheahan/Archie

Neal/Kharia/Chiasson

(Russell, Haas, Nygard, Benson, Marody, McLeod)

Klefbom/Larsson

Nurse/Bear

Russell/Benning

(Jones, Lagesson, Bouchard, Broberg)

Koskinen

Smith

(Skinner)

————

PP1 – McDavid, Drai, Nuge, Klef, Chiasson (Neal)
PP2 – Yamamoto, AA, Ennis, Nurse, Bear

PK1 – Sheahan, Archie, Klef, Larsson

PK2 – Nuge, Khaira, Nurse, Russell

Goalie start likely the biggest question mark.

jp

SwedishPoster: Long interview with Broberg in swedish media today, talking about his experience in camp, don’t have time to do a full translation but the highlights were him praising Adam Larsson for taking him under his wing and making him feel comfortable “incredibeI guy I can’t say one bad thing about him”. Sounds like Adam Larsson has gone far beyond just being a good teammate in trying to help him out.
He also spoke about the main thing he’s learned from being around guys like McDavid and Draisaitl, focus, they don’t just step up come game time, they are the best players on the ice every single session. But he also pointed out that he wasn’t there to gawk at superstars he was first and foremost there to do a job as a player on the team. As unlikely as it is that he’ll get any games he says he will do everything to be ready if called uppnå.
Nice little interview it sounds like he has a sound mix of excitement, willingness to learn and professionalism about being there that should help him a whole lot going forward.

Thanks for this, great to hear he’s got an even keel on things.

Don’t suppose you have a link to the interview? (for a google translate)

defmn

Harpers Hair: Absolutely no need to read minds here.

Holland left the Wings three weeks after Steve Yzerman took over.

Yes, he was involved in a rebuild that produced an historically bad team this season and will likely take years to turn around.

And, yes, he should get credit for the Wings long record of success but ignoring the mess he left behind is ridiculous.

Sigh. Are you trying to make me sorry I tried to be helpful and politely point out that you don’t know what the fuck you are talking about?

Grow up, huh. You don’t have that many more years to get there.

jp

GordieHoweHatTrick: Can I pick MK Ultra as the playoff surprise?
My skater surprise is the new hometown hero Tyler Ennis ?
While I am at it – Connor wins the Conn Smythe!!
Go OILERS!
(fans gotta fan)

Those are solid picks.

Harpers Hair

defmn: Don’t go pretending to be a mind reader on me please. That is a trick for juniors. Making up nonsense like “at the first opportunity” makes it an even less persuasive argument since anybody who cares to look at the record can see he stayed several years into the re-build.

I get it. All things Oilers stink for you. That doesn’t mean you get to just make shit up.

Yzerman informed TB that he would not re-new his contract there. It was widely reported that was so that he could return to Detroit the next year. Holland announced it was time for him to step aside as Devallano had done for him.

Sometimes people with class just do the right thing.

Absolutely no need to read minds here.

Holland left the Wings three weeks after Steve Yzerman took over.

Yes, he was involved in a rebuild that produced an historically bad team this season and will likely take years to turn around.

And, yes, he should get credit for the Wings long record of success but ignoring the mess he left behind is ridiculous.

jp

hunter1909: lol as of now you win the contest unless Oilers win the play in round or someone else enters similar predictions.

Have you picked a tiebreak for the playoff death march?

How about Rafferty vs. Bouchard – which one plays more post-season games?

GordieHoweHatTrick

defmn: Don’t go pretending to be a mind reader on me please. That is a trick for juniors. Making up nonsense like “at the first opportunity” makes it an even less persuasive argument since anybody who cares to look at the record can see he stayed several years into the re-build.

I get it. All things Oilers stink for you. That doesn’t mean you get to just make shit up.

Yzerman informed TB that he would not re-new his contract there. It was widely reported that was so that he could return to Detroit the next year. Holland announced it was time for him to step aside as Devallano had done for him.

Sometimes people with class just do the right thing.

Well said!
And people without class just don’t…

Harpers Hair

OriginalPouzar: I don’t see the issue as long as the KHL season is played.

If its delayed then maybe the contracts expire on June 30 in instead of April 30, for example.

If the season is indeed played, I don’t see an issue with expiring contracts rolling over, which was the initial point.

Yes, if it’s played…no problem with rollover.

If it is significantly delayed, it could leave countless players in limbo as we’ve already seen this offseason.

For example, Reid Boucher signed with CKSA which has reported 20 Covid cases.

He won’t be getting paid anything until the KHL season starts and I doubt he is very eager to go there.

It’s going to be an issue and could spread to other leagues.

jp

Harpers Hair:
Of course he built the current Red Wings and was relieved of his duties.

Of course he also built the most successful team in the past 25 years.