The Edmonton Oilers accomplished three majors tasks yesterday, and your opinion on the importance of each solution likely tells you where you are as a fan.
If you see the Brad Holland move to AGM as a possible sliver of light for an analytics department as the breaking news, you’re a creative thinker and generally progressive.
If you believe the Reid Schaefer pick was a reasonable use of pick No. 32 and the feature moment, you’re a believer in building step by step to make sure the future is in good hands.
If you are of the opinion that losing $3.2 million in cap was the highlight of the day, you are laser focused on Stanley’s next visit to Edmonton.
There is no wrong answer to the question, by the way. You do you, and don’t let anyone intimidate you into believing your opinion has no value. There’s more than one way to build a railroad, and your way may turn out to be the best route.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New DNB: Oilers’ Zack Kassian trade clears crucial salary cap space, so what’s next?
- Lowetide: 5 AHL players who can help the Oilers next season
- DNB: Oilers GM Ken Holland has more than the NHL Draft on his mind
- DNB: Edmonton Oilers offseason what I think and what I know 1.0
- Lowetide: Remember Oilers’ biggest summer ever? It needs to happen again
- DNB: How Oilers’ draft pick Kelly Buchberger became the long shot who delivered
- Lowetide: Could the Oilers look to RFA’s to find solutions?
- DNB: What we’re hearing on Edmonton Oilers’ Puljujarvi, more
- Lowetide: The 2022 NHL draft has a chance to be unique in Edmonton Oilers history.
- DNB: Tyler Wright Q&A
- Lowetide: Can Oilers’ Xavier Bourgault make the 2022-23 opening night roster?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ pivotal summer and what fans want to see from Ken Holland
- Lowetide: Is this Oilers’ year to find a world-class agitator in NHL Draft?
- Lowetide: 10 free agents for Edmonton Oilers to target this summer
- Lowetide: What Oilers assets should Ken Holland trade this summer?
- DNB: Oilers commit to coach Jay Woodcroft
- DNB: Which Oilers are most likely to return next season? Who goes?
- Lowetide: Are Oilers prospects Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway NHL-ready?
- DNB: What if Edmonton Oilers trade Jesse Puljujarvi? The case for and against
- Lowetide: Oilers pro scouts have to get it right in free agency this summer
- DNB: Edmonton Oilers offseason priorities: A 10-step plan for success
- DNB: What Oilers goalie Mike Smith’s unclear future could mean for offseason plans
- Lowetide: Why Jordan Dumais could be NHL Draft steal for Edmonton Oilers
DAY TWO LIST
There are 93 names left from my list of 125, Edmonton doesn’t have a pick in the draft for another 126 selections. What are the odds Edmonton picks one of these men? Very good. Two is possible. The draft is a funny thing.
- RW Jagger Firkus (WHL). Quick, skilled, difficult to contain.
- RW Jordan Dumais (QMJHL). Undersized skill winger impressive playmaker.
- LC David Goyette (OHL). Speedy center with skill and two-way ability.
- LC Servac Petrovsky (OHL). Aug. 2004, slick, skilled, does everything at high speed.
- LW Gleb Trikozov (MHL). Smart two-way winger with a great shot.
- LW Adam Sykora (Slovak). Impressive skill, one of the youngest players in the draft.
- LW Luca DelBelBelluz (OHL). Size, two-way ability, and an offensive spike.
- LC Julian Lutz (DEL). High end skill, injured much of the season.
- RD Ty Nelson (OHL). Impressive offensive defensman.
- G Topias Leinonen, (Finn U20). He’s 6.05, 216, great numbers and consistency.
- RD Elias Salomonsson (SHL). Effective two-way D.
- LC Daniil Zhilkin (OHL). Good wheels, two-way C. Safe pick.
- LD Lane Hutson (USHL). Small, dynamic offensive defenseman.
- LW Adam Ingram (USHL). Big winger with skill, quality passer.
- LW Mike Milne (WHL). Gritty winger with skill.
- RD Seamus Casey (USHL). Mobile offensive defenseman.
- G Hugo Hävelid, (Swe U20). Small, brilliant goalie.
- LW Jani Nyman (Liiga). Big winger can score goals.
- LC Theo Rochette (QMJHL). Talented and creative.
- LC Jack Hughes (NCAA). Rugged two-way C.
- RD Tristan Luneau (QMJHL). Big two-way defenseman has offensive potential.
- LD Mats Lindgren (WHL). Flashy two-way defender has some range.
- RC Owen Beck (OHL). Speed demon with skill.
- RC Ben King (WHL). Overager spiked this year.
- RD Ryan Chesley (USHL). Has the complete range, lacks top end offense.
- RC Tucker Robertson (OHL). Is strong and skilled, could be a steal.
- RD Noah Warren (QMJHL). Effective shutdown defenseman.
- LC Cedrick Guindon (OHL). Undersized skill center.
- RD Jacob Guévin (USHL). Offensive defenseman, fine skater.
- LW James Stefan (WHL). Impressive passing and scoring winger.
- RD Otto Salin (Liiga). Emerging offensive defenseman.
- LW Alexander Perevalov (MHL). Dynamic skill winger.
- G Sergei Murashov (Rus Jr). Brilliant goalie, undersized.
- RD David Spacek (QMJHL). Strong underlying numbers.
- LC Aleksanteri Kaskimäki (Finn U20). Strong offensive forward, strong skater.
- RC Nicholas Moldenhauer (USHL). Range of skills , a little shy offensively.
- LW Alexander Suzdalev (Swe U20). Outstanding stickhandler, can make plays.
- RW Cameron Lund (USHL). Big winger with plus skill.
- LW Viktor Neuchev (MHL). Fantastic shot.
- RC Pano Fimis (OHL). Responsible center with skill.
- LW Jeremy Wilmer (USHL). Pure skill, elusive with the puck on his stick.
- LD Graham Sward (WHL). Intelligent two-way defenseman.
- G Tyler Brennan (WHL). He’s a big goalie, inconsistent, great glove.
- LC Topi Rönni (Liiga). Good size and speed, solid offensively.
- LW Brandon Lisowsky (WHL). Undersized gol scorer. Good numbers.
- LC Markus Vidicek (QMJHL). Slick skills and good numbers.
- RC Ryan Francis (QMJHL). Unsigned by Flames. Skill, plug-and-play AHL.
- G Jan Spunar (Czech). Gigantic goalie with great numbers.
- LW Jordan Gustafsson (WHL). Speedy throwback forward.
- LC Matthew Ward (WHL). Magic on the power play
- LW Dylan James (USHL). Responsible two-way winger.
- LC Justin Cote (QMJHL). Under the radar, but he has skill. July 2004.
- RW Ben Hemmerling (WHL). Impressive playmaker under the radar.
- LC Fraser Minten (WHL). Two-way C with some skill.
- LD Artyom Duda (MHL). Puck mover is a great passer.
- RW Vinzenz Rohrer (OHL). Small F with great utility. Oilers might like him.
- LC Rieger Lorenz (AJHL). Big center with some passing skill.
- G Ivan Zhigalov (QMJHL). Hybrid goalie, has size, high risk/reward.
- LW Kirill Dolzhenkov (MHL). Massive winger can score.
- RW Matthew Seminoff (WHL). Skill winger with utility.
- LD Tomas Hamara (Liiga). Resposible defender.
- LW Matyas Sapovaliv (OHL). Scoring winger with great passing ability.
- RW Brayden Schuurman (WHL). Small winger, can score goals.
- LW Arvid Sundin (SHL). Underzied burner has breathtaking shifts.
- LW Antonin Verreault (QMJHL). Playmaking winger. Great passer.
- LW Quinn Finley (USHL). Speedy winger, skilled but small.
- LD Jake Furlong (QMJHL). Two-way defenseman who can make plays.
- LW Eric Alarie (WHL). Big skill winger.
- LD Samuel Mayer (OHL). Overage, brings solid play in all areas.
- LD Simon Forsmark (SHL). Responsible D with size.
- RC Matthew Poitras (OHL). Solid two-way pivot.
- RC Ryan Greene (USHL). Creative center, two-way type.
- LD Angus Booth (QMJHL). Defensive blue, makes smart plays.
- LW Zam Plante (USHS). Very small skill winger.
- LD Calle Odelius (Swe U20). Two-way defender.
- RW Jack Devine (NCAA). Elusive playmaking forward.
- LC Gustav Karlsson (Swe U20). Pure scorer.
- G Thomas Milic (WHL). Average size, great numbers at U18 WJC and WHL playoffs.
- LC Bryce Mcconnell-Barker (OHL). Lots of talent, numbers lagging.
- RD Alex Cotton (WHL). Another re-entry, offensive defenseman.
- RW Nikita Grebyonkin (MHL). Skill and size plus some speed.
- LW Alexaner Suvorov (KHL). Overager has skill but needs an extra gear.
- LW Josh Filmon (WHL). Tall, lean forward posted good numbers.
- RD Christian Kyrou (OHL). Impressive numbers, has a chance.
- RW Cruz Lucius (USHL). Skilled but not a big sample size.
- RW Patrick Guay, QMJHL. Quick accurate shooter.
- LW Nikita Buruyanov (MHL). Small skill winger.
- LD Tyson Jugnauth (BCHL). Speedy puck mover is great passer.
- LW Alex Bump (USHL). Scoring winger.
- G Sergei Ivanov (MHL). Undersized but quick and effective.
- LD David Gucciardi (NCAA). Two-way D, plus shot.
- LC Connor Hvidston (WHL). Youngest player in the draft and he can play.
- RD Jack Sparkes (OJHL). He’s a 6.08 defenseman. He’ll get drafted.
There were seven names on my list ahead of Reid Schaefer but the selection of the big winger comes as no surprise. Schaefer has good hands, a scoring touch and spiked late in the season. He drives to the net, Red Line compares him to Patrick Maroon and Corey Pronman said “looks like a future middle-six power winger with the potential to play high in a lineup if he really hits.”
I have no quarrel with the pick. I knew Jagger Firkus’ skill set was too close to Kailer Yamamoto and Xavier Bourgault. This selection will cause major unrest online, but there’s no need to run ahead of the crowd here. The young man wasn’t a top-10 or even top-25 selection, adjust your sights accordingly.
THE KASSIAN TRADE
It was an overpay, I told you for months it would be and there should be no surprise. Zack Kassian was a good soldier for this team, but the contract was an albatross the day it was signed and the pandemic/flat cap did no favours for the big man or Ken Holland.
In accepting it was an overpay, I reject the idea that the TML exposed Holland with their similar trade that went down at the same time. Surely we can agree there is a value placed on each individual player, and that value is central to the return? I very much miss the days when the math folks delivered a nuanced view of the day’s news.
THE KASSIAN CAP DOLLARS
The additional $3.2 million, combined with LTIR contracts of Oscar Klefbom and Mike Smith give Edmonton real cap room ($16.7 million). The team needs to sign a goalie (Jack Campbell, Darcy Kuemper should be in play for the Oilers), defenseman Brett Kulak, RFA’s Kailer Yamamoto, Jesse Puljujarvi and Ryan McLeod. If there’s money left over, then Evander Kane and Claude Giroux enter the room. Duncan Keith’s decision remains as the final domino of summer planning.
BRAD HOLLAND AGM
If we look at this organization from 10,000 feet, the elevation of Brad Holland to AGM is the big news from yesterday. If the Oilers give their new manager full power to wield Katz’ money, then we should be seeing an analytics department being put in place over the summer. Tyler Dellow? Rob Vollman? Puck IQ? Michael Parkatti? I know all of these individuals, haven’t reached out because they’re friends and I’m media, as well as some are already in the industry. That makes contact unprofessional (media reaches out to the team if they’re interested in a special individual for a conversation). Holland has plenty of experience, so the hirings may be from an analytics pipeline outside the Oilogosphere. That would be a shame, but if the wheels are turning that’s the big news. We wait.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
10-2 today, TSN1260. We’ll have draft and trade updates, reaction to a devastating evening for the Elks at Commonwealth, and tee up free agency in the days ahead. The Duncan Keith news could arrive during the show. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
NEW for The Athletic: Edmonton Oilers prospect pipeline needs a post-draft boost
https://theathletic.com/3402621/2022/07/08/edmonton-oilers-nhl-draft-prospects-analysis/
Holtby is my preferred target. 2 year deal, run him and Skinner, cheap goaltending, then start tampering with Hellybuck and hope to snatch him at next year’s deadline or as a UFA.
Really tough set of picks for LT to write his “Harvest Moon” post. I mean it’s nice he doesn’t have to do like eight profiles, but man the Oil were picking from the Hinterlands last night. And a double over-ager too. Wonder if that was just a favour to the Woodcrofts or if there is really something there?
Munny pointed out>>
Guerin: “I don’t have shit to do. Cam Talbot’s under contract. George can say whatever the hell he wants. My team’s set right now, and that’s the way it goes. We can have all the discussions we want. Cam’s a member of our team. We really like Cam. All we’re trying to do is win”
This is basically my view of JP. Obviously you cant say that too loud bc you want to avoid arbitration, but buddy, “we’ll test the market for a trade, but if we arent seeing value for you, either be a third line winger, or, if you think you are a top line winger, then play your way up the lineup.”
This is an hilarious conversation to be having though, right now, because he is currently either the best or second best RW on the team. If they sign Giroux and Kane and that bumps Hyman and Drai over to the RW, then he doesnt have much to complain about. Hes sure not better than those two players are.
But currently, they dont have anything obviously superior to him at the RW position.
Sometimes top 6 players play on the third line on championship teams. That is a good thing.
Hell, Kessel was playing largely 3rd line and PP when he led the playoffs in scoring (2016 I think). Playoff contenders need someone to push the river (or at least hold the line) on the third line, in a way that we have seen JP do every time he ends up there.
He is, at the very least, a very good third liner. That is probably worth 3 million in itself.
Myself, I am a big supporter of JP, but Holland has to (and probably has) had a conversation like this with Yessa’s agent.
Great post.
The third line is key to winning the Cup.
Part of the reason the whole unicorns thing started here was because the 06 run featured a team that could saw-off the top 2 lines and destroy you with the 3rd.
COL had the cap opportunity to load up on depth this year and they made sure even their 4th line could beat you.
You need to win the 3rd line match-up to get to the Cup.
And Tampa has spent a ton of futures the past few seasons on their third line …
The big difference between Puljujarvi’s situation and Cam Talbot’s is Jesse is an RFA with arbitration rights and Cam Talbot is under contract for one more year. Jesse and his agent are well within their rights under the CBA to do whatever they want to try and get the best deal for him or improve his situation. And Ken Holland can’t take the same stance as Guerin since Guerin truly has no obligation to do anything different with Talbot. Holland has to give Jesse a qualifying offer, or Jesse is gone as a UFA. Once he gets a QO, Jesse can file for arbitration.
Most believe if it goes to a hearing, Jesse has a good chance of getting an arbitration ruling that will be higher than what the Oilers really want to pay Jesse next season. Jesse and his agent likely believe this as well and are using it as leverage to either get a better negotiated deal from the Oilers or to get Holland to trade him to another team to avoid paying Jesse the amount from the ruling.
Agreed.
I am just trying to flush that out. It doesn’t nerd be whether or not he’s a good player.
his agent should use every tool in his kit to get Jesse in the best position long term to get paid.
I’m just saying that the best position to get paid is by exposing this year on a very good oilers team.
Thank you for your nuance.
Jack Campbell has played exactly 2/3 of a season as a starter… he’s played 15 playoff games and lost 8 of them. In his career he’s 30 years old and has played 135 games… is he even a starter? In his one year with starter like time he missed six weeks? If you go back and look at his monthly splits in 22 this season there was some Koskie level bleeding. I believe he was rocking the worst save percentage and bottom ten in goals against for about 2.5 months.
He’s coming off $1.65/2 and folks want to dish out 7 million per year? Holy Hanna his agent is pitching a helluva marketing campaign here.
Based on the numbers and experience alone some of the contracts being floated here are the equivalent of paying JP about 8.5 million cause you’re sure he’ll spike through his 30th year. Bananas.
Honestly I’d start at $4 with three years and tell the man he’s lucky we’re even chatting given his stats bar.
The cap hit will be 5, not 7. I look at the small number of GP as a plus, not a minus. Goaltending is brutal on the body, and Campbell has had less wear and tear on his.
Another plus: the Leafs are a smart team and saw something in him. He played well there.
Another plus: Skinner is dirt cheap and having solid net minding at <6 million cap hit per year is eminently reasonable.
Husso played half a season as a starter and prior to that was a mediocre AHL goalie … and he got 4.75 million from supposed hockey GM savant Steve Yzerman.
You can complain all you want about the cost, but Campbell’s agent won’t even pick up the phone again if Holland first offer starts with anything less than a 5.
In Seattle for the Jays games so have missed most of what went on today (travel, beers, game etc). Thanks to all for sharing your opinions, and to LT for providing the forum to do it.
1-Kassian off the books gives Oilers cap space = excellent
2-Kassian off the ice subtracts Oilers team toughness that successfully kept Calgary off their backs.
3-Keith retiring off the books f=gives Oilers cap space = excellent
4-Keith off the team subtracts Oilers team defence savvy
Conclusion: Now there is money to pay for a True first line goaltender = outstanding GMing by Holland, who some rank slightly lower than Ralph Williams Bantam level.
I’m not sure Kass’ on ice presence did much against the flames. It was Kane’s that seemed to get in Tkachuk’s head.
Have to respectfully disagree on a few things
Kass’s concussions has left him doing little
Keith is an excellent passer and effective in the o zone. But he and Barrie are a turnstile at the D blueline which is the Oilers biggest defensive issue along with the forwards of supporting. If Holland decides to move Barrie and bring in a better defender he will significantly upgrade the D
He likely plays it safe with keeping Barrie, but he could do big things if he’s more aggressive and has seen the issues
Defending defend one entries better would make a massive difference for the team IMO
Last sentence should say defending d zone entries better
I really don’t get why everyone still wants to trade Barrie and Foegele.
Keep Barrie UNTIL you have Bouchard signed long term. And until then, I’m running Bouchard on PP2. Everyone here was all mad about how Holland signed Kassian after his numbers got inflated playing the wing with McDrai. Yet all you guys want to do exactly the same thing with Bouchard.
Trade Barrie now and I guarantee Bouchard’s agent tells his client to wait until next summer to sign an extension. And after Bouchard racks up 70 points next season getting cherry minutes on PP1, everyone here will be roasting Holland for letting Barrie go before they got Bouchard signed.
There is absolutely no reason for the Oilers to trade Barrie this summer. None. We have enough capspace now to bring the whole team back and sign a goalie. The market for Barrie will be just fine if we wait until next season … there are always teams who need a proven PP QB half way into the season after their own over hyped prospects fail at the job.
Same thing applies to Foegele … why trade him when his value is low? Because we have Holloway? For years we’ve been saying that the young kids have to earn their way on the team by pushing out the vets. Yet people think it’s fait accompli that Holloway is going to be better than Foegele when he has played all of 1 game in the NHL.
Munny is right in the thread below… Foegele was snake bit last season and with better puck luck will improve his trade value next season. And if Holloway is the goods, then you trade Foegele.
Same thing applies to Jesse … if it takes all summer for him and his agent to come to their senses and sign an extension … then have at it. With the cap space that Holland has, he can wait them out all summer long unless he gets a crazy offer that he can’t turn down. And if he goes to arbitration and gets rewarded … well then at least he’s an Oiler next season. But if Jesse is so thin skinned that he wants out just cause he was demoted to the third line in the Conference Finals … well then I’d be totally ready to call his agents bluff … players hate arbitration because the team gets carte blanche to point out all the player’s flaws. His agent can make all the excuses he wants but the fact remains that Jesse did not play well enough in the last half of the season or the playoffs to earn a big raise.
Holland has two things that he needs to get done next week … sign a quality goalie and sign Kulak. After that he can let the market come to him.
Completely agree on Barrie. He’s a good Dman, and keeping him probably saves $1M per year on Bouchard’s next deal.
I wonder if the pairs to start next season are:
Nurse-Bouchard
Kulak-Barrie
Broberg-Ceci
To keep a very successful Kulak-Barrie pair together, and to shelter Broberg with the most stable RD partner available.
On Foegele, I mostly agree. The difference though is that his salary can be (likely will need to be) put towards a higher end forward add (Kane, Giroux, Palat, etc). If Barrie is cashed out, it will almost certainly be in exchange for a different style of defenseman, cheaper and not one who’ll be in the PP conversation (Bouch).
It’s of course the same pool of money if you trade either of them, so I guess what I’m saying is that Barrie (for a couple of reasons) is more valuable to retain that Foegele, if you need a couple million extra to spend on a higher end forward (or goalie).
Mostly agree on Puljujarvi as well. His call if he wants to return. Hopefully Holland holds firm unless he gets a quality trade offer.
The reason is simple, we have quite a bit of cap but it’s still tight if you go ufa goalie (~$4.5M), Kulak(~$2.5M), sign rfas (McLeod, Yam, Puljujarvi – ~$1M,$3M,$3M). You come up short, there isn’t enough to sign Kane and fill out the rest of the 23 man list with <$1M players. Something still has to give. Either you grind every deal to make things barely work or we don’t get Kane, or something has to deviate from this plan.
Excellent post.
I’m not sure why people prefer Barrie and/or Foegele to Kane. Let’s not also forget the interesting names out there like Chychrun and Weegar, both of whom have sweetheart cap hits.
Barrie is playing on the third pair. Foegele very well may play on the 4th line. Kane is a premier, top 5 LW in the NHL. There is absolutely no contest here.
Expect the Oilers to take a run at Nic Deslauriers in FA. He’ll have his choice of team of course and he might be a player of interest for the Stanley Cup champs, you never know.
But I think they will look to replace Kassian with Deslauriers, if the price isn’t too high. But he’ll get a lot of offers, so it’s fairly unlikely he ends up on Team Slick.
Stauffer has been on him for a long time now. The Kassian 4W replacement.
Yeah, he loves him, but I think there’s a good chance he’s right in this case. Plus he’s what-if-we-don’t-sign-Kane insurance. I don’t know how long they’ll remain interested though if the price is much beyond what he’s getting now. Like if someone is dangling him 1.5. And if everyone offers about the same money then basically it’s about where he wants to play.
I think Stauffer suggested something like $8MM over 4 years…….
And I don’t think the Oil wll pay a 4th liner $2M AAV.
I read some stories that Nic liked it in Minnesota a lot, might be hard to entice him to leave.
Guerin isn’t re-signing him according to beat reporter Russo.
Gregor asked Button if he thinks Gaudreau will be a Flames next week and the answer “no, that ship has sailed”. Also intimated the question is if Tkachuk will.
I thought I saw encouraging headlines at the two national sports websites? Button is as insider as it gets with the Flames. That does not sound encouraging.
I found it interesting that the very calculated Brisebois decided to keep this years first round pick and traded away the two first round picks before and after this one.
I think Plan A has to be Reimer. But I imagine Holland has already knocked on the door of San Jose and I’m not sure why Grier would trade away such a cheap and useful security blanket while he finds his way around the org.
But if he balks I’d be like well then, what’s up? Your org just traded for a goalie so Guerin could make room for MAF, so you have three there, Rosie. What’s your plan?
Campbell is likely Plan B (ie the present plan), but I don’t like it. While he’s not going to get paid like an elite starter I wonder how much value he will give for his contract if he’s really a 1A/B? And what if he’s looking for term? Would he be okay with a two year deal?
Kuemper will end up in Washington or Toronto. Hopefully Toronto at an obscene number. But pretty sure that’s where Varly ends up although he himself probably wants Washington. I haven’t heard anything about WAS wanting him (surprisingly), nor do I think he will get traded within the division.
Plans C, D and E are going to involve Talbot, Allen, possibly Gibson, or Matt Murray with retained.
After that we’re looking at Thomas Greiss or some other cheap vet journeyman.
Dear lord, it’s ugly.
Nothing has happened just yet … It’s not clear what direction Grier is going to take the Sharks, so no clue whether Reimer is available. Neither Kakhonen or Adin Hill are sure bets either.
Plan B is the safest option.
The other options would cost us significant assets … Holland’s strength is getting UFAs to sign.
Murray is awful … just completely over-rated from his first two playoff runs with the Pens where he SPLIT the net with MAF … shooters have since figured him out. I’d rather go to Switzerland and try to convince Koskinen to come back.
I think Murray would have to be conditional on your goalie coach watching tape and then saying, “Oh, I know what his problem is,” before you make any sort of deal. I think the willingness is there to rehab his game.
I think Stauffer nailed it though. If the Oiler had interest, Kassian would’ve been heading there. You’d be trading your bad contract back. And he’s already had a few goalie coaches work on him, I’m okay with that pass.
I do remember a few months ago, Kevin Woodly being VERY negative on Murray’s style and the new east-west offensive style of the NHL.
I do not consider myself a positive Peter when it comes to the Oilers. If anything I am quite pessimistic. But wow, I have nothing on Oilers twitter.
It is amazing how negative a large section of the fan base is for a team that just made the conference finals. So many people freaking out about how Holland is going to waste money in free agency even though last year he had an excellent free agency and was widely praised (I am talking free agent signing not trades). I guess I get it. This team has hurt us all too many times.
Depends on what you think Holland will do. I’m quite happy with the off-season so far, and I’m an order of magnitude more critical than you. I wanted the first round pick traded, Kassian out, and Keith to retire. 3/3.
I’ll be very happy with Kane, Campbell, Kulak, and resigning Yamo+Puljujarvi. I think all will happen. I *think* they’ll try for a Bouchard extension, but not sure why Bouchard would sign anything now.
Would like to see Barrie moved out at the apex of his value. I know some people want to keep Foegele but what’s the point in playing Holloway on the 4th line? He’ll pass Foegele and then what’s the point of having Foegele on the 4th line? Btw Willis came out on Twitter in support of keeping Foegele. Smart guy, wonder what his rationale is.
Barrie can help and while I’m all for redundancy and anti-fragility, you do need dollars to extend Bouchard soon and if Barrie craters this coming season you have a big problem. Might not be able to move him so easily.
Holland has been aggressive in clearing cap and I think he should go further with both those two, set the franchise up for a real shot at winning over the next 3-4 years.
I agree in full:)
Not as sure about Campbell as you but I agree with the rest of it. I like Barrie but the d is not balanced with him in the mix. I would prefer cheaper and more physical with the savings spent on a 2LD.
Foegele is also eating more cap than he is earning. Of course the right replacements have to be procured but those are two positions that could be filled for less money imo.
The case I can see for keeping Foegele is first, you’re making Holloway earn the job and secondly, with a season to adjust can he improve his numbers and thus his trade return?
Does Holland have reason to believe there will be no offers for Foegele during this coming season?
Myself, I’d rather have the cap space too, but some of that depends on what happens with Barrie (who I like a lot but would pefer balance). And knowing how strong the market actually is for Foegele.
I don’t disagree with the premise for creating extra cap but I do see benefits of Foegele and Holloway pencilled in as 3/4 LW.
For one, if they are better then those positions, we’ll, that’s great – championship teams have their bottom six make impacts.
Also, we aren’t sure on Holloway yet. He sure looks like he’s NHL ready but, he’s played 3 minutes so far. Pencilled in as 4LW and earning more seems prudent.
Lastly, injury cover, of course.
It’s good to have cover for LW but, if Kane comes back (and I expect him to) and with McLeod at C, you have Kane-Nuge-Hyman-Foegele-Holloway at LW potentially. That’s more than enough for injury cover.
My concern is we have seen players — even good players — struggle to establish their game on the fourth line. Not sure why Holloway is different. He won’t develop as well playing 5 minutes a game, which is what the Oilers 4th line players will play next season.
I would think true Stanley Cup contenders have a fourth line they can (and want to) play more than 5 minutes per game.
Reducing the minutes of, and reliance on, McDavid and Drai should remain a priority – in my opinion.
I think you’d be surprised how unrepresentative viewpoints on twitter are of the overall Oilers fan base. Less than 10% of twitter users create over 80% of the tweets. People who don’t like things complain the most. There are literally hundreds of thousands of Oilers fans, and many of twitter folks have a couple of thousands of followers. .
Twitter is designed for the angry.
Twitter is an echo chamber … and a complete waste of time.
Mostly. I use it primarily to interact with philosophy professors. Hard to find people interested in those kinds of conversations IRL so I find it useful for that.
During free agency and draft day build up I click on a few media guys like LeBrun and Seravalli to check on the rumour mill.
Most of the world is an echo chamber so that doesn’t make Twitter particularly unique.
A little something on Nikita Yevseyev, picked by the Oilers at 190.
Sounds like Tyler Wright doesn’t even know much about the kid. He mentioned that Alex (presumably Oilers scout Alexander Naurov) was ‘pretty adamant’ about picking Yeveseyev, and also that he’s bigger than listed (which I’ve seen as 6’1″, 187).
In looking at his stats page, nothing particularly stands out (which isn’t unusual for a defenseman). I noticed though that he did play in the VHL. As I understand it, the VHL is the Russian equivalent of the AHL (or of the Allsvenskan in Sweden where Philip Broberg was drafted from).
So I looked and it turns out he was one of only 4 U18 defensemen to play in the VHL this season, and the only one to play even 10 games (he played 37).
Moving up an age bracket, the most games played by a U19 defenseman (aside from Yevseyev) was 21.
So this guy was playing against men most of the year as the youngest regular league, and generally holding is own it seems.
I’ll call that an early up arrow for a late round pick.
Great work, JP. Thank you. That is a very nice arrow.
Good info. Thanks for digging.
Our 2LD problems are solved!!
LoL
Awesome scouting report.
And he did that with a May 10 birthday. Wow.
I wonder how common it is for a draft-age kid to get in that many games in the V? Considering that he played so many more games than others in his peer group might mean he has some pretty interesting comps out there, like Broberg did.
43 penalty minutes in 14 games played in Russian juniors. Sounds more like ruffian juniors. 7 points in 14 games. Half a point per game is a pretty good clip for a draft age defenceman in Juniors.
I haven’t read the Cult of Hockey writeup on him yet, but it has ‘highly physical’ in the title. Interesting that his PIMs weren’t high at all in the VHL, or the MHL the previous year (though he did have 76 in 16 U16 league games the year before).
As for how rare it is, good question. There was one other U18 player last year who played 30+ VHL games. Turns out it was forward and #20 pick Ivan Miroshnichenko, who scored 31GP 10-6-16. (Yevseyev scored 37GP 2-3-5 as a defenseman).
The number of U18 players in the VHL by year:
21-22 – 2 played 30+ games, no others played 20+
20-21 – 2 played 30+ games, 4 others played 20+
(including Svechkov #19 and Chibrikov #50 picks in 2021)
19-20 – only 2 players played 20 games exactly, none more
18-19 – 2 played 30+ games, 1 other with 20+.
(one of them was a late round pick, Podkolzin also played 14 VHL games in what was his draft year)
17-18 – no one played 20+ games
(a couple of mid-round picks played 11 and 14 games though)
16-17 – only 2 guys played 20+ games
(1st round picks Klim Kostin and Vitali Kravtsov both played a handful of games though)
15-16 – no one played 20+ games
14-15 – no one played 20+ games
13-14 – 1 guy played 30+
12-13 – 2 guys played 20+ games. Nichushkin also started there before finishing his season in the KHL before getting drafted at #10.
11-12 – no one played 20+ games
10-11 – 1 guy played 30+
I kept going back to see if I could find any good comparables, but not really. It definitely is pretty rare for a draft age player to play as a regular in that league. It doesn’t seem to guarantee success at all though.
Some pretty good players passed through, but some of the guys above never seemed to progress at all (stayed in the VHL multiple years), and most appear to be unspectacular KHL players. A few NHL forwards though, and it definitely seems to have become more common for young guys to play in that league, so there’s still time for lots of them.
It is a bit disappointing there’s no one famous in there, but I am taking it as a good sign regardless.
Most f the comps are Fs, looks like. Playing D would be even harder than forward, moving up a level. Add in that May 10 birthday and the scout “seeing him good,” and that’s a helluva good flyer pick where they got him. Could be Hakan Andersson-like.
Yeah I was hoping to find some good ones, but alas…
For pick 190, the verbal and him playing pro hockey against men at 17 can’t possibly be a bad arrow. Definitely looking forward to watching this guy from afar to see if this guy can develop.
He is 6’2+”, not quite 2.5” and 189 lbs according to the metric vitals on the MHL site.
Thanks. Wright was pretty emphatic that he’s ‘much bigger’ (or something to that effect) than listed, so I’d guess he has some extra weight compared to that number too. We’ll learn more with time presumably.
I’m happy this means Barrie is probably staying. His GA/60 at even strength is better than Nurse, Ceci and Bucharest. Likely due to quality of competition but he is performing in the role given to him. He has his flaws but his puck moving ability fits the fast transition game they want to play.
I really like that it keeps Broberg on his natural side. A sheltered Broberg-Barrie pairing could be real good.
Things are breaking right for the Oil. Kenny has to nail the goalie move. It may be his most critically important decision of his time here.
So I get that Barrie likely stays but in that 3rd rd spot I would rather have PK Subban. Veteran leader to help broberg same as Keith did with Bouchard. 2m for a year. Would also free up another 2.5 million cap.
PK Subban’s skating has lost at least two gears. He was never particularly good in his own zone, and he’s lost that dynamic element to his game.
Agree, Subban has fallen off a cliff.
Remember draft 2016? The entire fanbase was screaming for a trade when we heard PK was available. Many articles referred to him as a stud. MTL wanted the fourth overall pick, Draisaitl, Nurse, and a 2017 first or second round pick. Four critical assets for the privilege to pay Subban 10 million a year play really bad defence, but score goals.
Interview with Chia after the draft “Peter, there were rumours of blockbuster trades taking place on the draft floor, what happened?” Chia – “There were a lot of discussions, but in the end, I would say we were never really close”.
Chia did some bad stuff when he was here, but this was a good call. Sometimes the trades you don’t do end up being the most valuable.
I would rather keep Barrie
Where’s Gudbranson’s skating at these days? I like his physicality and defensive play alongside Broberg.
Gudbranson is a pylon.
Mackenzie Weegar, at 3.25 mil 1 more yr before UFA
N/A
Hope everyone had a good Draftivus. Some thoughts:
– I’m coming around on the Schaefer pick. He brings an element of grit that’s lacking in the forward ranks. Seems like enough skill to play on a scoring line at least part of the time.
– I’m too lazy to link the articles, but both Pronman and Wheeler mentioned him in their respective lists of the most physical prospects for this draft. Wheeler had him 2nd, Pronman 8th.
– I know less than nothing about the other three picks, though it seems like better (or at least better-known) players were available at their spots. Looks like the ol’ “throw the Siberian scout a bone” approach again.
– The Oilers have six picks for next year’s draft (all but 4th). Win-now mode means there will likely be fewer than that one year hence.
We drafted a big Swede goalie, a Russian who may have dropped a bit due to the Russian factor and a Finn who kicks ass but might be shy offensively, and will be coached by Woody’s brother.
As far as lottery picks go … these picks seem like decent long-shots to root for!
Vermont was a terrible last season, maybe when he and Muzenberger turn pro in 2-3 years they will be leaving a strong team, both players will have good numbers and they will be plug ‘n play with the big club…
David Pagnotta
@TheFourthPeriod
Can confirm Chicago, Patrick Kane and his agent will discuss Kane’s future with the organization, again, in the very near future.
What would it take to snag Kane at 50% retained?
I’ve been daydreaming about this since the full on Chicago tear down became official. Rationally, they probably think they would get the best package at the trade deadline when he’s a rental. Draft picks and other futures get thrown around like candy then, and everyone tends to want to hang on to them more around the draft.
But Kane explicitly said that he was more or less cool hanging around because he liked playing with Debrincat and, well….
Lots of problems. He has a full NMC so can dictate his landing spot. Tons of suitors would line up. We’re not dripping with assets to make it happen.
It’d be something, though.
Yeah, definitely another pipe dream.
Drai McD Yamo
Hyman RNH P. Kane
That would be pretty spicy!
Hey maybe Duncan puts in a good word to Kane about his experiences in Edmonton.
Some interesting tidbits just to round out the conversation
Kane
– cap hit $10.5M
-total salary due $6.9M
-signing bonus $4M (not sure when this bonus is due)
-base salary $2.9M
-1 year remaining
The above applies to the Toews contract as well
I recall signing bonuses are paid by July 1st and some on July 15th.
July is generally the default but it’s a moving target – the Lucic/Neal trade took place on July 19 due to a Lucic signing bonus. A couple summers ago ARZ made the headlines because they were late on paying bonuses for OEL and Jason Demers (Sept 1)
I threw that in there because an acquiring team could offer to pay the $4M bonus and that may affect the acquisition cost
If we’re going to raid the Hawks (who appear to be trying to burn it all down) … then I want Toews if he’s recuperated from long haul Covid syndrome. Come playoff time Toews goes into total beast mode. This would be more of a deadline move and honestly it may take all season for the drama in Chicago to reach the point that Kane and Toews agree to waive their NMCs.
OK. It’s official. The Ark grounded itself on mount Ararat.
Summer is officially here on July 8th.
Randle closed the windows and turned on the air conditioning for the first time this year.
Enjoy the heat people!
#BeachboysBBQBoozeBeefAndBarely
I know it is a pipe dream, but please baby jesus help Holland swing a trade for Helly!
I would be willing to give up a metric fuck load to snag Helly. Like a 1st + Holloway/the Borg + other shit.
The Winnipeg Wall is the right choice.
Sets them up for a chance to not just get one but go back-to-back.
Worth a mountain of future gold.
Unfortunately Winnipeg does not look like the are ready to blow things up just yet … so unless you’re willing to offer Draisaitl for Hellybuyck, I doubt Chevy trades him to us.
Is it the right choice given the acquisition cost? I don’t know what it would be but I would think something along the lines of Broberg (if not Bouchard), Holloway (or Bourgault), Puljujarvi and maybe another piece.
I know we are all aware but…
PROJECTED CAP HIT : $66,631,333
PROJECTED LTIR USED : $0
PROJECTED CAP SPACE : $15,868,667
HAVE MERCY!
That is a nice visual 🙂
I would love to see 5 million spent on one year of Patrice Bergeron. One last kick at the can for the cup. If he comes back this year he is not winning it with Boston.
Where there’s smoke, there’s often tasty soup.
NJ and Toronto, the two most likely competitors, seem to be out of the Campbell sweepstakes.
I think that may be because Campbell has already committed to Edmonton.
#HymanCeciBarrie
#EastWestPipeline
A surprising number are against a UFA goalie. Now is the time to pounce. Skinner is cheap and the really bad contracts have been flushed. Foegele and Barrie are easily tradeable.
I think it is the particular UFA goalies that are available this summer that people are against. Or at least that is what I am against.
If I have to choose between a questionable crop of UFA’s for long term and big money vs a short term so-so veteran in trade I take the trade.
The problem is an elite goalie in UFA will go for 8-10. IMO that’s riskier than a good bet for 5 million. Once the cap rises, 5 million will be nothing and maybe Skinner is ready. Good problem to have.
The available goalies to pounce on via signing are “meh” and not locks to provide better tending then what Smith has provided. Maybe more reliable or straight-lined but not “better”.
The one-year contract trade route guys aren’t any better, of course, but wouldn’t come with that long term cap commitment and, with Skinner being in the NHL full time next season their term lines up.
Skinner could end up being a material player
I have to think that with Smith getting two years last summer that was the original plan until Smith’s health failed him. Smith starting the year as the starter with Skinner slowly taking over as his level of play warranted it.
If that was the play last summer does Holland go back to that plan with a Smith type vet?
Kuemper and Campbell are good goalies who will come in at a reasonable price (Campbell more so than Kuemper). Neither will be paid like an upper echelon starter.
The team is ready to contend and expending assets and effort each year for a stop gap solution is foolhardy.
Even if you are bullish on Skinner, it’s very unlikely he’ll be a true number 1 until, at the earliest, the 23-24 season. More like 24-25.
One thing I like about both Campbell and Kuemper is that both players were identified by smart teams. We haven’t done so badly with Hyman, Ceci, Barrie, and even Kane.
I fully support Holland going for Campbell. Kuemper would be great also, though I worry about his health and age.
It’s not about betting on Skinner for this season, he would be the back-up/1B.
Its about the risk of $5MM to $7MM to Campbell or Kuemper, neither of which are elite and come with risk and questions. Kuemper was close recently but some regression and injury.
The gap between those two and the one-year goalies i keep mentioning is not big and a guy like Talbot or Allen could easily be better next season than Campbell.
What if Skinner does pop? With a crapload of cap committed for years to. 30 plus guy, that’s an issue.
He is not even supposed to be talking to other teams so cant see how he would be committed. I know smoke signals are out there of Edmontons interest but I’m sure no actual discussions.
Oh, I am pretty sure there have been discussions. Just hypothetical discussions, of course. No names used. 😉
ALA Zack Hyman
#HymanCeciBarrie
The Edmonton Oilers’ search for another goalie is their top priority, GM Ken Holland said Friday.
“I need one. I’ve got to get one. It’s as simple as that,” Holland told NHL.com at the conclusion of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre. “There’s a lot of things we’d like to get done, but none of that can really be addressed until the goalie situation gets ironed out. That’s the focus.”
I like where Hollands focus is at … but they also need a LD.
Kuemper is from Saskatoon? All right!
I figure it’s Campbell and Kuemper in Canada either way, one in TO and one in Edmonton.
Earlier this week (late last week?) LT had a post up where he stated that in order to become a true contender (< those are my words) Ken Holland would need to have a summer similar in stature to the one he had last summer.
WELL! Now the table has been set. I’ve never been more optimistic (in the last 15 yrs) than I am today about the Oilers chances of competing for Lord Stanley’s Cup.
I’ve been on the Kane, Soup, Kulak train for some time, but in LT’s article I believe he spoke to the need for another top flight Dman. Someone at least as good as Nurse (preferably better). There is some hope that a Broberg or Bouchard could get there someday, but it isn’t a lock or even likely.
So now, with this new found lease on life, I turn my attention to Dmen. Who is out there that might fit the bill?
What would Jacob Chychrun cost? Is there a better potential alternative? In trade or UFA. OR UFA next season.
Alec Martinez? John Klingberg? Josh Manson?
Not saying any of these guys are better than Nurse….but if were going to prioritize defense, who would you look at targeting?
Is Montreal going to have any problem moving 34.5 yr old Jeff Petry at an AVV of $6.25m and real dollars owed of $6.25m for two more seasons?
I might give Montreal something for him at $2m retained. (give them whatever Petry is worth plus a 2nd and a 5th for the $2m retained)
Oilers very much a different organization than the one that traded him away all those years ago. Maybe sweeten the deal for Petry…Tell him we’ll fire Kevin Lowe if he agrees to accept a trade.
Not sure about any of this ^. Is Petry still Petry?
The word on the street around the deadline was that Petry wanted to be moved to a US based team due to family reasons
This is just speculation however
The 2nd and 5th was a nice touch
I can see Kuemper coming in around 7million plus or maybe more with lots of term.. The cup win has his value high even though his play wasn’t that great. Campbell is no great option either. His playoff was even worse. They should try to find a trade as either one of these two options will bite us in the ass real quick.
Kuemper will be signed on rep. He’s made of glass and any term will soon be regretted. Holland needs to follow his usual MO here. Kuemper’s playoff metrics were near the bottom of starting goalies along with Francouz according to Woodley on LTs show
Unless the Oilers make massive steps in defending (not happening in one season with this group) no goalie will change their fortunes much, any decent goalie one from another
They need a stop gap, and all 20 crossed that Skinner is the goods
His reputation can’t have been helped by the Avalanche moving on from him as quick as they did. Whatever his offer was to Sakic, seems Joe didn’t even get to the draft, traded for Georgiev and bid him adieu. Clearly, Sakic didn’t believe he was a key ingredient to repeating. And despite his .921 regular season save percentage and 37 wins, he didn’t get a single vote for a Vezina. I agree if that’s his ask, my vote would be to stay away. NHL teams may have inside info that tells them differently though.
Campbell makes a high percentage of the easy and medium difficulty stops, but has had poor metrics on Grade A chances. Given how porous our goalies have been at times, just getting a guy who we can count on to make the stops that he should make would be a huge improvement.
But is it worth 5 years at $6M for a guy that is or might be marginally better than Skinner? If Campbell isn’t good enough to take us all the way what is the point?
Well you do need a solid Plan B. Just when we thought we had given up on expensive back-ups…
With this many unknowns I think Holland might need a Plan C, D and E. I can hardly wait for the next round of rumours from Stauffer and co.
I mean, do we really know how good Skinner is/will be?
We do not but we should after this coming full year in the NHL – hence why a one-year stopgap seems to make sense.
There are people in the Oilers organization paid a lot of money to have an idea but, no, we don’t and I think that was a mistake imo. Another 10 games last season was doable and the discussion this month might be different.
Barrie for Soucy +
Sign Kulak
Soucy Bro is far better than Bro Barrie. Soucy stands up the defensive blue and kicks toolie around the zone. Barrie needs a babysitter to have decent defensive metrics. Also adds some un-nice to replace what Kass used to be
Pure gold LT. Good advise for us all, especially every young person out there.
The concerning aspect of Holland’s goalie pursuit is the musical chairs feel to it. With the early birds snapping up the worms, Ken is once again reducing his options leaving him less and less negotiation leverage. It may yet turn out for the best. One can only hope. I’m certainly loving the potential bidding war if I’m Campbell.
Conventional goalie wisdom is to wait for all the teams to sign their guy to an expensive contract then the Oil can pick through the leftovers at a discount price.
Payless-Goalie Edition
I guess I prefer the Joe Sakic “I’m going to go and get my guy approach.” It’s only the most important position on the hockey club.
Tried that, it was painful. You have to do the math, how many reasonable goalies available subtract teams looking. The sum has to be positive to wait things out. But I don’t think it is.
Yeah – we are in a cycle where there is a real dearth of quality starting goalies. Waiting to sift through what’s left is how we ended up with the Smith-Koskinen tandem for the past few seasons.
As noted by the puckpedia twitter account:
https://twitter.com/PuckPedia/status/1545451822592180237?cxt=HHwWmoCy8dKPxvIqAAAA
The NHL deciding to not allow the 3.4 mill cap credit, due to the Keith retirement, reduces league wide cap space by 3.4 mill.
The CBA doesn’t have specific language requiring a credit in this situation, but this definitely goes against the principles upon which the CBA was negotiated namely a 50/50 HRR split between owners and players.
Here one contractual party, i.e. the NHL (that stands to benefit by not allowing the cap credit), makes a decision adversely affecting the other contractual party (the NHLPA, collectively the players) by reducing the league wide cap dollars that should be properly available to be allocated to the players.
Oilers POV: NHL screws the Oilers once again. Damnit!!!
I have been saying for 2 months that, contrary to popular belief, the CBA does not expressly provide for a negative cap recapture credit which could only concur after one of these contracts was traded.
In addition, the CBA gives numerous technical examples of the recapture and its calculation and none speak to a credit.
Puckpedia now seems to agree on the above – its not expressly provided for.
Further I disagree with Puckpedia’s “spirit” as per my earlier post and I believe the intent of the Section was the penalty, as provided for and as per the examples, and not for any sort of credit if a team acquired the player in a trade
But…. have you checked with Speeds?
That missing momey from the 50/50 HRR would be easy to fulfill if they apply it against the escrow pool.
Wishful thinking:
Kuemper signed
Traded for Weegar
Giroux on a 2 year win-now deal
D. Strome
Barrie traded and Kenny actually outright wins the trade
Pulju not traded
Kulak resigned for modest rate
Whitemud amusement park re-opens.
Kuemper was an average goalie at best with the best team in hockey. Smith is a better goalie. No thanks
It takes 16 wins Smith doesn’t have it in him physically. I would be happy with Allen or Campbell at the right price.
Allen is a one year stopgap solution. Get it fixed, I’d say.
Before last season, the most games Campbell played in a season was 31 games back in his Kings days.
The Saskatoon kid should be the primary target with Campbell as the fall back option, imo.
There aren’t any perfect viable options in net via free agency or trade imo. Kuemper has injury concerns but weighing that versus his excellent results over time, I’d sign him.
Who would you prefer if not Kuemper at say 6×4 or thereabouts? What’s the plan in net?
and give me back Red Robin!
and Woolco!
French fries with gravy.
Maybe Holland knew Keith would retire when he made the trade and we are all now a-holes for doubting the man. Ha ha
I wonder if the Hawks new and hence the DeBrincat trade
I see Holland going hard after Keumper and probably settling for Campbell. Signing Kulak to play third pair with Broberg moving Barrie back with Nurse. Signing Kane or trading for him and if the time runs out then going after Giroux. And finishing with the RFA’s. that should take care of most of the money.
Well OP, I’m glad he chose your post on the subject and not mine 😉
Also, beautiful looking spot to have dinner!
I’m not sure why every time I mention this guy in a negative light (with examples, etc.) it eventually gets deleted and flagged for moderatration.
With full respect to our host, I’m bringing these up because of a recent post, and long thread, revering the guy.
Why is it only allowed one way?
Thank you – it was a lovely evening after a long day!
This is purely wishful thinking, but with Keith retiring, what if all of a sudden Klefbom made a miraculous recovery for 2022/23? There’s cap room now!
I imagine Klef is comfortably into the “fat Thor” phase of his life now.
Do you think if he made a miraculous come back he would be a top 4 nhl d man after not playing hockey for over two years?
Yup
Funny how he never posts in the comments here. Stays in his little echo chamber on Twitter so he can have his little mob of followers chime in and gang up on anyone that disagrees with him
Then he also will block anyone who dissents with him
Definition of a coward
Isn’t that Twitter in general?
Haha very true
Why does anyone bother following that guy?
Friedman: Boston will be aggressive in dealing with Pastrnak. They’re not going to wait around. Also Kane’s name might be oiut there after the dust settles today.
Kane has that decision hanging over him. I would think teams interested will wait until the outcome has been decided.
Friedman on ON: I believe Washington has a lot of interest in Kuemper
With Keith retiring, the Oilers have room for Chychrun. He’d really check some boxes for 2LD. Big, mobile, can contribute offensively. Beauty contract for 3 more seasons.
He would really help solidify the backend.
Sign me up. But the cost would be dear.
Nurse half the game – Chychrun the other half.
I’d rather go for Weegar, if its true that he’s available.
Weegar is one year away from asking for $7 or $8 million.
Chychun is cost controlled for the remainder of Leon’s contract.
Bob Stauffer still thinks the probability is either Kuemper or Campbell.
“If was going to be Murray it would have been with Kass going back the other way”
Outside chance on Allen
Jake Allen is low risk. 1yr $2.85m AVV
Downside risk is having to credit Godot10 🙂
If Holland could add Jake Allen, Dylan Srome and Connor Brown. I would be quite happy with these 3 acquisitions. Our PK would be deadly, I could see 10 SH Goals which is my favourite type of Goals. Let’s keep it going Kenny your on a roll.
Any chance Phil Kessel wants to chase a cup and signs a cheap 1year deal? He has $91M in career earnings. How nice would he look instead of Yamo on the 2nd line RW. (Push Yamo to 3RW for a year)
Turns 35 in October…only had 8 goals last year.
Already has 2 Stanley Cup rings.
There’s a reason nobody kept him, even in prime. Sorta like Barrie ’s deal
Michael Russo
@RussoHockey
Guerin: “I don’t have shit to do. Cam Talbot’s under contract. George can say whatever the hell he wants. My team’s set right now, and that’s the way it goes. We can have all the discussions we want. Cam’s a member of our team. We really like Cam. All we’re trying to do is win”
😮
Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
·
2m
Oilers GM Ken Holland doesn’t want to comment on this [Keith retirement] today. Sounds like the Oilers want to announce it in a more proper fashion back in Edmonton next week given Duncan Keith’s HHOF career.
It would be pretty funny if Holland used the cap space to sign Gaudreau.
~ or Tkachuk ~
Imagine having Tkachuk and Kane. We’d be the most hated team in the NHL by far.
I’d worry about them getting into it in the locker room
I don’t have much on Samuel Jonsson, I can’t really evaluate goalies all that well tbh so rarely zoom in on them and can’t say I’ve heard a lot of talk on him. He played for Brynäs this past season and a pretty bad U20 team so his sv% might sell him short. He was at least well regarded enough by Brynäs that they were comfortable sending away their #2G and letting Jonsson back up for a bunch of games. He’ll play for Rögle next season, will be with their U20 team, they’re one of the best run clubs in Sweden atm so that’s not a bad move, they’ve done a great job developing Calle Clang recently who seems to be tracking towards an NHL career.
Big kid at 6’5, looks up to Jakob Markström(who also came up through the Brynäs system, they do have a decent record on goalies). That’s what I’ve got, will try to dig out more as next season rolls along. Goalies will goalie so who knows how he’ll turn out.
Joel Maatta at 222
Someone named “Todd Woodcroft” is the head coach of the University of Vermont.
😉
Just turned 20 year-old teammate of Munzenberger (he’s a center).
This one can’t actually score (unlike Schaafer).
Must be a strong defensive player, reminds of the Engras pick a couple of years back.
From Elite Prospects:
It’s Määttä’s defensive ability that generates value He’s so hard on the puck, so unrelenting on defensive zone retrievals, and unafraid to engage physically when the moment calls for it…..He’s sturdy. Perhaps a bit too sturdy.
Daniel Nugent-Bowman
@DNBsports
Ken Holland and Jay Woodcroft are now talking with Canucks exec Jim Rutherford. Looks like a friendly chat.
It’s either about lunch or we’re getting Demko and Miller (E5).
Trade for Kuzmenko? 😉
Or Pod for Pulju?
The Canucks can spare a Pettersson.
Based on the previous reports that Woodcroft wanted input on personnel and seeing this report, I am excited to see what the Woodcroft/Holland tandem can do.
I wonder if we have enough cap space to sign Gaudreau now?
I keed, I keed
Things we need.
#1 G. Guessing Campbell and probably for more than I would like. Also we did chase Kuemper last year so we know Holland likes him. Even getting a Allen is not enough with Allen/skinner being a very weak tandem
#2LHD. Not comfortable with Kulak batting this high and not fair to Broberg to expect this.
Top 6 winger. I both like and don’t like Kane. I’m worried this contract will be too big and much too long. I’d rather go for a short term fix like Giroux
Sign RFAs with Yammer Mcloud and JP non of whom should command a big pay day.
and that’s about it. Very doable
Both Yammer and JP have arb rights and will likely settle between $2.2-$3M
Kulak is an incredible skater, he will do fine as 2LD.
Kenny has a lot of cash burning a hole in his pocket……
skip Kane, let’s try for Nino Niederreiter. Hyman could always flip sides
Not really in the same league as Kane.
I agree on all those signings. I don’t think I agree about some of the costs that folks are suggesting though. I don’t think they’ll be as expensive as folks are thinking. If the return for JP, alleged, is a late 2nd or 3rd why are contracts coming in >$3/per. Yeesh, why the overpay?
Mcleod gets Yamo money for two years, maybe even a bit less.
Yamo is valuable but streaky. He shouldn’t cost more than $3.5 which should buy UFA years.
JP is somewhat valuable, plays no special teams, isn’t an elite shooter, passer or net front. But is super big so causes havoc on forecheck. Less than 100 regular season points. Shouldn’t cost more than $3.2 on term, or take him at $2.75.
Kulak has managed to stay in the lineup full time for one season. Anything with a $3 is too high. He doesn’t have close to the pedigree that Ceci had. Give him term, four years is fine, he’ll be easily trade-able in two years at $2.75 once the cap starts rising.
Kane/Giroux won’t be given more than Hyman/Nuge money, term be damned. Giroux is coming for Stanley’s, I think you can get him shockingly cheap. Give him Foegele’s money +750k and pay it all in signing bonuses.
Goalie is the tricky one but combined with Skinner should completely fall under the Smith/Koskie cap tandem and doesn’t subtract from the remaining walking around money.
This is all very doable and still keeps Barrie on the roster. If you want to trade Barrie that’s fine but we need more cover on Defense. November and early December was scary shit and it all started with our defense getting blown to smithereens. Need a replacement body for Barrie if he’s on the way out.
^ perhaps here is where the Hurricanes nexus comes in. JP/Barrie for Necas/Bear… That might be wishful thinking on my part and Im still not sold Bear can provide the cover required. I like the gamble though.
i would love to get both Kane/Giroux