Connor McDavid is a player for the ages. He scored 50 goals for the first time last night, in game No. 61. If he continues on his current pace, his final numbers at the end of the season with read 67-88-155 in 82 games. Put another way, he’s having Phil Esposito’s 1970-71 season in a more defensive era. We are witnessing greatness. We may be witnessing the greatest ever.
McDavid’s 50-goal season doesn’t crack the Oilers top-10 seasons, led by Wayne Gretzky and his incredible 92-goal season in 1981-82. Hell, Leon Draisaitl’s epic 55-goal season in 2021-22 ranks No. 8 all-time. It’s a tough damn list! No matter, 97 climbed another mountain and if he scores 67 goals that will rank No. 7 on Edmonton’s all-time list. I’m not sure what the era-adjusted number would be, but suffice to say the captain is in the realm of historic as we speak today. A giant walks among us.
NEW FOR THE ATHLETIC! Oilers’ mediocre February shows importance of protecting the puck
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers’ mediocre February shows importance of protecting the puck
- New DNB: Connor McDavid records his first career 50-goal season
- DNB and Lowetide: Evaluating your Oilers trades for Erik Karlsson, Jakob Chychrun, Mattias Ekholm and more
- Lowetide: Oilers signing Vincent Desharnais, James Hamblin proving innovative, effective one year later
- DNB: Inside Brad Holland’s scouting process
- Lowetide: 5 Oilers prospects with the most value ahead of NHL trade deadline
- DNB: 15 Oilers targets ahead of the NHL trade deadline
- Lowetide: What’s going on with Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl?
- DNB: Oilers captain Connor McDavid surpasses 800 career points
- Lowetide: Revisiting Oilers’ choice of Philip Broberg at the 2019 NHL Draft
- Lowetide: Oilers have an emerging prospect in Noah Philp
- Lowetide: Oilers centre Ryan McLeod’s comparables and career trajectory
- DNB: The Ben Stelter Fund is a legacy his family, Connor McDavid and the Oilers will proudly carry
- Lowetide: Is Edmonton Oilers’ 7-11 alignment here to stay?
- Lowetide: The Oilers’ asset cost in an Erik Karlsson trade and why it’s worth it
- DNB: What I’m hearing about Oilers’ interest in trading for Sharks’ Erik Karlsson
- Lowetide: Will Oilers prospect Phil Kemp have an NHL career?
- Lowetide: Connor McDavid’s top Oilers linemates and what it could mean for trade plans
- DNB: Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland NHL trade deadline Q&A
- Lowetide: How the Oilers finally found the key to five-on-five outscoring
- DNB: With Kailer Yamamoto nearing a return, which Oilers could be salary-cap casualties?
- Lowetide: Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie turns a corner, now NHL-ready
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers are about to start a major makeover at right wing
- Lowetide: Is Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft saving another season?
- DNB: Why Ryan Nugent-Hopkins matters more to the Oilers now than ever before
- Lowetide: 3 trades that could help the Oilers this season and beyond
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY
- On the road to: DET, PHI, OTT, MTL (Expected 3-1-0) (Actual 2-1-1)
- At home to: DET, NYR (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-2)
- On the road to: COL (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 0-0-1)
- At home to: PHI (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- On the road to: PIT, CBJ (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 1-1-0)
- At home to: BOS (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
- February expected result: 6-3-2, 14 points in 11 games
- February actual result: 4-3-4, 12 points in 11 games
- January actual result: 8-2-2, 18 points in 12 games
- December results: 7-6-2, 16 points in 15 games
- November results: 7-7-0, 14 points in 14 games
- October results: 6-3-0, 12 points in 9 games
- Oilers in 2022-23: 32-21-8, 72 points in 61 games
The Oilers missed my prediction by two points, and there’s zero doubt there was so much wasted on the way. I don’t believe the month was a disaster and don’t believe the team needs to overhaul any position on the team. The players need to tighten up, stop making those passes that get intercepted often, and the goalies need to make more stops. The set outlet play, the one that results in icings or turnovers, needs to stop. Edmonton’s current record would result in 97 points. March is a monster.
GOALIE AND DEFENSEMEN
Stuart Skinner played well, the only goal I see as being in question is the third one and lady luck was on Boston’s side in that moment. I liked his positioning and believe he is extremely poised for a rookie. Stopped Brad Marchand late to give Edmonton a chance and I’d run him out again versus Toronto.
Darnell Nurse was 2-3 shots in 9:31 versus the Bergeron line, that included 3-4 HDSC. He covered Hathaway on the first GA but could not intercept a fine pass by the veteran winger that resulted in the Nosek goal. He was not on the ice for the second GA, but that didn’t stop criticism of him on the second GA. That bit of verbal in the comments section represents the first time in this blog’s 20-year history that an observer has willed Nurse to be the culprit while he wasn’t actually on the ice. One imagines coaching decisions and poor anthems are next on the list of things to blame on this player. Nurse had coverage on the third GA, but the pass by Pastrnak got through (you have to give Boston credit, they’re all exceptional passers) and Pavel Zacha beat Skinner to the loose puck. I thought Nurse was brilliant late when Edmonton was 3-on-5 and he was out with McDavid and Draisaitl.
I thought Evan Bouchard had a fine game, and if Kailer Yamamoto cashes on a fantastic chance Edmonton gets a Bettman. It was not to be, but his creativity is beginning to rise up again. Vincent Desharnais was a rock back there defensively, really liked his game.
FORWARDS
Connor McDavid scored two fabulous goals and Edmonton looked high fidelity during his 24 minutes and 27 seconds. He was 1-0 goals and 3-3 shots versus Charlie McAvoy at five-on-five, that was the marquee matchup and most enjoyable. Leon Draisaitl’s pass to 97 on the first goal was exceptional, and the big man is on pace to finish around 50 goals himself this season. He was 1-2 goals at five-on-five, that leaves him 50-55 (47.6 percent) overall and 22-31 (41.5 percent) without McDavid. If Edmonton does trade for a center at the deadline, that’ll be why. Klim Kostin had a major impact, good and bad, on the game. A fine pass to McDavid resulted in goal No. 50 for the captain, and Kostin was an absolute menace for the Bruins and Oilers due to real and imagined stick fouls. I like his game plenty, and for the year his numbers (1.92 points-60 and 60 percen goal share in over 400 minutes at five-on-five) are top flight, but those pims are going to bite him in the ass if they keep happening.
IF LEFT IS RIGHT AND RIGHT IS WRONG, YOU BETTER DECIDE WHAT SIDE YOU’RE ON
Last night was a splendid evening of hockey. Connor McDavid scored goal No. 50 in a season in tidy fashion, doing it so early we can speak opening about a 60-goal season without fear of testing the hockey slump Gods. We also saw a spirited game from both teams that had a playoff feel to it. Despite the loss, I would count this as one of my favourite games of the season.
Do you? Edmonton is 0-2-0 after starting the calendar year 12-3-6 but reading the comments section one would think this team is lining up for the lottery. May I ask a personal question? Are you enjoying your experience as a fan of the Edmonton Oilers? From my point of view, I suspect the answer is a strong “no” and for the life of me I don’t know why.
You do know Boston is a very good team, right? Eight losses all year? You also know you are allowed to say things like “Jesse Puljujarvi made a very nice play on the back check there” without having people think less of you, right? I remember well the days when posters would talk about a time when the club would one day boast the current talent, had a chance to win the division and maybe even the conference, make the final four and land in the postseason annually. Not a one of those posters would have guessed those things, and the possibility of them, would bring such misery.
I want you to know something. This could be the peak of McDavid’s Oilers. This season. Right now. If you can’t enjoy this, what on earth are you doing? I’ll be here when the Oilers are back in lottery territory, lord willing. However, I was kind of hoping people would look at Jay Woodcroft’s won-loss record (58-30-11) and points percentage (.641) and extend it the respect it deserves. It’s too bad you can’t enjoy it, I’m watching the best team since 2005-06 and wondering if Brad Holland’s analytics base instead of Archie Henderson’s gut feel will aid Ken Holland at the deadline. You do you, but some of you have chosen an extremely awkward hill to die on.
What does it say about you as a fan when your biggest fear is Ken Holland winning a Stanley Cup as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers? Smart people sometimes do curious things. I think we’re there.
LOWETIDE TRADE LIST
- RD Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks. He’s the best available fit.
- LD Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes. Fans are divided on him, this blog endorses the acqusition.
- LD Mattias Ekholm, Nashville Predators. Veteran is an excellent defender. It’s going to cost assets.
RW Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks. I don’t think it’s realistic, but you never know.LD Jake McCabe, Chicago Blackhawks. Edmonton is on his no-fly list but he’s worthy.- RW Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks. He could soar with Edmonton’s centers.
- RD Radko Gudas, Florida Panthers. He’s tough as nails.
- RD Nick Jensen, Washington Capitals. A solid second-pairing RH blue. Worthy acquisition.
- RC Colton Sissons, Nashville Predators. A nice fit for a team that needs faceoff help.
- LD Shayne Gostisbehere, Arizona Coyotes. Chaos blue, but rel numbers five-on-five are back to black.
RW Ivan Barbashev, St. Louis Blues. Versatile and has enough offense to move up at times.- RC Nick Bjugstad, Arizona Coyotes. Inexpensive RHC having a good year.
- LW Gustav Nyquist, Columbus Blue Jackets. He’s on LTIR, won’t be ready for playoffs. Has appeal.
LW Tanner Jeannot, Nashville Predators. Agitator who can play.- LW Max Domi, Chicago Blackhawks. Suspect he signs with Chicago, but he’s an option.
- LC Lars Eller, Washington Capitals. Veteran center could help on PK and bottom-six suppression.
- RW Taylor Raddysh, Chicago Blackhawks. Big winger emerging.
- LD Dmitri Kulikov, Anaheim Ducks. Veteran offers depth.
- LD Vladislav Gavrikov, Columbus Blue Jackets. He isn’t the defensemen they’re looking for.
LW Sam Lafferty, Chicago Blackhawks. Bob loves him, good rel numbers. Not worth a 2nd. I’d pass.
I’m a little surprised that Ekholm is apparently the target. Why? Despite solid defensive numbers, Ekholm isn’t an intimidating player and isn’t a puck mover. He’s very good though. A worthy target. It’s going to be spendy.
I think the media is finally talking about Edmonton’s right-wing issue (I had it covered in early February) but as things have progressed I’m thinking Draisaitl may land on the wing and Edmonton will pursue a center instead of a winger. Here’s what that could look like.
Nashville retains $3 million on the Ekholm deal, Chicago retains $1.5 million on the Max Domi deal. Edmonton trades Kailer Yamamoto, Jesse Puljujarvi, Xavier Bourgault, Reid Schaefer, the 2023 first-, second- and third-round selections, plus the 2024 second-round pick.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
It feels like a trade day, we’ll find out 10-2 today on TSN 1260. We’ll chat Oilers-Bruins, what the deadline should be, and why Kailer Yamamoto played so much and Jesse Puljujarvi played so little last night. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
I think Ken and company would really love a bargain right about now. As the deadline draws near I think they are hoping Chicago decides to get whatever they can for Domi. Can Ken get a real bargain? Hope so.
I watched the interview last night of Ekholm and I am cautiously optimistic this is going to end up being a great trade. It unfortunate Barrie had to go hes been playing terrific defense this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if NSH is going to try to flip him for more at this draft.
If the Chycrun deal fell through for Boston, LA and EDM because ARZ wouldn’t take on money (C Smith, Quick, or Barrie) then was Holland not able to trade Barrie to someone else (to free up the cap space to take on Chycrun)?
Did Barrie have negative value like Smith and Quick?
Has it been suggested a Chychrun deal didn’t happen because they balked at taking Barrie back?
they balked at taking any $ back, reported yes
But there has been nothing reported relating to Barrie being offered to the Coyotes, has there?
Holland had to move $ out to get Chycrun or Ekholm.
No names, just the name, $, which means either Jesse or Barrie. (and i don’t know if Jesse’s $3m would do it). Just putting 2 and 2 together here
Fair enough. But there are many, many other possible reasons that deal may not have happened beyond Arizona not wanting Barrie (the thread presented in your 1st comment).
many, many?
Ask from ARI was higher than paid, preferred Ekholm, Barrie was never offered to ARI. Maybe just 1 many?
but didn’t we hear from the insiders that it fell apart over $? Maybe it wasn’t, I don’t know
I think we heard Chycrun was their #1 preference
I didn’t hear it fell apart due to money, but you could be correct.
The easy answer is no his value was and isn’t negative he is a slightly overpaid PP specialist, arguably the best in NHL with his tender with Oilers. He also was/is having one of his best years of his career.
For me this means KH has to go out and get another RD as I don’t think Bouch is ready for all situations replacement of Barrie. I think hell go after Gudas or Jensen with half retained both are legit 3-4 guys on right and are pure rentals that could be had at 50% retain for 1.25M, which coincidentally the trade has left Oilers with just over 2 mill in space.
I think the issue was psychology. Yotes have been going for maximum haul for a while. When they saw the market collapse because all the buyers found an alternative they didn’t want to be seen holding the bag and look foolish, so they lowered their price.
Let’s waive JC and trade for Quick (thru a 3rd party). JC can try again next year
Why??
Quick has been even worse this year.
Wow! Kings get Korpisalo and Gavrikov from the Blue Jackets for Jonathan Quick a First and a Third…….
I need a roster card for the Leafs tonight…..
Nurse-Ceci
Ekholm-Bouchard
Bro-Kulak
Average Height: 6.28′
Average Weight: 206 lbs
Nurse-Ceci
Kulak-Barrie
Bro-Bouchard
Average Height: 6.01′
Average Weight: 203 lbs
Trade also makes the D slightly bigger.
Sprinkle in the 6’7 seaweed who will tomahawk you in the back
Just clicking through Puck IQ this morning. The necessity of trading for someone like Ekholm becomes clear.
The Oilers D deployment currently has one of the most extreme distributions of TOI vs elites. Nurse-Ceci is getting sent to the meat grinder, and everyone else is well-under 30% of their TOI vs elites.
Almost every other contending team has a relatively flat distribution of TOI vs elites or one pair sheltered.
Hopefully, Ekholm gives the Oilers two pairings Manson can go to war with. Sheltering two pairings is not a sustainable strategy, especially in the playoffs.
An Ekholm-Bouchard pairing can eat some tough minutes. Ekholm is literally the exact player type Bouchard needs to play with. Big, good at puck retrieval, can clear the crease, and is good at defending the blueline.
So far Bouchard makes every pair he is on weaker.
Wouldn’t Ekholm-Kulak represent the best defensive shut down pair available.
This is exactly how I feel Munny
“Imma gonna miss him. I wasn’t a fan when he wasn’t here but he won me over. Great personality, great powerplay quarterback, great spirit defending. He can be in my dressing room any day. Sail on, Kelowna Rocket.”
Thanks, brother!
I’m excited. It looks like they targeted the right player, paid a reasonable price, and still have a small amount of salary cap flexibility to boot. But now I’m torn. They still have some picks, but do you expend those assets now, or do you wait until the offseason and try to load up by dealing for Karlsson too? My sense is that unless they have a clear plan for what they would need to deal and a plan for how to fit him into their salary structure, they pass on Karlsson and look for some value buys at this deadline. Probably one forward and a right shot D, likely spending no more than a second, third and fourth round pick combined for both.
I don’t think they can add another $6M+ player at this point. Suspect option 2 is far more likely.
Ceci+yamo+ Bourgault+1st + 2nd should get Karlsson at 30% off, dump another 2 1sts to get another $4M retained
I’m very skeptical you could find a team to retain $4M for 4+ years, even for 2 x 1sts.
And I like Karlsson a lot, but even if you could find a taker for that money, 4 x 1sts + 2nd + Ceci + Yamamoto is getting a little rich for me.
Wow, that is a long, long shot to get SJ and likely two other teams to go for it. But the cap math should work for the oilers. That would be fun!
Total fantasy but imagine
Nurse Karlsson
Ekholm Bouchard
Broberg Deharnaise
Ekholm only takes .57 minors/60 – low for a defenseman
this would be lowest on the Oilers sans Broberg
1st assist rates this season 5v5
Barrie .33
Ekholm .32
Barrie has him beat in 5v5 goals though
So I guess LD Ekholm bumps LD Kulak off of PK2
maybe even takes PK1 duties from Nurse and moves Nurse down, although it is easier for deployment to just keep the Nurse/Ceci pair together for PK (if they indeed are still going to be a pair)
I assumed they’d play together, what were you thinking?
Edit: I guess there will also almost certainly be some sort of RD added by Friday, so that player may be the real answer.
PK2: Ekholm – Desharnais?
Yes, fair enough.
I was thinking there’s less need for Desharnais in the lineup, or for running 7D, now that Ekholm has been added.
We will see.
The 1st round pick traded away isn’t lottery protected
maybe we traded Bedard away
Should we really be concerned about the 0.1% chance of missing the playoffs AND winning the draft lottery?
the Bedard part was sarcastic, also new rules say you can only move up 10 spots if you win one of the lotteries.
Exactly one week older than Karlsson
interesting that Ekholm was 2nd in overtime ice time the last couple of seasons for Dmen for the Preds.
Speaks a bit to his skating ability, puck control and IQ I would think
I didn’t post any commentary earlier when the trade was breaking because, well, the trade was breaking lol. And I hate the promotion of the hot taek over careful thought, so why be part of the problem?
Firstly, I’m glad it was Schaefer. We’ll never know the org’s feelings on the matter, but I was a bit disappointed in the performances I watched and his season as a whole till his recent run, and caveat, I have no idea if there are extenuating circumstances, but I’d be giving him at best a flat arrow on the season’s performance to date. Out of the recent picks, he would’ve been my choice to go. And I am very pro-ginger btw 😉 …which is why he was the one I was watching.
Secondly, Barrie was a bit of a gut punch. Pujo was like losing the close relative after a long illness that everyone involved knew was terminal. You’re sad at the end because dammit it was too soon, but you were prepared and in the end the illness had been long and hard and you were happy they were no longer suffering and had gone to hopefully a better place.
Barrie was more like losing the same person perfectly healthy in a sudden car accident. Okay that’s just a little over dramatic, lol, but I think you get the gist. I mean with Barrie’s situation you know it’s a possibility so it’s not all that shocking, but without the preparation, the “grief” is a little more feely.
Not many can do what he does on the powerplay and of those that can, he was one of the best. Agile and sure. Just an absolutely marvelous play reader and puck distributor. That powerplay is/was an inner circle unto itself. Five of the top wizards in the land united in an unholy cabal of scoring. Those five will be friends forever. Have to know the players themselves are feeling loss right now. They’ll be excited too of course… lots of different feels.
Imma gonna miss him. I wasn’t a fan when he wasn’t here but he won me over. Great personality, great powerplay quarterback, great spirit defending. He can be in my dressing room any day. Sail on, Kelowna Rocket.
Thirdly, it strikes me that this trade in some ways is about Bouchard. Because Ekholm’s services would have been purchased to play him with Bouchard, would they not? Bouchard has been too much this year for Kulak to consistently cover for or maybe it’s vice versa) and asking Bro to do it in the playoffs would have been nuts. Bouchard has to be deployed in tougher minutes at 5v5, especially playing 12-6, or they’re going to destroy Ceci. And Jay is going to want 12-6 as an option. That’s how he rolls.
The only way was to find Boosh a top end partner. Now depending on whether you’re a glass empty or a glass full kinda type, you can look at that two different ways. Bouchard sucks so bad they had to go get a top defender to cover for him, or… they clearly believe in Bouchard so much, they went and got a top defender to play with him. The answer of course, is both are true. 😉
I’ve been a fan of Ekholm’s for a long time. Ginger’s stick together, but so do #14s. Double whammy. I am VERY happy to see him don Oiler silks. He has a little sly filth to his game that I think Lowetidians will like. And from the numbers I’ve been looking at earlier this week, “babysitting” is his speciality. And Evan Bouchard is only halfway to 300 games. He’s not a teen, yet.
This could be one helluva pairing a couple of years from now.
Solid post.
Great post, Munny.
Great post!
Thanks, guys!
Oh and another thing. Ekholm is probably the ideal player for Broberg to mimic. If he can play the exact same game as Ekholm, which he has the tools and awareness to do imo, but with the added edge of his elite skating ability he’s a #1 D. Simple as that.
Now to actually be able to copy that game night in and night out…
the perfect mentor
100% my hope.
Ekholm vs XXXX, 5v5 last 3 seasons:
Rantanen 52:25 against, xGF% 64.5
Toews 46:48 – 62.9
Makar 43:31 – 57.7
Nichushkin 34:49 – 64.7
MacKinnon 33:49 – 58.4
Yeah – he’s the goods.
Someone mentioned below that the Avs had his number in last season’s playoffs … but really Nashville had no chance in that series cause Saros suffered and injury right before the playoffs started.
First of all Ekholm is a very good player, from my viewings early in the year maybe not quite the player he was say three years ago and I’m worried how he’ll look in two years or so but still very much a quality top 4 D with who can take on top pairing duty. No doubt he’ll be excellent in the playoffs. Especially strong defensively but sneaky offense as well, very little flash but finds a way to contribute. Lost some agility with age. Positioning is top end. A little grit. Moves the puck well.
Off ice he comes off as one of the nicest guys of the swedes in the NHL. He and his wife, who’s a sports journalist, runs a pretty cool project to give kids from low income households a chance to play sports. His wife started the charity and they met on one of the events.
Ekholm’s full name since getting married is actually Ekholm Björnstad btw with the latter being his wife’s name. Björnstad translates to “bear city”.
Lose a buffalo, gain a bear. I’m okay with this.
I always read everything you write as you are so measured, sensible and accurate – thank you for your wonderful posts here!
Quick is flying back with the team tonight, woof.
He was so mad, he leaked the G.M.’s voice-mail left on his phone
https://twitter.com/heatdaddy69420/status/1630807695535280130?t=XacaZ9McGodub_LnBeq9Dw&s=19
That can’t be real.
It’s not, but it is funny
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
·
2m
To say Jonathan Quick is unhappy with the trade, I’m told, is “an understatement.”
The entire #LAKings team was a bit down after the game, a win, and you could understandably see it in Anze Kopitar’s face after a 4-goal night.
Tough deal, Kings trading a franchise legend.
17m
#LAKings have traded Jonathan Quick to #CBJ. He is part of a deal that will send back Joonas Korpisalo.
wow. just walked in the door and hit with a wowser
Any word on the rest of the deal?
Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
·
38m
With LA/CLB working on a Korpisalo/Gavrikov deal, word is one of the pieces in return will be Jonathan Quick. Loved watching him during his fantastic run with the Kings, backbone of their two Stanley Cup championships. A first-round pick will also be involved.
That’s one more team out of the running for Chychrun. I have a feeling that he’s going to still be a Coyote after the trade deadline passes. Armstrong has no interest in trading him unless he gets a Jeannot style overpay, but with top end prospects (e.g. Broberg, Holloway) and everyone is saying no to him.
BOS/Calgary currently in overtime
Falmes
BOS scores with 1.3 seconds left in OT
Calgary outshot them 57-19 LoL
FLOLmes
This better be the game tape Schwartz is showing Jack.
THAT is how you bail your team out
Schwartz needs to be replaced, he shouldn’t be showing anything to Jack if the recent results have anything to say about it.
In Schwartz’s defense, he has coached Skinner to a great season and Mike Smith had strong numbers, too, in previous seasons. Campbell is his own enemy right now.
Watch Mikko’s style of play before he came to the Oilers then watch him in the end days with the Oilers. Talbot & Smith same thing deep in their nets always on their knees.
Did you watch much of Koskinen in the KHL?
4.3 seconds left – either way, it’s delicious
The Oilers really broke Markstrom
A high for Calgary this year.
Bruins scored on I believe their second and fourth shots of the game, so probably score effects… 😉
Heard a bit of the post game in the car. Players sounded crushed. The 3rd period Bruin powerplay goal was a dagger itself and then to lose outright with almost no time left… gutted.
With reference to your comment below, damn right those tears are delicious.
If Calgary does something stupid this offseason there is nothing but blacktop ahead for the next five years. Gimme an aging Vegas yes please thank you.
Not only do they mess themselves but they clear the runway for us.
I love every ounce of this.
Am I reading CapFriendly correctly, the Oil have ~2 million in cap space?
That’s what is says, although that’s with a 20 man roster
Holland was clear today he wants a 21 man roster so subtract $750k for that 21st player
I predict there will be a lot of puckered asses two weeks from now.
Let’s revisit where the team is at mid March😊
I would really like to see Holland nab a RHD. Likely Gudas.
Nurse-Ceci
Ekholm-Bouchard
Kulak-Gudas
Bro-Deshair
That is playoff worthy depth.
Right side looking strong! Ceci, Bouchard, Desharnais, Broberg on his off-side, and Demers😉
What could possibly go wrong?
#depthandexperience
Ha! You read my mind.
Have to think Holland is still grinding.
Is it me, or did Ken Holland, after 2 1/2 seasons, manage to replace the injured Oscar Klefbom with a somewhat older (3 yrs.) but healthier Oscar Klefbom type player? Both Left shot Swedish Defenseman 6’4 215 vs 6’3 216. Both very good 2 way players, though Ekholm appears to be better defensively. Ekholm has been a very decent scorer despite being slotted behind Weber, Subban, Josi, and/or Ellis for PP time over his career in Nashville, but the main man on the LD of the PK. Ekholm is 15th in the league for defenseman EV points since 2015 despite being behind Jose and playing on a team that was middle of the pack in scoring over that time period. Oscar got PP time with the Oil, but while the PP did well, (though it gave up shorties at twice the rate that it has with Barrie back there), Klefbom definitely wouldn’t bump any of the Ekholm’s competition off the PP either.
I think it is possible we see Ekblom-Ceci as a 2nd pair shutdown tandem, freeing Nurse to go back playing with Bouchard, and form a tandem similar to the two seasons he did with Bear and Barrie. Then Kulak, Broberg and Desharnais rotating around as the 3rd pair. Not sure who would play right side if Kulak Broberg were paired since both have done it in the past.
Glad they went out and got a difference maker on defense.
I’ve always liked Eckholm, but they paid a steep price. If he stays healthy and maintains his level of play, this will be a good trade for the Oilers.
However, there is a certain level of risk when you acquire a 32 year old player with 4 years of term at 6 million.
I feel bad for Barrie. It’s gotta suck for a veteran player to get traded from a contender to a team starting a rebuild. But there’s no denying this makes the team better. Eckholm at 6 million is much better value than Barrie at 4.5. I don’t see this really affecting the PP much but it should stiffen the defense considerably in the Oilers dzone. And it may even help them on the breakout.
I read a good comparison of the 2 players somewhere today. The quote was something like “Eckholm is a puckmover who doesn’t collect a lot of points, and Barrie is the opposite “
Barrie is a very good regular season PP D man who found himself on the bottom pair by the time the playoffs get a few games in. Yes there are PPs in the playoffs too but hopefully Bouch or Nurse (or Ek) have settled in by that time.
He only has 3 years on his contract after this year. So he’s 35 at the end of the contract, which isn’t that old for a quality D.
I like Ekholm. I don’t like the trade.
That pretty much describes what the TD is all about. 😎
Some people have wondered whether the Wild might get investigated for trading for Nyqvist because of the NHL memo. As it stands right now, they won’t since they have the cap space to activate him right now, so they have no cap incentive to keep him on LTIR from now to the end of the season. The NHL specifically stated they would be investigating any team that traded for a player currently on LTIR for which they did not have the current cap space to activate at or after the deadline so would have no chance of being able to activate even if the player became healthy before the end of the regular season.
Twitter takes
Michael Parkatti:
Woodguy
@Woodguy55
Have been asked about Bouchard specifically on PP1. This year, same as Barrie.
https://twitter.com/Woodguy55/status/1630731735230038018?cxt=HHwWhIC-pfH3wqEtAAAA
The only caveat being the sample size difference. PP time on ice without Barrie is much less. Would the non-Barrie group sustain the same level of production over a larger sample?
This year and next are the only ones that matter at this TD. I really wanted Chychrun but Ekholm was the better decision once he became available.
We also don’t know the potential acquisition price of Chychrun and if they spend some remaining dollars on a RD. If you get Jensen, Gudas or similar with dollars that are available it changes the calculus. Is Chychrun plus Barrie better than Ekholm plus X and what are the total assets out?
Thanks WG – that changes my perception of Bouchard, though agree that it’s a smaller sample size.
I think Ekholm will work really beef up Bouchard’s 5v5 game, and Bouchard will have the opportunity to get some McDavid apples on the PP and get his mojo from last season back.
Dreger saying Kings trying to get gavrikov and Korpisalo. That has the makings of a very very ugly trade and yes I do know that they need something resembling a goalie
If I knew how to post gif of Mr burns saying excellent I would
Is there a goaltender that McLellan has not eventually broken?
Scratch off Jensen – re-signed in Washington.
Wonder if Keith can talk Toews into coming here at 75% retained
Salary is only 2.9 mil so prorated is pretty cheap for 3rd party
Isn’t he done for the season?
No, supposed to be back in March
7 days ago Toews announced he was stepping away from the game due to the effects of long Covid – I haven’t heard anything different since then
https://www.nhl.com/news/chicago-blackhawks-jonathan-toews-status-update/c-341267186
Is that updated info? Honest question as the last I heard/read wasn’t “supposed to be back in March” but that there was a chance he could play again this season but it was far from the likely scenario (that was at the time he was shut down).
Pretty sure the insinuation was that he was shutting it down for the year. I would be gobsmacked if he returned this season.
Pretty sure the insinuation was “I ain’t goin anywhere.”
Nick Jensen. $2.5m cap.
Maybe Vic Ferrari can do us a solid. Jensen at 50% retained.
Evolving Hockey 1-year: 80-37-84
Nurse – Jensen
Ekholm – Bouchard
Kulak – Ceci
That could compete
Nope:
The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Nick Jensen to a three-year contract extension. Jensen’s contract will carry an average annual value of $4.05 million.
That’s too bad.
Gudas it is!!!
I’m really looking forward to reading LT’s verdict tomorrow. I know he was an advovate for a D upgrade and possibly at 3C as well, and putting some picks or prospects in play to get it done. But I also know no one loves his draft picks more than LT.
My prediction is he’ll consider Ekholm a great add but the price a little too expensive. Like most of us, he’s probably thinking, “This damn well better work!”
My take on the price paid is the value of the player AND the contract term. Barrie is a player you can buy off the street in free agency every year. Klingberg is an easy replacement this offseason if you’ve got the space.
So consider this hypothetical. If you’re sitting with a late 1st rounder in next year’s draft and you can guarantee that the player you draft is immediately as good as a veteran Ekholm if you simply part with the following year’s 1st too, would you do that? Of course you would.
Paajarvi. Yakupov. Puljujarvi. Yamamoto. If any fanbase should know that draft picks are no guarantee of a bright future nevermind an immediate contribution, it’s this one.
Connor and Leon are not getting any younger. The window is now not 3 years from now when more picks may or may not be ready to contribute.
Does this team have some question marks? Sure, but other than the Bruins, name a team that doesn’t.
Getting Mattis will help young Phillip grow. Its a win for us.
Ekholm mentioned that he does have experience playing the right side – he played the first 10 games or so this season on the off-side – says its not a big deal.
Again, from what I’ve read (and its been peripheral stuff and I haven’t “researched” on my own), it seems it hasn’t generally gone well so I presume he’s going to play mainly on the left side.
I could totally be wrong but that’s my initial thoughts.
————–
Also confirmed he’s flying out tomorrow morning and should be playing.
Very satisfied with this trade. Ken needed to shop in the high-end aisle this deadline. Rearranging the 3/4 line and/or 3rd pairing deck chairs was not going to get it done. Good day to be an Oiler fan, decidedly skeptical or not.
Ekholm specifically speaks about the Oilers having a young Swedish d-man and he looks forward to meeting him and helping him out. Talked about a long history of helping develop d-men in Nashville.
I like it!
Well spoken dude.
It still “should have been” Yamamoto out to make the cap space – of course, in my opinion.
I understand that Jesse was gone this off-season in any event (he wouldn’t re-sign for an amount lower than his QO) and this would mean both RWs out but, yes, that’s an extra $3.1MM of cap space next season and, as of now, similar to Jesse, Yamamoto is materially under-performing that cap hit.
For me, Jesse can provide a more positive impact on the ice and, aside from Yamamoto’s depth role on the PK, he often does in MUCH more limited minutes. I think, down the stretch and in to the playoffs, Jesse would have helped the team more.
At the same time, given the extra year of term and the fact that he’s currently materially underperforming the contract, who knows of Yamamoto was moveable without a sweetener like Jesse.
Also, I wonder if Holland even had any desire to move Yamamoto out in Jesse’s stead? We know the coach values him more and I presume the manager does as well.
Now, I can’t wait for Yamo to score a couple big damn goals in the playoffs this season and make me eat this post – shit, go full Pisani on me!
This might be next years cap clearing move:)
OP, as much as I like JP, I think you are underappreciating Yamo. He’s been injured, and head injuries are tough to come back from, but now the die is cast, let’s see how things work out.
it was a neck injury for yammo this season.
Jesse seemed to skate around randomly, from time to time impacting play more from statistical inevitability than anything to do with anything coming from the player. He’s robust yet seemingly is unaware of this attribute.
Yamamoto is tiny and will get destroyed eventually by some greaseball opposition player in the playoffs again, but he does know where the net is and can score a goal or two from time to time. Also, he could get a pretty decent return in trade, where JP returned next to nothing.
Finally, JP is a head case. A proven one, as seen by his behaviour over the years since being drafted. A special needs player in a brutal NHL landscape.
Personally I hope they trade Yamamoto as a part of some mega Karlsson trade.
Jessie in Edmonton was broken. Confidence was reduced to nothing and was even giving interviews about giving up.
I hope he finds new life in Carolina, fresh start and some fellow countrymen to make him feel more at home.
I fear he doesn’t have the hands and hockey sense to make it as a top 6 forward in the NHL. There is still a chance for him as a checker/PKer in a 3rd line role and I am pulling for him to make it.
I won’t try to assign blame for his situation because I believe both parties made mistakes. Jessie went back home and sat out a year because he demanded a top 6 role and the team afforded him many chances to deliver. I thought he had turned a corner last year but alas that was not the case.
To answer Mr Lowetide’s question about enjoying the ride, I certainly am. I do agree that some posters seem to be cheering for the Oil to lose and this board seems to have a legendary Troll or two that many posters can’t seem to ignore.
But as much as I dislike posters who have 31 favorite teams none of which is Edmonton and have noted a few days where two posters are 80% of the comments which gets a bit old, I appreciate our esteemed Hosts insights and approach to the game.
We as fans have short term memories and I have to give Holland credit for the turnaround the team has performed since he arrived. He hasn’t been perfect and that’s ok, no one is.
In the 13 years before his arrival the Oil made the playoffs ONCE.
What has Holland delivered?
2020 – Lost in Qualifying round (playoffs or not… hmmm, lets say no)
2021 – Lost in the first round
2022 – Lost in the third round
2023 – TBD
Progress every year, and much better than the futility before him.
Was Campbell the best choice for goalie?
I don’t see a lot of better choices in goalies that were available and perhaps the Oil should have aimed a little higher and spent more money on that position. Easiest thing in the world to do is look back in time and point fingers.
Fandom is funny. Some posters feel the Oilers should win 82 games a year, which of course won’t happen.
Some posters feel that the Oil should never lose to a bottom feeder team, but heck, the lowest placed teams still have a surprising amount of wins and they have to beat someone right? Anaheim has 20 wins at last place and have beaten some great teams.
Colorado, Toronto, Dallas and Vegas to name the best.
If the past has taught me anything it’s that the regular season means nothing, except for making the playoffs.
Just make it.
Work on your systems and get ready.
Oilers need to tighten up their defensive play and just acquired an awesome defender, time to get the job done, bring on the playoffs and see what happens.
Probably the reason Yamamoto is still a Oiler is because he’s a negative asset. What brain dead G.M would take on 3.1 Million dollar 5 Goal scorer for another year who’s only asset is his hands.
I’m hoping Colton Sissons was also included in the deal. Yamo for Colton, Dollarwise it works in our favour.
I don’t want any part of the multiple years of term left on Sisson’s overpay contract. No need to add another mushy-middle overpay in the $3MM range for term.
Looks like Devon Shore has a new number 19. I’m sure he will wear it well.
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
·
11m
Nick Bjugstad joins Jakob Chychrun tonight as #Yote
scratch for trade-related reasons.
Korpisalo is sitting for trade purposes also.
With all of the flurry of trade activity these last few days, it made me realize there isn’t any buzz around the Flames.
They are in such a weird position. They committed to trying to make the playoffs this year instead of rebuilding, but they find themselves in a position where they are not good enough to justify spending assets for potential rental players for a push to secure a playoff spot, but not bad enough to justify selling players.
They are sitting there stuck in no mans land and it’s great.
Hopefully it lasts two decades.
Hello Jerod Smithsonian.
Really though, it says to try to acquire a player with teen, not a rental.
I’m glad for JP. He was never going to succeed here for reasons we’ve all discussed endlessly. But a fresh start gives a good kid at another shot.
Great trade for Ekholm. The team will miss Barrie as a teammate and a player. But the Oilers defense just got significantly better. I think Holland makes on more significant move for a top 9 RW. Today’s moves shows he’s clearly all in.
https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerreport.php?fromseason=20222023&thruseason=20222023&stype=2&sit=ev&stdoi=oi&rate=n&v=t&playerid=8475218
pretty good numbers for Ekholm and that’s with lugging a very poor Alex Carrier around
Together GF% 52. Ekholm without Carrier 59%!! Carrier without Ekholm 44%
people are actually bashing this trade, Lol
It’s not just Carrier either – he was zooming basically the whole team, except Josi (who he played very few minutes with).
Ekholm!? KH you slick son of a gun!
The negative reaction to this trade is shocking. He instantly makes our D-zone much harder to play in. He’s rugged. He’s big. He’s a veteran and he’s got lots of playoff experience. He’s not just a rental either…this can’t be overlooked. The term that comes with the player needs to be viewed as a huge positive. He’s 32…not 35. There’s still 2 years minimum of prime years left on this guy and I bet the haters will be changing their tune in very short order. If we’re spending a 1st rounder…the guy coming HAD to have term and Kenny delivered.
Gavrikov was supposed to cost a 1st…for a rental…thats barely a top 4D. KH did very well here using his 1st rounder!
Losing Barrie is a bummer…I’ve loved him since COL. He was exactly what ppl called him…an offensive elite PP guy. And did just that while playing here.
Remember he came to the Oilers by choice and just may have opened the eyes of others around the league to give the lowly Oilers a chance. Instead of including the Oilers on their NTC lists. Thanks Tyson! All the best in Nashville!
Pool…I’ll miss your goofy face. I will not miss your hockeying though. Good luck with the Finns in the East…but I am certain you never reach #4 overall status. 3mil in cap space was worth more to this team…that says a lot. See yaaaaaaaaa!
https://twitter.com/darrendreger/status/1630742997733081091?s=61&t=WWzo5XOO0SDsOISFpfGKMg
Bill Armstrong is back to the drawing board working on landing spots for Chychrun. The Oilers and Coyotes were in deep as late as this morning before Ken Holland cut bait and reset his focus on Ekholm and the deal with the Preds.
You’d have to think that the same offer was made to Arizona, and they were holding out for a lot more. Not sure I would have been comfortable with that.
At some point you would think he’ll accept the best offer and just move on.
He’s overplayed his hand on this one for sure. A really odd approach – though accountability isn’t exactly a thing for the Coyotes.
Pretty much what I think as well. I like Chychrun but given the makeup of the current defence I think Ekholm is the better fit and pretty obvious Arizona wants a boatload given how long the saga has been going on.
Crazy think if Nurse didn’t have a NMC the entire time the Ek trade would have opened the possibility of ditching Nurse for another defender to free up cap.
If no one is willing to pay what Armstrong believes Chychrun is worth, then he’s going to have to settle for what the market is willing to pay.
He’s painting himself into a corner as the number of potential trade partners continues to shrink.