Leon Draisaitl, Laurent Brossoit as Condors. Photo by Mark Williams
The wild takes are well underway in the early moments of training camp. Rage rules throughout the kingdom as fans of Raphael Lavoie protest the young man receiving few rations and being forced to sleep in a bunk bed with the ghost of Sam Kinison screaming all night from the top bunk. Soon, one of the goalies’ wives will give birth and that will take on a life of its own. Please baby Jesus, schedule a game!
There are two issues holding the Oilers back from being a balanced team. Why it matters, and why long term the recent attention to analytics could being balance annually. https://t.co/4SVXcnDBzB
One of the things I try to do on the blog is set a ‘reasonable’ tone. Here’s what I was talking about a year ago:
If Philip Broberg isn’t ready this fall, the Oilers have Ryan Murray, Dmitri Samorukov and Markus Niemelainen on the roster to fill in until he’s ready. I expect he’ll be fine, based on the games played after recall, if the team keeps him on the third pairing. Here are the Woodcroft-Manson numbers for Oilers defensemen from February 11 through the end of the regular season.
Ryan McLeod’s signing gets the roster one step closer to complete. This is an important year for McLeod, because he should get some looks with the elite centers during the year. A career as a third-line center would be lucrative, but if he shoots the moon and becomes a speed demon complementary winger on the 97- or 29-line? Music!
Some are mentioning Mattias Janmark as a possible trade or waiver option, but the team just signed him and moving him already would be strange days indeed, strange days indeed.
If there is no trade, the team will run with 21 men and Derek Ryan is odd man out imo only because of his contract number. A wildly unfair turn and I don’t think Holland will let it get to the regular season. Entering camp, my suspicion is many believe the team will trade Puljujarvi and sign Virtanen, but for me that’s an unlikely and desparate course. Holland has to be on to Puljujarvi’s value now, and unless the offers get better I don’t see management going that route. We’ll see.
Injuries are starting to shape the roster, and impact the Condors training camp roster in a week or 10 days. Carter Savoie’s injury is a bitter bill for all involved, DNB reporting it’s “long term” for the rookie pro. Harsh. Although these men are given little chance to make the NHL team, there is plenty to discuss.
WHAT SHOULD WE BE TALKING ABOUT THIS YEAR?
Philip Broberg needs to be given a chance to sink or swim. Every man deserves his chance at the plate. His resume suggests success, we don’t know how high the moon, but that’s why God invented all the tomorrows.
Raphael Lavoie will get his full look in camp. The Oilers haven’t lost control of their brain parts.
The No. 4 center is a big deal but the man to fill it may not be here.
The goaltenders on the roster will play the NHL games until one or both shows they can’t, and firing one or both into the sun right now doesn’t rid the team of the cap hit. Perhaps we should see how this plays out.
Connor Brown will play on both skill lines, maybe even on the third line. No need for verbal knife fights on the Al Gore this early.
I remind you annually, but this is supposed to be fun.
No one, not anyone, has the right to bully you into an opinion you find contrary. Remember, your hockey opinion is as valid as mine, no matter your gender, race, creed or sexual orientation.
You do not have to engage those who do not respect you.
If you are having depression issues, please call someone. AHS has excellent people available. I’ve reached out many times in the last year and it was beyond vital to do it.
This team can win the Stanley Cup. If the team doesn’t win the Stanley Cup, it is not a reflection of you as a person.
Please enjoy these hockey players. Please.
Thank you for being here, on this blog, for a day or a year or all 20 years. I love you. All of you. Seriously. Even you. Especially you.
Remember love is love. Hate can’t beat love even on its best day. Hold true to the things you know to be important and don’t let go. Ever.
After comparing the focus from the start of last year with last year’s results, I’m left with the impression that management’s hockey analysis of its corps was accurate and the decisions surrounding that corps were prudent. What a strange feeling.
matt
September 24, 2023 12:27 pm
LT, bravo. Thank you.
eastcoastoilfan
September 24, 2023 6:21 am
A key to the season is if Nurse just dedicates himself to not trying to do too much. Hes worth his salary when he plays that way. Big, fast, physical shutdown D. Ideally he has a puck mover partner, but not sure how thatll work
eastcoastoilfan
September 24, 2023 6:18 am
I think everyone is sleeping on Desharnais. Iooking forward to seeing his improvement this year. I think he will surprise. Everyone focusing on a few tough moments from Playoffs.
Harpers Hair
September 23, 2023 10:18 pm
Sportsnet releases its pre-season broadcast schedule.
I watched some rookie games that had a ton of players wearing OIlers jerseys that aren’t even in the org.
I watched an open scrimmage today.
Tomorrow and I get to watch a real NHL exhibition game featuring the Oilers. Lineup will be very “meh” i’m sure but maybe not as “meh” as the normal opening game given Monday is the famous game in Winnipeg that noone established wants to play in.
Not to mention, for many of us, watching the Bourgault’s and Tulios and Lavoie’s getting top 6 ice time is a treat. I just hope there is some established skill to play with – I mean, give Lavoie a Nuge at least, not just a Malone.
Team blue running around their own zone for like a minute – finally get possession and Lavoie, with actual time and space to skate it out or at least lob one down, ices it – that type of play won’t help his cause.
Come on Raphael!!!!
OriginalPouzar
September 23, 2023 11:35 am
Everyone will talk about the McDavid/Kane play but watch the solid pass by Nurse to Bouch off the retreival to create space and time and the perfect little pass by Bouch on the outlet.
Beauty play by Brown, fooled Kulak out of the play by faking a pass to the inside, which Kulak overplayed and McDavid took advantage of to create the 2 on 1.
Bit of a dud thru Campbell but nice puck movement leading up to the Ceci sifter
Todd Macallan
September 23, 2023 11:19 am
Currently enjoying this players during the streamed scrimmage, thanks for the reminder as always LT.
Also, Beau Akey skates with the puck like Ales Hemsky. I love them both.
OriginalPouzar
September 23, 2023 11:19 am
Kane/McDavid pretty much dominating the scrimmage (and combined in the first, and so far only, goal).
Hoppers Hare
September 23, 2023 11:00 am
Hypothetical conditions at the trade deadline:
Skinner is .910
Campbell has rebounded to a .905
The Jets are selling, Hellebuyck is not resigning and rocking a .915.
What would it take/ be appropriate to move Campbell for Hellebuyck with some salary retained? Would you move heaven and earth? Keep in mind that the Jets have no goalie signed for next year.
The cost would be prohibitive for a rental goalie.
OriginalPouzar
September 23, 2023 10:59 am
Looks like Yevseyev has been assigned to the VHL.
This looks like a demotion on its face given he spent all of last season in the KHL but maybe there is some context. Remember, he was 18 last season and in the KHL on that rule they have that lets teams dress teenagers’ as extra skaters. I don’t know their rules but I wonder if he was not eligible for the VHL last year due to age?
In any event, he’s played one game with an assist and Curlock says he played 18 minutes.
OP we know the numbers but do you think players the quality of Drai and Hyman are incapable of doing better? They’re not plugs, they know the issue, and they can fix it. The challenge is there and they are certainly good enough to meet it.
OriginalPouzar
September 23, 2023 10:36 am
Thank you for being here, on this blog, for a day or a year or all 20 years. I love you. All of you. Seriously. Even you. Especially you.
and thank you for writing – every day.
OriginalPouzar
September 23, 2023 10:34 am
Raphael Lavoie will get his full look in camp. The Oilers haven’t lost control of their brain parts.
The No. 4 center is a big deal but the man to fill it may not be here.
Will those looks include some line rushes and games with established NHL players or only the tweeners he’s opened up camp with.
I have grave concerns that management’s fantasizing about “Prime Sutter” may in fact blind them from what is actually happening on the ice (i.e. actual play by Sutter vs. Lavoie).
I think the org really does want a center for that 12F spot but I don’t see why they can’t start with Ryan as that 4C, keep a Lavoie as 12F and upgrade at center in-season if required.
I believe Sutter will need to earn his role with the team, and so will Lavoie. To think they will gift Sutter a job because of some fantasy is ridiculous. If Sutter isn’t up to the task, they won’t hesitate to send him packing. Furthermore, Sutter himself wouldn’t waste the organizations time if he wasn’t capable of resuming his NHL career. As for Lavoie, he isn’t directly in competition with Sutter for the 4th line center role and he will need to earn whatever role he might be competing for. Maybe he is in competition with Ryan, who they seem to prefer as a winger more so than a center at this stage in his career.
Philip Broberg needs to be given a chance to sink or swim. Every man deserves his chance at the plate. His resume suggests success, we don’t know how high the moon, but that’s why God invented all the tomorrows.
This is key. At the very very least, he should be seeing 14 plus minutes per night at 5 on 5 as 3LD/3RD plus depth PK time – the role he was killing in Jan-Feb.
Of course, presuming a good camp, there is a clear argument to pair him up with Ekholm as the complimentary pariring to Nurse/Bouch (which it looks like we may see).
If it works, well, absolutely amazing, Kulak/Ceci as the 3rd pairing is Stanley type depth. If it doesn’t work (after a real stretch), well, information gained, Ceci is back in the top 4, Broberg kills the 3rd pairing as we know he can and we move on.
Broberg’s really good to great to stunning numbers with every LD he’s played with over 2 years is a good arrow.
Ideally Broberg will be the future second line left D when his predecessor retires.Lavoie’s play will determine his place on the the team or moved as part of deal for a center. The Oilers have enough strength up the middle to not panic. Left or right wing have players aging out. It will all be determined by management’s belief in what is best for the team both present and into the future! As a diehard Oiler fan since they came into the league their position is enviable by many other teams and their fans,
Thank you for your posts!
Scungilli Slushy
September 23, 2023 10:24 am
Wise words LT thank you
They can’t be said too much
Reja
September 23, 2023 10:19 am
We were 1 post rebounding in from Pisani away from going into OT and no doubt winning our 6th Cup under Lowe and MacTavish. Under Holland with arguably the 2 best Players in the game the closest we have come is 8 Wins away. The parades and galas honouring Holland because we made the Playoffs just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Cinderella teams make a run every year. Heck, Florida in the just completed season. Doesn’t mean much. Bringing the ‘06 team up isn’t doing much. Only once in a blue moon they win it. History shows that the teams making the playoffs continuously are the ones that usually win the cup. Holland has built this team into that. Considering the state of the team, roster and cap wise, when he took over, making the playoffs and improving the team year over year he’s been here earns him more credit than you give him.
I myself, enjoy this team making the playoffs every year, losing to the eventual champs twice in a row, more than that teams one Cinderella run. To each their own though I guess.
How many Cups did San Jose Win in their lengthy window? You might look back on this differently if Leon and Connor don’t resign. Aspiring to be the Washington Capitals pre Stanley Cup win is what mediocre franchises are happy with. I’m just guessing but you weren’t old enough to be part of the 80’s it’s all about the Cups participation ribbons be damned.
OriginalPouzar
September 23, 2023 10:13 am
Today’s scrimmage at 11 will be streamed on Oilers Plus – I don’t imagine there is any commentary (although maybe).
judgedrude
September 23, 2023 10:04 am
Not that I would bully, but… just because you have the right to cheer for the Flames, that doesn’t mean you should.
A loyal fan regardless of who they cheer for is deserving of full respect however on and off the band wagon fans not so much!
€√¥£€^$
September 23, 2023 9:53 am
You are good man Allan, I hope this team wins Stanley for you, more than for me.
Thank you for sharing your passion with us and I sincerely hope that you and your family are in a good place, finally. You continually humble me and remind me that I can always be better.
Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement. I wish you peace of mind, health and happiness and I am honoured to be welcomed into your world share this life experience with you in some shape or form.
Cheers!
MrEd
September 23, 2023 9:27 am
Skating ability was the ticket for Broberg. Success then would be for his NHL game to be low-event and sturdy. There’s lots of value for a team in a player like this.
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
September 23, 2023 9:21 am
Very excited for the season!
I will bet a unit that Bouchard out scores Quinn Hughes this season.
I will bet a second unit that Leon out scores Colborne.
As always, thanks for the amazing blog, LT. You are the absolute GOAT of Oilers content. And just generally a delight to read and listen to on the radio.
Bouch has two less points that Hughes at 5 on 5 over the course of the last two seasons – its a good bet.
Tarkus
September 23, 2023 9:13 am
I assume this song was the inspiration for today’s post title? One of the finest songs from Chicago’s* ripper of a debut album (along with their smokin’ rendition of “I’m a Man”).
*Fun fact: They were originally known as the Chicago Transit Authority (also the title of said debut album). IIRC, the real CTA objected to this band using their name, so the band shortened it to Chicago.
After comparing the focus from the start of last year with last year’s results, I’m left with the impression that management’s hockey analysis of its corps was accurate and the decisions surrounding that corps were prudent. What a strange feeling.
LT, bravo. Thank you.
A key to the season is if Nurse just dedicates himself to not trying to do too much. Hes worth his salary when he plays that way. Big, fast, physical shutdown D. Ideally he has a puck mover partner, but not sure how thatll work
I think everyone is sleeping on Desharnais. Iooking forward to seeing his improvement this year. I think he will surprise. Everyone focusing on a few tough moments from Playoffs.
Sportsnet releases its pre-season broadcast schedule.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sportsnet-releases-2023-nhl-pre-season-broadcast-schedule/
I watched some rookie games that had a ton of players wearing OIlers jerseys that aren’t even in the org.
I watched an open scrimmage today.
Tomorrow and I get to watch a real NHL exhibition game featuring the Oilers. Lineup will be very “meh” i’m sure but maybe not as “meh” as the normal opening game given Monday is the famous game in Winnipeg that noone established wants to play in.
Not to mention, for many of us, watching the Bourgault’s and Tulios and Lavoie’s getting top 6 ice time is a treat. I just hope there is some established skill to play with – I mean, give Lavoie a Nuge at least, not just a Malone.
Who did he play with today? Have the practice lines reported a couple of days ago remained intact through today?
Yes, the lines pretty much “lined up” with what was reported for day 1 of camp.
Thanks.
Thanks LT. As always.
This is going to be one hell of a season, there’s a veteran middle man out there that can feel Holland stalking him.
Does his name rhyme with Bonathan Paves?
Or maybe Jean Sonoman?
It was Niemo with the fan on the pass across the blueline that led to the fast break rush against before the winning goal….
I imagine he has the nerves going good
Akey is the first shooter, loses puck up ice, recovers but too slow for a good move.
Bourgualt stopped on a snap shot
Petrov with a silkily smooth shot for a goal.
Tulio with a great fake deke goal.
Lavoie with the goal of the shootout so far on a sick deke.
Brady Stonehouse is playing in this game (even though he wasn’t invited to camp)…..
StickTap to McCurdy on this – I didn’t even notice him on the ice.
Hamblin, Borg and the Drake look pretty in synch together already, may form a terrific top line in Bako.
Love you, too LT!
Whaaat the ell?
You are missing a lletter…
Team blue running around their own zone for like a minute – finally get possession and Lavoie, with actual time and space to skate it out or at least lob one down, ices it – that type of play won’t help his cause.
Come on Raphael!!!!
Everyone will talk about the McDavid/Kane play but watch the solid pass by Nurse to Bouch off the retreival to create space and time and the perfect little pass by Bouch on the outlet.
https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1705635590564364729
Beauty play by Brown, fooled Kulak out of the play by faking a pass to the inside, which Kulak overplayed and McDavid took advantage of to create the 2 on 1.
Who is the defender? It’s not Ceci, is it Wanner?
It was Ceci
Still love watching McD activate the afterburners in the neutral zone.
Any lines or pairings to report from the scrimmage, for those watching?
Ceci sniping – he’s back! Ha!
Bit of a dud thru Campbell but nice puck movement leading up to the Ceci sifter
Currently enjoying this players during the streamed scrimmage, thanks for the reminder as always LT.
Also, Beau Akey skates with the puck like Ales Hemsky. I love them both.
Kane/McDavid pretty much dominating the scrimmage (and combined in the first, and so far only, goal).
Hypothetical conditions at the trade deadline:
Skinner is .910
Campbell has rebounded to a .905
The Jets are selling, Hellebuyck is not resigning and rocking a .915.
What would it take/ be appropriate to move Campbell for Hellebuyck with some salary retained? Would you move heaven and earth? Keep in mind that the Jets have no goalie signed for next year.
serious? Jets are too smart for 3 more years of Jack
Is league average SV% still .904 (like this past season)?
If so, I’d stand pat and use the ‘what it would take’ for something else.
Nope, don’t even think about it.
The cost would be prohibitive for a rental goalie.
Looks like Yevseyev has been assigned to the VHL.
This looks like a demotion on its face given he spent all of last season in the KHL but maybe there is some context. Remember, he was 18 last season and in the KHL on that rule they have that lets teams dress teenagers’ as extra skaters. I don’t know their rules but I wonder if he was not eligible for the VHL last year due to age?
In any event, he’s played one game with an assist and Curlock says he played 18 minutes.
Probably not bad for his development to play more at this age.
Thank you as always for your words LT. You are a constant, wise and true presence for us all. I’m incredibly grateful.
Over the course of 2 years, without McDavid, Hyman/Drai as 28-41 goals.
Over the course of 2 years, without Drai, Hyman/McDavid are 52-39 goals.
This seems easy, no?
You would think.
The new analytics hires are apparently dyslexic! -).
OP we know the numbers but do you think players the quality of Drai and Hyman are incapable of doing better? They’re not plugs, they know the issue, and they can fix it. The challenge is there and they are certainly good enough to meet it.
and thank you for writing – every day.
Will those looks include some line rushes and games with established NHL players or only the tweeners he’s opened up camp with.
I have grave concerns that management’s fantasizing about “Prime Sutter” may in fact blind them from what is actually happening on the ice (i.e. actual play by Sutter vs. Lavoie).
I think the org really does want a center for that 12F spot but I don’t see why they can’t start with Ryan as that 4C, keep a Lavoie as 12F and upgrade at center in-season if required.
I believe Sutter will need to earn his role with the team, and so will Lavoie. To think they will gift Sutter a job because of some fantasy is ridiculous. If Sutter isn’t up to the task, they won’t hesitate to send him packing. Furthermore, Sutter himself wouldn’t waste the organizations time if he wasn’t capable of resuming his NHL career. As for Lavoie, he isn’t directly in competition with Sutter for the 4th line center role and he will need to earn whatever role he might be competing for. Maybe he is in competition with Ryan, who they seem to prefer as a winger more so than a center at this stage in his career.
I believe Lavoie is competing directly with Sutter and Pederson and Erne for the one open forward spot (healthy roster).
I think the org wants a true center (Sutter, Pederson) but Ryan is locked on the team and only 1 of those four players can make it.
I Lavoie/Erne win, Ryan likely shits to 4C.
If Sutter/Pederson win, boom there is your 4C.
Ideally they want fourth line center, which h Lavoie isn’t.
Yes, I just said this.
This is key. At the very very least, he should be seeing 14 plus minutes per night at 5 on 5 as 3LD/3RD plus depth PK time – the role he was killing in Jan-Feb.
Of course, presuming a good camp, there is a clear argument to pair him up with Ekholm as the complimentary pariring to Nurse/Bouch (which it looks like we may see).
If it works, well, absolutely amazing, Kulak/Ceci as the 3rd pairing is Stanley type depth. If it doesn’t work (after a real stretch), well, information gained, Ceci is back in the top 4, Broberg kills the 3rd pairing as we know he can and we move on.
Broberg’s really good to great to stunning numbers with every LD he’s played with over 2 years is a good arrow.
agree; sink or swim with 15 minutes a night
Ideally Broberg will be the future second line left D when his predecessor retires.Lavoie’s play will determine his place on the the team or moved as part of deal for a center. The Oilers have enough strength up the middle to not panic. Left or right wing have players aging out. It will all be determined by management’s belief in what is best for the team both present and into the future! As a diehard Oiler fan since they came into the league their position is enviable by many other teams and their fans,
Thank you for your posts!
Wise words LT thank you
They can’t be said too much
We were 1 post rebounding in from Pisani away from going into OT and no doubt winning our 6th Cup under Lowe and MacTavish. Under Holland with arguably the 2 best Players in the game the closest we have come is 8 Wins away. The parades and galas honouring Holland because we made the Playoffs just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Cinderella teams make a run every year. Heck, Florida in the just completed season. Doesn’t mean much. Bringing the ‘06 team up isn’t doing much. Only once in a blue moon they win it. History shows that the teams making the playoffs continuously are the ones that usually win the cup. Holland has built this team into that. Considering the state of the team, roster and cap wise, when he took over, making the playoffs and improving the team year over year he’s been here earns him more credit than you give him.
I myself, enjoy this team making the playoffs every year, losing to the eventual champs twice in a row, more than that teams one Cinderella run. To each their own though I guess.
How many Cups did San Jose Win in their lengthy window? You might look back on this differently if Leon and Connor don’t resign. Aspiring to be the Washington Capitals pre Stanley Cup win is what mediocre franchises are happy with. I’m just guessing but you weren’t old enough to be part of the 80’s it’s all about the Cups participation ribbons be damned.
Today’s scrimmage at 11 will be streamed on Oilers Plus – I don’t imagine there is any commentary (although maybe).
Not that I would bully, but… just because you have the right to cheer for the Flames, that doesn’t mean you should.
A loyal fan regardless of who they cheer for is deserving of full respect however on and off the band wagon fans not so much!
You are good man Allan, I hope this team wins Stanley for you, more than for me.
Thank you for sharing your passion with us and I sincerely hope that you and your family are in a good place, finally. You continually humble me and remind me that I can always be better.
Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement. I wish you peace of mind, health and happiness and I am honoured to be welcomed into your world share this life experience with you in some shape or form.
Cheers!
Skating ability was the ticket for Broberg. Success then would be for his NHL game to be low-event and sturdy. There’s lots of value for a team in a player like this.
Very excited for the season!
I will bet a unit that Bouchard out scores Quinn Hughes this season.
I will bet a second unit that Leon out scores Colborne.
As always, thanks for the amazing blog, LT. You are the absolute GOAT of Oilers content. And just generally a delight to read and listen to on the radio.
Bouch has two less points that Hughes at 5 on 5 over the course of the last two seasons – its a good bet.
I assume this song was the inspiration for today’s post title? One of the finest songs from Chicago’s* ripper of a debut album (along with their smokin’ rendition of “I’m a Man”).
*Fun fact: They were originally known as the Chicago Transit Authority (also the title of said debut album). IIRC, the real CTA objected to this band using their name, so the band shortened it to Chicago.
Logan Cooley….oh my.
https://x.com/NHLNetwork/status/1705466972140634193?s=20
Hockey Night in Melbourne.
Full highlights.
https://youtu.be/8okg-tk6Hnk?si=L6UTh5OqyPOpWyGK
Fun fact: Kings defenseman Jordan Spence was born in Australia to Canadian and Japanese parents.
Approos of nothing…
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Rose
Well I paid to see the high divin act so imma gonna see the high divin act!
Like Woody, LT setting the season tone right at the start.
And thank you for this blog LT. Truly.
Amen Brother
When all is dark, follow the man with a light…