A week ago on the Lowdown and on this blog (here) I mentioned Mark Giordano as a possible PTO invite. The idea was met with the appropriate amount of disdain, but the name is back again and specifically in regard to the Edmonton Oilers. Why would the Oilers do this?
GIORDANO VIA PUCK IQ AND NATURAL STAT TRICK
Okay, the player is old as the hills and twice as dusty and you’re not going to ask him to play heavy minutes versus elites. I’m no expert, and do like Edmonton’s left side defensively, but Giordano is veteran insurance there and plays right side too. Here’s the PuckIQ Sledgehammer from 2023-24:
Giordano’s overall numbers are strong, and he does well against mid-level and the soft parade. Could he play effectively with Nurse? Kulak? Emberson? Stecher? BROWN? I don’t know! I do know that having a look under the hood is possible and my goodness veteran defensemen are extremely valuable in the spring. I’m not saying you should forgive the McDavid hit, I’m saying we should contemplate the big picture and a PTO isn’t forever. It’s the hockey equivalent of a hookup, as the kids say (I have no idea what the kids say, they mumble and talk too quickly).
If signing Giordano means Josh Brown starts with the Bakersfield Condors, how big a crime against humanity is that? The season could start Ekholm-Bouchard, Nurse-Stecher and Kulak-Emberson with Giordano. Here’s a quick look (via Natural Stat Trick) at how well Giordano performed at five-on-five with individual partners:
- with Liljegren: 208 mins; 56 pct shots, 9-6 goals; 55 pct x-goals
- with McCabe: 103 mins; 52 pct shots, 8-5 goals, 54 pct x-goals
- with Klingberg: 82 mins; 52 pct shots, 4-5 goals, 43 pct x-goals
So, he isn’t going to save the world but he can stand in on either side and give you credible outcomes. I’m not asking you to change your religion or to come with me to the Satan meeting on Tuesday (I don’t really know when they meet), but I am suggesting this makes sense. As a PTO! Good lord people, you spend less time worrying about your choice of steaks to barbecue!
This doesn’t mean Emberson will wither ala Broberg. It does mean the Edmonton Oilers are addressing an area that could be a possible weakness with something that might be part of the solution. Isn’t that what good management is all about?
Today at noon on the Lowdown, Sports 1440. We’ll hear from Steve Lansky about the Draisaitl contract and what the Blue Jays should do in the offseason, plus Tyler Yaremchuk from Daily Faceoff will weigh in on Mark Giordano’s possibly landing in Edmonton. He’ll want to talk NFL a little so we will and you can talk about whatever you wish! We also are attempting to secure a major league guest but haven’t yet confirmed the day. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly.
Not opposed. They need another veteran for insurance on multiple fronts.
If Shattenkirk can be secured for about the same commitment/package, he’s far and away my preference by the numbers and fit, though.
I’d trust Nurse next to him against middle comps for sure. Not so sure I’d have the same trust with Gio on the opposite side, even with his veteran savvy and experience switching.
After a lot of digging into his numbers as well as video, I agree with Shattenkirk, but I see him as a break glass option as a PP QB, if Bouch misses games. He still skates well and has a booming shot and is a decent outlet passer. I also think he is a superior defender to Schultz and Barrie.
I would agree with KS in platoon with Stecher in the bottom pairing. Given his age and TS’s size, it would be good to have Shatty around to spell each other off and as extra insurance for D injury.
As well, Shattman also played some games last season in Beantown on the left side. However, I think keeping his GP under 50 would be critical to preserve him if needed in the post-season.
Brown can play in the AHL all season, IMO.
Even though NAmateur tracking hasn’t yet officially begun, preseason hockey has.
O’Reilly picked up two assists tonight in London’s 5-4 win. Nicholl and Berry, nicht zu viel.
You are now having a good night, yes? Yes.
LT before I go to Friday night West Coast Satan meetings I grill a tomahawk on my Kamado Joe. My daughters first hockey practice is tonight… good bye Summer Hello Hockey! Hope you all enjoyed a fantastic summer.
Friedman told a interesting/funny story. He mentioned that he’d been told that, when Jeff Jackson was starting McDavid’s last contract negotiation, he started off with the Oilers by saying “look, we aren’t going to be asking for the max 20%” – Oilers responded with “thank goodness, thank you for that but know that we would have paid it”.
Funny little tidbit I thought.
Also mentioned, when talking about Rantanen, etc., that the Drai contract is setting the new landscape for elite player contracts!
Cool story about McDavid’s last contract.
How does this make sense though?
As I mentioned yesterday, the Draisaitl contract was a slightly lower percentage of the Cap than either MacKinnon or Matthews most recent deals.
I know you didn’t say it, but I don’t understand how the 3rd highest %Cap contract signed in the last 3 seasons could be the one that sets a new landscape.
Much speculation that the Rantanen extension will come in just under MacKinnon’s $12.6 million cap hit.
If so, a combined cap hit of $25 million, with Makar at $9 million and Toews at $7.25 million Colorado will have a distinct cap advantage once the Landeskog and Nichushkin issues are dealt with.
Much of that speculation was before Draisaitl signed his contract.
As per Friedman, the landscape is changing.
Sorry.
Sorry.
https://bvmsports.com/2024/09/05/nhl-rumors-mikko-rantanen-eyes-lucrative-new-contract/
Ahh, so you take the unknown author from the BVM sports team over Friedman.
Or we could use the discourse you enjoyed from Matheson. Leon’s cap will take up 15%. You think McDavid’s will take up 18%, so it’s reasonable to fathom that Rantanen will want to come in somewhere between 15-18% of the cap, right?
If and buts….the most lame/lazy trolling ever. You really suck at this bud.
Since you LOVE doom-posting about the Oilers a few years in to the future then why don’t you add Makar’s next contract to the conversation, its only 3 seasons away.
Also, Landeskog and Nichushkin each have 4 seasons left on their contracts.
Landeskog is likely to be a shadow of his prime and will be an anchor for a year or two and then be on LTIR for a few years – “dealt with” but not in a good way.
Nichuskin, well, that might just be more trouble on the books for 4 years.
Makar is three seasons away when the cap is much, much higher.
For the next three seasons he will posses the best value contract in the the league.
No one, including you, has any idea how effective Landeskog will be.
Since he has only 4 years remaining, it’s unlikely he will be on LTIR “for a few years”
The most likely outcome for Nichushkin is a contract termination and a return to the KHL.
1) Odd how the increase in the salary cap it not used by you when providing opinions on the Oilers
2) Of course I don’t know. We can be reasonable in projecting.
3) Most likely says who?
Fellas on the radio and all about how respected Gio is and such a great guy. When you’ve done what he has on the ice what choice do you have if you want to not get suspended out. Marchment should have tried it
Friedman reporting that Demko’s injury is NOT something that can be fixed via surgery and its something he’s going to need to learn to play through.
High maintenance and not dependable. Tocchet will break him by seasons end. Booook it……..
If he even plays.
They’re changing his practice habits which have apparently contributed to his injury.
If it’s chronic groin pull maybe he should only play road games.
So, Ian Clark broke Demko…..
Matheson believes McDavid will sign fir $18 million.
https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/oilers-notebook-plenty-of-free-agent-right-shot-defensemen-want-to-come-to-camp-on-tryouts
To be clear, from Jim’s piece, that does not seem to be based on any inside information but his opinion and thought.
Many disagree.
He gets paid to voice his opinion.
Many don’t.
Don’t you ever get tired of being a waste of skin?
I’m beginning to wonder who truly is the waste of skin.
True I can surmise that YOU don’t, and it is still not worth the price. Just saying.
No I don’t but listening to the opinions of others can be beneficial to discourse.
Ahh yes, when I want to get riveting in-depth analysis on contracts and the cap, this is what I want to add to my repertoire for discourse:
“The most a player can get is 20 per cent, and the cap ceiling could be $100 mil in two years. Can’t fathom McDavid taking a dime less than $18 million AAV, and that’s a hometown discount.”
Brilliant.
Not when the opinions chosen for discourse are chosen solely due to being negative to the Oilers situation – without exception.
There are many opinions on McDavid’s AAV by even more reputable “sources” than Matty (these days) that are much more team favorable yet I don’t see those posted for beneficial discourse…
Totally agree, but opinions lose credibility very quickly when they continually and obviously are egregiously biased.
I’ve said many times that I appreciate many things that you’ve brought to this forum, but you just refuse to get out of your own way with the horrible trolling, it’s sad that your psyche seems to crave negative attention so frequently.
I am not one that will bash Matty and he remains a very good source of inside info.
There is inside info and there is personal opinion.
The McDavid contract numbers was personal opinion and I think its important to differentiate that from inside information.
I listen when Matty provide information. I read when we shares opinion but know that his opinions are just that.
He’s trying to get hits by stirring the pot. Leon signed Bouchard and Connor to follow. Top 1>5 PP for the next 10 years which will give us home ice for most playoff match-ups
I like you Harper. Any radio guy is a good guy in my books and all are cranky. Better to be hated than irrelevant like me.
I love this place – read it everyday but have only posted a few times. This idea of Gio made me so mad I dug up my long forgotten password to share my disdain for this POS – he should never wear an Oiler’s jersey after what he did.
Hahaha, have to say I agree. I have never differed from LT on such a fundamental level like this before, and that is okay.
Of the Right Shot Italian Stallions at present Ceci>DeAngelo>Giordano.
Congrats to KK. 69 games as head coach and ranked 13th best
Pretty impressive. Don’t stop now
Three too many men penalties in a half of game with the 11-7 gimmick. The team was in total disarray a few games away from a complete meltdown. Without Jackson intervention and quick action on replacing the swarm (it’s a joke) with a clear headed decision making coach we probably lose the season with Leon moving on and it snowballs from there.
From my Bruin fan friend on Shattenkirk:
“He was an enigma. He was a very offensive defenceman but a disaster at playing defence. His upside as a guy who could score was obliterated by his shockingly bad defensive play.”
Sounds like he prefers to get a contract over a PTO. But that could change, if he’s shockingly bad defensively. OMG. That leaves Jultz & DeAngelo who are both shockingly bad defensively as well. Not many good options left. My standby is Travis Dermott.
We see the sporadic interest in Gudas expressed in this community – Friedman mentions that he’s likely to be named captain of the Ducks.
So… he’s basically to the Ducks what Ference was to the DoD Oilers?
Seravelli mentioned on the DFO Rundown that the Oilers want to bring in Shultz on a PTO but he doesn’t want a tryout – wants a contract.
He was 6th in D TOI on the Crack, good on GA/Takeaways, higher SH%, 3 rush attempts, 20 hits 61 against, 15 EV pts. His GF% and HDGF% are bad. His possession stats are good. 20 PIM and 0 penalties drawn
We know he’s skilled, it seems like he’s playing a safe game, still not engaging physically, and not rushing which playing 3rd pair, he should be owning his comp. Seems he can still pass, but can’t help keep the puck out of his net
Probably lost a step and is super vanilla. Helpful maybe to some teams, dead opposite to what the Oilers need
No to Schultz. He is not a third pairing playoff defenseman. He belongs in Europe.
The two time Cup winner isn’t a playoff defenseman?
Or do you mean he’s a playoff defenseman unless it’s in a third pairing role?
Even the latter would be an odd take considering he played third pair when he won his 1st Cup (and did it with considerable success – 55%GF). He also played third pair in his 2022 (75%GF) and 2023 (70%GF) playoff seasons.
And is this based on anything at all?
Schultz has a 63% goal share at 5v5 in 81 career playoff games. He’s scored at better than 0.5 points/game in his playoff career. And he has two Cups.
‘Belongs in Europe’ is certainly not based on any facts or actual past performance.
NHL Edge
NHL Average Top Speed 34.9 kph.
**Deangelo 36.4 kph.
**Schultz 35.95 kph.
Shartenkirk. 33.8 kph.
Giordano. 34.8 kph
**Lindstrom 34 kph
Barrie. 32.4
Kulak. 36.7 kph
Nurse 36.5 kph
Emberson. 35.5 kph
Bouchard. 35.4 kph
Ekholm. 35.3 kph
No country for old men, except Ekholm.
The older players available are quite slow. **Schultz can still skate.
**edit. Added.
To me first steps and for D backwards and pivots are the thing. Big guys like EK may not have those first steps, but he can block paths if they have the IQ
Bouch was the fastest backward at this combine, good puck retriever so also must pivot well. Bieksa doesn’t think Nurse pivots well, he’s been getting worse at going back for the puck. Those 3 gents are all cooked IMO
By eye which is fallible to recall bias. I seem to recall Nurse deferring to Ceci for retrievals during the playoffs—even prior to his injury. I also wonder if Nurse either had issues with pivots or issues with speed skating backwards.
Kris Russell was like that. He could scoot skating forwards, but his backward skating was so slow (and couldn’t pivot well), so he had to leave huge gaps.
At first when watching footage of Bouchard in London I’m thinking he’s a point magnet Larry Murphy that comparison is Wrong. Larry Murphy was a cream puff Bouchard has some anger in him and he’s going to get a little nastier as he ages. Ekholm is teaching him all the tricks of the trade this was Holland best move along with Hyman . My comparison is he’s Guy Lapointe who had one of the most wicked shots ever. They also both play in a upright stand tall position both were accurate with the howitzer from the point. Evan Bouchard is Guy Lapointe.
What was Lapointe’s demeanour away from the puck, was it as stoic as Bouch can be?
I’m not one to rip on Bouchard for his “lack of urgency,” I think he’s got ice in his veins and a quantum computer as a processor so it looks like he’s being nonchalant. When in reality, he’s most often able to slow things down in real time as he decides what to do next.
Looks like Schultz is your man in terms of speed amongst the older crew.
Actually it looks like Jultz and DeAngelo are the only two UFA Dmen of any age who are even average skaters based on the NHL edge numbers (Dermott and Lindstrom are just as slow as the old guys you listed).
I was going to ask how DeAngelo ranks …
I don’t care much for the man’s politics, but he’s miles younger and seems to have the highest upside amongst the options. I also don’t believe that he’s a major liability defensively.
On the right side, the Oilers are down Ceci and Desharnais who played 2:35 (1st) and 2:02 respectively(4rth) on the team for PK minutes. (Also lost #5 Broberg 1:10).
(Nurse 2:30 and Ekholm 2:03)
Bouchard played 20 seconds per game on the PK. Kulak only played 53 seconds.
If the Oilers added Schultz, Deangelo, or Shattenkirk, they’d really have to shuffle the PK minutes around, since none of those guys kill penalties.
Brown and Stetcher both played over 2 minutes per game on the PK.
I would have time for DeAngelo, but that would most likely mean Bouchard would have to absorb a couple minutes per game on the PK.
Bouchard actually has good PK results in his sporadic PK time.
How many minutes can the man play though?
Emberson killed over a minute per game in San Jose.
Dermott & Lindstrom are probably stronger defensively. Which is more if a requirement for a bottom pairing defenseman.
Sure, let’s bring in Knee-ordano on a PTO. Let’s also bring Dustin Brown and Shane Doan out of retirement and give them a shot on McDavid’s wing.
Neil Sheehy.
Fits the age and state strategy with the already oldest team in the league
I think I would prefer Shattenkirk over Giordano. Shattenkirk is a right shot and 5 years younger; he is showing interest in playing in Edmonton and looking like he would sign for a league minimum salary. I could certainly see a third pair of Kulak & Shattenkirk.
He was heavily sheltered in Boston, did ok
Where they are short is LD
Invite both Shattenkirk & Dermott on PTO’s. No to 40-year-old Giordano.
For me if they can’t defend what’s the point? They need meaner D that can make a pass at speed. GA players, make the net a place no one wants to visit. For me so nasty they don’t pick a corner they dump and change
Time for Tiger Stripe no more vanilla
That would be Phil Kemp (question being if his ability to make a pass at speed in the AHL, which is very good, can translate at the NHL level).
Or maybe…wait for it….. Josh Brown.
Josh Brown has had an 8-year pro career that has shown he is not great at preventing goals or making a pass at speed.
Phil Kemp may not be any better at the NHL level but we certainly don’t know that yet.
His skating is a concern, but Kemp should be given every opportunity to prove that big brain of his is equipped to put him in the right spot at the right time to ply his trade.
There’s plenty of time until the trade deadline to find out who’s going to be a fit… or not.
A big No to Shattenkirk. My Bruins buddy said this:
”He was an enigma. He was a very offensive defenceman but a disaster at playing defence. His upside as a guy who could score was obliterated by his shockingly bad defensive play.”
I was going to ask you how you have such strong feelings on his play last season as you’ve posted this quote a few times – I presumed you had watched a bunch of Bruins’ games.
Of course, intel from an actual Bruins’ fan should be great, however, if some Oilers fans were asked about:
1) Nurse – “AHL d-man”, “can’t make a simple pass”
2) Drai – “lazy”, “can’t play defence”
3) Bouchard – “PP specialist who can’t play defence”
Well played.
Sign me up for Satan meeting!
This blog just can’t let anything go. While the organization should have held on to him, Miroslav is 49, he’s been retired for a while now. Tho to be fair, Slovakia is probably beautiul this time of year.
I would start the season
Ekholm Bouchard
Nurse Kemp
Kulak Emberson
Stecher as #7
Brown in the minors. The 3-year deal means he will not be claimed.
If Kemp or Emberson fail, then that guy gets sent down, and Brown called up.
In the new year, Wanner gets his shot, if the D is still struggling.
Then trade deadline.
Brown could surprise, but I think one should see if Kemp can do the job.
The thing is one can explain this to all the players involved.
I would flip Kemp and Embers. But I don’t hate it.
I do hope that Kemp gets a real opportunity to compete with Josh Brown for 4RD/7D – I’d like to say open competition for the 3RD spot including Stecher but, realistically, it doesn’t seem like something this org will do.
Playing 2nd pairing minutes with Nurse is a very unrealistic and unreasonable suggestion, in my opinion, but 3RD with Kulak is not.
The Oilers will have a 1st pairing and two other relatively equal pairings, if they don’t trade for a legit top4 RD.
I think Kemp is better suited for Nurse, and Emberson for Kulak.
I think the exact opposite on fit.
I also think that, if Nurse can get back to historical norms and his established levels, and I would presume you think he will without Ceci, he should be able to anchor a very high end 2nd pairing – he’s a former 1LD on a good team and not even 30.
Heck no to Gio!
No, no to Kneeordano!
No, no, no, no, no!
We know the hockey season is nigh when HNIC is on–that is, Haiku Night in Canada.
Oilers’ captain shines,
McDavid’s brilliance dulled by
Giordano’s past deeds.
Giordano’s shadow,
Injured McDavid’s bright light,
Oilers must say no.
Clever.
A tip o’ the hat.
Does anyone have a source for which position D are used in? Natural Stat Trick doesn’t really specify
It doesn’t exist.
Cap Friendly used to at least tell you if a player was a LHD or RD, but there are no publicly available resources that track minutes by which side they played.
The only chance you have is if you look at who they play with. If there’s a lefty lefty pairing, you have to already know which player plays the off wing on that pairing.
My disdain was mostly related the the proposed $1.5MM contract off the PTO (that number was put out as that was the “salary projection” from the site you were using).
I can’t say I’ve seen enough of Gio play in the last few years to form an opinion on his ability to help the current roster but I can say that I don’t have any issue with “the player” as it relates to “former Flame” or “dirty player” or “intentionally hurt McDavid” (which I don’t think is actually accurate).
The Oilers could use a veteran 4LD as there is a big gap between 3LD and 4LD – I was thinking Dermott or Tinordi.
If Gio is given a tryout and earns a contract in THAT role, that’s one thing.
If the though is he’d press for 2RD, I don’t know, that seems like a big stretch. I know he’s played the right side alot in his career but, at this age, with reduced mobility and quickness – that’s a very big ask, no?
Just like Sutter a waste of playing time for a Kemp etc. We already have the fossil Perry for old time hockey stories in the dressing room.
Sutter had been out of the league for years and sick (and injured alot prior to his time off) – I don’t think that applies to Gio.
By LT’s numbers, it looks like Gio still might have the ability to help whereas that never seemed realistic with Sutter – they were looking to turn back the clock 7 years on Sutter.
I’m not saying get Gio in for a tryout but it does seem to make more sense than Sutter did – or at least has a better chance of some success, in my opinion.
From my memory Sutter was the most talked about player last training camp. The narrative by Oilers voices was he was the perfect 4-C and a possible 3-C in a pinch. I remember a portion of fan base getting riled up because they gave Sutter more of a look than Lavoie, This seemed to have ruffled Holland feathers as he came out and said we’re not wasting our time with on the fence prospects.?
Yes, perfect 3C/4C IF he could find his form from 7 years prior – of course, that was not reasonable. It is reasonable that a player could repeat their form from the previous season, which is the thought with Giordano.
That portion of the fan base would have been wrong as Lavoie got 6 games last preseason (no Oiler played more) while Sutter only got 3 games.
How much push did Lavoie recieve nothing that’s how much. Lavoie was never making the team and now with a new G.M Lavoie’s ship has sailed. With a fresh hungry Podkolzin being the new sheriff in town this will result in Lavoie hitting the waiver wire again.
Just no. Let’s see what we have in camp, give these kids a shot.
I’ve been all for the Oilers signing the biggest POS’s the game has to offer but..
Giordano should be publicly flogged, tarred, feathered, tied to post while the community pays 5 dollars to charity for every puck they get to fire at him from 10ft away until he signs his retirement papers.
Just dust off Duncan Keith if they require someone in their 40’s that used dial up internet.
Why has no other team signed Gio?
Why did he play only 45 games with the Leafs last year, and I don’t believe he played any in the playoffs.
I remember watching a Leafs game on HNIC and the commentary was that Gio had slowed up considerably, was nothing more than a 6/7 at this point of his career.
Completely get an agent trying to drum up interest, but it seems Gio is well past his good thru date at this point of his career.
Would much prefer they given Kemp, hey, even Gleason a real shot before bringing in someone else who will reduce the window to effectively evaluate what’s in-house. Seems to me Kemp at the very least has earned a long-look, especially since if he doesn’t play enough games, he walks at the end of the season.
He needs to play 79 games this season to avoid being a UFA next summer (or re-sign in season of course).
That’s why I called it his last chance.
He needs to play games in order for the Oiler to offer him a contract in-season – I don’t see it (see: Josh Brown).
Yeah, I agree it’s unlikely he’ll see many games. And as I said the other day I don’t think that’s a great tragedy (a 25-year-old good, not great, AHLer).
That said, the Oilers likely are happy to keep him in the organization. I think whether he’s willing to stay is the bigger question (and I do appreciate that he’s less likely to want to stay if he hasn’t been give a chance to play at the NHL level).
It would be “interesting” if he was blocked and playing in the AHL and signed another contract when he was on the verge of being a group VI.
Yes, fair that Kemp isn’t likely to want to re-sign if he doesn’t get NHL games this season. I don’t think the organization will need him to play NHL games in order to offer him another contract.
I’m struggling to see what the issue is with Shattenkirk that has him unsigned.
Me too.
https://naturalstattrick.com/playerreport.php?fromseason=20232024&thruseason=20232024&stype=2&sit=ev&stdoi=oi&rate=n&v=p&playerid=8474031
He can still make a outlet pass on the tape. Coffey knows the importance of getting it up ice with the juggernaut forward group we now employ.
He has been highly sheltered his whole career per PuckIQ. Last year he played less than 18% of his time against elites and I don’t think he ever broken 30% against elites. I think you’d get to 18% just by getting caught on the ice on the road or on the fly changes by the opposition.
I don’t know much about stats, but that seems to indicate that he wasn’t trusted by any coach even in his prime.
So that sounds like a Tyson Barrie type except Barrie was more trusted. Seems to me it has been almost unanimous here that we don’t need that skill set here.
Probably that he’ll be 36. Once the skating starts to go, he doesn’t have the other styles of play that may keep him going
He was an enigma. He was a very offensive defenceman but a disaster at playing defence. His upside as a guy who could score was obliterated by his shockingly bad defensive play.
Friedman says Cam Fowler is on the market, with a very limited list of teams he’s willing/able to be traded to. Hmmmmmm….
Tired of losing.
Not a lot of teams with a chance to win that can take on that contract at this point in the off season. I would think a TD move most likely.
He has hardly ever played the right side. Anaheim traded Theodore rather than trying either Fowler or Theodore on the right side.
It would take a double retention.
Move Kane to LTIR and they could take him with minimal retention, no?
What happens when Kane is ready to play?
What about next season?
He’s also got two seasons and $6.25MM on the cap and I’m not sure he’s played the right side very much in his career.
Nurse for Fowler
Why would Nurse agree to that?
Nurse isn’t going anywhere. I think you know that.
He’s going sooner or later. Cap demands it. It’s him or Bouchard and we all know who’s better.
Not this year though. I think that is for sure.
Probably but this kind of deal will happen before McDavid’s new contract kicks in. Maybe sooner.
Nurse has a full NMC/NTC till 1 year after McDavid’s next deal will start. He isn’t going anywhere unless he wants to. I doubt you can name a single NHL player who has waived a full NMC/NTC to leave a Stanley Cup contending team in the middle of their contract.
The elephant in the room is what the big 3 are going think if it becomes obvious that Nurse’s contract is a problem that gets in the way of winning. Nurse has been a core player for years but that status is getting shaky. It’s bad enough for him that many fans want him gone, but losing support in the room is worse. So yes Nurse has full NMC/NTC but the opinion of the leadership group counts a lot in this situation. If the big 3 think it’s time for him to move on, management will find a situation he is comfortable with.
I don’t imagine that McDavid and/or Leon are anywhere near the the opinion that its time for Nurse to move on.
I think its more likely that Nurse gets back to being a solid $7.75M d-man than him getting pushed out.
I am doubtful. Two years is a lifetime in professional sports.
I don’t agree its “him of Bouchard”.
There is enough cap to re-sign Bouchard and McDavid and still contend while keeping Nurse. The cap will be at $100MM, potentially higher, and rising for McDavid’s extension
Agree if he is living up to his contract – if he isn’t – he will be moved.
Drai said it really well in his interview after signing when he said he doesn’t feel pressure, he feels responsibility. Totally correct. Nurse is also responsible to mgmt, team and fans for his contract. If he doesn’t fulfill his responsibilities – he will be moved – and no one that matters will disagree.
He’s still got time with Drai and McDavid on old contracts this season, but the clock is ticking.
I don’t care what time it is on Tuesday, count me in on the Satan meeting!
I am a huuuge fan of Miro!
🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
I’d be ok with Gio
but think Shattenkrack would be better
is it possible to see your thought on the numbers on Shattenkirk
Mark me as no to Gio. Not because of the dirty hit because McDavid is a pro and if it made the team better he I think would accept it. But we need to develop and promote from the farm. We must find out if Kemp , Wanner etc. are ready. We have the 7th defense spot surrounded. And besides if Gio had anything left I’m sure the Leafs would have given him one more year.
Travis Dermott is an LHD still available, 27 years of age. Giordano is 40 years old. It’s a no brainer for me.
I’d leave it up to the Oilers players to offer their opinion to management on Giordano’s fit for the room based on past history. I am not a fan of his style of play though.
More importantly, when has Giordano ever performed well in the playoffs? Even the year he won the Norris, the first place Flames got taken out in 5 by the 8th seed Avalanche and the data for that series reflects very poorly on him. He was apparently a healthy scratch for the entirety of the Leaf’s first round loss last season and his stats were awful the prior playoffs. I will be surprised if Giordano ends up with a spot on the team.
He’s going to be 41 he’s done like Grannies chicken soup. No Flames retreads the Connor injury was a competitive dirty play in a meaningless game. This injury was serious and could of ended Connor’s career aka Bobby Orr. Gio was up for the Norris no way he was letting Connor beat him outside like a rented mule without taking him out. The sad part was no response the only player I can remember going at him was little Sam Gagner the following year.
I agree, they really are. Plus he PKs and can plays both sides.
McDavid history aside, Giordano looks to me like a guy who could legitimately help on the ice.
I’m with godot10 here, they ought to have learned from the last several years not playing the youth. Blocking the pipeline with geriatrics not only cost two quality players, but it sends a message about the likelihood of developing into an NHL talent when being drafted/acquired by this team.
Play the talent bubbling under early so we know what they’re capable of by the deadline and assess.
I don’t disagree on premise but would suggest that:
1) while Broberg was indeed blocked, it wasn’t with “geriatrics” but with a very strong 3 deep left side; and
2) Holloway was not, and never was, blocked – he received many opportunities in the top 6 and would likely have seen reps there this season even with Skinner and Arvidsson – injuries happen and healthy lineup changes happen ALOT. Not to mention, 3LW with Henrique is not a bad place for a forward who has finished his ELC with less than 20 career regular season points.
Time to re-visit Joel Persson?
His play in Vaxjo has been remarkably consistent.
What evidence is there that Kneeo has played RD any time recently, and how it went? Does anyone have a source that tracks that?
The thought to me is repulsive, not because he was a Flame and a Leaf (Kenny is gone and we’re still going after Leaf retreads? Zach excepted) but because he’s a dirty player, based on repeated offences that injured, and seems to see himself as a good guy
After Connor letting him off the hook, Kneeo on TV talking about it, he tries to knee him the next season? Way too narcissistic for me, I’m sure Connor thinks he’s a wanker, based on his reaction to the kneeing attempt
Curious, which line up do you like more and which do you think has a better chance at winning the cup this year and setting up for future years.
First is likely what would have been retained under Holland.
Nuge McD Hyman
Henrique Drai Kane
Holloway McLeod Foegle
Janmark Ryan Brown
Ekholm Bouchard
Nurse Broberg
Kulak Emberson
OR
Under Jackson/Bowman
Skinner McD Hyman
Nuge Drai Ardivsson
Kane Henrique Brown
Janmark Ryan Podkolz
Ekholm Bouchard
Nurse Stetcher
Kulak Emberson
I take #2 but I think that Emberson wouldn’t there on #1. Ceci or Des
I don’t agree that your #1 is what would have been under Holland.
Why even consider what Hollands roster would have been if he was retained? It’s a non-starter.
why are you asking me? take it up with the person who posted it.
Sign Gio, put him in the pressbox, and make him watch every game as the Oil win the cup.
Make the greatest thing about his career be a ring with an Edmonton Oiler logo on it.
I’m in.
He wouldn’t get his name on the Cup. Mean!
Yesterday, Rich Winter saying they are trying to get Gio to Edmonton.
Today, Friedman connecting Shattenkirk to Edmonton.
How did he do in Boston last season?
https://lowetide.ca/2024/08/30/little-pto-4/
Shattenkirk played 61 games with the Bruins, 6 goals & 18 assists. Gio played 46 games for the Leafs, 3 goals & 6 assists.
To be honest, with respect, point totals was not what I was thinking about.
He was an enigma. He was a very offensive defenceman but a disaster at playing defence. His upside as a guy who could score was obliterated by his shockingly bad defensive play.
Mark me down is no effing way in freaking hell.
Just play Phil Kemp. Some team is going to pluck Phil Kemp off of waivers, and the Oilers will end up regretting that as much as the loss of Broberg.
Kemp and Emberson and Brown and Wanner have to play in the preseason.
Don’t waste training camp on effing losers.
Nurse Kemp
Kulak Emberson
One has to focus on finding a solution, not wasting the training camp and early part of the season on an abomination.
There are no solutions in the extremely old man drawer. Stop looking there.
Kemp and Emberson is looking in the Jason Smith Steve Staios drawer. That is where solutions are found.
This x100. The solution is Kemp and the opportunity is there to break him into the NHL right now. Wasting at bats on old players is a missed opportunity for the young guys who have proven they can play in the AHL.
I remember that one time way back in ‘22 that the Oilers brought in Ryan Murray on a PTO & he wound up taking young Philip Broberg’s job/ice time in October & November. Trying to remember how that story ended…
The story also includes most observers felt Broberg played poorly in that camp. Maybe it was due to injury since he missed the first few weeks of Bakersfield games to start that season so he also might not have played for the Oilers either that October, Murray or no Murray.
He played 7 games in Bakersfield after the injury (6 of the 7 after Nov 11) and then got recalled. Murray never played again after that. He was playing full time minutes up to the trade deadline. The Oilers by then decided a left side of Nurse, Kulak and Broberg wasn’t strong enough for the playoff run and traded for Ekholm with Broberg being 4th on that depth chart.
Didn’t Broberg gain a lot of weight attributing to working out. I remember it being a possible reason why he wasn’t as quick.
The Jason Smith Steve Staios drawer is a bold place to put Kemp and Emberson at this point, but I certainly hope you’re right. Staios was a captain in Atlanta before we ever got him.
For a team that will badly need value – cost controlled, it would seem to make sense to give Kemp a shot.
The only thing I’m wondering is if they don’t feel he’ll have enough games played by the end of the year and they’re worried they’ll lose him as Group 6 FA.
He needs to paly like the full season to avoid Group VI status.
The option is to, well, actually play the guy, real NHL games and give him an extension prior to the off-season on merit – if he earns it.
Lets hope the org doesn’t just flush him on the premise that Max Wanner is coming in a year.
I’ve been promoting Kemp for a long long long time but I would suggest that the waivers risk on the 25 (turns 26 in February) player that has played zero NHL games at his position is lower than that of Lavoie and Benson before him.
I do hope that Kemp gets a real opportunity to compete with Josh Brown for 4RD/7D – I’d like to say open competition for the 3RD spot including Stecher but, realistically, it doesn’t seem like something this org will do.
Playing 2nd pairing minutes with Nurse is a very unrealistic and unreasonable suggestion, in my opinion, but 3RD with Kulak is not.
Kemp is a right shot right D.
San Jose plucked Emberson last year. They are rare enough that someone will likely want to take a look.
Emberson was 23 going in to the season he was claimed, Kemp is 25 and turning 26 during this season.
3rd round pick vs. 7th round pick.
Good skater vs. not good skater.
Every year the masses worry about waiving the likes of Lavoie and Benson, etc., etc.
I guess I’d rather go with Shattenkirk.
No way.
Reactions so far are more positive that I thought they would be. I’m making progress! 🙂
All things are relative. I would be in eternal ‘Waiting on Approval’ if I stated what I was thinking when I first read the article.
So yes, positive with the caveats of politeness and acceptable decorum.
Yeah, it’s Tuesday, but we don’t let Giordano in either.
We have punch and pie, and a strict no “players that injured McDavid” rule…and no Homers.
Don’t get me started with Oilers who had their jaws & collar bones broken.
Absolutely not! Dirty player who hurt 97 and then tried to hurt him again the next season. Oilers already did this to 97 with Manning – how much disrespect does McDavid need to endure?
Due to his past crimes against 97 (real and perceived), I do not see him fitting into the locker room.
Gio does not move the needle enough to overcome his history against the Oilers.
Sail on Mark – Sail on.
This this this. For God sakes man get over this guy. People bitched and moaned about Bowman and you want to bring this POS to the Oilers.