The Beach Boys recorded dozens of albums and hundreds of songs over the 1960’s and 1970’s, and there are gems scattered across miles of vinyl but you have to find them. One such glorious recording is the album “Holland” from 1973. The band was moving in all kinds of directions, but “Sail On, Sailor” is a grand song with gigantic piano and soaring harmonies. There’s “Steamboat” and “Only With You” and even “Funky Pretty” too.
It wasn’t regarded as a masterpiece, and the Beach Boys (like the Kinks) had a wide range of outcomes during these years. That meant fewer ears due to uncertainty about the quality being produced. I recommend Holland. Flawed, but gorgeous and uplifting. Brian Wilson, at his best, was unequalled as a producer of pop music. Some of the magic is on “Holland” but you have to go looking. If you’re a musician looking for a song to sing that will delight audiences, I suggest “California Saga/California” from Holland.
LEAVING THIS TOWN
Have you ever been south of Monterey?
Barrancas carve the coast line and the chaparral flows to the sea
‘Neath waves of golden sunshine
And have you ever been north of Morrow bay
Brad Holland left the organization yesterday, the press release was a “we wish him best of luck in future endeavors” style goodbye. When a new CEO takes over, a new support group is sure to follow.
Brad Holland helped the Oilers identify and procure quality talent. His compass was not perfect, but in his time with the organization, several impressive pieces were added to the team. The younger Holland is often connected to the acquisitions of Zach Hyman and Mattias Ekholm, among others. Also, Jack Campbell.
Like the Beach Boys “Holland” album, Brad Holland delivered refreshing and real quality, while also helping author some giant bets that did not land. I consider his time with the organization a success, and wish him well. It’s a truly severe city, Edmonton, when your job is winning Stanley in the time of McDavid. I hope he finds his place in the sun.
CERTAIN AND UNCERTAIN OILERS
THE DISTANT BELLS
A busy day (obviously) on the Lowdown, Sports 1440 beginning at noon. We’ll welcome Bruce McCurdy from the Cult of Hockey at the Edmonton Journal to talk about the Oilers training camp roster and possible battles over the next two weeks. We’ll also chat CFL, NFL and some MLB too. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly.
New for The Athletic: Which Edmonton Oilers roster spots could go to a potential impact rookie?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5772180/2024/09/18/edmonton-oilers-potential-impact-rookie/
Stauff taking about Brown starting camp with Kulak and Nurse/Embersson will be a pair.
Doesn’t mention Stecher.
Says Dermott is a long shot to make the team.
Sources: Vegas @GoldenKnights reviewing options, up to and including contract termination, after Robin Lehner failed to report for a mandatory medical exam to open training camp.
There’s a lot on the line for VGK, for Lehner and for the #NHLPA. Story:
https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1836571650495492313?s=61
Isn’t it funny how Vegas always has a way of getting out from under the contracts they don’t want? You almost wonder if the Knights sabotaged Lehner’s alarm to not wake him up or something.
Mental health. At some point it will be added to the deal given our current world. The bigger question is how does it fit LTIR gymnastics for them?
No gymnastics required if his contract is voided.
The Knights would go into the season with $1.4 million in cap space with a full 23 man roster.
Would be quite a sum at the deadline.
What would Kelly do with the free time? He would get bored, unacceptable
He could spend all season planning how to fleece Macklin Celebrini from Mike Grier’s grasp.
True
Who cares?
Man Vegas is beyond the Age Rainbow in every position. There’s a reason Hanafin has been traded as often as he has. He benefits from systems that shelter him.
Right here in his digits,
https://puckiq.com/players/8478396
Vegas has lost a lot of forward depth and their kept gents are old and injured. They might look good for the first 38 games. After that, especially when the physicality ramps up.
Oilers
Nucks
Utah (based on points)
Interesting Training Camp addition:
Alex Kannok-Leipert RHD
Also played forward for Abbottsford. Good skater, quite physical, average size, Thai roots, a bit of a Muay Tai background, not afraid to knuckle chuck with anyone, big hitter. Was Captain for Vancouver Giants (wore an A at 18 and C at 19 & 20). He is 24 years old and is basically a depth (6-7 D, 4th liner/13th man) AHL player.
He will likely be the main camp equivalent of Corbett. He could be a really fun player to watch.
Any idea why they have him listed as a dman then?
Just sayin’ here
A trade for Andersson, 23 man roster, and Kane on Ltir would mean deadline trades are done and team has the season to build chemistry.
Then we can hope for a spring miracle and Kane return.
Who we have that we can trade for Anderson?
I would look to the Ekholm deal. Savoie, 1st and an extra piece because Calgary.
Woof. That would be a stinker.
Did you say that about Ekholm as well?
I said it about Ekholm, and I was wrong. Andersson would be a fantastic add, even at that price. This year is our best chance to compete.
Still, I doubt Calgary would trade Andersson to us for any price.
I fully agree with you. Might have to use a third party to flip the contract. On the other hand it’s new management and we have done business with Calgary before.
Don’t forget about fitting the contract in next season as well….
His cost would be mostly covered by Skinner leaving.
Any additions have to fit under next seasons cap or be rentals
Skinner and Kulak out…Bob’s your uncle.
Who would trade their starting goalie for a mid defenseman 🙂
Ekholm or Nurse before they add salary on D
Jeff Skinner.
Emoji
Oh the fun we all have with the people having the same names. Eh Ryan?
I think the next run should be Troys or Tys
My concern there is someone here already has a girlfriend named Helen. Then you know an Achilles is being torn in the ensuing fight.
I retract. Great forethought. Are there any male names that correspond to Harpie?
Not on the spot but we are jumping ahead of the current Connor trend. There are 22 Connors in the league according to Google. Time to make a team of Connors w 1 Leon as balance.
The Oilers forged a new way in the 80’s and it’s time for another
From a cursory search for surgery recovery times re Evander Kane’s surgeries, I found the following sparse and generalized info. Actual recovery time will depend a great deal on how serious the issues are for each surgery and the complication of trying to recover from all three either concurrently, or successively. depending on when they do each surgery.
The obliques and the hernias can be 6-8 weeks when taken as separate surgeries. The abductors, according to one site were a 4 month recovery, but yet another site estimated 6 to 9 months… looks like Evander is in for a long time away potentially. Poor guy.
Kane both obliques and two hernias getting repaired surgically. He’s gonna be out a long long long time
No doubt. What does the rehab look like when you get surgery done on your entire core? Let’s hope he has the same doctor as Wolverine.
You hope you can do a sit-up in 6 months
LTIR coming. Season ends April 17, that’s 7 months. It will be a miracle if he makes it back in any form to be of help
Which makes it a bit more curious that we didn’t match Broberg.
Maybe not matching Broberg was good move on principle and for team chemistry. Cap space is a nice thing to have. But then you better hope that Broberg doesn’t develop into a solid second-pairing D-man for the next decade, let along a solid first-pairing D-man.
I think there was enough question around Bro that matching meant he’s 6-8M next contract, and he may be untradeable at his current
I wanted them to trade Kulak pre last season to give him a spot. But, he does show some awareness signs that are disturbing. Protecting himself being number 1. If you can’t learn the boards in the NHL you don’t stay healthy. He’s a big guy but doesn’t seem to use it very well
Phil Kemp must be pissed. Bowman and the media talk D for most of the his presser, and his name not mentioned once. Emberson, Stecher, Brown, CHECK. Dermot CHECK. Still available UFA’s CHECK. Waiver wire CHECK. Saving up cap room for a trade. CHECK.
Phil Kemp. CRICKETS.
The ship has sailed for kemp-Lavoie and everyone else that should of been test driven but were instead buried for the Erne&Murray etc
He may be caught now in a regime change, but he also didn’t beat out the limited Desharnais. He had a much better development through the US program. He also signed another deal. He may realize he doesn’t have NHL capability. Weird the one NHL game with 2 minutes or whatever at wing
I was never a big fan of the Beach Boys, but have certainly enjoyed The Kinks over the years. Currently songs from “Low Budget” have made it to the top of my playlist. I’ll have to have a listen to the Beach Boys to see if my opinions have changed with my advancing
maturityage.Pet Sounds is widely considered one of the greatest albums ever recorded. Inspired by Rubber Soul it in-turn inspired Sgt. Pepper’s. it solidified the album as a genre and has had a lasting influence on popular music and culture.
Purists ight disagree, but I like the 50th anniversary release (2016).
Magic
Much appreciated, thank you!
Sounds like Oilers spent Kane’s salary money right away going after Skinner and Arvidson.
Of course feeling lots left over room for the youths which of course backfired.
Big defence man at the deadline
Kane back for playoffs is the target.
They are not planning on going in to LTIR (future injuries may require it but are not as of now). I think the plan would be Kane back well before the playoffs to get his game up to speed and a d-man (or what is needed) acquire in-season as the amount of cap space grows daily (which is contingent on player health in general and may not be possible).
There is the potential to put Kane on LTIR at any time and they could get right up to the cap and open up close to $5MM – if they know he’s not coming back but, at this point, I truly don’t think that’s the plan.
With that said, Kane in his media today certainly didn’t shut down the possibility of this being for the season – they may not have a real indication until they get in there. Kane also likes to be a bit dramatic, right?
Yes he certainly does have an attention seeking gene.
I have a poor memory compared to LT, however…
I remember rolling along in the Country Squire wagon on the way to the lake early 70’s I think. Dad had a new 390 HO put in the wagon as he liked to smoke the Camaros. My sister declared the Bay City Rollers were the best band ever. My other sister was in love with Shaun Cassidy. Such fools, the Beach Boys were by far the best. My dad spoke up and said it was “The Beatles”
We all laughed at him.
Did anyone in the media in the centre of the universe think to ask Rogers or Bell whether Bell got a waiver from Rogers for territorial infringement if Bell decides to pursue a 2nd franchise for the GTA?
Sounds like a question for the great one.
— It’s pretty much the consensus that the Leafs have veto power over any franchise regardless: you know the centre of universe, most important team in hockey blah blah.
— Is a fascinating situation: what an enormous sports conglomerate. Will be interesting to see how it plays out over next few years.
— There will be big changes at top: Masai and Shanahan getting elite $ for many years….
—
Much more likely that it means an NFL franchise in Toronto.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/rogers-mlse-deal-a-seismic-shift-for-canadian-sports/
Tomasino, who had more NHL points in each of his rookie season and his last season than Holloway has in his NHL career (and, in his other season, was ONE point short and played only 31 games) signs for $850K.
Yes, trying to get Holloway for $1MM (or less) on a one year deal or less than $1.25MM was completely reasonable.
It is a one year deal, not the three year deal that the Oilers were attempting to jackboot Holloway into. Tomasino will be arbitration eligible next year.
The Oilers offered Holloway more than a 3-year deal – that information has been provided by the most reputable of insiders.
Given the recent signing of more established RFAs than Holloway in this range, there is no honest way to argue that near $1MM was not a fully reasonable expectation for Holloway.
Viewing pro sports in an ideological framework doesn’t work. It’s an entertainment industry and it’s based on limited term performance on a contract basis. It’s also so far above regular life there is no need to feel sorry for any player who is not unfairly treated persuing their dream. He made his choice and the Oilers theirs
Most of the people in the NHL would have vastly lesser wealth without hockey. I feel happy for them
Nashville has 9 centres on its roster.
Tomasino had zero leverage.
As opposed to the leverage Holloway used to secure his place in Edmonton?
Nashville has a pair of highly regarded C prospects in their system.
Fyodor Svechkov was drafted 19th overall in the 2021 draft and scored 16 goals and 39 points in the AHL in his first season in North America.
David Edstrom another first round pick was acquired in the Askarov trade.
Important to remember that is far easier to switch from centre to wing and Nashville a wack of them.
He may be listed as a center but he’s played wing his entire career – both in Nashville and Milwaukee.
It is true – he had no leverage and Trotz was trying to move him last month (one possible deal had him and Fabbro being packaged). The kid wants out of Nashville in the worst way.
Is this a move Action Jackson could be in on. How much history does Bowman and Trotz have? When snake salesman Eakins was hired he brought in his Marlies gang. Then is was Peter’s turn with Lucic etc. Then we had Holland making deals left right and centre with Yzerman who filled his pockets with half our draft picks. Now we have the Committee angle. K.K-Jackson-Bowman-Coffey-Analytics team. I thought it would take me all summer to get over game 7 loss. They pulled me immediately back in I’m loving this G.M party. I believe these men will set aside their ego’s and make Edmonton not just a good team but a fuking power house that’s hated all across the country because we’re so damn good.
I heard that Bowman kicked the tires on him. Would not be surprised if they circle back at the trade deadline, cost will not be high unless there are a lot of injuries in Nashville. Could be another Tolvanen.
Can’t say I blame him.
His development was screwed up by Hynes. Tried to turn him into a 4th line checking wing, supressing his offensive ability. Yo-yod up and down in lineup, developing no chemistry.
Last season there were too many others on the roster ahead of him and Brunette had him buried deep, finally sending him out to Milwaukee so he could play.
Holloway was given every opportunity and then some in Edmonton. The Oilers organization placed no pressure and he would of been up and down the lineup playing with some very good Centres. In St.Louis will they have the same patience if he disappears for a stretch of games because of chemistry or injuries due to the style he needs to play to be effective.
Kane spoke today
Surgery: Both abductors on each hip (tears), two torn lower ab muscles done and two hernias.
When asked on timeline: “we’ll see”.
Spent time trying to see how to proceed. Wanted to see how things looked after he took some time, see if anything calmed down and could be rehabbed. That turned out not to be the case. Spent time dilligencing, finding surgeons, talking to them – that was important as this is a big undertaking and he only wants to get this done once and continue his playing career. Different doctors had differing opinions on how they were going to fix/approach things. He also spoke to players around the league that had work done with those surgeons, etc.
First felt something wrong in late October – slowly got worse over time. December/Jan it was getting much worse but, at same time, some days feel better than others and by the time playoffs came around it was getting severely worse but trying to do everything he can to help the team win.
Spec asked if this could cost him the season: “I don’t have the GM title or POHO. That’s not up to me. My responsibility is to get healthy and help the team win hockey games.”.
Spec followed up and asked if there is the potential to miss the entire year: “I certainly hope not but won’t put a timeline. I’m a few days away from surgery and its too premature to give those answers”.
One of the guys he talked to that helped alot was Monohan.
He kind of denied that he was limited on the ice except in the last game against Dallas.
Just listened to the interview. I am finally satisfied with the explanation of timeline and types of injuries. Wish him the best and hope he has a full recovery.
One has to wonder if Brad sailing on is natural fall-out from the Ken connection, or if this offer-sheet fallout. Or both.
“Sail On, Sailor” is the first track of significance engineered by Rob Fraboni, who went on to become one of the most influential studio engineers and producers in music. Fraboni delivered the proposal of marriage from Eric Clapton to Pattie Boyd and was best man at their wedding,
@JasonGregor
“I’m having a lot done. I have two hernias and two torn abdominal muscles,” Kane on his upcoming surgery.
And he still scored over 20 goals in the regular season. What a tough SOB!. No doubt in my mind that if he was semi healthy for the playoffs, the Oil would of disposed of Florida in 5 or 6 games. A lot of people seem to underestimate his value to the team.
He was the difference it allowed Bennett to run around and target players. It took a a injured Leon hit on Barkov to slow the Panthers targeting down. Janmark was more than all in but there’s a reason a few players in the bottom 6 are gone and not worth keeping from last years team.
When a gamer like Kane didn’t dress in the final games I myself figured it was accumulation of his body breaking down. There’s no mercy in the N.H.L as players started targeting Kane because he was hurting. I figured Kane will take it slow with the career decisions he has to think about. If he takes the year off and heals up returns and shows the other G.M’s he still has value he will garner another 1 or even 2 year contract. I’m also thinking this could be the end of the line if his recovery doesn’t go as planned. Anyhow I think he’s gone until the playoffs unlike Holland I don’t think Bowman-Jackson will rush to the store and blow the cash immediately like a young kid getting extra allowance money.
Not sure that Kane didn’t limit his long term options by delaying surgery this long.
Given how extensive the procedures are and the recovery time, it’s possible this season will be a washout.
I would imagine a player with significant injury history approaching the age of 35 and a season away from the game won’t have a lot if cache around the league.
Puzzling that he waited so long.
He still has next year on his contract if he returns to form by then he will be desirable. These are big decisions why rush it?
That will mean absolutely nothing if he comes back next season, which is signed for, completely healthy and has a good season.
Maybe you should listen to Kane’s explanation that is publicly available before citing “puzzling”.
So you’re saying it’s just a flesh wound.
What a reasonable and unbiased way to say “turned 33 last month”.
AND two abductors (hip)!
Insane the stuff he’s gone thru physically the last few seasons
Stars give Thomas Harley a bridge deal — which will probably be an expensive mistake two years from now.
https://x.com/domluszczyszyn/status/1836412351894995247?s=61
Dom has his current value at $9.1 million rising to $9.9 million by the end of the two year bridge.
“will probably be an expensive mistake”
Well, according to the last few years of your post history, this is an utter catastrophe for a few reasons:
-Harley will be dreaming of the millions he is missing out on as he watches his peers get higher contracts and will become resentful
-Harley will want a very long and rich contract because of this (much higher than $9.9 million)
-Harley is being squeezed while aged vets (cough, Lindell) are getting longer term and richer retirement contracts
-this is a poor reflection of the Dallas org, as “good teams lock up their young talent early and long term while they are cheap”
Womp womp
lol your little catch phrases are so myopic. Sometimes teams have to bridge players in an effort to stay competitive in the short term. It is a trade off.
The Stars are in an interesting cap situation since they are focused on the expiry of the Benn and Seguin contracts.
That will free up close to $20 million in cap space and the replacement for those players…Johnston, Stankhoven and Mavrik Bourque are already on the roster. Also noteworthy is that Matej Blumel is also penciled in on the team.
With the cap rising significantly they are in pretty good shape but going longer on Harley would have been preferable.
Fortunately, they have an elite #1D Miro Heiskanen locked up for another 4 seasons on an absolute steal of a contract.
Jim Nill told Pierre LeBrun yesterday there is a very good chance Heiskanen will move to his natural left side this season with Harley anchoring the second pair now that they have 3 legit RD on the roster.
Cool story.
Matej Blumel getting let go was an unforced error which was so silly. Seeing him make an NHL roster is a good thing for him, but a(nother) negative mark for the Oilers mgt under Holland.
He had a great season in the AHL…31G 31A in 72 GP.
He is still waivers exempt but certainly has a shot at a place in the show.
If Matej Blumel didn’t want to sign an NHL ELC, what was the team to do. Of note, when the signing deadline expired, he became an NHL UFA and opted to play in Europe.
He’s also 24 years old and played 6 games 3 seasons ago….. lets not over-state who this tweener is.
“That will free up close to $20 million”
Until they spend it on aged vets by giving them retirement contracts. Kinda like they did yesterday.
Woops.
Paying an established 30 year old $5.25 million on a 5 year deal is good business.
Just wait until the Oilers have to replace Ekholm as #1LD in a couple of years.
No prospects in the system, a declining Nurse at $9.25 million, Bouchard at $11 million and smoking craters all over the D corp.
Thats a real whoops.
“Just wait until the Oilers have to replace Ekholm as #1LD in a couple of years.
No prospects in the system”
If you think real hard, you’ll be able to think about how they can do it. Hell, even the answer to your question is in this statement of yours.
Also, if Ekholm is currently a #1LD and is making $6.25 million and his contract will expire when he’s 36, how is it “good business” in your eyes for Dallas to sign a D who is NOT a #1 D until he’s 36 for $5.25 million? Wouldn’t good business be for Dallas to.. I don’t know.. not extend Lindell and instead trade for a #1 D at around $6.25 million?
“declining Nurse at $9.25 million, Bouchard at $11 million and smoking craters all over the D corp.”
What does Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard have to do with Dallas signing Lindell to a retirement contract? Which is something you said good teams don’t do?
You know Lindell is 30 and signed for 5 years and Ekholm will be 36 when his contract expires right?
Assuming the Oilers will need to spend a minimum of $10 million to replace Ekholm while paying $9.25 million for a declining 2LD and another $11 million on Bouchard should be fun nevermind having to find a legit 2RD.
Have you heard that the NHL has a salary cap?
“You know Lindell is 30 and signed for 5 years and Ekholm will be 36 when his contract expires right?”
Yep. You are aware that Dallas doesn’t have to give players retirement contracts and pay them til they are 36, right? At least Ekholm is worth his contract right now and costs only $1 million more as a #1D.
“Assuming the Oilers will need to spend a minimum of $10 million to replace Ekholm”
Strange assumption, considering they acquired Ekholm without spending a minimum of $10 million. It also looks like other teams have gotten #1D without spending 10 million as well.
“Have you heard that the NHL has a salary cap?”
Yes. Is Dallas aware? They just committed $5.25 million a year to a player until he’s 36 and had to squeeze their younger, more promising D, on a bridge deal. Some would even say that’s a bad idea since Harley could be asking for at least $9.9 million a year after the bridge.
Funny how you threaten that Dallas will have so much cap space, and then try to ignore the parts where they are managing it unwisely already.
10 million to replace Ekholm? You are aiming for a HUGE upgrade there, he makes 6million per. The top 64 D by salary in the NHL (so top paring for 32 teams more or less) range from 11.5 million to 4.875 million. You are definitely aiming for the very top shelf here. Bouch is the offensive power on the top pairing and will be expensive, no doubt, but his partner is likely to be a solid shutdown type, not another offensive D, so should be replaceable at a cost similar to Ekholm’s current salary, more or less. Your numbers are alarmist and not based in any reasonable factual framework.
I’m not surprised…. please be better.
Have year heard of aging curves?
Love that ‘declining Nurse’ is repeated a bunch of times, but Nurse is almost 2 years younger than Lindell.
It looks like Broberg who hasn’t shown that he is top 4 or even a durable everyday top 6 D ends up with the last laugh as he’ll be the highest paid D in his class until probably Seider signs his contract. Yzermsn can be a hard ass Armstrong overplayed his hand on 2 unknowns.
I checked and I think that is the real Matty.
I think Zach will be a excellent scout. The man could really skate and obviously I think he’ll spot some raw but talented skaters in the bottom half of the draft.
I presume getting in shooting lanes will not be a prerequisite for a player to get a good report from Kass…..
Kidding aside, I “liked” the player but he had many on-ice away from the puck flaws. Love the person.
As a pro scout he won’t really have anything to do with the draft though I would think.
On Brad Holland and if they are hiring (asked by DNB).
Haven’t decided what they are going to do – this just came up recently. Best wishes for Brad (etc.). That’s part of our business, change, on the ice and in the front office.
We haven’t determined what we will do to fill that void – will talk about it over the next couple of weeks.
Bouch deal on back burner as they deal with front office. Gretzky next
Asked about Dermott and Bowman confirmed he is versatile and can play the right side.
Dermott is another guy they will be focusing on to see how he stacks up against other players. We want to see a few of those players emerge to show us they are the guy.
Why the delay on Kane (asked by Spec)
The goal was to determine the best path forward with his injury and sometimes when players are injured there is often times a couple of different ways you can proceed. Sometimes rehab, sometimes definite surgery but sometimes. At the end of the day, noone ever wants to have surgery. Evander is better situated to speak about it. Its Evander’s decision, its his body. He can probably explain his thought process on that.
When asked about the player development hires, Bowman spoke about that being a priority and emphasized speeding up timelines. A guy that might be scheduled to be ready in 3 years, maybe getting him ready in 2 years.
Bowman/Jackson have delivered that message previously as well.
Does Bowman have an actual track record that proves he knows how to do this?
His boss was part of the group that pioneered player development matters of undrafted and young players – who has spoken since day one about player development being important and has recently hired 3 people in the area in addition to the new head a little while back.
In other words no more leaving players to rot in the minors. Hopefully this ends using marinade on a nice cut of beef.
There’s no such thing. Players develop at their own pace. There is no speeding it up.
Current management group disagrees…..
No but there is giving them resources to do the best that they can which hasn’t been there before
That was a really interesting part of the conversation, I thought. Even something as simple as a young guy unhappy with his coach but not knowing how to approach the coach in a positive way to resolve issues, how it is often the case that the best prospects in junior get the least attention from coaches because the bottom half of the roster needs so much more coaching that the guys who are doing well tend to be left alone so the development coach is more like a personal coach than a team coach.
I thought Bowman’s answer to the question was very articulate and well thought out. No idea if this is his take or he is giving the company line from Jackson but it doesn’t really matter as long as it is implemented.
The Canucks have been investing heavily in prospect development.
The Sedins
Mikael Samuelsson
Sergei Gonchar
Adam Foote
Mike Komisarek
Yogi Svejkovkosky
Manny Malhotra
No stone unturned.
Reads like the Canucks have been investing in the NHL alumni.
When asked about there being D out there unsigned, Bowman (to paraphrase):
Goal is to accrue cap space so they have the flexibility to made additions in-season
Part of the job is to evaluate options, internal and external – spoke about waivers and he would continue to look around to see if there are players that can make the team better but does want to give the guys here a chance.
All of Emberson, Stecher and Brown are expected to play a roll. Will figure out who plays a bigger role early (paraphrasing on this one).
i like this approach. Spread minutes around and (hopefully) save some wear ‘n’ tear on the big dogs
Bowman on Podz:
Some times fresh starts are good for players.
We are looking at it as an optimistic situation. He’s got a lot of talent. He brings an element of physicality which i think is important. He can sore. He has a great shot. The thing we liked the most when we watched and studies him is his ability to be an aggressive player. the power side of his game is something we are looking for. Hopefully he finds a roll for us.
There is is, they are looking for power forwards, physicality. They know they need it. They don’t have it.
Bowman spoke about being cautious with Nurse. Training camp is important but being ready for the season is more important.
Bowman on a Bouchard extension.
“Nothing on that yet. We may get to that soon”
He spoke about Leon being the priority and then
“Bouchard is in a different situation but he is a big priority for the team…. we will definitely get to that at some point”
Apparantly Bowman has spoken as there are quotes all over for him (Oilers+ has a live avail sarting, well, now).
Bowman confirmed Kane is getting surgery soon and “will be out a while”.
He also confirmed the team will NOT place him on LTIR.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/oilers-gm-stan-bowman-provides-updates-on-nurse-kane/
He also apparently confirmed that Nurse will miss the beginning of camp but is expected to join fully later in camp.
I figured they wouldnt put him on LTIR unless
they know he will not return for the regular season
or they run into injury trouble.
Which at the moment, both of those are unknowns
Put him on IR and acrue cap space for an upgrade where/if needed at the deadline.
The last sentence was the exact plan as expressed by Bowman (although he didn’t specify at the deadline but “in-season”.
Bell is selling its stake in MLSE to Roger’s.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/rogers-communications-to-buy-out-bell-s-share-of-mlse-for-4-7-billion-1.7042393
I like your media tidbits, don’t let the downvotes discourage them.
4th line center and 4th line RW.
Not sure you can have Derek Ryan as center with Corey Perry as RW.
I think even if Matt Savoie has a great camp, they will still send him down. But if Lane Pederson and Rafel Lavoie, that would add a different story for the 4th line.
Agreed. As it stands today there is no fourth line. Just a collection of players not on any of the other 3 lines.
I’m extremely happy we finally have a top 9 with a 3-C that will take some heat off of Connor&Leon. No matter how you roll the dice the Stone Age for Leon has ended. I see Leon accumulating his best assist total to date. The 4th line players will earn their job on merit Kris is not afraid to sit players as he sat McLeod-Foegele etc in the playoffs.
And that collection of players is not confidence-inspiring. Probably means limited minutes for a rotating line of various guys. More demand on the top three lines to play big minutes.
Presuming both Perry and Ryan on the roster (and no injuries other than Kane), there is one forward spot available (as the Oilers are likely to run 12F (plus Kane) and 7D and have just under $1MM of unused cap space. They want accrue so won’t carry that last forward (at least that’s what I think).
Truth be told, I think Janmark should be locked at 4LW and Podz/Lavoie have an open battle for 3LW (even though Pods is a RW, left shot). I value what Janny brings brings and he had a great playoff in that spot but I think he’s a regular season 4LW/PK guy.
While I think, presuming he has a strong camp, 3LW beside Henrique is the perfect place for Lavoie, I think that Podz is all but a lock on this team unless Lavoie materially outplays him at camp. Bowman spoke strongly about Podz today and Knob has talked about using him on the PK.
I think Lavoie will have a tough time to make this team at camp with no additional injuries and Kane not on LTIR.
I do think BOTH Lavoie and Podz could earn playing time over Perry but there is no room for an extra forward (that’s Kane) and I don’t see them moving off Perry to start the season.
I do think that Jarventie can put himself in the conversation for a middle six wing call-up but, again, need to see him and how he is coming off injury.
I’ve spoke at length about Philp being the natural successor to Ryan, and I do think Philp does at least split time with Ryan this season. As above, no room for both on the roster so that likely has to wait and, of course, we need to have Philp get back to where he was to end 2022/23 – if he gets there, he will see NHL games, I’m confident in that.
@Frank_Seravalli
Some notable UFA defensemen not in training camps today:
-Justin Schultz: Received multiple firm offers, patient to find right fit as perhaps top unsigned defenseman.
-Tony DeAngelo: Baffling that a proven 40 to 50-point right-shot defenseman is unsigned as a 28-year-old. On due diligence, he is a well-liked teammate.
-Mark Giordano: Interest from 4-6 teams, seeking chance to win Cup or impact young players. Among tops in Leafs fitness last year.
-Kevin Shattenkirk: Instant power play performer, just 48 games shy of 1,000 for career.
I thought Bowman was speaking at 1030 but Gregor has this:
“Travis has some flexibility with his game, he is a versatile player. He can play both sides and he’s a guy we will focus on to see how he stacks up to the others competing on the right side,” Bowman on Dermott. #Oilers
2 Mutts fellas at it again. Just now tweeting that Bouch and mgmt have begun extension talks, with the comp being the Dahlin deal with Bouch’s camp looking for an AAV of 11M.
The source has had a couple of big hits this summer with the Bowman and Drai signings before others but have been proven incorrect at times as well. If true, very heartening they are beginning discussions already and I’ll hold firm to my 16, 14, 10 predictions (which Seravalli predicts as well) for Connor, Leon and Bouch extensions.
Seravalli is the guy to pay attention to. He’s nailed all these and called Bowman before anyone else.
Seravalli definitely is JJ’s external mouthpiece.
11M or 10M for Bouch is definitely not a hometown discount. With Drai’s 14M, the only ‘real’ discount will be McDavid as he can demand the top contract.
$40M for these three, plus carrying Nurse’s $9M contract around doesn’t leave a lot of room to ice many other impact players.
The cap should be right around $100MM by the time McDavid’s contract kicks in (potentially even higher) and projected to continually increase.
They need to be prudent, which they are showing they are, but short of a disaster in revenues, they should be able to keep the band together and continue to fill in around the edges.
You know, the Beach Boys output from 1967 through 1973, is, in my humble opinion, bursting at the seams with gems. You’ve got the “lo fi trilogy” of Smiley Smile (an absolutely bizarre stoner album), Wild Honey (a fantastic homage to R&B), and Friends (a lushly rich exploration on meditation and aesthetics). Then you’ve got 20/20, which is admittedly an odds ‘n’ sods collection of deleted tracks, but with a few absolute bangers on it (Cabinessence from SMiLE!!). Then the brilliant one-two punch of Sunflower (maybe their best non-Pet Sounds LP) and Surf’s Up (which features the last truly amazing Brian Wilson Beach Boys song, ‘Til I Die). You cap off that era with the funky grit of Carl & the Passions/So Tough and Holland? Baby, you’ve got a stew goin’!!
Agree with every word. SO good.
In a way, it’s a real shame that the band abandoned their avant garde/experimental era after Endless Summer proved that nostalgia could rake in big bucks. Outside of Love You from 1977, which was brilliantly weird, the Beach Boys’ discography after Holland is a pretty bleak landscape.
They were really onto something special, artistically, during that six-year stretch when they were desperately searching (and failing to get!) commercial relevance.
Berglund injured as per Seravalli, who says the Oilers wanted to keep the numbers the same for preseason purposes. Hoffman gets a chance to show his stuff.
Just saw this and was coming to post the same.
That makes sense as I can’t wrap my head around this player being a fit for this roster.
Goal scorers have nine lives.
For sure but how much of a goal scorer is he now?
Seems to be a 10-15 goals in 65-70 games over the last few years.
I presume he would need top 6 minutes for that.
I could be wrong but I recall him being like the worst defensive forward in the league – he’s a shooter, and nothing else – I stand to be corrected for sure.
From ON:
“Teams have to dress a minimum of eight NHL veterans in every preseason game…”
First round picks count (i.e. Savoie and O’Riley).
Of course, with Brad Holland leaving the org, the word “nepotism” is being screamed far and wide across this fan base.
The entire league, the entire business world hires materially due to nepotism – relationships and connections are imperative.
Kris Konblauck – nepotism hire based on old relationship with Jackson from coaching Jackson’s players in the OHL.
Brad Holland likely got an in for his first NHL job due to his father but he created a resume outside of his farther – working in the Leafs organization and working for the NHL itself.
Ken wanted to hire him in to the Detroit organization but Brad didn’t want to do that and wanted to earn his own stripes.
He did some good work over the years, nothing to do with his father.
I wish him well wherever he pops up – and I think he will.
Nepotism. Perhaps a bit harsh. When you (beleive) you know someone is good, and wants to work with you (perhaps because they know you) you likely consider them for a job.
Perhaps it works both ways. One might apply to a job where they know the boss or others in the organization.
One might be more likely to hire said person.
On both sides they are known entities. To hire an unknown may be more risky. How many times have you seen someone hired due to fantastic interviews (MacTs perception of Eakins interview comes to mind) but then they ended up not being good hires?
I am not in a position to hire poeple, so what do I know. But nepotism does seem a bit harsh to describe the typical slant towards known entities.
Now LeBron James hiring his buddies as his PR reps when he was 18, in the NBA and really needed someone who was actually in the field? That is nepotism.
I can’t think of too many situations where “I know a guy” is a better in than a random resume no matter how well stocked. It maybe matters more in sports bc there has historically been hirings made which were not warranted by previous experience. And fans *really, really* care what happens.This cuts across all leagues on all continents.
— your bogged down in the semantics of your narrow interpretation of “nepotism” and casting a wide net.
— There is a material difference in the hiring of KK and Holland as AGM even though they both fit your criteria of “nepotism”
— Holland will likely have to take some steps back to ever become AGM again. Make no mistake only his father would have promoted Brad Holland to AGM
— That KK coached McD I suppose is nepotism based on your narrow definition.
— So the degree of nepotism matters. I personally don’t think Bowman is a good GM and he wouldn’t be where he is without his father amd being gifted his role with blackhawks. Let’s hope he does the same with his “gift” here
—MacT had no business being GM of the Oilers except nepotism. Paul Coffey on the other hand while nepotism: isn’t performing a role that is way over his head.
— You’re trying to conflate “nepotism” with relationships and put a spin on the fact that just because nepotism exists Brad deserves a free pass. Brad clearly wasn’t valued by the new regime and won’t be a AGM for a long time. If he does : then it’s on merit, with a side of the nepotism that is prevalent.
— There is no doubt that if his Dad was still here he wouldn’t be “ wished good luck in the future”. Many others from previous management are still here. It’s clear what they think of Brad. Up to him to prove them wrong and I wish him all the best. He’s by all accounts an interesting intelligent Hockey guy who will have more chances in the NHL.
Besides Brad, Bowman is the only example of nepotism here. How it isn’t clear to anyone who has followed hockey for long, is mystifying.
Scotty Bowman is the reason that the Oilers hired Stan?
This statement is wildly incorrect – nepotism is not restricted to relatives. Paul Coffey is the biggest nepotism hire in the history of the org – zero qualifications, hired solely due to relationships (primarily with the owner).
— yeah he’s using a very narrow definition: most people associate “family” as nepotism .
— The definition technically though is broader: it’s family as well as close friends. It was originally a religious term : the Catholics would name their buddies and family members to high ranking clergy positions.
— KK doesn’t fit most people’s definition of nepotism: but lawyers get down to the nitty gritty on language when it suits them. KK is a remote nepo hire. Barely.
— He wasn’t close friends with Management or related or like in previous regimes won cups so your hired. He did coach McD. I’d highly doubt that McD came in and said “you have to hire my buddy”
— There are degrees of nepotism and degrees of the level they get hired at. MacT while not family was an egregious nepo hire as GM. Stan wouldn’t be AGM anywhere other than here. KK sure if you want to squeeze out a definition to suit a narrative, have at er. But he was a qualified candidate and at the end of the day is getting job done : regardless of his relationship with McD
I’m using the definition of nepotism which isn’t restricted to families but to favoring friends and family – favoring prior relationships.
What made Knoblacuh, who never coached in the NHL, more deserving of coaching a Stanley Cup contender more than Brad Holland, who had worked for the NHL and in Leafs management as AGM?
Brad doesn’t deserve a free pass he deserved to be assessed on his merit, not due to his last name. I believe your assessment of him, his hire and his future employment in the league is based solely on name and disregards his work.
Why are you giving Coffey a free pass? He is the biggest nepotism hire of them all. The team doing well with him as coach doesn’t take away that fact that he had zero qualifications for the hire – he was hired due to his relationship with the owner.
— I’ll engage once but I know how lawyers work and get stuck on semantics when it suits them.
— Indeed Paul Coffey got hired partly because he knew the owner. So yeah if you want to paint that as nepotism and argue “see everything is nepotism”. Fine. But no one is buying it
— My recollection was he was a reluctant participant originally: and his focus on D has been awesome with tangible results. He wasn’t hired for something he wasn’t qualified for and so many teams would gladly of hired Pail Coffey as a D coach based on his background, his OHL involvement, working with his own kids etc.
— You just want to win now the “nepotism” semantics. Amd your selective.
— By your definition KK is a nepo hire. But he was qualified. The hiring not underserved. The issue is family and close friends getting hired and promoted simply by their blood. Either real or bleeding Oil. And being hired to do things they aren’t qualified for and protected.
— Holland won’t be hired by a non family member as a AGM as his next hire : he will have to go the MacT route post-nepo reshuffle start lower down the pole.
That’s it for me on this
I 100% disagree on Paul Coffey – he was completely unqualified for an assistant coaching job in the NHL. Playing the game at an elite level does not qualify one as coach – see Wayne Gretzky.
He was hired as a personal favor to the owner and only agreed to do it for the rest of one season. The fact he has done a good job (that we can tell) is meaningless in this conversation.
Ridiculous , it is how he’s gotten all of his jobs. Waste of time talking to you.
Do you think this is how you get Stauffers team mouthpiece job? Supporting every move the team makes and picking on the odd 13Th forward or 7th defensemen for balance? Pathetic.
Cool!
As usual, nothing of substance.
Gotta put Hoffman’s chances at getting a contract from the Oilers at pretty close to 0%. No room in the top 6 and he doesn’t make sense as a bottom 6 player. The only way I could see it is if he accepts a buryable cap hit and is prepared to go up and down between Bako, and why would he do that?
Old, slow, offence-first. Oilers management has a ‘type’
Can never have too many guys who can put the puck in the net. Really that simple.
Does Stan Bowman now live in Edmonton fulltime?
Not that I want #mediocreGM Bowman in the city, but you would think a GM would be physically interacting with his players and in the office that is paying him millions, no?
Strange
https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1836412544673513731
They heeded LT’s call for another Versteeg pto in the form of Mike Hoffman!
Matty had this a half an hour ago (said the team would announce a PTO at 8:30).
From a very high level, I hate the thought of adding Hoffman on an actual contract.
I could be off but I’ve thought of him as a “net negative player” due to being so poor defensively.
A pure offensive player on the downside seems like the last type of player this team need to add right now.
Hopefully just numbers for these early game. They play on the 22nd and the split squad on the 23rd.
He is old, slow, soft and he shoots left! What’s not to like???