The Edmonton Oilers have a ‘gap’ problem on the 50-man list and its painfully obvious. It is important to populate the roster with a combination of impact players (check), bona fide support options (check) and credible recall options (check again, this group is not well represented) currently.
You can say ‘hold on, Clem, it isn’t even April!’ and you would be right. Except, let’s look at spring 2023:
If you look at the first man up at each position, you get Calvin Pickard, Philip Broberg, Phil Kemp (after Bouchard signed), James Hamblin, Klim Kostin and Raphael Lavoie. That’s a reasonable depth chart, you can ice a competitive team in Bakersfield and have some legit recall options. Let’s look at the current list again:
The current next men up are Rodrigue among goalies, Cam Dineen, Josh Brown, Max Jones, Jayden Grubbe and Matvey Petrov. The 2023 group is stronger in goal, on defense and up front. In fact, there are two levels the current Oilers can’t get to on the up elevator.
Matt Savoie does qualify under “exciting prospect with an impressive projectable future” but the previous team (2023) boasted Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. That’s where the college, Euro and CHL free-agent signings have to come in. Oilers need to sign the modern Drake Caggiula and Matt Benning right now, today.
The other area is the “Crash Davis” group, players who can serve as mentors in the AHL and are good enough to play in the NHL upon recall. The 2023 team had James Hamblin, Brad Malone and hell even Seth Griffith could help in a pinch. The players signed so far for next season do not inspire beyond Noah Philp (who I am including on the 2025-26 NHL team).
There’s time, and Stan Bowman just completed the trade deadline. However, there are college free agents being signed daily by other NHL teams. Oilers need to get a wiggle on.
Daniel Nugent-Bowman is our feature guest on the Lowdown today, Sports 1440 beginning at noon. We’ll chat about the Oilers week without the Glimmer Twins, the Jays strategy for 2025, the March madness to come and let you vent about what matters to you. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly. We can be heard at sports1440.ca; iHeartRadio, Radioplayer Canada, it’s available post-show on apple and spotify, and we tweet it out on X.
Holloway is copying Draisaitl and looks really good at it lol
This can only be great news for the Oiler’s development of young players – that is if they had any these days.
Vets brought in are dogging it until playoffs then we hope at least some of them will catch fire.
Meanwhile Holloway’s Blues look like 2025 playoff pretenders.
Don’t ask. Don’t tell.
At least we don’t have to fret about the value of Holloway’s next contract.
lol
The Athletic just released their awards analysis article and nicely had Leon leading for the Hart.
But what’s super interesting is that Bouchard ranks 4th in Norris analysis at +15 “net rating” behind only Makar, Hughes and Werenski.
Are we any closer to moving dialogue away from “the guy is a bumb/scratched/traded” to at least get to “Bouchard is among the very best in the league. He needs to tidy up a few of those glaring mistakes”.
The guy is a stud.
The negative commentary on Bouchard is largely driven by fans that don’t watch other teams play.
The Oiler finally develop another stud RHD and half the fan base wants to Jeff Petry him.
Tom Poti is the gold standard.
Justin Schultz might even be more so.
Bouchard didn’t rank this month on the nhl.com trophy tracker, although he did get a single point in January. I believe the ranking from these articles are from actual PHWA votes.
Last year Bouch and Ek finished 6 & 12 in Norris voting. No other team had 2 in the top 15. Maybe Bouch isn’t in the top 3 convo, maybe not even top 5, but certainly top 10. And I’ll take that + the all-star duo any day. Now there’s another duo that can push them, that’s just spoiled.
The Athletic has him 4th this year, for what its worth.
I believe this is the vote of the NHL.com staff writers. I may be wrong but I don’t believe any of them belong to the PWHA. That does not mean their opinions would differ.
If Chychrun is getting 9 million a year then Bouchard will definitely be getting 10+.
No Trent Frederic LT?
Since we’re talking about the farm team, I would like to know why the Oilers have theirs in the middle of nowhere California.
If the Jets market can sustain both their NHL and AHL teams, then so can Edmonton’s.
Does anyone know why the farm team has always been in these lame US markets?
Wouldn’t it be kind of nice to play in sunny California
Have you been to Bakersfield?
No, just assumed it was nice
Bakersfield has the worst air quality in the entire US. Crazy place to have athletes. If you have money to live up in the hills above the smog layer.
Reminds me of arena air quality studies I had read at least a decade ago. I wonder how much effort is put into this in the US.
https://science.gc.ca/site/science/en/blogs/science-health/hitting-ice-air-quality-arenas
Have you spent winters in Edmonton? lol
Maybe they are worried about the Oil Kings
That being said, NHL everything is notoriously conservative, and doing everything possible to gain advantage for the NHL team should be the biggest concern. Especially with them being a top revenue team
Holland was big on keeping separation between the NHL and AHL teams. Part of his premise was that a call-up to the NHL should be a bigger deal than changing dressing rooms.
This could change under new management.
The Condors are a VERY successful AHL team though (off ice).
Holland’s view on farm teams makes a lot of sense
I’m sure Edmonton wouldn’t suck sales wise. Maybe his premise which I get isn’t the same as it once was, players are very different from the past. The big call up might create too much in the starry eyes dept., where if they were used to being around the team and facilities more it would be an easier transition. Like soccer in Europe. It would also allow more NHL coaching input more easily, easier to share resources and all of that
Holland/Red Wing”s farm team is in Grand Rapids MI. It’s like a 3.5 hr drive 2 the rink, likely 1 hr GR 2 Detroit with lots of flights.
Big difference. And great rink in GR, I wld say solid support, not sold out every game.
20th in average attendance last season.
https://www.hockeydb.com/nhl-attendance/att_graph_season.php?lid=AHL1941&sid=2024
Distance from Grand Rapids to Detroit is about 250 km.
Google says it’s a 2 hr 17 minute drive between arenas.
Southern California is a division and you have several teams in close proximity so from that point it makes sense. I’ll list them below. There’s also nothing else to do in Bakersfield. Now good thing they are the condors because You can’t drill for oil in California anymore
AHL cali teams
1.: San Diego
2. Ontario
3. Bakersfield
4. Coachella
5. San Jose.
That’s the best argument that I’ve heard. Less travel sure .. but getting used to Western conference style travel is something that we would want our prospects to experience first hand before getting called up to the big leagues, no?
The Pacific Division also includes teams in Calgary, Vancouver, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona and teams play a few out of Division games every season.
Lots of opportunity for travel.
Van to A. Canucks = 70 km
Calgary to Wranglers = 0 km
Winnipeg to Moose = 0 km
Toronto to Marlies = 3.3 km
Ott to B.Senators = 203.6 km
Mtl to L. Rocket = 20.8 km
Edm to B. Condors = 2,800 km
Quickest commercial trip I found was 6 hours 31 minutes via Denver. These might only be weekly trips, but I haven’t dug into this very much.
Even the most unobservant human should able to figure out that this seems to be a clear competitive disadvantage.
The Oilers signed a 5 year lease with Bakersfield, expiring in 2028.
I recall the verbal being proximity of 5 or 6 other teams to help keep the travel to a minimum. The Condors are 12th from the bottom of league attendance. And all of Belleville, Calgary, Abbotsford and Manitoba are in bottom 9.
https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-oilers-condors-renew-bakersfield-lease-for-five-years-340857406
Growing the game for the NHL.
There are the two camps on Bouchard. Nobody hates him or wants him gone. Some of us are just concerned that if you’re paying a top dman top money, the five alarm miscues ought to be rare enough to be insignificant. One can score 80 points from the blue and not give so much back in key moments of miscalculation. At least if you want Quinn Hughes money.
Ekholm plays essentially the same 5×5 minutes, and you simply don’t see the same defensive lapses. But Bouchard touches the puck more? Sure – but his mistakes aren’t when he’s accruing puck time carrying the puck up ice, it’s in the moment of the decision – on the clearing pass or, like last time, with a weak blue line play as a result of, what I believe to be overthinking.
We don’t even need comps across the league, just evidence from the player himself that he can maintain the kind of ceiling he’s proven capable of. That’s if he wants 11. 8.5 or 9? Sure.
This playoff will be a very important one for him. If he falters in big moments, I wonder if both parties consider a bridge.
There were several posters suggesting that Knobber healthy scratch Bouchard.
I think plenty of fans want Bouchard gone.
Let’s be clear here. Bouchard is a critical player to this team.
My point was that the coach was displaying a double standard. If Jeff Skinner can be benched because defensive lapses are more important than offence, then the same standard should apply to Bouchard.
Bouchard seems unable or unwilling to learn. I think him not learning the lesson is a hindrance on his ultimate development.
They don’t have to healthy scratch him as a sign of his value but as a penalty. It could be a shift or a game but ultimately coach might get a better player back if he can hold Bouchard accountable for unforced errors.
I say this with full knowledge that for him to play his game it will be higher risk, and that’s what it takes at times. I’m good with this.
If he could be better net front, man to man coverage, and safer decision making in regard to turnovers, then we have a 10m player. We want this.
If the sacrifice was a few less games or ice time to get the message, then do it today. I hope this comes across different than “trade Bouchard” which is not what I’m saying.
There are two critical players in this team – McDavid and Drai. Every other player on this team is expendable. Bouchard is a very good offensive dman, but the team will survive if he is replaced. And if he is replaced, the presumption would be he is replaced by another player with equal value – in terms of cap hit and skill.
Thanks, for the explanation. Much appreciated.
I still disagree re: healthy scratch. If the coach is going to start handing out healthy scratches to every player that makes poor defensive plays then he is going to a) have a lot of pissed off vets and b) have to scratch McD for the same reasons you outline about Bouchard.
Healthy scratches are just not a realistic tool for managing performance unless the player is a rookie/tweener.
Personally, I think Knobber just needs to manage Bouchard’s toi (which he has started to do since Walman was acquired).
Bouchard is a flawed yet highly skilled offensive defenseman. The kind every contender needs.
And if Oilers can’t accommodate him then they are in deep trouble.
Best case scenario for Oilers is that someone offersheets Bouchard for 11 million.
The Oilers use the cap space for a 6-7 million dollar dman to run their powerplay and use the draft picks to replenish their farm system or to use as trade bait.
Bouchard is not crucial to this team and will probably be overpaid on any new contract.
I would need to see him have a playoff run similar to last year to change my opinion. Because this regular season has been shaky as hell.
Does this imply that Bouch’s main impact is on the PP?
For me, Bouch’s impact is so much more material at 5 on 5 than on the PP – by every metric, no matter who he plays with, he is a positive driver of out-scoring.
Also, don’t forget, Bouch was just as good in the 2023 playoffs. Last playoffs was not a one-off.
No. It implies Bouchard, at his current level of play, is not worth 11 million dollars. The Oilers could make much better use of that money. For instance, I would rather have Broberg at 4.6 million, which would leave me 6.4 million to spend somewhere else.
Plus the bonus of all the draft picks that the Oilers collected for the offer sheet.
Well you only spoke about replacing Bouchard on the PP and I would suggest that replacing his 5 on 5 play would be the bigger need and Broberg wouldn’t come even close, even with 3 points tonight.
Seriously? Bouchard is a viable candidate to play on Team Canada, and he would hold his own at that level. And we are thinking he’s easily replaced?
Not if Makar is healthy. Bouchard doesn’t PK, and would never see the PP if Makar is healthy.
Canada would prefer to minimize the time Toews and Makar are forced to PK.
What in the world is with these posts about Bouchard and the PP.
His primary value is being a material driver of outscoring at 5 on 5.
And with Makar on the right side and puck movers Morrissey, Theodore and Toews on the left side, team management will likely echo the 4 Nations lineup for the foreseeable future.
2 big defensively reliable PKers will likely make the team.
In who’s eyes is he a viable candidate? Oilers fans?
He wasn’t selected, and no one knows where Team Canada management had him ranked.
Well said
Comparing a 4th year player to a player who is in their 12th year and came from a club that was well known for his defensive abilities the majority of the time is a little unfair don’t you think?
Bouchard is very clearly producing more than he gives up. All the numbers say it.
What everyone needs to remember is the grass isn’t always greener. A fan will say, “Why doesn’t he read the defence the way “any number of defencemans name”?” Yet not take into account that that d man doesn’t produce anywhere near what Bouchard does. Are there better defenceman? Yes. Is Bouchard clearly a #1 by all metrics? Yes. Do #1 Dmen make mistakes or misreads? Also yes.
He isn’t Makar, he isn’t Hughes, he isn’t Werenski. Stop expecting him to be and you’ll be much happier as a fan.
I like Savoie, and understand the cap complexities, but man what a year Ryan MacLeod is having on an absolute dumpster fire team. Probably 20 goals and 50 points at even strength by the end of the season.
Is that even his ceiling?
We needed some cheap youth on value contracts. We desperately need O’Reilly- Savoie to hit as Nuge-Hyman-Kane age out on their contracts.
It would be interesting to compare his TOI from last year to this, and to also look at his P/60 to see if that has changed. One of the big hurdles middle/bottom 6 players have on the Oilers is the lack of PP time and how much playing time the top 2 lines soak up. I think that is part of the reason for the slow timeline on Arvidsson and J Skinner, as they have been playing a lot less than in previous seasons.
Important to remember everything about McLeod. He and Foegele are having good years with more opportunity, they are bigger fast pretty skilled guys
But McLeod (and Foegele) get crushed in the playoffs. McLeod said out loud it’s ok to play on the perimeter, and that isn’t winning hockey. If Ryan had more jam he would have gone 1st round and with his speed size and skill would be a top player. But he doesn’t. The thing is to replace his speed and youth with a player they like better
Agreed, especially about the playoffs
McLeod will have a long career just like Cleary-Chimera-Cogliano did because of his speed and just like the above players he’ll get 15-20 goals a season. Savoie is definitely a boon or bust player if he pops were looking at a 30 goal plus highly skilled forward that will go to the net.
It came up on Lowedown that while Holloway scored a few in the playoffs he did have struggles. He had 5 goals and 7 points in 25 games but was far from a sure thing heading into the summer as the answer for a scoring winger and responsible enough for KK
I still would have kept him but I see what they were going after, even if it didn’t work out
Well the Oilers have a serious problem with talent evaluation then. Holloway was one of the few non-McDraivid forwards who was effective offensively against Florida. When other were fading away, Holloway was sustaining a high level of effectiveness.
That level of excellence had Holloway with less points than Foegele and tied with Janmark and Henrique in the finals (at 5 on 5). Janmark had more overall points in the finals.
Man by that thought process Kostin should have a 6×6 contract.
Maybe the team can sign Andrew Hammond for goal too!
Amazing how quickly folks here forget how young Holloway was last season.
With a goal and an assist tonight, he has hit 24 goals and 60 points on the season.
Has a chance to hit 30 goals and 70 points.
He’s only 23.
And Broberg now with a goal and 3 primary assists.
For whatever reason he was deemed to be supercargo for a cup winner. This clearly isn’t good enough.
He’s a good player all the same.
I am pretty sure I would do 10M X 8 on Bouchard. Yeah he has some defensive wobble – but he contributes so much to the offense that it overcomes those issues, imo.
Plus, he is a proven playoff contributor. Over a PPG in his playoff career, and was an absolute stud last year throughout the run.
Locking up a 26 year old for his 26-33 prime seems like a no brainer, at 10 million.
In my Cap projections I have been assuming 9.5 per for Bouchard, so pretty close!
Woodley on the Gregor show yesterday had an interesting stat.
The only goalie that has played in an “easier environment” than Connor H. and Andrew V. this season is…….Cal Pickard.
This is essentially “expected save percentage”.
Stu’s expected save percentage is league average at .891.
This is clearly not determinative of anything but interesting and notable.
What kind of team plays their supposed backup against harder comp? Is that what “environment” means?
Maybe this 1/2, 1a/1b business is obsolete. A good team like Edmonton could run a big sponge (Skinner) against worse teams and then have a specialist (Picks) who starts only against the top 1/3 and is rested and focused to do just that.
I think he’s getting at the aggregate level of difficulty in-game faced by the goalie – essentially expected goals reversed in to expected save percentage determined by shot/chance quality.
Pickard usually starts the 2nd half of the back-to-back games. I think it’s 6-1 in that department anyhow Pickard gets the so called easier opponents. Pickard does win 68% of the time compared to Stu 53% of his games he walks away with the win.
I believe that Pickard is 6W-1L in OT where as Skinner is 5W-4L. This is a telling stat for me in that Pickard is better when the game is on the line.
W-L in 3v3 is not a good way to evaluate a goalie. A lot of OT wins come without the losing team getting a shot on goal. The vast majority of OT goals are breakaways or odd mans.
I’ll take a goalie that wins when the game is on the line over one that makes a handful of nice saves when we’re up 4-1 in the dying minutes.
What I’m saying is sometimes the goalie who wins when the game is on the line in 3v3 OT is the guy who stands there and watches from 180 feet away while his team scores after 20 seconds. Sometimes the goalie who loses when the game is on the line in 3v3 OT faces 1 shot and it was on a 2-on-0.
I don’t think it tells you much about how that goalie is going to perform over 60+ minutes of 5v5 hockey.
Whet people forget is Stu wasn’t supposed to be the starter. Campbell was supposed to be number 1, and Stu with all of his issues was clearly slotted for the number 2 position, which he could no doubt excel at.
Whether people have that top of mind or not, its neither hear nor there.
Stuart Skinner IS the #1 goalie in the org and has been that for two seasons now (and through two full playoff runs).
What was supposed to be the case when Campbell was signed in 2022 is inconsequential to the here and now and going forward – at least for me.
That’s “here or there” No need to thank me.
Your opinion is highly valued by most around here. Also, you are very good when you appear on that show with Bruce and his pal.
Either/or
Neither/nor
Depends what your starting point is.
So OP was correct since he used neither not either.
No need to thank me.
Thank you for that great post. However, I was referring to OP’s misuse of the word Here; after he used Hear which is the incorrect use in context of the old timey expression.
Oops, guess I should learn to read.
Why would a college, CHL, or European free agent sign with the Oilers? Considering the state of Bakersfield and the Oilers treatment of young players?
Considering the state of Bake, Opportunity.
Because they will get to play lol.
Because we don’t have time for younger players boss has been replaced.
So they can live the dream.
You asked this with respect to Munzenburger a few days ago.
I provided a substantive response with an opinion on why, at least, Munzenburger would.
You did not respond (although we know you read).
Are you actually wanting to discuss or just framing it as such as a way to repay your opinion.
Munzenburger came over to North America years ago to play college. I presume his goal/dream is to play in the NHL.
He could sign and be playing on the AHL affiliate if a top NHL org this week. Playing in the prime NHL development league in the midst of a fight for a playoff spot.
Playing in an org that looks to be competitive for many years and he would be the top LD prospect, in an org where a prominent d-man will be turning 35 soon.
He could have the max $92,500 signing bonus in his pocket.
Also, I don’t know, but Leon Draisaitl may be a draw for a young German hockey player.
I did respond. With something similar to this.
A free education is more likely. The Olympics is next year. It makes more sense for him to play for a German team and try to make the Olympic team. And after a couple of years in Europe, he will be free to choose an NHL team of his own chosing.
Rather than the disaster of an AHL franchise that Bakersfield has become.
They should move it to Edmonton or surrounding. Way easier on players so management as well. For example sending Ryan down he could still be with his family so such decisions don’t need so much thought to not be inconsiderate
Also I think far more development opportunities and that being near the big team would help keep the young guys engaged and motivated, instead of being far away in some rough US town
Munzenburger can finish his college degree and play pro hockey.
I fully disagree that any 22 year old player that has dreams/hopes of an NHL career thinks that heading back to play in the German League for a few years is a better path to the NHL than signing with the team that drafted and going right in to the American League as the team’s top LD prospect and 2nd best overall d-prospect (Akey).
A do not think a European would necessarily think this way. Comparing playing for roughly equivalent money in a big German city, competing for an Olympic spot, to Hicksville, California.
Perhaps equivalent money – he could have almost US$100K in his pocket tomorrow and then another this summer – his signing bonus.
No reason he can’t compete for the German Olympic team playing in North America.
Lets not forget, he just spend four years playing hockey in North America – he could have been playing pro in Germany already.
What happens if we don’t sign him this spring.
UFA August 15.
Am unsure whether or not your point is valid.
What young player wouldn’t jump at the chance to play for any NHL team’s AHL franchise? Isn’t this the way to the NHL?
Alternatively, what NHL teams have shining, sparkling AHL franchise who are contenders?
Oilers for all of their woes are still considered to be one.
Many places and people around the world place a higher value on getting the education than the hockey. Could be a factor.
Dallas – Texas Stars lead the Central Division
Washington – Hershey Bears lead the Atlantic Division
Colorado – Colorado Eagle lead the Pacific Division
It would seem excellence runs deep in some organizations.
Excellent post. Thank you for that.
The great thing about Oilers and being a fan of theirs is when push comes to shove no one can stop both McDavid or Draisaitl.
I would place this fact way above any mere AHL farm team.
The Capitals missed the playoffs in 22-23. Then, in 23-24 the Capitals made the playoffs by winning the tie-breaker between them and the Red Wings, before being swept by the Rangers in the first round.
Would it be your assertion that this qualifies as “excellence”?
Results tend to be cyclical and, astonishingly, the Capitals are atop the standings when their aging out stars are almost done.
Throughout this time though the Hershey Bears have been the gold standard of the AHL winning multiple Calder Cups and currently vying for their 3rd in a row.
In other words, winning in the AHL clearly seems to have little bearing on NHL success.
So you’re not going to answer whether finishing tied for 17th in the league in 23-24 and tied for 25th in the league in 22-23 qualifies as excellence?
Lets not forget added context.
The Colorado Eagles have no real prospects of note. The age of their leading scorers (as the beginning of the season, some have had birthdays):
31
26
32
34
26
27
24
33
30
26
21
No different than the Condors, but the Condors are losers.
Irrelevant in the context of the conversation.
The Condors 3rd leading scorer is 20 years old.
In my opinion there is no way you pay Bouchard $10m per season until you know what his defensive side of the game ceiling looks like. Right now there are far too many tire fire situations to warrant that kind of money. $10m was a dollar value tossed around after a terrific season and playoff. This year Bouchard has cost himself millions with a down offensive year and lackluster defense.
Pray for 10, expect 11.
Let him go if that’s the case.
I say this as a huge fan. That’s too much.
Rich Winter has mentioned several times that taking too much can make things uncomfortable for the player. Ask Darnell. Bouch at 11M would get raked worse for his BF/60 than he already does
Winter also mentioned that unless a guy is 100% about money guys on those contracts don’t notice 1-2M less, they are set for life and stupid rich. Bouch has already earned over 10M according to Puckpedia
Opportunity, liking where they are, less pressure bcs contract means something as well. I hope he’s smart and takes 9-9.5M X 8
While $10 million in earnings sounds substantial in isolation, doesn’t a comparison to other players come into play?
For example, Quinn Hughes drafted the same year as Bouchard has career earnings of more than $31 million and Makar is over $41 million.
Hell, even Chychrun is over $30 million BEFORE his latest contract kicks in.
Chychrun was drafted 2 seasons ahead of Bouchard. If Bouchard signs for around $9.5 million a season, his career earnings at the end of the next 2 seasons would be pretty much the same as Chychrun’s at the same number of seasons post draft.
At the end of the day these players can make a fortune playing a game.
Some naturally make more than others, but at the end of the day it’s up to each of them to make do with whatever they make whether a lot or less than a lot.
That’s how the real world is.
Bouch might think they blocked him, but the others hit the league earlier, Chyc the year he was drafted
While all true I can’t imagine Bouchard or his agent are satisfied with his career earnings compared to others.
Important to remember that Hughes and Makar signed lucrative 6 year bridge deals and will be UFA in 2027 under peak cap conditions.
If I was running an NHL team, I would have a number of investment advisors readily available at team expense to any player. Keep a variety so you’re not directly exposed to any scam artists. Would pay off handsomely as an organizational investment.
The NHL being as dumb as it is, this may somehow be against the rules, but if it isn’t, 100% worth it.
They do, they’re given recommendations and options via their agents. They can take their own guy too. We have many NHL players under our firm.
The NHL is in effect a hillbilly league that’s stumbled into gambling and is in the process of selling its soul to it’s new overlord.
For it’s soul, the NHL will be handsomely compensated.
Nurse became a freaking head case after he signed that contract.
It sure didn’t help his game
Fortunately he’s slowly coming around. These days he’s basically a good quality 6 million dollar defenseman.
Good thing the cap is rising to 113. an 11M contract is less than 10% of the cap. For a bonafide prime RHD you’ve had for extremely cheap that’s a bargain.
If there’s a trade that works then great, I think an offer sheet has to be matched.
yes they need to sign a bunch of college , Euro, free agents . They won’t be drafting any chasing a cup.
I see Chycrun for 9 millx8. This AM.
Bouchard just hit the pot for sure and I can’t see him getting anything less than 10 and doubt his camp will want a bridge. I can also see him offer sheeted by Chicago, Calgary, San Jose, and a few others this summer for sure. I can see someone offering 11.45 mill
and giving up the 2 1sts, a second and a 3rd. Not sure someone goes over that for 4 1sts.
Would you match at 11.45?
In 2 years that looks like a bargain.
Thats a tough one. The Oilers know Bouchard has it in him to produce a lot of points. I think he will ever be a really good defensive player and will always be a giving away the puck and hitting shin pads. It is who he is . But he does produce points and they don’t have anyone in the system that can come close to matching that. Especially as a R hander.
They already let go 2 youngins that are both thriving in St Louis ( Especially Holloway ).
But as for me matching it, I am glad I am not the GM. I think they have to.
The day they are out of the playoffs ( a week after I guess). They need to sit down with his agent but my bet is they sit down and want to get McD done 1st.
Is it?
Certainty wasn’t in the playoffs 2 years ago, down the stretch last year or in the playoffs last season.
Prior to the Kraken game, he hadn’t turned the puck over egregiously for 6-7 games.
OK, so Chicago offer sheets Bouchard and in return Oilers get Gavin McKenna down the line plus another first and some depth draft pieces? At least?
At what point is losing Bouchard NOT the end of the world?
The Oilers have been chasing a stable D corps since before 97 was drafted. Losing your best D because reasons, even with a handful of magic beans that grow into a vine in 3-5 years is an unacceptable setback. Get him signed at 10×8, or even 11×8 rfn.
A young elite winger (not guaranteed to get at all) is not more important than a top pairing RHD in his prime for this team.
lol, Wouldn’t that be funny. Ya maybe the outright bottom feeders won’t offer sheet him, you make a very good point. Never thought of that. Good post
Whatever the offer is, it must NOT include a no trade clause.
Sadly the shining lights currently running the team think NTC’s are semi automatic bargaining chips; as if McDavid/Draisaitl finals finishing isn’t enough.
It will 100% contain a NTC from all of the UFA years – no doubt.
Oil probably don’t want this to happen and I can’t see Chi doing it either but it’s an interesting debate. Bouchard isnt enough to get Chi out of the bottom 5-6 of the league. So, what could you get with two unprotected 1sts heading into a massive draft and $10m in cap space? Probably Erik Karlsson for prospects and your own 1st in 2026, then bank those lottery tickets for the deadline or make the picks.
How many years for that $11.45MM per?
Remember how compensation tiers are calculated – max term for that purpose is 5 years.
If its $11.45MM for seven years, that’s a total of $80,150,000 and $16,030,000 for compensation tier purposes – 4 1st round pics