Today, I’d like to talk about the importance of recalls from the minors. In each Oilers season, someone from the farm has had an impact. There are seasons when the total games and performance don’t move the needle a lot, and then there are seasons like 2015-16.
The first Bakersfield Condors team sent the following men to the show: Leon Draisaitl (72 games), Andrew Miller (6 games), Iiro Pakarinen (63 games), Darnell Nurse (69 games), Jujhar Khaira (15 games), Brad Hunt (7 games), Zack Kassian (36 games), Brad Hunt (7 games), Laurent Brossoit (5 games), Jordan Oesterle (17 games).
A CONVERSATION
Why don’t you talk about something else? Yesterday was about the rookie camp roster, and at The Athletic I wrote about being ready for opening night.
Talk about McDavid, dammit! Why? There is no immediate deadline and it sounds like the captain is willing to stretch this out over several months. He might be arriving at his final training camp in a few days. However, we don’t know what we don’t know, and speculation serves to increase anxiety while also chasing our verbal tails because there’s no actual news. So I opted out. Pleased to do so.
But, why Bakersfield? The minor league team is important. We need to pay attention to the names heading south.
Why? The Oilers need to produce quality talent, and the current NHL roster doesn’t have much under 25. That’s a problem.
What about Evan Bouchard and Stuart Skinner? 25 and 26, respectively, and Bouchard is six weeks from turning 26.
What about Matt Savoie and Ike Howard? Both 21, they are astute bets but unproven. Oilers need more.
Well, get more then! Stan Bowman did that this summer. Just as Craig MacTavish stocked the 2015-16 Condors with talent via Europe (Iiro Pakarinen) and college (Jordan Oesterle), so too has Stan Bowman.
Who did Bowman get and why should I care? Excluding David Tomasek, who has an NHL deal, I’ll point to Atro Leppänen and Viljami Marjala among the European kids. Both men performed at a high level offensively in Liiga last season.
And these people will make the NHL? My guess is no, not initially. Leppänen is in tough to make the team out of camp and the nature of his contract suggests AHL time was anticipated. Same with Marjala, who is a playmaking winger on a team with a few already. We’ll see, but I’ll guess both play 40+ games in the minors this season.
And the college men? Damien Carfagna is a defenseman with wheels, that’s a key component for the Knoblauch Oilers. I think he’ll spend all if not most of the season in Bakersfield, but what you want is some Oesterle progression.
Oesterle progression? Like Carfagna, Jordan Oesterle arrived in pro hockey with plus speed and a need for many sorties defensively before he was NHL ready. Oesterle played 65 AHL and six NHL games in his first pro season. That’s probably aggressive for Carfagna, mostly due to the fact the Oilers defense was a hot mess when Oesterle arrived on the scene. Still, we can watch Carfagna and track progress, even if he gets a cup of coffee in his second year instead of his first pro season.
Any other college men? Quinn Hutson is a player I’ll follow closely in 2025-26. He has a two-way reptuation and the Oilers don’t have many truly responsible wingers in the NHL or AHL. If he can establish himself as a middle-six winger and penalty killer in Bakersfield, Hutson could see NHL action based solely on responsible play. He’ll need to move the needle offensively, but his resume suggests that’s likely in the AHL.
What is your opening night lineup for the Condors? It is below.
- Lines
- Jarventie-Janmark-Hutson
- Marjala-Hamblin-Seth Griffith
- Max Jones-Samanski-Petrov
- Clattenburg-Rhett Pitlick-Rem Pitlick
- Extras: Grubbe, Copponi, Stefan, Stonehouse
- Pairings
- Atro Leppänen-Alec Regula
- Riley Stillman-Beau Akey
- Cam Dineen-Josh Brown
- Damien Carfagna-Luke Prokop
- Mats Lindgreon
- Goalies
- Matt Tomkins
- Samuel Jonsson
If the player isn’t on the list, he’s either on the big roster or waivers. There are names on this list (Janmark, Regula) who could be lost to waivers. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a moving target.
On the Lowdown, our feature guest will be Bagged Milk from Oilers Nation. We’ll check in on the state of the nation, Bagged’s ‘players to watch’ at the weekend rookie tournament and of couse we’ll have Declanations with CFL talk. Noon to 2pm on Sports 1440 and on YouTube.
After leading his team in TOI in each of the first two games, Yevseyev has scaled back to the 2nd most ice time on the team and, in his 22:31 of ice time, he did have 4 hits, 3 shots, 2 blocks, 2 takeaways AND A PP GOAL in a 2-1 loss. He’s 1-1-2 in 3 games……
It looks like the dominoes won’t fall for another month.
You are like Q-Anon but for Carter Hart.
https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1966248463634674017?s=61
#NHL rules that the five former players who were acquitted in the 2018 Team Canada sexual assault trial will be permitted to sign contracts no sooner than Oct. 15 and not to play games before Dec.
Carter Hart is the one who will receive tremendous interest. It depends on the cap attached to the contract, but Edmonton will have interest obviously.
Fomentin is still on Ottawa’s reserve list and could be signed by December 1.
Dillion Dubé may also get a look somewhere.
I think they would have obvious interest in the player/goalie in isolation but may not have any interest in the situation.
I mean, Stan Bowman barely a year re-instated in the league in connection with a sexual assault matter, may feels its best to stay clear of the situation and it has nothing to do with “second chances” just not adding the extra noise.
He may have interest though – I doubt it though.
This is the most disappointing thing I’ve ever seen you write. And I’ve never felt disappointed by anything you’ve ever written before. I guess you’re not who I thought you were. Oh well.
? There is no value judgment in LT’s comment. Only a statement of fact. There’s nothing in the comment for you to feel disappointed about if you feel that Edmonton shouldn’t pursue Carter Hart.
Uh, what part of “Edmonton will have interest obviously” was unclear?
Opining that the Oilers will have interest is not the same thing as opining that they should have interest
I stopped being disappointed that reading comprehension is so low in comment sections a long time ago but c’mon man!
I’m not certain what you read from my post, but can assure you there was no personal opinion about the trial in what was written. As for disappointing you, I’m sure that would be true in the future if not today. I have my own views on things and doubt we match in all areas. As for me not being the person you thought I was, I am a 63-year old man who is secure in the knowledge that I am not the man I want to be and have come to grips with it. All the best.
Has the NHLPA accepted? I imagine they’ll challenge that as their being unable to sign now would appear to contravene the CBA based on what people have said.
Yes the NHLPA accepted and released the following statement: NHLPA statement on Dube, Foote, Formenton, Hart and McLeod | NHLPA.com
Ike Howard is a pleasure to listen to – kid has a zest.
His first goal is to make the team. Spec asked him straight up if he would have an issue if the org wanted to send him to Bako and he did not.
Training camp hasn’t even started yet some folks are already talking about Howard the Hobey Baker winner which is given to the best College player in the USA needing to get marinated in the AHL.
Lots of Hobey Baker winners have spent much time in the AHL…..
Even your favoite comparable, Caufield, played a handful of games in the AHL in his first full season.
Acknowledging the possibility is not the same as expecting it. I don’t expect him but its 100% not out of the realm of possibility.
Personally, I’m going to let him participate in an NHL training camp skate and an exhibition game before anointing him either a 30G scorer as a rookie or James Hamblin’s winger in Bako.
Caulfield was a year younger. Savoie hasn’t made the team himself yet I don’t hear you mentioning that. If he has a bad camp he could find himself starting in Bakersfield. If Howard is the real deal I could see him sharing duties on the PP as well as skating on line one. Somebody has to pick up the slack for Hyman. This is a perfect storm for Howard.
Caufield won the Hobey Baker a year younger – that is even impressive – a year of age is a massive thing.
I have watched Savoie play about 50 games of pro hockey and, at least in my opinion, have a very good understanding of his game – I base my opinion of him on those 50 games (plus the pedigree, etc., etc.).
I have never seen Howard play a pro game (because he hasn’t) and I haven’t seen him play any game except for back in the World Juniors and I certainly wasn’t focusing on him back them. Hence, I don’t formulate a strong opinion on where I think he should play because I’ve never seen him play, he’s never played pro and his peer group over the years have often needed AHL time.
I have solid expectations of Howard in the NHL this year, right away, but they are far from informed (and my opinions on Savoie are as informed as anyone on this board but for LT and maybe two others that watch the Condors).
I believe the Oilers knew Hyman wouldn’t be ready for the first 20 games and immediately went to warp speed on finding a forward that can play with McDavid. If you don’t think Howard will get a push your sleeping at the wheel. The USA development teams are impressive going back a few years they are churning out high quality NHL players left right and centre. I’m sure there’s going to be a few duds why would I hope we have another Jesse?
1) I don’t think the organization made a major move based on a short term injury. I am all for this trade, it makes perfect sense but I don’t think Hyman’s injury is a factor at all.
2) I never said I don’t think Howard will get a push.
3) Lots of players making it through the USNDP and the NCAA – most non top 10 picks need AHL time.
4) Who is hoping for another Jesse. FOR THE HUNDRETH TIME (MAYBE LITERALLY), ACKNOWLEDGING THE POSSIBILITY THAT HOWARD MAY NEED SOME TIME IN THE AHL, AT SOME POINT, DOES NOT MEAN THAT ONE IS EXPECTING IT AND DEFINITELY NOT HOPING FOR IT!
How do you know the Hyman injury didn’t factor into the Howard trade. O’’Reilly was hand picked by Jackson and is projecting into a fine journeyman NHLer. No way do I believe Bowman trades away our best prospect for a older prospect that he feels is not NHL ready. Both Howard and Savoie are going to have to have terrible camps not to make the team.
1) I don’t know that the Hyman injury didn’t factor in but I have a strong opinion that the manager isn’t making big moves based on a player potentially being out for a month at the beginning of the season.
2) I do believe that Bowman thinks that Howard is “NHL ready” and I think he will play in the NHL as well. Again FOR THE HUNDRETH TIME (MAYBE LITERALLY), ACKNOWLEDGING THE POSSIBILITY THAT HOWARD MAY NEED SOME TIME IN THE AHL, AT SOME POINT, DOES NOT MEAN THAT ONE IS EXPECTING IT AND DEFINITELY NOT HOPING FOR IT!
What happens if Hyman out till Christmas and is a shell of a player the rest of the year. I would say the Howard gamble (trade) plays into the Hyman injury big time. They already had 1 rookie to break in the top 6 with Savoie as well as a bottom 6 rookie in Tomasek. It’s not like Coach K.K is some rookie whisperer in fact he’s more veteran driven then most coaches. After Hyman prognosis Oilers needed a top 6 forward with very little assets-capital-cap money to obtain one with. The whole Howard scenario came out of the blue because it was out of the blue. Sometimes you pull up your pants and connect the dots yourself.
A lot of Bakersfield talk from LT, while avoiding the elephant in the room. Apparently, the talent is going to develop itself.
You are never able to back this up with objective reasoning and, given you don’t take the time to watch what happens on a daily basis in Bakersfield.,..,,,:
A wonderful development season from Savoie – improved in every facet of his game and his developed in a versatile player that looks ready to impact at the next level.
Dylan Holloway played 55 games with Chaulk as his head coach over 3 different seasons and another 8 with Chaulk as the assistant coach in charge of forwards. Seems like you believed he was ready to be the star he has become by the playoffs in 2024 but blindly assume Chaulk didn’t help him get there.
Broberg played 61 games games with Chaulk as his head coach over the same 3 seasons. Again you believe he was ready to perform well in the NHL long before the playoffs in 2024 and again blindly assume Chaulk’s coaching didn’t help improve his game.
You can’t have it both ways. Either neither player was ready to be regulars until the playoffs in 2024, and Chaulk might have let the team down on their development or if you believe they were more than ready long before that (which likely 100 posts or more of yours would confirm you believed) then despite what you say, Chaulk gets some credit. And as OP pointed out, you likely have no clue what is actually going on in Bakersfield to even have any kind of a credible opinion on it.
We don’t agree on Chaulk. He has helped develop talent, including Broberg, Holloway and Kesselring. It isn’t his fault the Oilers didn’t value those players enough to keep them.
Per journalist Alexei Shevchenko, the #mnwild have asked Kirill Kaprizov for his trade list.
https://x.com/dariatuboltseva/status/1966195914315542543?s=61
No choice but to trade him, after turning down 8 x $16 million. Even with a rising cap, that is a generous offer. Two million clear of Draisaitl for a non-centre, with an injury history, and on the cusp of 30.
He is 3 months younger than McDavid and will be 6 months younger than Draisaitl at the respective start dates of their extensions or new contract. This past NHL season is the only one in which he missed significant games.
I still don’t think he is worth an AAV of $16 million, but age and past injuries have little bearing.
Perhaps you should wait just a bit or look around to see if there are other confirmations about this rather than racing for a scoop to post what could be a rumor – or at least note to others that it is unconfirmed.
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/minnesota-wild/news/conflicting-reports-wilds-willingness-trade-kirill-kaprizov/d485460cdd53400ea7c4b950
Maybe the Wild have or maybe have not asked for his trade list yet.
Yeah, I think the writing is on the wall with Kaprizov. He’s going to pull a Marner and try and string the Wild out for the whole season saying all the right platitudes to the media.
Turning down the most lucrative contract offer in NHL history is kind of telling, that he has zero interest in signing for any length of term in Minnesota once his current deal is up.
Guerin would be wise to get out in front of this and force the hand of the player and his agent and trade him pronto.
This talk about McDavid waiting to see how we get out of the gate is flaky talk. Connor and his team know exactly what is next move will be. If he’s not signed by game 1 then he’s as good as gone just like Marner. Mitch strung along his fan base all year then snuck out of town at 3AM leaving only a cheesy AI good riddance see ya wouldn’t want to be you response.
Haven’t heard talk about waiting on the season start, doesn’t sound right. Suspect he knows what he wants but it’s a big decision, you could see just taking a few weeks to think it over.
Per Oilers Nation, Olivier Rodrigue’s KHL team has put out that the two parties have agreed to terminate his contract – he had an injury during camp and, when it was determined he’d need more treatment, the parties mutually decided to terminate. Odd.
He had a great opportunity and a path to being the Oilers next back-up.
“However, we don’t know what we don’t know, and speculation serves to increase anxiety while also chasing our verbal tails because there’s no actual news. So I opted out. Pleased to do so.”
Thank you! The endless & circular speculation has been profoundly tiresome.
Thank you also for your Condors thoughts.
It’s the approach I have taken to a number of issues, including the one currently impacting my job. I can’t change if water is wet, so I focus on the things I can enjoy and/or impact materially. It is tremendously liberating.
Indeed.
🙏
I think Bowman has done some fine work to keep stocking the farm with potential. Certainly if you don’t have a near term opportunity to add a few high-end prospects, having a larger number of really decent long shots could result in one or two of them making the grade.
I would suggest Leppanen is no kid though. He will turn 27 in December. Undrafted and a somewhat smaller defenseman (6′ 187 lbs), he didn’t arrive in Finland’s top league till a couple months before his 25th birthday. Perhaps a late bloomer, but absent some unfortunate injury luck for the Oilers, or unless a few defenseman ahead of him get traded for a goalie or forward, I think Leppanen will be hard pressed to make the Oilers.
However, perhaps his AHL time will be impressive enough that he could be a useful part of a bigger trade to get more NHL certain players. Also, having very good puck moving defenseman to play with the forwards in Bakersfield will help with their development and perhaps allow Bakersfield to play a more similar style to the Oilers which is a benefit in transition for anyone called up. If he knocks it out of the park to become an NHL D that can help a cup contending team that would be a bonus.
Leppanen would seem to have some similarities of Joel Persson, who had a great season in Sweden at 25, and Holland brought him over to test him out. Due to some injuries, he got a shot in the NHL, but only played 13 games, with Ethan Bear being the guy who got to stick with the big club. And that was not a cup contending team. On the right side of the D, only Adam Larsson was a bona fide top 4 NHL defenseman. Persson did well with Bakersfield, got traded late to the Anaheim organization and played 7 games for the Gulls. Persson’s 1 year foray into North America lasted that one season. The shutdown of the league in Spring 2020 and the delay to 20/21 possibly played a part in him deciding to end his attempt. After going back to Sweden, Persson has continued to score and play well. He was defenseman of the year in the SHL in 23/24.
I think Persson’s story shows how much size matters in the NHL for defensemen, unless they are truly elite in skating and talent like Hughes or Makar, who coincidentally is listed at the same height and weight. I’ll be surprised if Leppanen sticks in the NHL. Maybe on a weak team that could use his skill, not a contender
A correction to my post regarding Persson’s signing. Persson was signed by Chiarelli in May 2018 and was loaned back to Sweden for the 18/19 season. He was extended 1 year by Keith Gretzky in January 2019 for the 19/20 season.
Leppanen is much more offensive than Persson and has a Risto like slap shot. I think your old enough to remember Risto put a photo of Atro beside Risto and he’s a dead ringer doppelgänger. If Risto could of hit the net more he scores 25-30. What a howitzer Risto had at the time but man did Sather make a good trade getting a young Rat in return. The Rat is exactly the kind of player that would shine against the Maurice Panthers.
For me: Call-Ups:
First forward is Janmark or Philp or Lazar (depending on who they actually waive and try and get through)
Second forward is Jarventie unless its in the first month and it may be Hamblin or Jones. I need to see move of Hutson to put him in the convo.
First D call up is Regular or Stecher, depending on who they try and sneak though.
Second forward is probably Brown but hopefully Dineen but, if its later in the year, maybe Leppanen.
Janmark is probably worth something in the trade market. He would never clear waivers to go down to the farm.
I completely disagree. He is over-capped by $700K and comes with a year of term. I don’t think a team takes on that contract, why would they when he performs at an ability that league min players can? In that regard, I believe he clears waivers just like he did in 2022/23 when he was cheaper and coming off a better season than he just had…..
A $1.45M contract for a single year is peanuts now days.
Sure but a $775K player that can do the job is more valuable and those are available in this case.
With the playoff cap for the iced roster teams may be scrambling to fit players in if they want to acquire in-season with accrual.
I’m still holding out hope for a Janmark trade – let’s get a 4th rounder!! (he says hopefully)
So, there was one NHL team that didn’t send anyone to the NHL media even in Vegas….. the Edmonton Oilers.
McDavid and Drai historically go and both were scheduled. It came out last week that Bouchard was replacing McDavid.
As it turned out, noone went.
It was mentioned during Friedman’s hit with Stauff yesterday and Stauff chuckled when Friedman noted it and they moved on.
Interesting stuff.
I think this is likely more about the org being mad at the league from something (or many things).
Maybe McDavid, Drai and the team decided that if they went to Vegas almost all the questions to any Oiler representative would be about McDavid’s contract status so it was better to not send anyone.
I’m sure they each would have no issue going and that would be part of it (although it was all about contract questions about Quinn Hughes and Jack Eichel, etc.).
The team not sending anyone is the interesting point, for me.
It is not going to help Bouchard win the Norris if he no-shows at these events.
I would presume he takes instruction from management on this.
That is not really pertinent with respect to what I said. The PWHA votes for the Norris Trophy. He passed on having a chance to smooze the PWHA membership.
It won’t help with articles related to who should be selected for the Canadian Olympic team.
(With the expansion to 25 players from 23 at the Four Nations, it puts him in a really good position to be selected.)
Sure, that’s an opinion.
I think it would have all but zero effect on Norris voting and 100% zero effect on Olympic consideration.
Unless Hyman is on LTIR to start the season, I also think Janmark is in the AHL and I note LT has Philp on the NHL roster (and Lazar) over Janmark.
$1.4MM plus on the cap is a thing and it matters. There is also a playoff salary cap including iced players (not scratches) and almost $700K over league min (with guys like Philp and Lazar at league min) matter and matters even more if Bowman wants to use accrued cap space to acquire a player in-season that will cost more to ice in the playoffs than the regular season…..
and, before Devil pops in, yes, Henrique and his $3MM could also be at risk for being scratched if they have playoff salary cap issues (due to how its calculated differently from the regular season) and he’s not playing well.
Henrique’s cap hit is far more of a substantial matter then Janmarks cap hit.
I have no problem with Janmark being moved.
Henrique is multiple millions more of wasted cap space when compared to Janmark, Henrique could end up playing 4C which Janmark did last season for multiple millions less.
Henrique needs to be moved.
Henrique is a much more substantial player than Janmark.
He is not being moved, he doesn’t want to be and he has the NMC.
At the same time, this now matters in playoffs for lineup decisions and we’ll see what happens in May and June and how everyone is playing.
Henrique is not much more of a substantial player then Janmark.
He’s old and has completely fallen off of a cliff. That’s reality.
Henrique multiple seasons ago was a much more substantial player then Janmark.
Henrique is going to be playing 4C at a 3 million tag, that’s absolutely horrendous.
If he plays any further up the lineup then the 4th line the Oilers are in trouble at this point in Henriques career. And paying a 4th liner 3 million is absolutely horrendous and indefensible.
If Henrique doesn’t want to be moved, enjoy the pressbox and the fanbase that cares about optimizing cap space dumping all over you Adam.
Didn’t read past the opinion that Janmark is as substantial a player as Henrique. Its hard to find a way the rationalize that as being an honest opinion on an objective level so an honest conversation seems impossible.
There is a difference between “is as substantial” and “not much more substantial”. If you want to accuse people of not having an honest conversation, you look silly misrepresenting their words.
OP… how much does it cost “a” team to be over the regular season cap? Is it a percentage or the full amount for the next year?
Dumb question… if it’s not a crazy figure is there an opportunity for a playoff (or any team) team to load up on player’s above the cap to trade them at the deadline to become compliant for the playoffs?
A team can’t be over the cap in the regular season – they won’t be able to play a game if they are. Lets pretend there are 200 days in a season. Every day the cap charge is calculated and 1/200 of the cap is spent. I believe, on each subsequent day, the team has to have a lineup that would not go over the year end aggregate cap if it was iced every day for the rest of the season (with regard to previous cap charges accumulated).
To the second question, have to be cap compliant in the regular season first.
— Love these “chats”
— while i get the choice to opt out of cMd thoughts, for me it’s the top of mind as I prepare mentally for another exciting episode of the Oilers season (sports by the way it’s hard for non fans to appreciate how much of a fans relationship with team is akin to a soap opera or favourite tv show that has a long arch)
— It’s true that we dont know what we dont know and there hasn’t been any leaks
— As sure as I was that management wouldn’t go into the season with the same goalie tandem it was a certainty that they would resign him.
— There is just too much risk in both cases to just let it play out and give him time alone to decide and also just wait and see how goalering will do.
— last year after their start which recall was awful it seemed that he had no reason to re-up.
— Just an odd situation all around.
— He’s not going to play out the season and walk is he?
Put it this way: If he was going to do it, this would be a reasonable approach.
— As a fan I would be very uncomfortable with this
a) Wins Cup, says “I did my duty, time to move on”
b) they don’t win Cup so he decides to move on
— Of course he’s entitled his decision. I would hope he gives the Oilers the chance to maximize their future by agreeing to a trade if he really won’t resign as it’s wreckless to let the season play out hope they win a cup and hope that will convince him to sign long term: IMO
Trade him to San Jose at the deadline!!
First San Jose would give nothing for him if McDavid didn’t agree to a sign and trade. And what are the odds that McDavid waives his NMC to join the Sharks unless they had a miraculous turn around and were in the playoffs at the trade deadline.
I agree with you that it’s very unlikely that McDavid would waive his NMC to go to the Sharks as he clearly wants to win now, I will say I think that is highly likely teams would trade for him without an agreed signing in place. Look at Rantanen this past season and Carolina – a trade happened, Rantanen then made it known he wouldn’t sign long term.
Granted you probably give up less for an unsigned McDavid than you would for a signed McDavid, but teams would jump to make that trade just like the Canes did for Rantanen.
Marner held out till after the season ending, because he still wanted to win a cup in Toronto and he wasn’t certain he wouldn’t resign with the Leafs anyway. He did however agree to work with the Leafs prior to free agency to do a sign and trade at least get them something in return from Vegas instead of just cap space.
If this were to occur with McDavid (very unlikely), the opportunity to sign McDavid for 8 years under the current CBA rules instead of, I believe, 6 years and more restrictions on other components of the contract may matter enough to McDavid and the other team to not wait till he is a UFA and net the Oilers a better return than what Toronto got (plus its McDavid not Marner). Still well short of McDavid’s value in a trade, but at least not nothing.
McDavid would be able to sign with another org for 7 years next July (until Sept 16) – the changes to contracts are not being implemented early.
Thanks, I had mistakenly assumed all parts of the new CBA would be in effect by July 1. I hadn’t seen Puckpedia’s or anyone else’s publication of the various transition dates.
I got that info from the mouth of Walsh and Hainsey a few weeks back.
Once he’s decided 100% whether he’s staying or walking, I hope the media verbal changes. The “everything is on the table” wall of smoke is the perfect line to worm it’s way into my head obsessively. Especially when “…we’re trying to find the razors edge… something that works for everybody” and “…no term” are part of the same interview.
If he’s staying then give us a “I’m confident something will get done” so I can stop worrying. If he’s walking, give us a “we’re not negotiating during the season” so I can stuff it in the “worry later” drawer of my brain.
But overall my gut says he signs a short deal after the first 10-20 games if the youth movement is looking promising.
— what if we start like many previous years ?
— I mean they can’t wait 15 games to get to 500 and get blown out early often
— or a coach gets fired the year before when woody was the main.
—or two years before that when Tipp got replaced because he was no good and woody came in.
— or two years before that when Todd got replaced early season then Hitch came in.
— Man the Oil have had some really bad starts to season with CmD as captain.
— This will be a good start right ? Then he will love us and reup right ?!