My problem with the Oilers top six is that while they have lots of skill they are a soft group. I personnelly believe that the top 6 needs a guy who is willing lay the body consistently.

Contrary to what Cloutier believes, that is not Hall. Hall was on pace for around 60 hits last year (less than 1 per game) and he was the biggest hitter in the top six. Yakupov might be that guy but we'll have to wait and see. This is why i'd prefer Hartikanen over PRV as he will hit.

We need that Milan Lucic or Dustin Brown type player in the top 6.
- rathagor

Getting them is another thing. One of our biggest problems is our top 6 is full of boys, once they mature things will be somewhat better.

Richard Cloutier: What Should the Oilers Do Post-Lockout?
- Maxbone

I dont get why you always put Hall down on the second line. Probably to spead the talent. But When Hall - Nuge - Ebs are a line they have amazing chemistry and would be one of the top lines in the NHL. Put Gags / Yak and Harti together.

My problem with the Oilers top six is that while they have lots of skill they are a soft group. I personnelly believe that the top 6 needs a guy who is willing lay the body consistently.

Contrary to what Cloutier believes, that is not Hall. Hall was on pace for around 60 hits last year (less than 1 per game) and he was the biggest hitter in the top six. Yakupov might be that guy but we'll have to wait and see. This is why i'd prefer Hartikanen over PRV as he will hit.

We need that Milan Lucic or Dustin Brown type player in the top 6.
- rathagor

Bingo... a Dustin Brown or Chris Stewart type... and as for trades- Clouts its nice to see you are starting up your throw in 'Hemsky trade proposal' now... Is this going to be every blog for the rest of the year? or is this going to be until we get the season going and find 'Gags proposals' to offset from time to time when we realize we are too small?

I dont get why you always put Hall down on the second line. Probably to spead the talent. But When Hall - Nuge - Ebs are a line they have amazing chemistry and would be one of the top lines in the NHL. Put Gags / Yak and Harti together.
- Iggysbff

that second line has 2 unprovens and a center that is dramatically inconsistent offensively...

that second line has 2 unprovens and a center that is dramatically inconsistent offensively...
- saskoil21

Watching Yak in the KHL I really have no worries, he could be a great fit with Gagner too. Problem is those two don't play the most rounded game at this point, Hartsi neither. They would be a line that gets eaten up defensively. Be curious how a Jones or even a Petrell fits with them. Bigger body, with speed and two-way ability.

There is no god so there's no need to capitalize anything. Also Krejci isn't what we need. He's not a size upgrade to our top 6. Gagner is a little shorter but is heavier than him.
- Ihatebrianburke

If you capitalize Santa Clause, then capitalize God too. Not too complicated.

no more picks.

if we're trading assets that can help us, its for immediate help in a position of weakness. not for more picks that may or may not help in 5 years.

the draft is incredibly important, and building from within is paramount. but we need to improve now, especially if we're gonna be moving a piece that IS making us abetter team right now.. looking to the distant future has to end at some point.

regardless, keep hemmer for the year. shelter yaks abit. at least lets wait until yaks truly is lighting it up. not just throw him to the wolves and give ourselves nowhere to turn if he struggles.
- hugefemale dog77

Of course you've got valid point, but I think you're forgetting that this draft has been labelled as one of the deepest drafts in history. It's even been said to have the potential to rival the 2003 draft! I don't know about you, but a chance at having another mid-1st round pick in such a draft is quite appealing. Which top-6 power forward do you realistically see us getting in a deal centered around Hemsky? Who else would we have to include?

Of course you've got valid point, but I think you're forgetting that this draft has been labelled as one of the deepest drafts in history. It's even been said to have the potential to rival the 2003 draft! I don't know about you, but a chance at having another mid-1st round pick in such a draft is quite appealing. Which top-6 power forward do you realistically see us getting in a deal centered around Hemsky? Who else would we have to include?
- MaximumBone

I hear that every year and then when we are picking 1st overall it's the weakast and the top end player is Patrik Stefan quality.

I hear that every year and then when we are picking 1st overall it's the weakast and the top end player is Patrik Stefan quality.
- Lahey

Erik Johnson = God
Patrick Kane = God
Steven Stamkos = God
John Tavares = God
Taylor Hall = Dog Sh1t
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins = A vomit/piss mixture
Yakupov = A combination of dog sh1t, and the vomit/piss mixture I call "viss"