Hasn't been only 3 years for the Oilers and Toronto was never as bad as the Oilers....unfortunatly
- koarik91

The Leafs haven't made the playoffs since 2003–04... If you know anything about the Oilers (and you obviously don't) you'd be aware that the Oilers were faced with a decision... Be a bubble team year in and year out, or build something that will eventually (potentially) be a contender down the road. The Oilers decided to rebuild, and they have been improving each year. Deal with it.

The Leafs haven't made the playoffs since 2003–04... If you know anything about the Oilers (and you obviously don't) you'd be aware that the Oilers were faced with a decision... Be a bubble team year in and year out, or build something that will eventually (potentially) be a contender down the road. The Oilers decided to rebuild, and they have been improving each year. Deal with it.
- laughs2907

A chance in the playoffs? You know where team compete for a Stanley Cup. It's ok if you don't rarelly remember. We cheer for the playoffs and you guys for the 1st pick. Come on lol
- koarik91

Leafs haven't made the playoffs since 2003–04...

- Lahey

- laughs2907

Had nothing to do with your post, but thought you'd like it.

Hasn't been only 3 years for the Oilers and Toronto was never as bad as the Oilers....unfortunatly
- koarik91

Leafs have the longest playoff drought... And they also traded some damn good picks to jump start things.


While they aren't in the playoffs this year, I'm happy the Oilers have Hall and RNH to build around.

Number of players per team putting up lead leading points
PIT 2
TBL 2
CHI 2
ANA 1
EDM 2
TOR 2
DET 2
WSH 2
CAR 1
NYR 1
PHI 2
VAN 1
NYI 1
CAL 0
MTL 0
WPG 1
SJS 1
PHI 1

So it's not really like we need a super star top 3 guy to add the team. Running some secondary scoring stats.

Leafs have the longest playoff drought... And they also traded some damn good picks to jump start things.


While they aren't in the playoffs this year, I'm happy the Oilers have Hall and RNH to build around.
- robin_steele264

I guess it's the point many are trying to make. It's not having Hall and RNH as your cornerstones that's the problem...it's insisting that ever other single member of your top 6 is equally untouchable. Keep Hall and RNH, but try to dangle as many of the other guys to see what it can possibly land in trades. It would definitely change the face of the team, but that's not always a bad thing depending on what's coming back.

I guess it's the point many are trying to make. It's not having Hall and RNH as your cornerstones that's the problem...it's insisting that ever other single member of your top 6 is equally untouchable. Keep Hall and RNH, but try to dangle as many of the other guys to see what it can possibly land in trades. It would definitely change the face of the team, but that's not always a bad thing depending on what's coming back.
- p_zub

I'd be happy with any trade that makes the team better.


Hard to trade one of your cornerstone players and make that happen though.

A chance in the playoffs? You know where team compete for a Stanley Cup. It's ok if you don't rarelly remember. We cheer for the playoffs and you guys for the 1st pick. Come on lol
- koarik91

How exciting, the Oilers used to try to make 8th place for years (prior to 2006). It really worked out well. They never had a chance at winning the cup, but they did get those 2 home playoff games a couple times. They never had a chance at improving, cuase they were drafting in the middle of the pack, 13th or so.

The Oilers have an issue with attracting top end free agents, this is an issue with most Canadian teams. The only option they had was to rebuild. Anyone that beleives the Oilers were a couple players away from competing for the cup (which is the point, not just making the playoffs) is plain foolish. Therefore, trading away our top end players now makes very little sense. This summer and next year at the TDL is when the Oilers will become contenders. Next years goal should be playoffs, the following year the goal should be a deep playoff run.

I guess it's the point many are trying to make. It's not having Hall and RNH as your cornerstones that's the problem...it's insisting that ever other single member of your top 6 is equally untouchable. Keep Hall and RNH, but try to dangle as many of the other guys to see what it can possibly land in trades. It would definitely change the face of the team, but that's not always a bad thing depending on what's coming back.
- p_zub

I've been saying this all season. It doesn't make sense having 6-7 untouchables. Look at Chicago! After winning the cup a bunch of players signed else where or were traded for more cap friendly players. They kept their core and look where they are today. Smart management.

I've been saying this all season. It doesn't make sense having 6-7 untouchables. Look at Chicago! After winning the cup a bunch of players signed else where or were traded for more cap friendly players. They kept their core and look where they are today. Smart management.
- Captain_Quiffe

Besides Cloutier (FYI, he has no affiliation with the Oilers) who has called anyone 'untouchable'?

Besides Cloutier (FYI, he has no affiliation with the Oilers) who has called anyone 'untouchable'?
- Al Hacker

Tambellini

the oilers are going to be fine. it takes more than a blistering start in the AHL to turn the franchise around. tons of young talent, they have to learn how to win, and they'll take their lumps in the interim.

being impatient and wanting to blow up your core because you didn't make the playoffs this year is silly. i'm sure there will be a trade or two in the offseason to get some solid vets in place to help move this team along. there are a lot fans of other teams who would swap lineups with the oilers right now...the arrow is pointing up.

I've been saying this all season. It doesn't make sense having 6-7 untouchables. Look at Chicago! After winning the cup a bunch of players signed else where or were traded for more cap friendly players. They kept their core and look where they are today. Smart management.
- Captain_Quiffe

It's hilarious how critics will just use whatever example is easiest and most convenient at the time.


Wasn't long ago fans were warning us saying the Oilers will end up like Chicago.

I've been saying this all season. It doesn't make sense having 6-7 untouchables. Look at Chicago! After winning the cup a bunch of players signed else where or were traded for more cap friendly players. They kept their core and look where they are today. Smart management.
- Captain_Quiffe

No those players were lost due to Tallon (frank)ing up the qualifying offers and he lost his job because of it.

Tambellini
- p_zub

Does he tell you this in private?


Over dinner or lunch or something?

the oilers are going to be fine. it takes more than a blistering start in the AHL to turn the franchise around. tons of young talent, they have to learn how to win, and they'll take their lumps in the interim.

being impatient and wanting to blow up your core because you didn't make the playoffs this year is silly. i'm sure there will be a trade or two in the offseason to get some solid vets in place to help move this team along. there are a lot fans of other teams who would swap lineups with the oilers right now...the arrow is pointing up.
- hiway39

Ty. It took LA a long time to build a winner. Everybody always points to the Pitt/Chicago examples and never considers that despite the similarity in high draft picks, the team situations are always different.

Tambellini
- p_zub

Would you trade Kadri or or Kessel or Lupul? Or Reilly even?

Ty. It took LA a long time to build a winner. Everybody always points to the Pitt/Chicago examples and never considers that despite the similarity in high draft picks, the team situations are always different.
- sanfordnson

LA did a lot of building by trades like Richards/Carter/Penner etc....Your team doesn't trade. They just try the waiting game basically. There should be a rule for teams like EDM not to be able to have the chance the 1st pick for 4 straight years. most of the teams had to be in the top 5 in drafting twice to be able to change direction. It's been 3 1st picks for EDM and there's still not so much change or minor changes only

Would you trade Kadri or or Kessel or Lupul? Or Reilly even?
- sanfordnson

Kessel - No
Kadri - No
Lupul and Rielly - Maybe, depending on the return.

LA did a lot of building by trades like Richards/Carter/Penner etc....Your team doesn't trade
- koarik91

As has been said-repeatedly-up to this point there hasnt been much to gain tradewise thus far. Trading young assets for veteran help wasnt going to put them in contention. Now that tbey sre maturing, it is time. This off season will be an important one, and will dictate whether Tambellini has a future with this franchise or not. LA was patient and made those trades when it made sense.

As has been said-repeatedly-up to this point there hasnt been much to gain tradewise thus far. Trading young assets for veteran help wasnt going to put them in contention. Now that tbey sre maturing, it is time. This off season will be an important one, and will dictate whether Tambellini has a future with this franchise or not. LA was patient and made those trades when it made sense.
- sanfordnson

I hope you live a long and fruitful life full of hookers and blow.

Kessel - No
Kadri - No
Lupul and Rielly - Maybe, depending on the return.
- p_zub

Hall-no.
Nuge-no
Eberle/Yak-rather not but depends on the return.
Schultz- seeing our D, would you?

Theyre not untouchable, but moving one of them just because doesnt make sense and just creates one hole to fill another. The OELs, Petros etc. wont be moved by their respective teams anyways. For example, Montreal would not move Subban for any of them despite how good they are as it just creates a new problem.

We have a top 10 goalie for save %
We have a 2 players in the top 30, for points
We have 1 Defensemen in the top 25 for points

Those are 2 high points for this team to look at. Now what about the problems?