Drafting has been decent . The player development is more of a concern to me.
- VANTEL

And again, this is the first time in a very long time that the organization had actually had full control of the development process. I expect this to continue to improve.

I miss Fosco.
- Marwood

What happened why isn't he here

Ummm - that's what they do now??? Or am I not understanding what you're saying? Every non playoff team can pick first now, although the odds are still very very highly in favour of the top three teams.
- LeftCoaster

Meant very marginal differences for the 30ths team and the team that just missed the playoffs.

The Oilers should be in a better position than 30th in the NHL.

Pits drafted Malkin 2nd overall in 2004, Crosby in 2005, they then won a cup in 08-09, and were runners up in 07-08. That is a 3 - 4 year turnaround from last to SC playoffs, then a cup the next year.

Oilers drafted Hall in 2010, Nuge in 2011, and Yak in 2012. So if they make it to the cup final this year and win it next year, they would be on course with the Pens.

My point is that the Oilers should be at least competing with some of these top young teams (St.L and Chi), but their poor drafting/development and ability to bring in the right players to compliment them has them in last again.

I don't expect them to win a cup this year or next, but I would expect them to make the po's. or at least get out of the 29th spot.

I don't know what you mean by generational players?
- moondawg

Oilers have 3 very good players. They were gifts. The Oilers have failed because of dumb ass management. They are overpaying for free agents and taking guys that are being let go by other teams, like Gillis has done the last few years. Could you see Pens taking Some of the FAs that the Oilers have taken.They go after high end FA like the Flyers and that is why they are competitive.

It's a joke ,just having fun.
- VANTEL

I know

And again, this is the first time in a very long time that the organization had actually had full control of the development process. I expect this to continue to improve.
- 1970vintage

I'm not complaining.I am still on the fence with Gillis . I think he is batting 500 as a GM

I know
- LeftCoaster

But to be honest I don't mind if we fail this year and even next. I look at it as being patient and speeding up the rebuild process by eons.Gillis has been here 6 years and is always drafting in the bottom 16 . This is why our prospect pool is rated so low, because we have been winning . I think we do have some good pieces and getting two more high end prospects this year and next plus some effective trades will put us at the top again.

This is my team and I follow them 365 days a year, so IMO trying to speed the process so we can be entertained .

The Oilers should be in a better position than 29th in the NHL.

Pits drafted Malkin 2nd overall in 2004, Crosby in 2005, they then won a cup in 08-09, and were runners up in 07-08. That is a 3 - 4 year turnaround from last to SC playoffs, then a cup the next year.

Oilers drafted Hall in 2010, Nuge in 2011, and Yak in 2012. So if they make it to the cup final this year and win it next year, they would be on course with the Pens.

My point is that the Oilers should be at least competing with some of these top young teams (St.L and Chi), but their poor drafting/development and ability to bring in the right players to compliment them has them in last again.

I don't expect them to win a cup this year or next, but I would expect them to make the po's. or at least get out of the 29th spot.

I don't know what you mean by generational players?
- moondawg

No not IMO - they're right on track with where Pittsburgh was, Malkin wasn't their first good top pick, he was their third. The same way Yak is the Oilers third top pick. Pittsburgh picked 1st and 2nd the next two years AFTER they picked Malkin, just like the Oilers will probably pick near the bottom for two more years, including this year. Then they should start to turn the corner.

Generational players only come around so often, above the normal very good players, Crosby is most definitely one of those players that only comes around so often.

It's a joke ,just having fun.
- VANTEL

EXACTLY, just trying to lighten the mood for the rest of the season.

EXACTLY, just trying to lighten the mood for the rest of the season.
- Chest Rockwell

no use getting mad, we have had a decade of very entertaining hockey, so yeah let's laugh at an off year or two.

double post
- moondawg

You're wrong on both posts

Stop living in the past, White is ancient history. Has drafting been better lately? Maybe that trend will continue.
- 1970vintage

Cuz' the present is looking so great? You realize the present is a result of the " past " you are referring to right?


Uhh... No. I will always want to play Stairway to Heaven and use a Straw with my Jelly Donut.... THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I'm not complaining.I am still on the fence with Gillis . I think he is batting 500 as a GM
- VANTEL

I say he's batting more like .190 :

Drafting has been decent . The player development is more of a concern to me.
- VANTEL

THIS. Bingo.

But to be honest I don't mind if we fail this year and even next. I look at it as being patient and speeding up the rebuild process by eons.Gillis has been here 6 years and is always drafting in the bottom 16 . This is why our prospect pool is rated so low, because we have been winning . I think we do have some good pieces and getting two more high end prospects this year and next plus some effective trades will put us at the top again.

This is my team and I follow them 365 days a year, so IMO trying to speed the process so we can be entertained .
- VANTEL

I understand - but I'll never ever bring myself to cheer against them, I just can't do it, not built that way.

I hope they win every game for the rest of the season and make the playoffs, that's what I want, that said, I hope they trade Kesler for a good draft position so we have two picks and we get younger next year....but that's me.

I say he's batting more like .190 :
- Grumpy13

Horvat Shink Gaunce COrrado Fox Cassels Tanev Kassian Stanton Dalphe Lain Peltier Markstom Eriksson . I think he has brought in a lot of hope.

His UFA signings and contracts have been the issue.

We are starting to develop second third and fourth lines now, something we never had for years.

I understand - but I'll never ever bring myself to cheer against them, I just can't do it, not built that way.

I hope they win every game for the rest of the season and make the playoffs, that's what I want, that said, I hope they trade Kesler for a good draft position so we have two picks and we get younger next year....but that's me.
- LeftCoaster

Understandable.

Go Nucks Go

Go Nucks Go
- Garnie

Go Lightning!

If I was a betting man, I'd say we end up drafting Jared McCann.

Meh, I'd like a 6th pick over a 9th or 10th in this draft. You're not likely getting a franchise player but it could be a future core player(higher chance that it is compared to a 9th or 10th pick). Playoffs aren't happening. Tank on!

NHL also has a lottery this year, the lower the Canucks will finish helps their chances of potentially winning.

I'd still like to see the young players do well like Jensen or Kassian.
- Nucker101

It would be interesting to see the statistics with respect to number of players per draft that make it to the NHL. I bet that the numbers are close to the same every year.

If I was a betting man, I'd say we end up drafting Jared McCann.
- LeftCoaster

Jake virtanen is my guess

Jake virtanen is my guess
- pandabk

Ramsay should be the assistant now over Sully

One guy isn't going to fix the mess this team is in.

EDIT - also, in 2007, Ryan McDonagh at 12th, Kevin Shattinkirk at 14th, Max Pacioretty at 22nd. Se where I'm going with this...
- 1970vintage

Nice to see few "FANS" being objective, I would hazard to guess that many on here have not played on a competitive team or in a competitive league, of any team sport, players play for pride regardless of where the team places.


The difference between what is being discussed here is subjective....if the team finishes with the 5-10 pick or any pick for that matter....Gillis has not shown draft picks as his strong suit. Remember this when draft day comes and we are all scratching our heads