Lots of new faces last year, there will be more this season. EDM, LA, SJ will be better next season. You just never know how things will play out. If we missed the playoffs and get into top 10 +/- it may just be a good thing methinks.
- VanHockeyGuy

LA yes. Edmonton no we have been saying that for years. SJ no they are in the same boat as us the need change to improve.

LA yes. Edmonton no we have been saying that for years. SJ no they are in the same boat as us the need change to improve.
- thundachunk

Oilers will be better ( I mean they have to eventually) provided changes, but no playoffs.

Oilers will be better ( I mean they have to eventually) provided changes, but no playoffs.
- HonkyTonkMan

Once the kids learn ow to win in EDM there is gonna be some shocked faces out there. They wil be finishing ahead of Calgary in the standings sooner than people think. They are only 2 DMEN and a goalie away from being very competetive. Attitudes and culture WILL change under Chiarelli and McClellean

Oilers will be better ( I mean they have to eventually) provided changes, but no playoffs.
- HonkyTonkMan

Goaltending and D is still a big problem for them. Nurse should help next year if he's able to make the jump and it looks like the Oil are serious about getting a goaltender this time. If they address those two weak spots I think they'll make a big jump forward. If they're just happy with getting Mcdavid they won't win many more games in my opinion.... instead of losing 6-2 they'll lose 6-5.

i think they have the right guy as GM now so i'm sure they'll address those issues head on...... unfortunately

Once the kids learn ow to win in EDM there is gonna be some shocked faces out there. They wil be finishing ahead of Calgary in the standings sooner than people think. They are only 2 DMEN and a goalie away from being very competetive. Attitudes and culture WILL change under Chiarelli and McClellean
- LordHumungous

Problem is the only recent winning Hall and Ebrele had was in the world cup 2015. Ferrence is the only player with playoff experience. Not a winning culture.

Goaltending and D is still a big problem for them. Nurse should help next year if he's able to make the jump and it looks like the Oil are serious about getting a goaltender this time. If they address those two weak spots I think they'll make a big jump forward. If they're just happy with getting Mcdavid they won't win many more games in my opinion.... instead of losing 6-2 they'll lose 6-5.

i think they have the right guy as GM now so i'm sure they'll address those issues head on...... unfortunately
- Mungo

I think we had the right guy before...let's not kid ourselves...McL is here because of McDavid...as will whomever waives a NMC or signs a free agent contract...not cuz of PC.

Oilers will be better ( I mean they have to eventually) provided changes, but no playoffs.
- HonkyTonkMan

EDM has an arsenal of picks, good Coach & GM. They will be movers and shakers at the draft and leading up to camp. Add 2 D and a Goalie, you (and VAN) may be surprised.

Oilers will be better ( I mean they have to eventually) provided changes, but no playoffs.
- HonkyTonkMan

I don't disagree but moves need to be made and a mentality needs to change in that organization from management down to the players. I for one would be hesitant to jump on the Chirelli wagon just yet.

Goaltending and D is still a big problem for them. Nurse should help next year if he's able to make the jump and it looks like the Oil are serious about getting a goaltender this time. If they address those two weak spots I think they'll make a big jump forward. If they're just happy with getting Mcdavid they won't win many more games in my opinion.... instead of losing 6-2 they'll lose 6-5.

i think they have the right guy as GM now so i'm sure they'll address those issues head on...... unfortunately
- Mungo

That's their problem though. I would do unholy things to have Nurse in our prospect pool, but they're going to need him to make meaningful contributions from the get go rather than having him play protected minutes until he can prove that he's up to the challenge.

I still want Edmonton's first for next year. Lack and Hamhuis for Pitts first this draft and Edms first next draft?

Problem is the only recent winning Hall and Ebrele had was in the world cup 2015. Ferrence is the only player with playoff experience. Not a winning culture.
- thundachunk

Agreed. That's why we need to bring in some winners for these next 3 seasons.

Problem is the only recent winning Hall and Ebrele had was in the world cup 2015. Ferrence is the only player with playoff experience. Not a winning culture.
- thundachunk

CGY didn't have a lot of experience winning with their current squad and very little playoff experience. Didn't stop them from thrashing us in 6 games. Though if we didn't have sbisa it would have been a different story.

Problem is the only recent winning Hall and Ebrele had was in the world cup 2015. Ferrence is the only player with playoff experience. Not a winning culture.
- thundachunk

All those guys have experienced winning at some level, so i'm sure they know how it feels.


Edmonton's issue is that they gave a bunch of young guys huge contracts before they actually accomplished something. Where's the incentive to play hard when you're making top dollar already?

CGY didn't have a lot of experience winning with their current squad and very little playoff experience. Didn't stop them from thrashing us in 6 games. Though if we didn't have sbisa it would have been a different story.
- Retinalz

I compare that Calgary team to the AVs of the previous season. They caught lightening in a bottle. Thats not to say they don't look good for now and the future. When Burke was brought in they changed the culture of the organization. Can Chirelli do that? We will see.

#truculence

All those guys have experienced winning at some level, so i'm sure they know how it feels.


Edmonton's issue is that they gave a bunch of young guys huge contracts before they actually accomplished something. Where's the incentive to play hard when you're making top dollar already?
- Mungo

Oh don't go there. Money is a good incentive but the ultimate incentive is the cup. That is the ultimate goal. Bottom line. Take the money stance with every player and they will all say the same thing. The goal is a Stanley CUp.

CGY didn't have a lot of experience winning with their current squad and very little playoff experience. Didn't stop them from thrashing us in 6 games. Though if we didn't have sbisa it would have been a different story.
- Retinalz

Lots of new faces on VAN, chemistry comes into play as well here. I would expect the same result next year if we played one of LA or CAL. I'm not sold on rebuilding on the fly. Look at how CHI methodically built a winning culture while bottom feeding.

Oh don't go there. Money is a good incentive but the ultimate incentive is the cup. That is the ultimate goal. Bottom line. Take the money stance with every player and they will all say the same thing. The goal is a Stanley CUp.
- thundachunk

ha ha.... Money is one of the biggest motivators in life!!! In hockey or otherwise. it sucks but it's true.

http://www.mynhltraderumo...de-options-and-the-draft/

Just a quick read, id be annoyed if we signed Brad richardson back, hes a good faceoff man and defensive play, but this team needs to get younger.

Agreed. That's why we need to bring in some winners for these next 3 seasons.
- HonkyTonkMan

Really good coach will teach them to win.

Pacific pipeline is my go to.
- thundachunk

that is my favorite of the KH brand as well. nice smooth taste.

All those guys have experienced winning at some level, so i'm sure they know how it feels.


Edmonton's issue is that they gave a bunch of young guys huge contracts before they actually accomplished something. Where's the incentive to play hard when you're making top dollar already?
- Mungo

Ebs can float....but I see no evidence of Hall or Nuge not playing hard. What are you talking about? There are much bigger issues on the Oilers than this one you just made up.

All those guys have experienced winning at some level, so i'm sure they know how it feels.


Edmonton's issue is that they gave a bunch of young guys huge contracts before they actually accomplished something. Where's the incentive to play hard when you're making top dollar already?
- Mungo

One guy who has to step up is Schultz who's getting Sbisa $ at around 3.6 per. Guess that's the market for D today.

Oh don't go there. Money is a good incentive but the ultimate incentive is the cup. That is the ultimate goal. Bottom line. Take the money stance with every player and they will all say the same thing. The goal is a Stanley CUp.
- thundachunk

He's completely wrong though. Do you see Hall or Nuge putting their feet up?

Benning Quote
“We have four or five guys that we have interest in at No. 23, but we’re not necessarily looking for need or fit, we looking for the best player available to develop over time.”

This I like because I truly believe its what you should do in the first round.

Agreed he has been excellent on the Comets , now he has to do the same on the Canucks. Mind you Comets do have a better D
- VANTEL

THIS.

One guy who has to step up is Schultz who's getting Sbisa $ at around 3.6 per. Guess that's the market for D today.
- VanHockeyGuy

Won't disagree there. I just don't think he has that other dimension. He's a 4-5 D with PP time....not sure money made him that way.