2.5 million...
- Iggysbff

(frank) I forgot it was that high.... I'm sure Halak would have taken the same money on a show me deal.

So Chia fuked this team so we could compete against the heavy California teams...yet a young speedy, well coached and structured team like we were building just made them all look like a bunch pansies...


- Iggysbff

Young speedy team with poopty goaltending and a subpar blue line and now we have a young "heavy" team with poopty goaltending and an average at best blue line.

High pick? New owner that just fired a "Respected Hockey Man"? Hell yeah we're going to fabricate some drama that will come to nothing once draft day comes around.
- BINGO!

I know it's hard to come to terms with having a bat poop crazy owner... but it's easier than you think.

I mean Rick Dudley and Don Wadell scream success

Not shocking... this is why I'd prefer if the Oil steered clear of Russians and to be honest most European players.
- Reveen.

This...

Young speedy team with poopty goaltending and a subpar blue line and now we have a young "heavy" team with poopty goaltending and an average at best blue line.
- Reveen.

Good news is that our D corps doesn't need to be strong to make the playoffs. If I break down the D corps of playoff teams into three tiers, then I see it something like this:

New Jersey, Colorado, Philly, Toronto and Vegas
(no elite Dman, solid depth OR 1 elite Dman, weak depth)

Pittsburgh, Washington, LA, Minnesota and Boston(?)
(1 elite Dman, solid depth)

Nashville, Winnipeg, Anaheim, Columbus, San Jose and Tampa
(2+ elite Dmen, solid depth)

We're already near or in that first tier (depending whether Klefbom bounces back) and to reach those other tiers, it all comes back to needing that elite Dman. Whether through trade or through drafting and developing, we need to prioritizing the acquisition of that next-level Dman by whatever means necessary. The depth is already here and can be built MUCH more easily.

How many successful Russian players have the Oilers drafted and developed ? I never said steer completely clear.

I have very little belief in the Oilers developmental system. They lack patience and common sense.
- Reveen.

If we're just talking about Russians, sure. However, the comment I responded to was in response to your thoughts on even closing the doors on most Europeans anyway. As you stated though, it seems like it comes from a lack of faith in Edmonton than it does in not believing they're up to snuff as prospects.

Good news is that our D corps doesn't need to be strong to make the playoffs. If I break down the D corps of playoff teams into three tiers, then I see it something like this:

New Jersey, Colorado, Philly, Toronto and Vegas
(no elite Dman, solid depth OR 1 elite Dman, weak depth)

Pittsburgh, Washington, LA, Minnesota and Boston(?)
(1 elite Dman, solid depth)

Nashville, Winnipeg, Anaheim, Columbus, San Jose and Tampa
(2+ elite Dmen, solid depth)

We're already near or in that first tier (depending whether Klefbom bounces back) and to reach those other tiers, it all comes back to needing that elite Dman. Whether through trade or through drafting and developing, we need to prioritizing the acquisition of that next-level Dman by whatever means necessary. The depth is already here and can be built MUCH more easily.
- MaximumBone

Faulk or Karlsson? I think Chia does some stupid poop to acquire 1 of them...

Good news is that our D corps doesn't need to be strong to make the playoffs. If I break down the D corps of playoff teams into three tiers, then I see it something like this:

New Jersey, Colorado, Philly, Toronto and Vegas
(no elite Dman, solid depth OR 1 elite Dman, weak depth)

Pittsburgh, Washington, LA, Minnesota and Boston(?)
(1 elite Dman, solid depth)

Nashville, Winnipeg, Anaheim, Columbus, San Jose and Tampa
(2+ elite Dmen, solid depth)

We're already near or in that first tier (depending whether Klefbom bounces back) and to reach those other tiers, it all comes back to needing that elite Dman. Whether through trade or through drafting and developing, we need to prioritizing the acquisition of that next-level Dman by whatever means necessary. The depth is already here and can be built MUCH more easily.
- MaximumBone

On paper yes we have some better pieces than others. But when you watch them play we are no where near as good. Some of that is system. But man watching the Knights with their rag tag bunch is a wonder. They just make it all look so easy with out the constant rim around the boards and dumps.

Faulk or Karlsson? I think Chia does some stupid poop to acquire 1 of them...
- saskoil21

Or Carlson.

Agreed he will make yet another stupid fuking deal.

Except more goals and points. every single year their whole careers. In a league where scoring is hard to come by. On a team that had the lowest scoring group of wingers in the league
- HB77

Ok and we all saw what happens when games count and the play gets harder in the playoffs. Eberle is incapable of bringing a game conducive with playoff hockey. He’s too much of a selfish wussy.

Faulk or Karlsson? I think Chia does some stupid poop to acquire 1 of them...
- saskoil21

Faulk is not elite and isn't close to worth what he'll cost to acquire. He has consistently been an awful HD defender, consistently ranks at the bottom of his team for relative GF% and has consistently been getting worse at scoring. He had only 12 points at 5-on-5 last year which is one less than "elite offensive Dman" Adam Larsson had in 13 fewer games.

If this team trades for Faulk and decides it's done fixing it's blueline, then I'll be Iggy-levels of negative about this franchise- even worse if they give up anything significant for him.

This team has no real direction, it's one thing to deal Eberle but you had better be getting something better than Strome back.

I'm sure we could have found a hockey trade like Skinner for Eberle (for example).
- Reveen.

not a chance.

Ok and we all saw what happens when games count and the play gets harder in the playoffs. Eberle is incapable of bringing a game conducive with playoff hockey. He’s too much of a selfish wussy.
- Ihatebrianburke

The point still stands that how a player performs/doesn't perform in the playoffs is completely irrelevant if your team can't even make the playoffs without him. That having been said, having Eberle wouldn't have changed the ultimate outcome for this team last year. We'd still be well short of a playoff spot.

Im feeling the same sorta. No problem with the Pens ( though alot of their fag fans are goofs) but it would be cool to see some new teams in the finals. Washington vs Winnepeg would be my ideal final.
- Larsson_fan

I am all in for the Jets... Those poor buggars need something of meaning in their lives... Living in Winnipeg just isnt enough... and Big Buff is boss... always has been...

The point still stands that how a player performs/doesn't perform in the playoffs is completely irrelevant if your team can't even make the playoffs without him. That having been said, having Eberle wouldn't have changed the ultimate outcome for this team last year. We'd still be well short of a playoff spot.
- MaximumBone

Exactly. I would prefer just not have him on the team. Chiarelli should have got us a top 6 RW before the year though

Faulk is not elite and isn't close to worth what he'll cost to acquire. He has consistently been an awful HD defender, consistently ranks at the bottom of his team for relative GF% and has consistently been getting worse at scoring. He had only 12 points at 5-on-5 last year which is one less than "elite offensive Dman" Adam Larsson had in 13 fewer games.

If this team trades for Faulk and decides it's done fixing it's blueline, then I'll be Iggy-levels of negative about this franchise- even worse if they give up anything significant for him.
- MaximumBone

It is kinda hard not to be tho... I mean Chia set the franchise back... He pissed away alot of sacrificed picks/players for Lucic and chump change...

I am all in for the Jets... Those poor buggars need something of meaning in their lives... Living in Winnipeg just isnt enough... and Big Buff is boss... always has been...
- saskoil21

I need Fleury to keep doing what he’s doing. He’s in my playoff pool and is just killing it for me. 4 shutouts already

Ok and we all saw what happens when games count and the play gets harder in the playoffs. Eberle is incapable of bringing a game conducive with playoff hockey. He’s too much of a selfish wussy.
- Ihatebrianburke

Judging someone off of a single playoffs isn’t too smart either though.
Other players have had off years then bring it in the next. Or vice versa they are average during a season then get hot for a single playoff run.
Doesn’t matter you’ll never change your opinion.

If we're just talking about Russians, sure. However, the comment I responded to was in response to your thoughts on even closing the doors on most Europeans anyway. As you stated though, it seems like it comes from a lack of faith in Edmonton than it does in not believing they're up to snuff as prospects.
- MaximumBone

Look how many of our recent euro draft picks have either not panned out or were constantly threatening to leave.

Look how many of our recent euro draft picks have either not panned out or were constantly threatening to leave.
- Reveen.

Yeah- we havent faired well in the non-North American dept... Complete garbage recently...

Look how many of our recent euro draft picks have either not panned out or were constantly threatening to leave.
- Reveen.

Okay.

Since 2010, Klefbom, Yakupov, Draisaitl and Puljujarvi. 2 of 3 1st round Euros have turned out and Puljujarvi is still too early to determine but has positive arrows. 2nd rounders: Marincin. He had reasonable levels of success relative to draft position and could still have more games in his future. Picks beyond the 2nd round already have a low success rate, so tracking and quantifying them is silly.

Next, look at how many recent North American draft picks haven't panned out. 1st round: Hall, RNH, Nurse, McDavid. All good picks, but three are 1st overalls and RNH is likely underperforming based on that draft position. 2nd rounders: Pitlick, Hamilton, Musil, Moroz, Roy, Benson. Seems like a whole lot of nothing. Aside from Pitlick, none have a career going and even Benson is on shaky ground as it is.

Should we stop drafting North American players in the 2nd round, too? Or maybe this is a problem with the team's overall drafting and developing and thus isn't worth shunning players from overseas over and trying to blame it on the fact that they've drafted Euros...

It is kinda hard not to be tho... I mean Chia set the franchise back... He pissed away alot of sacrificed picks/players for Lucic and chump change...
- saskoil21

I totally don't mind that at all. I think he's done a poor job at keeping and spending assets properly. I was willing to accept it in the lead up to last year as this team NEEDED a taste of success before it became too late. I can understand the desperation one would feel merely trying to pull out of the funk of failure. Beyond that, however, is where I started to lose patience for poorly planned acquisitions and signings.

Yeah- we havent faired well in the non-North American dept... Complete garbage recently...
- saskoil21

our whole developement in general

I know it's hard to come to terms with having a bat poop crazy owner... but it's easier than you think.

I mean Rick Dudley and Don Wadell scream success
- Reveen.

Well, their first move was pretty solid, so I'll wait to pass judgement.

Okay.

Since 2010, Klefbom, Yakupov, Draisaitl and Puljujarvi. 2 of 3 1st round Euros have turned out and Puljujarvi is still too early to determine but has positive arrows. 2nd rounders: Marincin. He had reasonable levels of success relative to draft position and could still have more games in his future. Picks beyond the 2nd round already have a low success rate, so tracking and quantifying them is silly.

Next, look at how many recent North American draft picks haven't panned out. 1st round: Hall, RNH, Nurse, McDavid. All good picks, but three are 1st overalls and RNH is likely underperforming based on that draft position. 2nd rounders: Pitlick, Hamilton, Musil, Moroz, Roy, Benson. Seems like a whole lot of nothing. Aside from Pitlick, none have a career going and even Benson is on shaky ground as it is.

Should we stop drafting North American players in the 2nd round, too? Or maybe this is a problem with the team's overall drafting and developing and thus isn't worth shunning players from overseas over and trying to blame it on the fact that they've drafted Euros...
- MaximumBone

We need to stop drafting band aids (Benson, Pitlick and Klefbom) plus the North American kids are less likely to bolt (Omark, Lander, Yakimov, Yakupov, Slepyshev, Pakarinen, and Paigin) all come to mind.

Mac-T had a Russian fetish while other teams would pass them over. I think extra due diligence is need with Euro players and Russians for the most part should be avoided (KHL threat).