Lindberg as 3C? Doesn’t he top out as a 4C?
- Wildschwein

I don’t consider Neal to be a top 6 forward but it’s making the best of what you would have

Lindberg as 3C? Doesn’t he top out as a 4C?
- Wildschwein

Is Khaira a 3C? Are any of the other options? Not really. What I do know is that Lindberg's 5-on-5 numbers show promise to the point where I'd want him centering two speedsters like Wood and Archibald while the Granlund-Khaira-Chiasson line grinds em down. My point in outlining those two lines is more to detail stylistic combos; minute allocation between the two might end up being similar.

For clarity, I'd be open to giving Khaira the chance in that spot as I think he has better playmaking ability than his numbers showed last year. I'd just rather spend money on Lindberg than Sheahan.

Anyone else think a Zacha for Pulju trade could be an interesting solution to the 3C?
- RonPielep

I never really considered Zacha before. As a pretty reliable 10-15-25 C, it would certainly be a good fit.

I don’t consider Neal to be a top 6 forward but it’s making the best of what you would have
- RatedR80

True, but we don’t actually have Lindberg. Hence the hesitancy.

Is Khaira a 3C? Are any of the other options? Not really. What I do know is that Lindberg's 5-on-5 numbers show promise to the point where I'd want him centering two speedsters like Wood and Archibald while the Granlund-Khaira-Chiasson line grinds em down. My point in outlining those two lines is more to detail stylistic combos; minute allocation between the two might end up being similar.

For clarity, I'd be open to giving Khaira the chance in that spot as I think he has better playmaking ability than his numbers showed last year. I'd just rather spend money on Lindberg than Sheahan.
- MaximumBone

I agree on the Khaira concerns, he’s far better as a LW.

Anyone else think a Zacha for Pulju trade could be an interesting solution to the 3C?
- RonPielep

Interesting? Sure, but not my first target. His numbers are on track to "not NHL-quality" across most categories I value. If I'm aiming low at a limited-offense young C then I'd sooner target Eriksson-Ek.

Interesting? Sure, but not my first target. His numbers are on track to "not NHL-quality" across most categories I value. If I'm aiming low at a limited-offense young C then I'd sooner target Eriksson-Ek.
- MaximumBone

not riding the Zucker train anymore ?

not riding the Zucker train anymore ?
- Reveen.

I'd still absolutely want him. I've just been seeing reports that Minnesota has made the smart choice and decided to keep him. That and our cap space no longer affords us that kind of luxury.

Still think the Oil will bring in Brassard to be 3C

I'd still absolutely want him. I've just been seeing reports that Minnesota has made the smart choice and decided to keep him. That and our cap space no longer affords us that kind of luxury.
- MaximumBone

It's too bad Pulju is too dumb to realize if he puts in the effort he has a chance to play in the top six.

Interesting? Sure, but not my first target. His numbers are on track to "not NHL-quality" across most categories I value. If I'm aiming low at a limited-offense young C then I'd sooner target Eriksson-Ek.
- MaximumBone

How are they on track to "not NHL-quality"?

I see Zacha's numbers trending up fairly consistently especially considering his age, quality of line-mates and him being increasingly tasked with some of the more difficult assignments on his team.

Still think the Oil will bring in Brassard to be 3C
- Lemmewinks

So long as it was only on a one year deal, then sure.

How are they on track to "not NHL-quality"?

I see Zacha's numbers trending up fairly consistently especially considering his age, quality of line-mates and him being increasingly tasked with some of the more difficult assignments on his team.
- RonPielep

While it's true that he took on some moderately tougher minutes this past year (seen in his deployment numbers), his offense, goal share and chance share numbers has taken substantive dips from already unimpressive totals.

GF%: 47.54 to 44.07
P/60: 1.42 to 1.19

SCF/60: 27.95 to 21.77
SCA/60: 27.95 to 26.68
SCF%: 48.41 to 44.93

This is all reasonable and explainable. Dips here are fair and to be expected in a change of deployment for such a young player. However, given that he'd be playing a similar role here, the following is what concerns me:

HDCF/60: 10.76 to 9.32
HDCA/60: 8.97 to 10.84
HDCF%: 54.55 to 46.22
HDGF%: 43.59 to 36.84

relHDCF/60: 0.01 to -0.78 (+ is good)
relHDCA/60: -1.01 to 1.62 (- is good)
relHDCF%: 2.69 to -6.04
relHDGF%: -8.51 to -10.63

If he were suddenly taking on all the top opposition out of nowhere and being stuck playing with Stafford alone then I could afford leniency here. However, he's not even playing the tough minutes. Both Zajac and Hischier see more time against the opposition's best while Zacha is tasked with playing the middle of the opposing rosters (numbers from http://www.puckiq.com). He also spent more time with Bratt and Johansson than he did with Stafford so linemates aren't much of a defense.

There's obviously potential that he develops well beyond this, but these sorts of negative trends rarely correct enough to make it worth it. If we're resigned to trading Jesse's high-end potential for someone to help shore up our 3rd line, I'd sooner target someone whose trends show someone more likely to be a positive impact.

There's obviously potential that he develops well beyond this, but these sorts of negative trends rarely correct enough to make it worth it. If we're resigned to trading Jesse's high-end potential for someone to help shore up our 3rd line, I'd sooner target someone whose trends show someone more likely to be a positive impact.
- MaximumBone

To clarify something, using similar numbers I can also pick apart my earlier suggestion of Miles Wood. However, I can make concessions on players' results if I think one or two things: 1.) their results are driven by team/line quality & bad luck and/or 2.) the kit of skills they bring to the table give enough options for the future that I believe it outweighs some negative results.

In Wood's case, his mix of blazing speed and solid size is a combination I value and one I think could be translated into Kreider-lite numbers down the road when Draisaitl has to run his own line. In conjunction with that, his offense was likely stifled by playing harder minutes on the closest thing to a shutdown line that NJ ices (w/ Zajac and Coleman) and yet his numbers were still better than Zacha's.

While it's true that he took on some moderately tougher minutes this past year (seen in his deployment numbers), his offense, goal share and chance share numbers has taken substantive dips from already unimpressive totals.

GF%: 47.54 to 44.07
P/60: 1.42 to 1.19

SCF/60: 27.95 to 21.77
SCA/60: 27.95 to 26.68
SCF%: 48.41 to 44.93

This is all reasonable and explainable. Dips here are fair and to be expected in a change of deployment for such a young player. However, given that he'd be playing a similar role here, the following is what concerns me:

HDCF/60: 10.76 to 9.32
HDCA/60: 8.97 to 10.84
HDCF%: 54.55 to 46.22
HDGF%: 43.59 to 36.84

relHDCF/60: 0.01 to -0.78 (+ is good)
relHDCA/60: -1.01 to 1.62 (- is good)
relHDCF%: 2.69 to -6.04
relHDGF%: -8.51 to -10.63

If he were suddenly taking on all the top opposition out of nowhere and being stuck playing with Stafford alone then I could afford leniency here. However, he's not even playing the tough minutes. Both Zajac and Hischier see more time against the opposition's best while Zacha is tasked with playing the middle of the opposing rosters (numbers from http://www.puckiq.com). He also spent more time with Bratt and Johansson than he did with Stafford so linemates aren't much of a defense.

There's obviously potential that he develops well beyond this, but these sorts of negative trends rarely correct enough to make it worth it. If we're resigned to trading Jesse's high-end potential for someone to help shore up our 3rd line, I'd sooner target someone whose trends show someone more likely to be a positive impact.
- MaximumBone

Thanks for including the source, I'm assuming all of those are at ES? I also saw the Bratt and MJ linemates so I take that back because those are relatively quality guys.

I see the drop in those numbers as a pretty direct correlation to his change in deployment which I would characterize as fairly significant given his age and position. At 22 he is no longer really being deployed in a sheltered roll which is a plus to me for someone to come in and be relied upon as a 3C.

With respect to Eriksson Ek, I think he would be a good trade option for JP too but maybe a little less ready to take on a full role at 3C. At this point I would probably trade JP for either of them.

Still think the Oil will bring in Brassard to be 3C
- Lemmewinks

I'd rather see Boyle than Brassard. Would have to be a one year for either/or.

Looking at Zacha's raw production and his SHTOI vs PPTOI I think there is plenty of upside for more production if he doesn't have 100x as much SHTOI.

Wood never really saw any special teams usage.

Broken quotes again

Flames fans last year “Lucic is such garbage what a stupid contract lol”

Flames fans now “We won the trade lol Lucic is going to bounce back we would rather have him then Neal”

Alright then......
- RatedR80

Hi buddy! Hope your having a good summer!

I call bullshift on your comment tho. They are both has bin’s on new teams. Neal does have the better upside tho in my opinion. Freelancer calling it a massive win for the Oil?! That’s some margarita’s and alligators if you ask me..

Time will tell. I’m not going to jump to conclusions just yet.

Hi buddy! Hope your having a good summer!

I call bullshift on your comment tho. They are both has bin’s on new teams. Neal does have the better upside tho in my opinion. Freelancer calling it a massive win for the Oil?! That’s some margarita’s and alligators if you ask me..

Time will tell. I’m not going to jump to conclusions just yet.
- Flamin_Irishmin

Im just happy to get rid of that contract tbh....I have no expectations for Neal this season but time will tell on that....yes Neal is the better bet to bounce back but that doesn’t mean he will....worse comes to worse it’s a cheaper buyout then Lucic but with that 12.5% retention it might actually almost balance out 🤔

I still can't believe we got rid of lucic and to the flames of all teams..I didn't a divisional team would be fooled but Holland is a genius for whatever he said to make it happen... If Neal score 30 and somehow that doesn't fit into another teams roster shows how disfunctional the flames are or single minded Peters must be....

I still can't believe we got rid of lucic and to the flames of all teams..I didn't a divisional team would be fooled but Holland is a genius for whatever he said to make it happen... If Neal score 30 and somehow that doesn't fit into another teams roster shows how disfunctional the flames are or single minded Peters must be....
- oil90

Proof read

Proof read
- K-man25

That would help a lot of his ramblings.

I'm pretty pleased with the thought of Iginla "selling" Calgary to Lucic to facilitate the trade 😅 He finally pulled through for his hometown Oilers!

I'm pretty pleased with the thought of Iginla "selling" Calgary to Lucic to facilitate the trade 😅 He finally pulled through for his hometown Oilers!
- MaximumBone

Yes he did .....it’s sad Lucic actually had to be sold into going to Calgary he should have just wanted to go because it was time to leave