It saves me from having to watch Lucic which is a reward in itself
- RatedR80

After seeing what Toronto gave up to rid themselves of one year of Marleau I was surprised we didn’t have to give up a tonne to get rid of 4 years of Lucic on that buyout proof contract. This was a present. It would be real nice if Neal starts scoring goals again, but if he doesn’t, then whatever, he’s gone next offseason. Plus we get to protect someone useful in the expansion draft instead of him. I’m about as big of a Lucic fan you as you’ll find anywhere. I have his jersey. I was ecstatic when he got him. Love the guy, but couldn’t be happier that he’s gone and that we didn’t have to give up assets to get rid of him. He’s a terrible player now. He is still a hell of a good fighter, but rarely does it. He’s too slow to play in this league. He still hits, but then can’t get back into the play. Then you’ve got a situation where you’re getting a scoring chance against you, or have to take a penalty and go on the PK. Love the Looch, but so happy he’s gone!!!

Probably, but the eye test usually doesn’t lie. The moron suggesting Neal is going to take off in Edmonton and score 25 goals is just that a moron.
- K-man25

He is a moron. We all know this.

Probably, but the eye test usually doesn’t lie. The moron suggesting Neal is going to take off in Edmonton and score 25 goals is just that a moron.
- K-man25

Probably. Oil90 is a moron extraordinare.

But only a moron like Hunkulese would say that Calgary won this trade. Especially claiming they won it hands down.

Probably. Oil90 is a moron extraordinare

But only a moron like Hunkulese would say that Calgary won this trade. Especially claiming they won it hands down.
- RafiDRW

There’s just no scenario where ridding ourselves of looch hurts us. Even if Neal does nothing.

From the beginning I felt the Holland hire was nearly identical to the chiarelli hire. For so many reasons. And he’s done very little to make me change my tune thus far.
But I’ll give him props for moving lucic. A truly positive move amongst a sea of meh ones

For the thousandth time, Holland needs to find a way to add someone significant. Give this team a chance. Just for the optics of making Connor happy if nothing else. I just don’t see him the least bit ok with Another bottom feeder year.
Even just risking frustrating him further (cause of course the oilers exceeding expectations is possible - multiple teams surprising the pundits in both directions is the only real certainty) is not a risk we should be willing to take

For the thousandth time, Holland needs to find a way to add someone significant. Give this team a chance. Just for the optics of making Connor happy if nothing else. I just don’t see him the least bit ok with Another bottom feeder year.
Even just risking frustrating him further (cause of course the oilers exceeding expectations is possible - multiple teams surprising the pundits in both directions is the only real certainty) is not a risk we should be willing to take
- HB77

Curious what you feel Holland could possibly do ?He had very little $ to play with,so you want to move Nuge...Nurse..first round picks ?
I think any GMs hands would be tied for one more year when there is a lot more $$ to try again

Curious what you feel Holland could possibly do ?He had very little $ to play with,so you want to move Nuge...Nurse..first round picks ?
I think any GMs hands would be tied for one more year when there is a lot more $$ to try again
- oilpatch

The only viable option I can see is trading the 1st for someone that's on the outs somewhere. Guys like Kreider, Toffoli and Ehlers (long shot) come to mind. Not saying they're all necessarily equal OR worth a 1st, but those are the kinds of options that could be available and the 1st along with some salary is the only way I can imagine us adding any player of substance.

But this opens up a whole host of issues for many centered around trading the 1st for a short term boost. It comes down to one's stance on the severity of the need for success. I, for one, think we need to be pushing to add a player with term- even if we have to pay a premium.

Personally, I'm partial to a Nuge for Ehlers swap and then make a move for another player of substance using the 1st and/or Puljujarvi(+).

Curious what you feel Holland could possibly do ?He had very little $ to play with,so you want to move Nuge...Nurse..first round picks ?
I think any GMs hands would be tied for one more year when there is a lot more $$ to try again
- oilpatch

I trade the first without much hesitation in the right deal.
Some kid who might help by 2023 does nothing towards keeping Connor in the fold.
And again, I don’t think anyone outside the obvious two should be safe. I’d trade anyone and any piece for the right price.
Another rebuild is insane. And I obviously don’t mean a moronic trade like hall for larsson.


Also, I simply take issue with the fact that unless it’s just obvious and easy, gms have their hands tied. I mean if thats the case what do we need experience and to pay dude 5 million bucks for?
Just Hire me for a couple hundred k to maintain status quo

On a side note- everyone was screeching how fuked the leafs were.
And dubas worked some magic.

Got rid of some deadweight cash.
Signed young key secondary pieces to fantastic deals.
Found the cash for their superstar (not his fault marner is holding out for a silly deal)
And somehow actually upgraded on D after their high end offensive guy walked

I think Holland neither has the stones nor the ability to think outside the box like that. Which is what we need.

I don’t know what Holland “should’ve” done. And I’m not saying it’s easy. I’m saying Get creative and make it happen. (frank) excuses and giving these guys a pass. Give this team a chance. Again, even more than just the pure success that I crave, it’s keeping Connor happy we need to be entirely focused on

http://becauseoilers.blog...-bensons-1920-season.html

Excellent article breaking down what we can safely project out of Benson this coming year.