I disagree, but that’s ok. This opportunity was a huge one. 9 games with CMD is a HUGE opportunity. Tippett states that zen is performed where AA couldn’t. Please read the context. He also said they don’t know where to put AA. That zen is was a better fit. That is fairly clear. I’m fine with disagreement but Tip made it clear that Ennis gave what AA couldn’t
- Jeremy Laura

That's the point, though. He DIDN'T get 9 games with McDavid; he got 2.5 games (44mins).

That's the point, though. He DIDN'T get 9 games with McDavid; he got 2.5 games (44mins).
- MaximumBone

Exactly. 2.5 games with McDavid. Zero games with Draisitl. While learning a new system and not being 100% healthy. Also not a time of year to experiment but a time when every point had playoff implications. So Tippett chose the safe option with Ennis. Read beyond what Tippett has said today. Previous comments have been clear. He wants to try AA as a 3C. He wants to try him as a winger. He's just trying to figure out where the new toy fits. He may become a bust, but again, really not accurate to say he's been given every opportunity to succeed.

You need to read the article. He isn’t playing. He refused to return to play citing health issues. He literally will not play Any more and is a UFA. Please at least do some reading
- Jeremy Laura

I guess I should, but I don't put a ton of research into trades that exchange players for 4th rd picks. But the article was regarding whether or not trading a D who broke offensive records was a bad deal or not. Since they only provided a 4th rd selection, I would say no. If Covid's unprecedented arrival is a means of making this a bad trade then I would agree with you. However, the fact that the Devils Andy Greene (0.23ppg) landed a 2nd makes me think that a D who broke 70 points twice (0.57ppg) deserves decent compensation. I know he isn't what he used to be, but he is 3 years younger and still a decent pp quaterback. At the time, this was a low-risk/high reward trade for the oils. If Green does not suit up, then yes, you won. Albeit a 5% chance that your 4th rd pick becomes an absolute stud. In your position, you had to trade the guy. I guess I am just surprised that he couldn't fetch a higher return.

First things first.

Detroit got incredible value on both trades. Ken Holland really helped his old team out on both trades, being as objective as possible.

Everyone knows Edmonton desperately needs a solid two way third line center, preferably right shooting. A speedy winger and a very rapidly declining defenseman were NOT on the list of team needs heading into the post season.

AA has been given ample opportunity to cement his spot in the top 6 with 3 of the top play makers in the league with Leon, Mcdavid, and RNH.

But. It is too early to say what is what yet. It's unfortunate that the season was cut short but he will have the playoffs at least to make a case that he is worth 3 mill+ moving forward. So far that's far too much dough especially with the cap staying put.

Big picture wise, if... IF he can and is willing to play center on the third line and do it well that would fill a big hole for the Oilers.

2 seconds would be a steal if we could sign him for a couple years at 3 millish and he could make that third line dangerous with him at center. I don't think he interested in doing that and I am extremely dubious he has the two way talent to succeed as a center either.

Green was massive waste of a pick no matter what from the moment the trade went down. If Holland really felt he could help the team a 6th rounder at best would have been fine.

Crosby rarely played with Neal and certainly did not raise a stink. Malkin though was reportedly unhappy.

First things first.

Detroit got incredible value on both trades. Ken Holland really helped his old team out on both trades, being as objective as possible.

Everyone knows Edmonton desperately needs a solid two way third line center, preferably right shooting. A speedy winger and a very rapidly declining defenseman were NOT on the list of team needs heading into the post season.

AA has been given ample opportunity to cement his spot in the top 6 with 3 of the top play makers in the league with Leon, Mcdavid, and RNH.

But. It is too early to say what is what yet. It's unfortunate that the season was cut short but he will have the playoffs at least to make a case that he is worth 3 mill+ moving forward. So far that's far too much dough especially with the cap staying put.

Big picture wise, if... IF he can and is willing to play center on the third line and do it well that would fill a big hole for the Oilers.

2 seconds would be a steal if we could sign him for a couple years at 3 millish and he could make that third line dangerous with him at center. I don't think he interested in doing that and I am extremely dubious he has the two way talent to succeed as a center either.

Green was massive waste of a pick no matter what from the moment the trade went down. If Holland really felt he could help the team a 6th rounder at best would have been fine.
- Aerchon

Exactly, the chances aren't that high that one of those two 2nd round picks becomes more than an NHL journeyman (let alone 2). Even if AA doesn't pan out with McDavid or Draisaitl, a speedy 3rd line center that can cause teams trouble is good value for a few second round picks. Keep in mind that he's an RFA so they're not losing him for nothing at the end of the year.

I'm guessing BruceFlyers is Ek in disguise trying to stir up hits...

Not at all. Yzerman didn’t want to extend him. Got 2 2nd round picks instead of a player walking away for nothing. If he has a huge playoff, maybe. Other than that he wouldn’t be coming back
- Jeremy Laura

yzerman didn't see the need to extend this guy and got 2 2nds for him... nice haul for loading up the prospect pool...

That's insane. All of that talent...

I’ve always been a fan of AA but something has to be off between the ears. So much talent and shows some bit but disappears for long stretches.

He’s one that you see the upside on and worried the trade would back fire but looks good now. Always wondered what he’d do while playing with some talented options at center or wing.

Maybe Stevie can pull some strings and bring him back at a reduced rate.

Considering Yzerman drafted both Pointe and Cirelli in 3rd round while with Tampa, 2-2nd rounders are nothing to sneeze at. Reminder that everyone trashes Puljujarvi too for not clicking with Oilers. Ryan Strome has moved on nicely. Let’s see how Oil and AA do in playoffs. Would be a waste to give up on him this early.

AA is pretty much good at two things — skating really fast and finishing chances. He is not a very well rounded player otherwise. He is not great at driving play or defending.

I think given a little time he might develop into a decent winger for McDavid. I’m not sure Draisaitl is a great fit in terms of player chemistry, as IMO he is also not a super strong possession driver or defender.

But my crazy AA hypothesis (totally untested and based mostly on gut, so take with a grain of salt) is that maybe playing with superstars isn’t really what he needs. He’s not going to out-McDavid McDavid, and he doesn’t provide any complementary support skills that elite players tend to require from their linemates (either because they lack them or because they’re focusing on other things). AA kind of needs to be a puckhog to maximize his talents and if he’s sharing the ice with a superstar, he’s not the one you want hogging the puck.

On the other hand, imagine AA on a good defensive team, playing with a couple of talented but under-the-radar two-way linemates, where he was free to cut loose and create individual chances while knowing his teammates could both support him offensively and cover for him defensively.

I feel like a line of, say, Athanasiou - J. Staal - Niederreiter might be pretty dang good.

Imagine how bad they would be if they never won McDavid.

Imagine how bad they would be if they never won McDavid.
- Balboa

Then they'd have someone like Marner and likely wouldn't have traded Hall to "make space in the room for McDavid" (that quote from Peter Chiarelli himself). Without McDavid, we might not have even been stuck with Chiarelli and McLellan, either, so there's a whole world of possible differences.

uuuummmmmmm.......K? Not sure why the hostility, dude. No "trash-talking" on Js blog, brother. Rather, he's offering insight as to the results of a trade and trying to engage in constructive discussions, making HOCKEY a more enjoyable sport, getting folks involved. No need for the petty post. Yeah, RW fans have been spoiled and yes, we are reaping the results of some bad deals, but if you're rubbing it in just to be nasty.....kinda speaks to your character, NOT Jeremey's. Good luck with the aggression and superiority complex, sure it's going to win you lots of friends.....

OK, so aside from the allegation of "trash-talking" and being ridiculed for the 4th round pick (?!?!?!):

I think it's too early to tell whether or not we came out ahead in trading AA. The kid is good, overall (NOT great....), amazing speed, decent finisher. One must wonder if the season wasn't suspended would he have had enough time to develop chemistry w/Oils' top guys? Does he still have time to do so? Too many variables in an otherwise mixed-up world right now. I say if you're looking for immediate feedback; We won. If you're looking for an empirical data-set; Wait for the 2ds to fall out.

Anything above 5th for Green is a win. I'm not sure he'll play again with any relevance. I do think his mentoring potential is solid, but he was kind of a black hole when it came to defending v. scoring, 5v5 was....not good. Good puck-mover, great personality, good with the kids....

Never know what you don't know. I feel Det has a good future, The Captain is a smart dude, good eye for talent, can turn cow-pies into flower beds....."This is gonna be greeeat" ("Flounder" from Animal House).

J: Thanks for getting your readers involved and asking those probing questions. Nice to have someone who values his readers and their opinions. Keep up the fire, brother.

[quote=Kooleus]Sorry. But AA has not had "every opportunity" to succeed in Edmonton. He came in to a new system and struggled to fit. Reminds me of Tatar in Vegas. Now he's had 2 scrimmages with Draisitl before Tippett opted for a different look. What Spector did not report is that Tippett said he would be trying several different combinations and has said he'd like to see what AA looks like playing center. So this is nothing more than Tippett doing exactly what he said he would be doing. He may end up as a bust and a great trade by Yzerman. But it's early. And certainly not fair to say AA has had every opportunity to succeed.

I disagree, but that’s ok. This opportunity was a huge one. 9 games with CMD is a HUGE opportunity. Tippett states that zen is performed where AA couldn’t. Please read the context. He also said they don’t know where to put AA. That zen is was a better fit. That is fairly clear. I’m fine with disagreement but Tip made it clear that Ennis gave what AA couldn’t
- Jeremy Laura

You clearly don't watch the Oilers or AA since he has been traded because he certainly did not get 9 goes with Connor. He was pulled off his line almost immediately and this is when he was playing hurt too.

Trust me he has not had a real shot yet and you really jumped the gun with this article

First things first.

Detroit got incredible value on both trades. Ken Holland really helped his old team out on both trades, being as objective as possible.

Everyone knows Edmonton desperately needs a solid two way third line center, preferably right shooting. A speedy winger and a very rapidly declining defenseman were NOT on the list of team needs heading into the post season.

AA has been given ample opportunity to cement his spot in the top 6 with 3 of the top play makers in the league with Leon, Mcdavid, and RNH.

But. It is too early to say what is what yet. It's unfortunate that the season was cut short but he will have the playoffs at least to make a case that he is worth 3 mill+ moving forward. So far that's far too much dough especially with the cap staying put.

Big picture wise, if... IF he can and is willing to play center on the third line and do it well that would fill a big hole for the Oilers.

2 seconds would be a steal if we could sign him for a couple years at 3 millish and he could make that third line dangerous with him at center. I don't think he interested in doing that and I am extremely dubious he has the two way talent to succeed as a center either.

Green was massive waste of a pick no matter what from the moment the trade went down. If Holland really felt he could help the team a 6th rounder at best would have been fine.
- Aerchon

This is just false. 2 games (playing hurt) with Mcdavid and 2 scrimmages with Leon is not ample opportunity.

And lets face it there was a 0% chance Tippett was ever going to break up Nuge-Leon-Yamo so trying AA there wasn't going to last anyway

This is just false. 2 games (playing hurt) with Mcdavid and 2 scrimmages with Leon is not ample opportunity.

And lets face it there was a 0% chance Tippett was ever going to break up Nuge-Leon-Yamo so trying AA there wasn't going to last anyway
- gretzky

So AA centers the 3rd line, displacing Riley Sheahan?? No longer making it a part time shut-down line but a scoring line? ...Not being combative, just curious.

So AA centers the 3rd line, displacing Riley Sheahan?? No longer making it a part time shut-down line but a scoring line? ...Not being combative, just curious.
- HenryHockey

Sheahan isn't a real 3C anyway and should be pushed to a shutdown 4th line. As for AA as 3C, from what I've seen and what some Wings fans have shared with me, he lacks the attention to detail that often characterizes a C. I can see him being a play-driver on a 3rd scoring line or, if he can watch a lot of tape of Hall's time w/ Drai and adapt his game, then he might be able to fit with Drai and Yamo.

So AA centers the 3rd line, displacing Riley Sheahan?? No longer making it a part time shut-down line but a scoring line? ...Not being combative, just curious.
- HenryHockey

That's what you want for a contending team...3 scoring lines and 1 shutdown/energy line. Been a long time since the Wings had that.

So AA centers the 3rd line, displacing Riley Sheahan?? No longer making it a part time shut-down line but a scoring line? ...Not being combative, just curious.
- HenryHockey

I think he will end up on our 3rd line as a winger for now. Him and Ennis will probably battle for that wing position with Connor.

I actually think Ennis will win that battle. Not that he's better but he's more cerebral so I think he's a better fit. Connor already has the bull in a china shop type winger in Kassian so his other flank should probably be a bit "headier".

Too early to say for now though AA really hasn't had a chance to get acclimated yet. He looked awesome in his first game with Connor but after his injury never quite looked the same.

AA needs to be trained to become a top notch penalty killer, that’s where his speed will help him otherwise he’s strictly a North and South player.