Very quick blog for now; please forgive. I'll write something longer and much more interesting after tonight's Oilers/Wings tilt. Here's a few quick notes to keep you entertained in the mean time.
Are They In or Out?
Hearing again Detroit will be looking close at Ales Hemsky during tonight's game. The reason? The Wings have been trying to acquire a big, meaty forward for their Top 6, but there isn't really any available. Hemsky is apparently one of the better non-meaty two or three options out there, so the Wings, if they want to add a forward, might need to give him more consideration. You'd think with this information, Hemsky would play some motivated hockey tonight.
Paajarvi's Back
The Oilers yesterday recalled Magnus Paajarvi to fill in for injured forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Like most Oiler fans, I will punch myself in the face repeatedly if Paajarvi is stuck on a line with Eric Belanger and whoever else can crush his spirit. In fairness to the Oilers handling of Paajarvi this season, the player has all the tools but can't seem to understand he needs to use his strength and size to crash the net. Yesterday I heard speculation that he'll play on a line tonight with Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky, so if that happens at least there's a chance he'll see an offensive chance or two.
Shut Up About Sammy, Please
Still keep reading about how Sam Gagner is being shopped. Heck, TSN, who I trust more than anyone else, has Gagner listed on their NHL Trade Bait page. Gagner is not being shopped. Unless someone offers up a younger, immediate top pairing defenseman, the Oilers will not move Gagner. It's not because of the eight point game or the fact he's the best center in the world (because he isn't). It's because he plays with heart and wants to stay in Edmonton. While everything we see seems to indicate Ales Hemsky will be moved, everyone needs to realize Sammy, who can play center or the wing, will be needed for 2nd line depth if Hemsky goes. He fits into our future...so he stays.
Speaking about TSN
Bob McKenzie did his draft ranking thingy yesterday. Allow me to comment about the Oilers future when it comes to the draft: I know people are saying "draft Murray" or "draft Dumba". I'm not sure the Oilers draft either. Why? Because defensemen are harder to predict, and the Oilers have five solid prospects already in development. A few of them - Klefbom, Marincin and Gernat - Could become top pairing in quality. Add to that the emergence of Jeff Petry this season, and the future situation on D is not as desperate as people realize.
The Oilers have other needs. For example, if the Oilers 1st line is Hall/Nuge/Eberle, all we have is Sam Gagner for the 2nd line. In other words, the Oil are two players short. There is a strong likelihood on draft day you'll hear Oilers GM Steve Tambellini proudly select center Mikhal Grigorenko if the Oilers pick 2nd, or winger Filip Forsberg if the Oilers pick 3rd or 4th. You could even hear Tambellini calling out center Alex Galchenyuk's name if they pick 5th thru 7th.
If the Oilers get a 2nd 1st round pick and if he's still around, expect the Oilers to draft underrated puck-moving defenseman Derrick Pouliot or goaltender Malcolm Subban.
I'd Do It For Myers
Of course, the Oilers could win the lotto and pick 1st. McKenzie pretty much cleared up any confusing over what happens there. Nail Yakupov is the clear top prospect. Of course, the Oilers, if they pick 1st overall, could deal it to Buffalo straight up for stud defenseman Tyler Myers. Don't laugh, folks. As good as Yakupov is, I'd deal him for Myers straight up. Oilers have enough firepower and enough prospect depth at forward. Myers would bring instand credibility to the D.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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