Hi. I apologize for the short blog today, as I seem to have encountered some sort of flu bug. I got up long enough to drink some cough syrup, and thought I'd throw a few comments your way.
Hemsky
The trade of Vermette by Columbus and the re-signing of Ruutu in Carolina both have little to no impact on the Ales Hemsky situation. Why? Because Hemsky is a different cat. Neither player is in the same class offensively as Hemsky, and Ruutu plays more of a power-forward, superpest game.
People either adore Hemsky or don't see much value in him at all. Those who adore him believe he's absolutely a better player than Vermette and/or Ruutu. The detractors have reasons for feeling how they do (Hemsky is moody; Hemsky has an injury history; Hemsky's having a bad year offensively).
The longer this goes, the more I think Hemsky re-signs in Edmonton. I have absolutely no problem with the Oilers playing Hemsky, Horcoff and Hall as a line. They have a little of everything, and Hall seems to bring out the best in Hemsky. We know the other line (Smyth/Gagner/Eberle) is going to get points. Where Nuge fits into this when he gets back from injury is hard to say, but it's a good problem to have. Would Nuge, Hall and Hemsky work?
Hemsky could be re-signed for 2 or 3 years at $5mil per, and it won't create financial issues against the cap.
Gagner
Had another brilliant game last night. Provided he doesn't get hurt or injured, Gagner will finish the season with at least 20 goals and 60 points. That should shut some critics up.
Oilers are not going to deal this guy, and it's becoming obvious he and Eberle possess great chemistry. If the plan going forth is to have Nuge and Gagner as the Oilers 1/2 at center, should the Oilers be drafting Filip Forsberg in June, or Ryan Murray? The draft this year is so easy for Edmonton in the sense that they need everything. Heck, they could make a viable argument to draft Malcolm Subban with their 1st pick.
The Nuge
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is apparently a little unhappy that the Oilers are holding him back from playing. He feels physically ready, but the team is being extra cautious. I do believe in the off-season, Nuge will be doing big-time physical training with Oilers staff in Edmonton. Martin Marincin, who also needs to add upper body strength, could be Nuge's training partner.
Jones
Nuge isn't the only player unhappy at this time. Apparently Ryan Jones was fuming the Oilers sat him against the Flames. Is it possible Jones could be dealt at the trade deadline? Not because he was upset not to play...Jones is a player a great number of teams would be interested in, as he gives you 100% every shift, and he can play on just about any line. If Hemsky is re-signed, and I believe he will be, the Oilers will have a log jam at forward. Sooner or later, you need to make room for the kids. Maybe he was sat to ensure he didn't get hurt?
Omark
Hearing lots of speculation he'll get moved. If it happens, it's only because Hemsky is staying.
Petry
I don't think I've ever seen a player develop so quickly over the course of one season. He's went from being a player that belonged in the AHL to being the Oilers #1 guy. And he's not a slouch #1 guy either. His play is extremely impressive, and everyone is noticing. Funny how much confidence can change things for a player.
Anton Lander and Magnus Paajari
Expect both to end up in the AHL for the Barons playoff run. Lander could be sent down the second Nugent-Hopkins is activated.
Smyth
It's too bad Ryan Smyth wasn't willing to take a "rental" trade, as 10 more or teams were interested in him. Considering how trades are going, Smyth was worth a 1st and a prospect as a rental. Big return. But nice to see him say he'd rather be in Edmonton.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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