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Tambellini...What Up, Dogg? |
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It's quiet...
A little too quiet...
Steve Tambellini, what are you, KLowe, KFed, Sneezy, Dopey, Tiny Tim and Alfalfa doing right about now? Since the Oilers have the Cone of Silence on, like a dog dealing with an infected back leg, I'll have to fill in the blanks of fans who are anxious to know just what exactly is going to happen over the next three days.
Ales Hemsky
God, am I ever sick of talking about Hemsky. I heard yesterday that Hemsky was close to being signed. Then I heard the Kings are open to dealing Dustin Brown and Jonathan Bernier, and the world has quickly changed.
Hemsky hasn't been signed yet because the Kings like him, perhaps more than any other potential Top 6 player currently available. I'm not sure if the Oilers would deal Hemsky straight up for Bernier, and it would take more than Hemsky to get Brown. Just how much more is subject to debate. I'm thinking the Kings cap position dictates that it would either need to be draft picks or prospects. I've heard before they have an interest in Linus Omark, but dealing Hemsky AND Omark together confuses me, as I'm not sure why a team would want both.
While the Oilers certainly could benefit from adding Bernier, Brown is the type of player that rarely becomes available on the trade market, so the big push will be for him. Of course, if the Oilers add Brown, he automatically slides into the Top 6, and brings the effort and grit the Oilers are missing in that group.
I wouldn't hold my breath for a Brown-to-Edmonton deal. Every team in the league will make a pitch for Brown, so the bidding could get out of control, and, well, you know Tambellini. Mr. Cautious.
Apparently, Ottawa is interested in Hemsky if something with LA can't be worked out. Still hearing Nashville and Detroit are also possible Hemsky destinations. But all of this being said, I think the Oilers re-sign Hemsky instead of move him if no offers provide an immediate quality player or high-end prospect. Worded another way, you won't be seeing Hemsky dealt for only a 2nd round pick, as some morons suggest he will be.
Linus Omark
Not much to say here other than saying Omark is available, and could likely bring a 2nd round pick or a prospect like Jonathon Blum. If Hemsky is dealt and the Oilers don't get an immediate forward in return, Omark will be kept to fill in, at least temporarily, in the Top 6. Ultimately, the Oilers need to add a big, bruising winger to the group.
Magnus Paajarvi
He's not for trade...just wanted to say he's on the ice this morning in Edmonton; meaning, he didn't get injured from Scott Hartnell's dastardly hit. Hartnell goes unpunished, because the league likes the Flyers better than the Oilers.
Theo Peckham and Cam Barker
Oilers need to move one of these two. They'd rather move Barker, but there's more interest in Peckham. I see Pecks as a "throw-in" player...part of a bigger deal. One suggestion I heard today is that the Oilers could deal three assets to the Kings...let's say Hemsky, Peckham and Ryan Jones, for Brown and Penner. The reason Penner comes back is a salary dump for LA. Then the Oilers could turn around and send Penner, let's say, to the Winnipeg Jets, so are trying so hard to be Buyers right now. Maybe Penner gets you a 2nd round draft pick, a prospect, or is part of a bigger deal to bring back a player like Zach Bogosian.
Barker will be given away if the Oilers can find a sucker...I mean...interested team.
Nikolai Khabibulin
Hearing nothing to suggest there is any market or interest whatsoever for Nikky.
Eric Belanger
He's finally starting to look like he belongs in Edmonton. Incredible defensive play, solid at the dot, and is slowly finding some offense. This being said, the Oilers are center-heavy when Nuge gets back, and I don't think they'd part with Anton Lander over Belanger. But Lander can be sent to the AHL, and Belanger can't.
Contending playoff teams might call to ask about Belanger. He's somewhat Mike Peca, and those types of guys can contribute greatly to playoff runs.
Lennart Petrell
The more I see him play, the more I think the Oil would be crazy to deal this guy, as he's the perfect 4th line player. Gritty, solid on the PK, and constantly improving as he adjusts to the North American game. I hear Vancouver likes him, but I hope he sticks around.
Ryan Jones
I know Oil fans don't like this, but I believe Jones is available. It's a numbers thing: If the Oilers Top 6 is, hypothetically, Gagner, Nuge, Hall, Eberle, Hemsky (or Brown) and Paajarvi...and the Bottom 6 has Lander (or Hordichuk), Belanger, Horcoff, Smyth, Petrell and Eager, the team has enough numbers. Jones is well liked by NHL teams, and for good reason: Affordable, scores goals, can play special teams, and brings grit. If the Oilers wanted to deal for, let's say, a goalie...Jones might be the best way to get one. We're talking a deal for an established younger back-up who could turn into a starter, like a Bernier.
Most likely, Jones isn't moved...just saying it's possible.
Tom Gilbert
People are dumb. Twitter filled with people suggesting the Oilers should move Gilbert. Why? The Oilers D finally doesn't stink. Ryan Whitney, Tom Gilbert, Jeff Petry and Ladislav Smid, when all healthy, give the Oilers a respectable D Top 4. Leave it alone. The only way Whitney or a different Top 4 D goes is if the Oilers have an awesome top pairing guy coming back.
1st Round Pick in 2012
Oilers won't deal this because Tambellini isn't a risk taker. The Oilers could use the pick to get a high-quality immediate defenseman or goaltender, so they could make a serious run next season...but that idea isn't rebuild-friendly, and we all know the Oilers like doing things the slow and painful way. I'm sure whoever we draft will turn into a great player in a few seasons when we're capped up and having an impossible time trying to keep all of our current players.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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