K, I'm gonna day dream now. It was 35c here at one point today (39c with humidity, which might not sound like much for you people from the south, but in Northern Alberta, anything over 20c is hot). On a hot day, you can't really accomplish much. Just day dream.
What if the Oilers actually signed Shane Doan? It's not impossible: Doan is local, after all, and the Coyotes are a sinking ship. Pay Doan enough, give him a few seasons, and bring in a few missing pieces, and the Oilers go from zeros to heroes.
And what if after the Oilers finishing signing Shane Doan, they make a deal with his former team, the Phoenix Coyotes, to acquire Keith Yandle? There are plenty of rumors going around that the 'Yotes are open to dealing Yandle, and the Oilers are interested. Obviously, if you're Edmonton, you're not going to give up Hall, Eberle, Nuge, Gagner, Yakupov, Dubnyk, Petry, Smid, Nick Schultz, Justin Schultz or Klefbom. Still, something could be worked out. The 'Yotes have tremendous prospect depth on D, but need forwards...especially if Doan leaves (keep in mind Ray Whitney already ran for it this summer).
The Oilers can afford to overpay. How about Ales Hemsky, Magnus Paajarvi, Theo Peckham and the Oilers 1st round pick in 2013? And please don't say, "OMG, the Oilers would be giving up a Top 10 pick if they make that deal" because the entire point of signing Doan and dealing for Yandle would be to avoid another Top 10 pick.
What would/could the Oilers roster look like?
L1: Hall - Nugent-Hopkins - Eberle
L2: Yakupov - Gagner - Doan
L3: Smyth - Horcoff - Jones
L4: Eager - Vandevelde - Petrell
D1: Smid - Petry
D2: Yandle - J. Schultz
D3: Whitney - N. Schultz
G1: Dubnyk
G2: Danis
Obviously, this would be a very young team, with two rookies in key positions. Still, one look at this roster makes me think the Oilers could be a playoff threat if everything comes together. The only real issue I can see is perhaps a lack of size. But wow...the offense this team could generate. Petry, Yandle, JSchultz and Whitney would all rock the PP. The Oil would also have seven forwards (include Smyth with the top two lines) that could be solid on the powerplay.
I know, I know, I know...some of you are sitting there going, "but wait, didn't he just say the Oil were going to finish way out of the playoff mix"? Yes, I know I said that. A UFA signing and a deal for a Top 4 defenseman might be enough to push this team into the playoff mix if...and this is a big IF...the kids all perform to potential.
Things are very quiet with the Oilers right now, but things are in a holding pattern until Doan, Rick Nash and Alex Semin are sorted out. After those three players have found new homes, the Oilers will be making a move of some significance. I can feel it.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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