So I had a long conversation with my one and only "real" source on Tuesday. The subject: The difference between Steve Tambellini the GM and Craig MacTavish the GM. I have been assured that the difference this summer will be significant and noticeable.

I don't really need to explain much to the Oilers fan base what was happening under Tambellini. His approach was an extremely cautious one. Simply put, he never wanted to lose a deal, so therefore, he took few risks. The deals he did make happen were always inconsequential. For example, Mark Fistric for a third-round draft pick. Chances are, that pick will never play in the NHL. Stats show Fistric wasn't a good enough player to make much difference to how the Oilers play.

Oh, I should warn you now, I'm listening to Nickelback while I write this. I'm ashamed to say that I actually was a fan once, and the reason I stopped listening to the band had more to do with a bad ex experience than anything the band did themselves. Well, that pop crap cd they came out with a year ago was only fit to use as a coffee coaster, but that's another subject entirely.

The legacy Tambellini left with the Oilers? Eric Belanger (terrible). Ben Eager (in the minors). Andy Sutton (injured all season). Fistric (#7 defenseman). Corey Potter (another #7 defenseman). None of these moves are particularly offensive; they just did nothing to help the team.

I have it on good authority that Craig MacTavish is going to make major moves this summer. But, as usual, my source was short on details. He didn't explain what "major moves" could amount to. I can venture a few guesses, but these are based on what I know about MacT, what I know about ownership, and what I know about the direction the team wants to take.

Hall, Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins, Yakupov, Klefbom and Justin Schultz will not be dealt. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. I realize in saying this, it greatly limits significant moves the Oilers could make. For example, you aren't getting Shea Weber without Yakupov or Eberle being part of the package. I'm not convinced the Oilers want that contract headache.

The Oilers 1st round pick in 2013 could be in play, but it completely depends on where they pick and whom is available. I know the Oilers want to take a center, and they like Sasha Barkov or Sean Monahan. Both could be gone by pick #5. The Oilers are more likely to be drafting 6th or 7th. If this happens, the pick will be in play for an immediate play.

Just for the fun of it, let me thrown a few names out there. Would the Flyers be willing to part with one of Sean Couturier or Brayden Schenn for the Oilers #6 overall pick and a 2nd asset? This would be a major deal, of course. Flyerville seems so high on Couturier that I can't see him being dealt. Would they give up Schenn though? Statistically speaking, Schenn should be harder to deal for, but he's more of a cap hit.

I can't see the Oilers giving up a top draft pick for him, but Kyle Brodziak would solve the 3rd line hole at center in a hurry. This type of deal would somewhat be like a Couturier or Schenn deal: I have no idea why the Wild would be willing to do it.

Maybe the 6th overall pick and a 2nd asset gets you defenseman Keith Yandle? Yandle is a player who will absolutely be in play this summer, as the Coyotes need to add forwards. Perhaps a more realistic offer from the Oilers would be (if they draft Sasha Barkov or Sean Monahan) Sam Gagner+ for Yandle. What the plus is would be the frightening part.

The Islanders are extremely deep at center. Maybe the Oilers pick+ gets you Ryan Strome? I doubt it. I actually think the Oilers #6 pick could be more of a fair exchange for Nino Niederrieter, but management in Long Island are all flavors of crazy. The Islanders are hungry for defense, so they could sacrifice a quality forward prospect for D. Maybe Smid for Niederrieter or Brock Nelson makes more sense.

Speaking of Ladislav Smid, Bryan Murray loves him, but I don't think he'll let us turn Smid into Mika Zibanejad. Too bad. We kinda missed the Ben Bishop train about 20 days ago. Is there a better managed Team in the NHL right now than the Ottawa Senators? I'm convinced Ladislav Smid isn't going to be here next season. As I've said before, MacT is not really a fan of his, and with his new contract the Oilers could get a decent return in a deal.

The Habs are fine cap-wise next season, so there will no pressure to make moves. They might buyout Rene Bourque due to his injury history, but that's about it. Bourque at the right price could be a decent 3rd line winger, but from what I've heard Bourque doesn't ever want to play in Edmonton. Another buyout potential signing could be center Vincent Lecavalier.

Tyler Bozak if he goes UFA could definitely be a target to sign by the Oilers this summer. Defenseman Mark Streit's name will be on the list. The Oilers will have all sorts of cap room to play with, especially if they make the decision to buyout Shawn Horcoff (which they won't because MacT loves him).

So what am I saying in all of this?

1. The Oilers will draft a center. Depending on how bad (or good) their pick is going into the draft, the order of interest could be Barkov, Monahan, and Lazar...In this order. I've heard the name Bo Horvat being thrown around, but I honestly believe the Oilers will finish poorly enough to get one of Barkov or Monahan. Both are physically mature enough to step into the NHL right away.

2. The drafting of Barkov or Monahan makes Sam Gagner dispensable. There are a number of teams that would offer up something of value for Gagner to be their 2nd line center. It's possible the Oilers could pair Gagner with a 2nd asset to acquire a higher-end player (let's say Gagner + Hemsky for Yandle).

3. Should the Oilers be able to acquire a puck-moving left-pairing defenseman, Ladislav Smid could be dealt. This again could be a deal whereas the Oilers pair two assets to bring back one player of higher quality.

4. Look for MacT to be active during free agency if the Oilers can't make the deals they need to at the draft. Bozak and Streit are primary targets.

Join the Discussion: » 254 Comments » Post New Comment

» Goodbye and Good Luck

» Ranking Top 5 Roster Groups - Blog #1

» Mods and Rockers

» The Reverse Psychology Blog

» The 10 Least Interesting Teams in the NHL