Sorry for the new blog, but someone sent me a Facebook message that I thought would be an interesting blog topic. With the Trade Deadline three and a bit days away, I'd rather talk potential deals than about how the Oilers wiped the floor with the Philadelphia Flyers.
But let's start with the Oilers current play. On Tuesday, the Oilers owned the so-so Calgary Flames. On Thursday, they owned the really good Philadelphia Flyers. Sure, the Oilers are the #29 team in the NHL right now, but considering their current play, do you believe they still will be after Game 82 of the season?
I don't.
I was looking at the standings after tonight's game, and came to the conclusion the Oilers will finish in 26th place. This means they'll be drafting 5th or 6th overall, unless they win the lottery.
Project how the draft will go if the Oilers finish 26th and if the order teams finish from last up is Columbus, Montreal, Carolina, Islanders, and then the Oilers. Columbus will take Yakupov. Montreal will take Grigorenko. Carolina would likely take a forward, considering team needs. Let's say they go with Alex Galchenyuk. The Islanders are next, and they absolutely need a defenseman. Let's say Ryan Murray is taken. The Oilers would be up next, and they'd need to pick between big winger Filip Forsberg or most likely one of defensemen Jacob Trouba, Matt Dumba or Morgan Rielly. All four players are quality, so it isn't exactly like the Oilers would be suffering if they took one.
But here's the thing, getting back to the Oilers play against the Flames and Flyers...
The Oilers are a team that is close to being good. Very good. But defense is a weakness and young defensemen are projects and take time to develop. If the Oilers were to re-sign Ales Hemsky, the Top 6 forward group would be in place: Nuge, Hall, Eberle, Gagner, Hemsky and either Smyth, Horcoff or Paajarvi. Heck, the Oilers entire forwards situation seems to be okay with the players they have now. Perhaps the Oil could use a big bruiser in the Top 9, but for the most part, the Oilers can match forwards with any other team in the league. Next season, the kids are a little older, a little bigger, and a little wiser. The Oilers offense will be incredibly good.
The issues in Edmonton? The D and the goaltending. We all know it.
Here's the good news: Ryan Whitney is finding his game again, and he's playing pain-free. Jeff Petry has suddenly emerged...best defenseman on the Oilers right now. Ladislav Smid and Tom Gilbert are absolutely Top 4 quality. Could you imagine adding PK Subban to this mix? Brilliant.
The Oilers are going to go goalie shopping this summer. Maybe UFA Josh Harding from Minnie? It's not like the Oilers are capped out. They have room to be Buyers at the Trade Deadline, not Sellers. Now's the time for positive thinking.
Insert Subban and Harding into the Oilers line-up, and ask yourself if this team could challenge for a playoff spot next season. Heck, ask yourself if the Oilers could challenge Vancouver for the Division next season. It's not nearly as ridiculous of a suggestion as it sounds. Hall and Eberle are becoming quickly as good as the Sedins from an offensive perspective. The difference between the Oil and Canucks is on D and in goal.
Subban is suffering in Montreal right now, and Canadiens management must fully understand by now that it's time for complete rebuild mode. How attractive would it be for the Habs to have two picks in the Top 5? Very. And because they'd just be starting the rebuild, they'd have the ability to be patient as prospects develop. In Edmonton, the future...a winning future...could start as soon as next season with the right additions.
Step 1: Deal the 1st round pick for PK Subban
Step 2: Find out what Minnie wants for Harding. Yes, it would be a risk to deal for him, as he'll be a UFA in a few months. Offer up a 2nd and Linus Omark and see what happens. Offer Theo Peckham as part of the package too.
Step 3: Re-sign Ales Hemsky
Step 4: Bury Khabibulin in the minors, or, if possible, deal him regardless of return
Step 5: Re-sign RFA's and still remain under the cap (it's completely possible)
Step 6: Win games. Challenge and be a decent team for the first time since 2006.
Final Thought - Yes, I realize a pick as high as the Oilers could have is a big payment for Subban. Sometimes, taking a risk is worth it, and Subban would immediately improve the team. We're all sick of the "rebuild". It's time to move past it.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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