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The Ryan or DeKeyser?

March 14, 2013, 11:42 PM ET [234 Comments]
Richard Cloutier
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Twitter me! @rdcloutier

So I asked you folks for trade ideas so I can write a blog. I couldn't believe the response I got. Thank you so much! Ridiculous amount of messages. So many, in fact, that I need to take time to read them to pick out themes. Almost TOO much information.

Most of you mentioned Chris Stewart, which, depending on who you're listening to, is available from St. Louis. I don't know why the Blues would trade him, as he's a machine and he's leading their offense right now...but Stewart seems to be one of those guys that loses favor with the teams he is on. One rumor I heard is that he came into St. Louis camp in terrible shape. A little Dustin Penner-like? Not unheard of with "bigger" forwards. Doesn't mean I'd trade him though.

I will do a bigger and better blog including your ideas in a bit. For now, I want to comment about defenseman Danny DeKeyser, and why I think there's a good chance he'll be coming to an Oilers team near you.

DeKeyser is perhaps the best prospect in this year's US college class. Very soon...as in, days...NHL teams will pounce on the best of the prospects available. DeKeyser is big: 6'3", 198lbs. He's left-handed. He's a defenseman who is swift-skating, smooth, can make a decent first pass out of the zone...He's better defensively than offensively...And it's believed he could step in and play NHL hockey immediately.

How can I say this: He's exactly what the Oilers need.

Call it this year's "Justin Schultz" factor. Rumors have existed for a couple years now that DeKeyser, when he was ready and willing to go to the NHL, would sign with the Detroit Red Wings. It still might happen. His name has also been linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning as well. But he's still unsigned, meaning, the Oilers have a shot. Apparently, all 30 teams are making a pitch for him. He's that good.

I actually think Schultz's decision to sign up will be part of the reason DeKeyser signs on too, if he does. Hall, Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins, Yakupov, Schultz, Klefbom and DeKeyser. Has a nice ring to it. Why wouldn't a young, great prospect want to go where a big group of other young, great prospects are?

We actually could be on the precipice of a huge change of personnel on the Oilers blueline. We know Justin Schultz and Jeff Petry aren't going anywhere. We know Oscar Klefbom factors significantly into the Oilers future. But past that...there could be changes coming. Big changes.

1. The signing of DeKeyser. Keep in mind if you're a young player like he is, you want to go to a team that will give you ice time. The Oilers have given Schultz all he can handle and more, which sends a great message to DeKeyser about the type of opportunity he could have in Edmonton.

2. Dealing Ryan Whitney at the deadline for the best prospect/pick possible.

3. Either the signing of Smid to a long-term extension, or moving him at the deadline. It seems like everyone is frightened that Smid could be dealt, but I keep wondering why he hasn't been re-signed yet. There's more to this story than we know.

4. Mark Fistric is another player in the final year of his deal who could be dealt. I've heard no mention of Oilers management attempting to re-sign him yet.

5. It's pretty clear Theo Peckham has no opportunity here. Corey Potter is filler and Nick Schultz is a very well paid 5/6 guy.

Obviously not everyone is going to go and not everyone is going to stay. Should the Oilers win the lotto and sign DeKeyser, it ups the likelihood that someone other than just Ryan Whitney is moved. And even if they do score DeKeyser, the Oilers play in the next 10 games will dictate whether or not even Whitney is moved. Should the Oilers go 7-3, they'll be in the playoff hunt and Whitney will stick around for the push. The Oilers future Top 4 could be Schultz, Petry, DeKeyser and Klefbom, a group almost as young as their Top 6 forwards. A hell of a way to build a hockey team roster, wouldn't you say?

I've heard a few other names mentioned with respect to the Oilers and the US College signing spree that's about to occur. 6' 8" defenseman Andrej Sustr in particular. The Oilers have had some luck in the past signing college UFA's, so who knows?

One thing everyone needs to keep in mind here is, outside of DeKeyser, there won't be many guys who are ready to step in to the NHL and play immediately. I'm excited about the potential here, but like I said, the Wings are likely the destination of choice.
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