Yakupov for Ryan Murphy canada #1 dman.

I wouldn't trade Yakupov. I think the Oilers just keeping all these top pick forwards and getting what they need through other means is a no brainer. It wouldn't suprise me is RNH is the superstar all world player of the bunch

I still like Hemsky a lot too, good on Edmonton for holding on to him

Should have drafted Alex Galchenyuk? I agree. Murray? Not so sure.
- Maxbone

The #2 center is a pretty big hole to fill, but a blue chip defensive prospect would fit nicely on the Oilers roster. Morgan Rielly isn't needed on the Oilers with Schultz playing the way he is.

****note****

I do feel your pain in regards to the #2 center. Being an ottawa fan, I am more then familiar with how crutial a good #2 pivot can be to overall team success.

I'd be more scared of the future Oilers with Murray instead of Yakupov.

Should have drafted Morgan Rielly
- Zezel

Murray would have been by far Canada's best defenseman this tourny. He's a stud.

Murray would have been by far Canada's best defenseman this tourny. He's a stud.
- Boinker

Not to mention all of the leadership he brings to the table. Murray has been a leader at every level, and would bring a lot to the Oilers locker room.

Murray would have been by far Canada's best defenseman this tourny. He's a stud.
- Boinker

2nd behind the great Murphy.

Who regrets the pick? If you go back in my blogs, you'll see me saying the Oilers should consider Galchenyuk because they need a big center more than they need another right winger. Yakupov has played fine at the WJC. His play isn't the issue. The Oilers positional needs are the issue, and Yakupov could be used to fix a major roster hole.
- Maxbone

*goes read the blog*

2nd behind the great Murphy.
- yea-ok-buddy

Murphy actually played pretty well against Russia. Well, he wasn't horrible.

*goes read the blog*
- Symba007

You might need to dig for it. I change my mind daily on things around draft time.

Ummm, what about that whole untouchables thing??

Murphy actually played pretty well against Russia. Well, he wasn't horrible.
- Maxbone

Murphy is awful. I think he's slighly handicapped and has made it his life goal of hiding it.

Turnovers, bad rushes, dumb shots. He floats around like he's playing street hockey on rollerblades. Stevie Wonder could play better position hockey than him. If he wasn't Spotts little lovechild he would have got the phone call at camp that he deserved.

Ummm, what about that whole untouchables thing??
- fudd1689

You know how that works: Untouchables are completely touchable if you're trading them for someone else who is untouchable.

Worded another way, you don't trade Ryan Smyth in his prime for Robert Nilsson and Ryan O'Marra. But you could deal Ryan Smyth in his prime for someone like, ummm, Doug Weight in his prime. Speaking hypothetically, of course.

Richard Cloutier: Would You Trade Nail Yakupov?
- Maxbone

You're such a troll Clouts, I love you.

Richard Cloutier: Would You Trade Nail Yakupov?
- Maxbone

Burkie will give up Kadri for him.. Maaaybe throw in Kessel...

This blog is the reason I hate you.

A possible generational talent is now movable because an 62nd round pick almost has a point a game in the ohl. (frank), wait till he starts ripping it again and ill wait for the untouchable blog.

You're such a troll Clouts, I love you.
- muffin_man

The funny thing is he is serious. Hell say he's kidding but in reality he has the hockey IQ of a cantolope.

Rieder, if he makes the NHL, will be a really good third line player. I remember hearing he was one of the best penalty killers in the OHL last year. That along with his speed and offensive ability would make him into a good player for that role. It's a huge longshot that he'll become a top 6 forward, even if we didn't have Eberle and Yak. Moving Yakupov based on how Rieder has played at this tournament would be an awful idea.

This being said, I'm not sure the Oilers need defensemen. Think long-term. When Oscar Klefbom is playing next season, the Oilers will have the two Schultz's, Petry, Smid and Klefbom...a very solid Top 5. Eventually, all five will be pricey. You can only spend so much on D men

Baaaahaaaa, thats awesome man. You kill me. Best laugh all day.

(taps foot as he awaits the riot, diving, Kesler, Sedin Sister comedy show)

The funny thing is he is serious. Hell say he's kidding but in reality he has the hockey IQ of a cantolope.
- Pilgor09

OMG, he's alive. I thought you were dead, Pilgor. Or in jail. Welcome back.

You know how that works: Untouchables are completely touchable if you're trading them for someone else who is untouchable.

Worded another way, you don't trade Ryan Smyth in his prime for Robert Nilsson and Ryan O'Marra. But you could deal Ryan Smyth in his prime for someone like, ummm, Doug Weight in his prime. Speaking hypothetically, of course.
- Maxbone

I agree, I hate the whole untouchables label, a deal can always be made. IMO a player is only labeled untouchable so everyone and their sister isn't calling about their availability. I think it would have to include Yaks+ just because he hasn't established an NHL reputation.

This being said, I'm not sure the Oilers need defensemen. Think long-term. When Oscar Klefbom is playing next season, the Oilers will have the two Schultz's, Petry, Smid and Klefbom...a very solid Top 5. Eventually, all five will be pricey. You can only spend so much on D men

Baaaahaaaa, thats awesome man. You kill me. Best laugh all day.

(taps foot as he awaits the riot, diving, Kesler, Sedin Sister comedy show)
- stuckey

Actually, I won't argue with you. The D in Edmonton, much like the group of forwards, is a bunch of kids working towards respectable play. I suspect if the Oilers go into the season with their current D 6, the team will blow defensively.

Yakupov couldn't even hold Freakarenko's jock.

Rieder, if he makes the NHL, will be a really good third line player. I remember hearing he was one of the best penalty killers in the OHL last year. That along with his speed and offensive ability would make him into a good player for that role. It's a huge longshot that he'll become a top 6 forward, even if we didn't have Eberle and Yak. Moving Yakupov based on how Rieder has played at this tournament would be an awful idea.
- BarDownBobo

Yee of little faith.

Actually, I won't argue with you. The D in Edmonton, much like the group of forwards, is a bunch of kids working towards respectable play. I suspect if the Oilers go into the season with their current D 6, the team will blow defensively.
- Maxbone

wow, very reasonable.

You sure you don't want to add one diving joke??