I got blasted on this board saying your first pick should have been Ryan Murray over Yakupov for that reason. "How can we pass on a franchise forward like Yak, I got? While Murray might or might not have played this season, he does just that. Your GM is too fixed on forwards - Eberle, Hall, RNH. Why would I get the feeling if somehow Edmonton drafts first again, it passes on Jones and takes Drouin or McKinnon?

No, I can't name another team in the league who goes a game without a dman carrying the puck through the neutral zone. Each of the other teams in your boat, point wise, all have one of those guys, well except Philadelphia who has to have 37-year old Kimmo Timonen do it and he isn't that strong at it anymore.

Unfortunately, you will have to use one of your big guns to acquire a solid two-way blueliner that can not only play solid defense, but move the puck and put some points up. Of course, it doesn't help your big guns outside of Gagner aren't doing much.
- Oneonta Penguin

I don't think it's necessarily clear that we should have taken Murray over Yakupov. I don't think it will be clear one way or another for a long while.

Oilers with Murray instead of Yakupov doesn't do anything for us this year. He doesn't necessarily help us more in the long run. As it is, Yakupov will probably still be a young player during our window, as would Murray. There's no other option but to bring in guys who can make the team better right now - as in yesterday.

Especially if it's merely a top 10 pick and not top 5 or better, I wouldn't be surprised to see our first and Hemsky and a prospect go for that two-way dman.

still can't believe we got anderson for BRIAN ELLIOTT

almost as good as when we got spezza and chara for yashin
- sensarmy_11

elliott's play last season almost got me wondering did the blues also got a good deal from the trade, but based on his recent play and last playoff play, andersson has shown more consistency and stability.

i think this might be the first draft in awhile where you see a team draft on need, as there doesn't seem to be a clear cut #1.

if the oil have it, the obviously take jones. if the jackets have it though, they probably take mackinnon or drouin (they have a decent D, but are super weak up front).

if florida or the islanders end up with it.....who the hell knows.
- sensarmy_11

Honestly at this point I'm happy if they draft on need IF there is not a large difference in who is bpa. We keep drafting skilled wingers and do nothing from a position of strength. We are a terribly run organization.

I don't think it's necessarily clear that we should have taken Murray over Yakupov. I don't think it will be clear one way or another for a long while.

Oilers with Murray instead of Yakupov doesn't do anything for us this year. He doesn't necessarily help us more in the long run. As it is, Yakupov will probably still be a young player during our window, as would Murray. There's no other option but to bring in guys who can make the team better right now - as in yesterday.

Especially if it's merely a top 10 pick and not top 5 or better, I wouldn't be surprised to see our first and Hemsky and a prospect go for that two-way dman.
- Morris

who do you have in mind for edm to pay that price tag?

I'd rather not take on anymore crappy defensemen. We have enough that I want to ship out of town as is.
- Ihatebrianburke

This is the problem you guys have. You dont want to move anyone to improve. I dont think hemsky, and lots of questionable prospects will get you much . So many teams are in the mix still. The only other option is going throughh the draft which will prob take 4 or 5 more years.

elliott's play last season almost got me wondering did the blues also got a good deal from the trade, but based on his recent play and last playoff play, andersson has shown more consistency and stability.
- deks1

elliott's play last season was about 90% a result of the system he was in, and the D in front of him. He's AT BEST an average back up....trust me, i saw him play enough

I'd rather not take on anymore crappy defensemen. We have enough that I want to ship out of town as is.
- Ihatebrianburke

OK, Fair Enough, you Need a Vet Goalie: Pascal LeClair? Roloson?Johnson?Huet?Raycroft?Hasek?Pokey RedRichard? Tim Thomas? Steve Mason? Mike Leighton?

I'll be really surprised, if the Oilers don't make a significant move, after getting spanked by the Predators tonight. It's time that the Oilers move a significant piece for a significant piece. Something like Taylor Hall for Jake Gardiner and Tyler Bozak. Reunite Gardiner with Schultz and add a number 2 center.
- PrinceLH

That is a horrible deal for us. We give you our best player and future captain for a defenseman that isn't even an NHLer and a 2nd-3rd line center? No thanks

Hemsky has been consistently our best point per game player for a decade. He is one of our best players during pressure situations and that includes shoot outs. He is our current leading goal scorer despite really only having 1 line mate and a random cycled through (sometimes smyth which doesn't count).

For Bishop, who despite his size doesn't really seem much different than Duby. He had a few good games with Ottawa but he also had some terrible ones as well. At 26 I think we might be trading for a goalie that at best is slightly better than duby, if that. Hemsky is an elite player and he may get injured a lot but he is still almost always near the top of our team despite missing huge chunks of the season. This year he might only miss a couple games and he might have an amazing final total that is well ahead of our second best player.

I think he is better than Bishop. I think other fans might not agree but hockey scouts know his value. He is out performing Eberle and Nuge this year, that is a good pawn to secure a top 10 goalie. Not another temp.
- bsteinley

This is the problem with many Edmonton fans. You seem fine with the status quo - you want action, but afraid to trade anything but crap. We can't trade Hemsky because (insert the reason), however he is on every Edmonton rumor to be dealt out of town for the same number of reasons. He is a talented and skilled player that DOESN'T bring a big bang for your buck anymore - even when healthy. He doesn't play a good two-way game at all too boot. Add in the fact he makes 5 million and basically is a 45-50 point producer, that is mind boggling for a guy that can't stay healthy.

Edmonton is near the bottom for a reason. You have to take a chance and shake things up. I don't value Hemsky much. It's not a surprise either. That said, Ottawa needs a forward with skill and Edmonton needs a goalie. There is a match. It should be investigated. I can't believe there are fans so opposed to trading Hemsky. Big deal if he is your pressure guy. You are toward the bottom with him.

OK, Fair Enough, you Need a Vet Goalie: Pascal LeClair? Roloson?Johnson?Huet?Raycroft?Hasek?Pokey RedRichard? Tim Thomas? Steve Mason? Mike Leighton?
- Jimmy_wiener

Colorado looks like they've got Chicago beat.

I was hoping they'd stay unbeaten in reg so that we could try to turn our season around in a statement game against them
- Morris

Me too.

This is the problem you guys have. You dont want to move anyone to improve. I dont think hemsky, and lots of questionable prospects will get you much . So many teams are in the mix still. The only other option is going throughh the draft which will prob take 4 or 5 more years.
- walshyleafsfan

the problem is not the young guys,the problems IMO is the Coaching the Vets some D and a real number one Goalie.
Oilers do have big D players coming up next season Oscar the Bomb and Musil,Oilers need better Vets.

If there is a positive to take out of those whole rebuild its the fact we have some assets to work with. Now we need a competent GM who knows what to do with it all. Drafting a winner isn't enough, you also need smart trades/signings. Chicago got Sharp, Hossa and Stalberg. Pittsburgh got Kunitz, Neal, Martin, Dupuis. Effing Tambi.

I'll be really surprised, if the Oilers don't make a significant move, after getting spanked by the Predators tonight. It's time that the Oilers move a significant piece for a significant piece. Something like Taylor Hall for Jake Gardiner and Tyler Bozak. Reunite Gardiner with Schultz and add a number 2 center.
- PrinceLH

First of all, I think Tyler is going to be a UFA in a few months here so no reason to trade our best rookie for him. Gardiner is good but there is no room for him on our D. We have 3 great prospects, a strong shutdown guy in Fistric and N.Schultz who is the only guy not completely sucking out there. What we need is a legitimate 1-2 guy. If we get him then we have Smid, Peckham, Potter and Whitney to trade plus prospects. Smid I would rank as currently better than Gardiner with the edge of potential going the other way.

As for management making a change, you really don't know our management. They are TERRIBLE. I don't even know if they watch the games. They have done nothing in years to try to improve the team. They just keep adding extra line 4 guys and 5-6 dmen. The owner had to Veto the GM to pick Yakupov or we would have Murray right now. The owner I heard also stepped in to make sure Smyth was signed. Which sounds stupid because he sucks but to sign future UFA's, the guys want to know that you take care of your players. Getting rid of Smyth after promising him he could retire an Oiler would have set us back years in terms of signing future UFA's.

Can't wait to read Cloutiers blog after tonight's game!!!

the problem is not the young guys,the problems IMO is the Coaching the Vets some D and a real number one Goalie.
Oilers do have big D players coming up next season Oscar the Bomb and Musil,Oilers need better Vets.
- AlEx_OiL

i honestly think the biggest problem is the GM. all your good players are your first rd picks, no real GM "skill" involved in getting them, in fact, just the opposite. tambelenni (sp?) has been AWFUL at bringing in people to compliment his young team. the assets are there to make moves to improve your team, but it almost seems like he's scared to move them for some reason.

I think it's a fair trade. We need a number one centre and you need some mobility on the back end. Bozak is a decent faceoff man and can play at number 2 or 3 at center.
- PrinceLH

Ok how about Reilly for Horcoff and Teubert

the problem is not the young guys,the problems IMO is the Coaching the Vets some D and a real number one Goalie.
Oilers do have big D players coming up next season Oscar the Bomb and Musil,Oilers need better Vets.
- AlEx_OiL

Just wait for those dmen to come then. Personally I dont think they will make too much difference but I imagine you know more bout them than me

This is the problem with many Edmonton fans. You seem fine with the status quo - you want action, but afraid to trade anything but crap. We can't trade Hemsky because (insert the reason), however he is on every Edmonton rumor to be dealt out of town for the same number of reasons. He is a talented and skilled player that DOESN'T bring a big bang for your buck anymore - even when healthy. He doesn't play a good two-way game at all too boot. Add in the fact he makes 5 million and basically is a 45-50 point producer, that is mind boggling for a guy that can't stay healthy.

Edmonton is near the bottom for a reason. You have to take a chance and shake things up. I don't value Hemsky much. It's not a surprise either. That said, Ottawa needs a forward with skill and Edmonton needs a goalie. There is a match. It should be investigated. I can't believe there are fans so opposed to trading Hemsky. Big deal if he is your pressure guy. You are toward the bottom with him.
- Oneonta Penguin

i don't think many of edm fans are against trading hemsky, it's what edm gets back would it help edm in the long run. to me, it doesn't have to be or neither will it be highway robbery for hemsky trade value, but at least get something back that is somewhat meaningful to address edm's immediate need. goaltending is probably third or fourth on my list with top 6 power foward being first, top 2 d-man being second, even then i would say upgrade in overall size is important before goaltending.

i would understand if you suggest hemsky won't get edm a top 6 pw, or a top 2 d-man. asset management is very important and key in the business, and apparently it seems like the team needs new organization mgmt.

Ok how about Reilly for Horcoff and Teubert
- Ihatebrianburke

i was gonna say kadri for eager and whitney......but that one is good too

i honestly think the biggest problem is the GM. all your good players are your first rd picks, no real GM "skill" involved in getting them, in fact, just the opposite. tambelenni (sp?) has been AWFUL at bringing in people to compliment his young team. the assets are there to make moves to improve your team, but it almost seems like he's scared to move them for some reason.
- sensarmy_11

Nailed it. Except its Lowe that runs the show. I can't stand his face anymore

This is the problem you guys have. You dont want to move anyone to improve. I dont think hemsky, and lots of questionable prospects will get you much . So many teams are in the mix still. The only other option is going throughh the draft which will prob take 4 or 5 more years.
- walshyleafsfan

Hemsky would fetch more than anyone on that list

Can't wait to read Cloutiers blog after tonight's game!!!

- wicket

I want a Good One Tonite, He is at his best when he is Fresh Off the Game.

i honestly think the biggest problem is the GM. all your good players are your first rd picks, no real GM "skill" involved in getting them, in fact, just the opposite. tambelenni (sp?) has been AWFUL at bringing in people to compliment his young team. the assets are there to make moves to improve your team, but it almost seems like he's scared to move them for some reason.
- sensarmy_11

yes I do agree the GM is a problem,to conservative unless he really trying to make moves but he cant because other people from above are not allowing it and just want to keep building the team with prospects from the draft,I do hope Im wrong.

This is the problem with many Edmonton fans. You seem fine with the status quo - you want action, but afraid to trade anything but crap. We can't trade Hemsky because (insert the reason), however he is on every Edmonton rumor to be dealt out of town for the same number of reasons. He is a talented and skilled player that DOESN'T bring a big bang for your buck anymore - even when healthy. He doesn't play a good two-way game at all too boot. Add in the fact he makes 5 million and basically is a 45-50 point producer, that is mind boggling for a guy that can't stay healthy.

Edmonton is near the bottom for a reason. You have to take a chance and shake things up. I don't value Hemsky much. It's not a surprise either. That said, Ottawa needs a forward with skill and Edmonton needs a goalie. There is a match. It should be investigated. I can't believe there are fans so opposed to trading Hemsky. Big deal if he is your pressure guy. You are toward the bottom with him.
- Oneonta Penguin

You do realize your team picked top 5 in the draft 5 years in row... We're at 3 in a row so far. Still not as bad as the Penguins were