You know, I'm from Boston and I'm a secondary Oilers fan (Bruins first). I can't tell you how I got into them as it makes no geographical sense whatsoever, BUT, the point is I've followed them for a long time.

My question for you guys; at what point does EDM turn the corner? Or, to word it differently; at what point does EDM become sick of being mediocre?

There is so much more that makes up a good team besides stock piling elite talent. I want to shout out to Toronto here. Look at what they've done with LIMITED top end talent and almost no draft picks. Their coaching staff and front office has had much, much less to work with and look at the difference just one season has made.

Furthermore, at which point does the value of Edmonton's prospects begin to drop? I mean with each passing year it's difficult for me to still see someone paying top dollar to a prospect with literally zero credentials beyond god-given talent and time spent withering away in EDM system.

You want a plan going forward? Stop building an AHL all-star team and bring in some guys with credentials and leadership. Ship away a top prospect or two and address your damn needs. Dubnyk sucks, the defense is porous at BEST. Fire the coach and bring in someone with some spark. Go after Luongo, or Bernier and bring in some proven defenseman.

A good GM would be foaming at the mouth to be in the position EDM is in going forward. But honestly, without the willingness to take action and change things; you're headed towards many more years of mediocrity and wasted talent.
- wearethewind

Oilers currently = Islanders part deux

Oilers - Management + trading off some "star(s)" plus picks for the right mix of players could = Hawks

He looks great but he's not ever gonna put up very many points, I would think he's gonna be more comparable to a Regehr type defenceman.
- ShooterMcGavin

yeah, needs to add muscle but if they can pick up a guy like that for nothing its always a plus. Plus even if he goes down to the griffins next season he gets to play on a stacked griffins team next season.

They stumbled back to his beach house, the dungeon of horrors where the usual trysts take place. Fire Island seemed as good of a place as any to have a summer home in, and it's quite discreet and sensual. Little did they know, the Island was about to get rocked that night by ungodly forces, strong enough to subvert the face of humanity.

His mustachioed face was all over his partner's neck, sucking and slurping as the cocaine started to kick in and mix with the copious amounts of ale consumed prior to arriving home. The large gent couldn't help but feel tickled and aroused at the motions.

"I want you inside me," whispered the bear. He then slowly made his way towards the master bed, placing himself belly-first onto the bed with his legs still hanging out, touching the floor.

The fellow with the thin mustache slowly undressed his big bed-mate's bottoms, and proceeded to show him what it means to be a man.

---------

Rays of light shone through the bars of the drapes, hitting our hero directly in the eyes, causing them to flutter away. After taking a few moments to rub his eyes and recall last night's events, he turned to his side and looked fondly upon the man lying next to him. The sounds of panting echoed in the distant through his brain, as he realized the delight he felt when his huge partner kept begging him to not stop.


He got off the bed and grabbed his phone. Walking stark naked to the window, and gazing upon the ocean blue, he knew what he needed to do. After dialing his agent, he place the speaker against his right ear.

"I want to go to Edmonton. Make it happen."

---------

After a fun-filled July, he looked upon his fall season with fervor and excitement. He also got to wear his favorite number two, as Jeff Petry was part of the deal that made him an Oiler. He thought he looked in Gold and Blue, and so did his partner who made it all happen.

---------

And that's how Clouts got Streit to become an Oiler.

I thought that Karri Ramo was that?
- MaximumBone

Actually, Feaster now claims Calgary has the 2 x best Goalies not playing in the NHL...

yeah, needs to add muscle but if they can pick up a guy like that for nothing its always a plus. Plus even if he goes down to the griffins next season he gets to play on a stacked griffins team next season.
- wingz4life

Unless he poops the bed he's on the big team to stay, he's playing 18 minutes a game and I really haven't seen him make any mistakes.

In an 82 game season he would be on pace for 18-20 goals and he's not a defensive liability. Is he top 6 no but can he fill a role, yes. I would offer him 1year/1 million and some scouting job when he retires. You have this great idea of creating 3 scoring lines with no one over 175 pounds, Pavel Datsyuk would become the biggest guy on your top line, and would have to go dig pucks out of the corners. AHL numbers don't translate to NHL points, look at Abdelkaders AHL stats compared to your answer to everything Tatars numbers, now minus 30 pounds and toughness.
- ShooterMcGavin

they have enough bottom six forwards. and filpulla can (frank) off if he wants 5 mill a season too. Andersson and Nyquist bring energy and they hustle. Tatar should be on the team next season too.

Unless he poops the bed he's on the big team to stay, he's playing 18 minutes a game and I really haven't seen him make any mistakes.
- ShooterMcGavin

no hes looked good. if the wings make the playoffs they should still play him.

six they should play are-dekeyser,smith,kronwall,ericsson,kindl, (quincey/cola.-since they both are mediocre anyway)

they have enough bottom six forwards. and filpulla can (frank) off if he wants 5 mill a season too. Andersson and Nyquist bring energy and they hustle. Tatar should be on the team next season too.
- wingz4life

Filppula should be taking a pay cut next year, I wouldn't give him 3 million again. Feaster can have him and Hudler play together for 9 million a year.

Filppula should be taking a pay cut next year, I wouldn't give him 3 million again. Feaster can have him and Hudler play together for 9 million a year.
- ShooterMcGavin

4 mill a season for filpulla max. thats its. andersson/nyquist/tatar are ready.

Or filpulla can go and Id rather pay 5 million ish for a guy like Clarkson. Someone that would be very useful when they play a team like Boston next season.

Oilers currently = Islanders part deux

Oilers - Management + trading off some "star(s)" plus picks for the right mix of players could = Hawks
- Stubby

Gotta disagree with that one. Which of their young stars did Chicago trade before becoming a contender? They got to the level they did through great prospect development (Versteeg, Keith, Seabrook, Byfuglien, Toews, Kane), big time FA signings (Hossa, Campbell, Kopecky, Madden, Niemi), and quality asset management (Ruutu for Ladd in particular). This should be around the time that, if they're is following their script, management will begin shopping for significant FAs.

Please for the love of God make an impact this offseason

no hes looked good. if the wings make the playoffs they should still play him.

six they should play are-dekeyser,smith,kronwall,ericsson,kindl, (quincey/cola.-since they both are mediocre anyway)
- wingz4life

I'd like to see Almqvist up next year and then have Sproul and Ouelette in 2-3 years. Our D will be stacked in a few years.

Gotta disagree with that one. Which of their young stars did Chicago trade before becoming a contender? They got to the level they did through great prospect development (Versteeg, Keith, Seabrook, Byfuglien, Toews, Kane), big time FA signings (Hossa, Campbell, Kopecky, Madden, Niemi), and quality asset management (Ruutu for Ladd in particular). This should be around the time that, if they're is following their script, management will begin shopping for significant FAs.

Please for the love of God make an impact this offseason
- MaximumBone

Clarkson/Clowe are going to be overpaid.

I'd like to see Almqvist up next year and then have Sproul and Ouelette in 2-3 years. Our D will be stacked in a few years.
- ShooterMcGavin

he wont be. griffins will be stacked next season. those 3 on defense plus Marchenko from the KHL. plus Pulkinnen and Jankrok.

Looking at your lineup for next season, where is the calming veteran influence? All the young guns need is a leader in the room who knows how to win. When they are on a high, they are lights out, but then they lose confidence and lose 5 in a row. They need a calming influence to keep them on an even keel, then they will be contenders. Trade the first round pick for forward and/or defenseman who has been on winning teams. You don't need anymore 18/19 years olds in the lineup. The core to win now is there, all they need is somebody to teach them how to forget last game and focus on the next game. Confidence is fragile with a youthful core. I would say this team is 2 players away from contending in the west, but those 2 players aren't coming via the draft. They will come via trade, and that 8th overall pick is a nice chip to have in play.

They stumbled back to his beach house, the dungeon of horrors where the usual trysts take place. Fire Island seemed as good of a place as any to have a summer home in, and it's quite discreet and sensual. Little did they know, the Island was about to get rocked that night by ungodly forces, strong enough to subvert the face of humanity.

His mustachioed face was all over his partner's neck, sucking and slurping as the cocaine started to kick in and mix with the copious amounts of ale consumed prior to arriving home. The large gent couldn't help but feel tickled and aroused at the motions.

"I want you inside me," whispered the bear. He then slowly made his way towards the master bed, placing himself belly-first onto the bed with his legs still hanging out, touching the floor.

The fellow with the thin mustache slowly undressed his big bed-mate's bottoms, and proceeded to show him what it means to be a man.

---------

Rays of light shone through the bars of the drapes, hitting our hero directly in the eyes, causing them to flutter away. After taking a few moments to rub his eyes and recall last night's events, he turned to his side and looked fondly upon the man lying next to him. The sounds of panting echoed in the distant through his brain, as he realized the delight he felt when his huge partner kept begging him to not stop.


He got off the bed and grabbed his phone. Walking stark naked to the window, and gazing upon the ocean blue, he knew what he needed to do. After dialing his agent, he place the speaker against his right ear.

"I want to go to Edmonton. Make it happen."

---------

After a fun-filled July, he looked upon his fall season with fervor and excitement. He also got to wear his favorite number two, as Jeff Petry was part of the deal that made him an Oiler. He thought he looked in Gold and Blue, and so did his partner who made it all happen.

---------

And that's how Clouts got Streit to become an Oiler.
- nayefj

... What
... In
... God's name
... did
... I
... just
... read?

I thought that Karri Ramo was that?
- MaximumBone

Bishop sure turned the Bolts around. Sometimes, you just have to accept the team is poop and a goalie with limited experience isn't going to solve the problem.

... What
... In
... God's name
... did
... I
... just
... read?
- MaximumBone

You actually read that?

Looking at your lineup for next season, where is the calming veteran influence? All the young guns need is a leader in the room who knows how to win. When they are on a high, they are lights out, but then they lose confidence and lose 5 in a row. They need a calming influence to keep them on an even keel, then they will be contenders. Trade the first round pick for forward and/or defenseman who has been on winning teams. You don't need anymore 18/19 years olds in the lineup. The core to win now is there, all they need is somebody to teach them how to forget last game and focus on the next game. Confidence is fragile with a youthful core. I would say this team is 2 players away from contending in the west, but those 2 players aren't coming via the draft. They will come via trade, and that 8th overall pick is a nice chip to have in play.
- Jimka44

need to go after a cup winning vet like Cleary.

Bishop sure turned the Bolts around.
- systemtool

yzerman has a poop defense beyond hedman. he simply overpaid for guys like Carle.

Clarkson/Clowe are going to be overpaid.
- wingz4life

That's a given, but while other teams are in a fervor over those two Richardbags, a good GM would be calling up the agents of guys like Bickell and Stalberg.

yzerman has a poop defense beyond hedman. he simply overpaid for guys like Carle.
- wingz4life

I dont give a goats nut what anyone says, Yzerman the GM is severly over rated.

Bishop sure turned the Bolts around. Sometimes, you just have to accept the team is poop and a goalie with limited experience isn't going to solve the problem.
- systemtool

Are you trying to tell me something

4 mill a season for filpulla max. thats its. andersson/nyquist/tatar are ready.

Or filpulla can go and Id rather pay 5 million ish for a guy like Clarkson. Someone that would be very useful when they play a team like Boston next season.
- wingz4life

(frank) that and (frank) 5 million a year for Clarkson in a league where the cap is coming down.

this should be Oilers 3rd line

Clowe/Doan/David Clarkson

- AlEx_OiL

that's a lot of money for a third line

Are you trying to tell me something
- MaximumBone

Its more than a feeling.