Stalberg plays pretty easy minutes and isn't physical at all for a guy who's 6'3 210+.

I'd rather they sign Bickell. Just watch the highlights from yesterday's game. He ran like 4 people over and scored. Could be a good fit with Nuge-Eberle
- TheNugeIsHuge

True enough I like bickell to he has scored some big goals for chicago through the year

There is no way the Oilers can make a run for the Stanley Cup with Hopkins,Eberle, Gagner and Yakupov in the top 6. Gagner and Hopkins are easily the smallest 1-2 centers in the league by a country mile. Hopkins cant seem to make it through a regular season, let alone the rough and tuff playoffs.
Next year the D will be slightly better and the forwards will be the same which means another season where we are talking about the draft in March.
If Big Mac lives up to his word he needs to make big changes, yes bringing in a few better role players will help but it wont fix the biggest challenge they have which is size despite what Big Mac says.
When other teams go after Hall and the rest of the kids, someone has to be on the same line that will deal with it, not some 4th liner who plays 5 minutes a game.

True enough I like bickell to he has scored some big goals for chicago through the year
- BleedOil06

also Stalberg was a healthy scratch one game in this DET series

There is no way the Oilers can make a run for the Stanley Cup with Hopkins,Eberle, Gagner and Yakupov in the top 6. Gagner and Hopkins are easily the smallest 1-2 centers in the league by a country mile. Hopkins cant seem to make it through a regular season, let alone the rough and tuff playoffs.
Next year the D will be slightly better and the forwards will be the same which means another season where we are talking about the draft in March.
If Big Mac lives up to his word he needs to make big changes, yes bringing in a few better role players will help but it wont fix the biggest challenge they have which is size despite what Big Mac says.
When other teams go after Hall and the rest of the kids, someone has to be on the same line that will deal with it, not some 4th liner who plays 5 minutes a game.
- vanlee

I think Datsyuk (5'11 190) and Zetterberg (5'11 195) are the centres for detroit right now and they're not doing so bad against the hawks. Not always about size, although like we're talking about in the surrounding comments, I'd like EDM to try to sign Bryan Bickell

I'm laughing my ass off at some of you fools. You're already penciling in Barkov for your 3rd line next season? OK, what are you giving David Poile for that #4 pick?

Richard Cloutier: Starting to Feel a Draft?
- Maxbone

No way Barkov is going to the Oilers because A) Nashville loves the player & needs a centre so he's gone at 4 & Monahan isn't slipping past the Flames at 6 so if the Oilers, as you suggest, want either player, they'll have to move up but because the talent level is so high in the top 6 picks, there's no way it's happening unless a GM gets the Oilers to overpay.

Best scenario that can happen is the Oilers deal the pick for a team that wants to move up from the middle of the first round & is prepared to part with a roster player who can step right in a help the Oilers. Enough of worrying about draft picks, next year Cloutier, you'll be saying the same thing instead of adding to the team with proven players.

It's time the Oilers move their next 2 first rounders and bring in immediate help, not players who can't play or contribute for 2 or 3yrs.

Now that I've cleared that up for you, stop talking about Barkov because he isn't ending up in Edmonton.

I'm laughing my ass off at some of you fools. You're already penciling in Barkov for your 3rd line next season? OK, what are you giving David Poile for that #4 pick?
- ProudestMonkey

don't know why Cloutier thinks it's possible. EDM'll likely be taking Lindholm since Monahan and Barkov'll be gone.

No way Barkov is going to the Oilers because A) Nashville loves the player & needs a centre so he's gone at 4 & Monahan isn't slipping past the Flames at 6 so if the Oilers, as you suggest, want either player, they'll have to move up but because the talent level is so high in the top 6 picks, there's no way it's happening unless a GM gets the Oilers to overpay.

Best scenario that can happen is the Oilers deal the pick for a team that wants to move up from the middle of the first round & is prepared to part with a roster player who can step right in a help the Oilers. Enough of worrying about draft picks, next year Cloutier, you'll be saying the same thing instead of adding to the team with proven players.

It's time the Oilers move their next 2 first rounders and bring in immediate help, not players who can't play or contribute for 2 or 3yrs.

Now that I've cleared that up for you, stop talking about Barkov because he isn't ending up in Edmonton.
- newmy

I wouldn't trade next year's 1st just yet. Don't want a Kessel situation where EDM finshes last or 2nd last

Stalberg plays pretty easy minutes and isn't physical at all for a guy who's 6'3 210+.

I'd rather they sign Bickell. Just watch the highlights from yesterday's game. He ran like 4 people over and scored. Could be a good fit with Nuge-Eberle
- TheNugeIsHuge

The thing I want about Stalberg is his skating and offense for the bottom-6. Upon glancing at his adv. stats, he's really been quite bad a driving and maintaining possession against lower quality opposition. Couple that with a history of inconsistency, and I'm not touching him with a 10 foot pole unless there's no one else.

I agree but the cost would be unreal.
- Morris

But who cares if the price is high, he's another player that is what this team is missing. MacT is talking about making bold moves, well only time will tell if he holds true to his words but sending off 2 first rounders for Backes is what should be happening.

I just think the Oilers have been way too passive on making bold moves because you can talk about all their skill in the top 6 all u want, skill alone does NOT win you championships, we see that every year with the Sedin sisters who completely vanish come playoff time.

Gritty players is what you need in your top 6 to offset the skill level & provide the more talented players with more space.

No way Barkov is going to the Oilers because A) Nashville loves the player & needs a centre so he's gone at 4 & Monahan isn't slipping past the Flames at 6 so if the Oilers, as you suggest, want either player, they'll have to move up but because the talent level is so high in the top 6 picks, there's no way it's happening unless a GM gets the Oilers to overpay.

Best scenario that can happen is the Oilers deal the pick for a team that wants to move up from the middle of the first round & is prepared to part with a roster player who can step right in a help the Oilers. Enough of worrying about draft picks, next year Cloutier, you'll be saying the same thing instead of adding to the team with proven players.

It's time the Oilers move their next 2 first rounders and bring in immediate help, not players who can't play or contribute for 2 or 3yrs.

Now that I've cleared that up for you, stop talking about Barkov because he isn't ending up in Edmonton.
- newmy

I was thinking somewhere along the lines of a big deal involving the 1st

Gagner, 7th overall, + for Tyutin, Johansen, LA's first.

Don't know why CBJ would give up IMO their best D man though

But who cares if the price is high, he's another player that is what this team is missing. MacT is talking about making bold moves, well only time will tell if he holds true to his words but sending off 2 first rounders for Backes is what should be happening.

I just think the Oilers have been way too passive on making bold moves because you can talk about all their skill in the top 6 all u want, skill alone does NOT win you championships, we see that every year with the Sedin sisters who completely vanish come playoff time.

Gritty players is what you need in your top 6 to offset the skill level & provide the more talented players with more space.
- newmy

Backes'd cost like Hall+ and EDM isn't trading their franchise player

don't know why Cloutier thinks it's possible. EDM'll likely be taking Lindholm since Monahan and Barkov'll be gone.
- TheNugeIsHuge

I don't think that the oil will take lindholm. If its true and he's another gagner type player then the oil would probably move the pick for an immediate player of some sorts. I just can't see them taking another small talented forward.

The thing I want about Stalberg is his skating and offense for the bottom-6. Upon glancing at his adv. stats, he's really been quite bad a driving and maintaining possession against lower quality opposition. Couple that with a history of inconsistency, and I'm not touching him with a 10 foot pole unless there's no one else.
- MaximumBone

I mean Bickell isn't much better possession-wise or at pushing the play, but at least he bangs bodies and can score. A lot of CHI's success comes from their great depth. I wish EDM could pry Andrew Shaw out of CHI too. No one on EDM can seem to score those greasy goals, hold Jones who may not be on EDM anymore.

I don't think that the oil will take lindholm. If its true and he's another gagner type player then the oil would probably move the pick for an immediate player of some sorts. I just can't see them taking another small talented forward.
- BleedOil06

Only clouts says he's another Gagner. Lindholm's supremely talented, and his two way game is actually quite good, so he could flourish under krueger's reigns.

http://www.puckprospectus...rticle.php?articleid=1520

I agree that the UFA market is our best way to improve. I also agree it is very doable to find players we can use. Add 3 versatile players to our back end with size. I like Antropov, Bickel and Nystrom, but their are plenty of options. Then add a veteran 1-2 d in Streit, which should be our priority. Then add a quality backup. The options suggested are the obvious. I might even talk to the Blues and see what their thoughts are. They started Halak and Allen last year. Now they look smitten with Elliot. All have fair price tags and the blues are going to need some money if their RFA's get the raises they should. I am thinking they will need to pick one of the goalies to put on the market eventually.
- bsteinley

It's fine to talk about which players you'd like to see the Oilers sign but you're forgetting one thing, UFA's can sign anywhere they like & when families enter the picture, Edmonton is not the first choice of most players whether people want to admit that or not.

And it doesn't matter about if your team is a winner, believe me, my brother played 20yrs of pro hockey(not in the NHL) in Europe & the AHL & his wife said to him when his contract ended in Adirondack, do u want to stay here(because Detroit wanted to resign him to an FA contract) or we have an opportunity to live & play in Phoenix(with the Roadrunners). Believe me, the warmer climate & city of Phoenix won out.

I'm not saying this goes for all players but it does apply for a ton of them.

Only clouts says he's another Gagner. Lindholm's supremely talented, and his two way game is actually quite good, so he could flourish under krueger's reigns.

http://www.puckprospectus...rticle.php?articleid=1520
- TheNugeIsHuge

Hmm well I like the fact there saying he's strong on the puck and is a possible future all-star. I really haven't seen enough of the kid to make an argument against him just hope the oil do well haha

If the Oil want to make a meaningful move up in the draft, they need look no further than Carolina at #5. In this draft there's a upper echelon consisting of 5 players. Before Nichushkin altered his contractual status in the KHL, this upper class consisted of just 4, but now he's there, too. This group consists of Jones, Mackinnon, Drouin, Barkov, and Nichushkin. With Jones most likely going to Colorado and one of Drouin and Mackinnon going to Florida, you have two of the consensus top 3 picks taken. But here's where it gets a little more interesting.

COL - Jones
FLA - Mackinnon
TB
NSH
CAR

Now, assuming the rumors are true, Tampa seems quite likely to be picking Nichushkin (they're kinda turning into Russian central).

COL - Jones
FLA - Mackinnon
TB - Nichushkin
NSH
CAR

While Drouin is more lauded by most scouting services, it's hard for the Preds to justify not taking Barkov at this stage because of how well he fits into their plans. So they choose him.

COL - Jones
FLA - Mackinnon
TB - Nichushkin
NSH - Barkov
CAR

Here's where we try to move up to. Carolina is in a similar drafting situation to in the sense that they could draft either a F or a D and be quite content. So why not move down? Drouin would be a great addition to their team, but they already have two Staals, Skinner, and Semin for their top 6 so it's not like they absolutely NEED him. So the Oilers make some sort of package to move up and take Drouin.

COL - Jones
FLA - Mackinnon
TB - Nichushkin
NSH - Barkov
EDM - Drouin

Regardless of what our team need is, you don't not pick a player who was consensus top 3 at #5. If need be, you can trade him (or another made expendable) later. Even if it doesn't play out that way, moving to #5 gets you at least one of the top-5 guys.

I think the best scenario for the Oilers is if Nichushkin is still available at 7. Long-shot l know, but he'd really solidify your future top 6.

Seth Jones was his team this year. He was also the American JRs team that won the gold medal. He is also a local Colorado boy. He is going first overall. He will play next year and he might win them their second rookie of the year in 3 years (because their is a large group of voters in the city of Colorado itself).

Druin out played Mackinnon all year. Was the second best player behind Nuge on the Jr team. Looked, IMO just as good as Mackinnon in the playoffs. Florida however has a need for a center. They will take him. Tampa also has a need for a Center if they are buying out Vinny. But they also only have 1 winger. Drouin is miles ahead of barkov and Nich might be a few inches taller than druoin but there is no comparing the two for Canadian GM Yzerman. The top 3 will go as predicted by everyone. Mackinnon will go first ONLY because of the need for centre and because him and Drouin are so close in talent.

Here is my thought. I am not against using our first round pick to get a player who improves the team this year. However why not move up with Nashville or carolina by using one of our defensive prospects. Gernat, Musil or Marincin. All great prospects and future NHLers. We could be giving away a gem but I don't see how they are ever going to fit into our lineup. Schultz, Petry, Klefbom are all the same age roughly and our core. We pick 2 of the 3 prospects we want and trade the third. Then we have 5 guys at the age of 22 ish coming up. Its easy to see who will Fedun being number 6 if his leg really did heal. It is easy to predict who will be 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Until then I think we add Streit rather than two rookies for next year.

I think Carolina especially would be interesting in taking a D prospect that could compete this year for their line up and still be AT WORST stuck with playmaking forward Lind.

As for Barkov who is not as good as Canadian Monahan offensively. He gets out of military service by changing his citizenship to Russian if he hasn't already. His dad is. Hello NHL, good by training for an army that never does anything globally. Seriously guys. Watch a game or two at random of Barkov playing and Monahan (Nich is better than both but a center is better for us unless hall moves). Monahan is the more skilled forward. Barkov's goals are almost all capitalizing on rebounds or passes from teammates that give him an open net. Monahan has to make entire plays by himself and then finish them alone. He is the only player on his team.
- bsteinley

LB is that you?

Hmm well I like the fact there saying he's strong on the puck and is a possible future all-star. I really haven't seen enough of the kid to make an argument against him just hope the oil do well haha
- BleedOil06

Except in order for EDM to get Lindholm, Nichushkin or a defender'll have to be taken by TB or CAR

I wonder what Ales Hemsky and Oilers 2014 1st could get them as far as draft picks..possibly one of Columbus first round picks this year?
If it could get Oilers a second pick in the top 20 I'd be all for it, take Horvat or Lazar or Gauthier with that pick..in that order if available..with the number seven I'm perfectly fine with taking Monahan or Lindholm..especially Lindholm, he's insane (just look him up on youtube)..I'd rather have the Oilers try to move up and get Barkov or Nichushkin..if the intent is to draft Nichushkin it would cost the Oilers something like Paajarvi+7th+both 2nds this year..still likely doesn't get it done since Tampa is all crazy about him..if it's for Barkov I'd be willing to give up 7th+Gagner OR Paajarvi..don't think Nashville does that though.

Either way this years draft will be a ton of fun to watch, I'm expecting lots of trades under the MacT regime..kinda like when Lowe ran the show, every draft you knew that they were gonna make some kind of trade, looking back they didn't really pan out but I think MacT is a smarter hockey mind than Lowe and a better communicater..in the end I think Oilers will end up with either three first round selections or one of Barkov, Monahan, Lindholm, or dare I say it MacKinnon.

Except in order for EDM to get Lindholm, Nichushkin or a defender'll have to be taken by TB or CAR
- TheNugeIsHuge

Very true carloina is a wild card they could screw everything up haha but the odds our against them taking a center so that's an upside

I wonder what Ales Hemsky and Oilers 2014 1st could get them as far as draft picks..possibly one of Columbus first round picks this year?
If it could get Oilers a second pick in the top 20 I'd be all for it, take Horvat or Lazar or Gauthier with that pick..in that order if available..with the number seven I'm perfectly fine with taking Monahan or Lindholm..especially Lindholm, he's insane (just look him up on youtube)..I'd rather have the Oilers try to move up and get Barkov or Nichushkin..if the intent is to draft Nichushkin it would cost the Oilers something like Paajarvi+7th+both 2nds this year..still likely doesn't get it done since Tampa is all crazy about him..if the it's for Barkov I'd be willing to give up 7th+Gagner OR Paajarvi..don't think Nashville does that though.

Either way this years draft will be a ton of fun to watch, I'm expecting lots of trades under the MacT regime..kinda like when Lowe ran the show, every draft you knew that they were gonna make some kind of trade, looking back they didn't really pan out but I think MacT is a smarter hockey mind that Lowe and a better communicater..in the end I think Oilers will end up with either three first round selections or one of Barkov, Monahan, Lindholm, or dare I say it MacKinnon.
- oilers2k14

I think Horvat's gone by 10.

I wouldn't move up to take Nichushkin as he's not necessarily going to tampa. There's no way they have him above Drouin

Only clouts says he's another Gagner. Lindholm's supremely talented, and his two way game is actually quite good, so he could flourish under krueger's reigns.

http://www.puckprospectus...rticle.php?articleid=1520
- TheNugeIsHuge

By all means he appears to be an elite prospect, so I won't be happy if we pass on him to take a different forward if he's the best one left.