Do you guys actually want Hall to make the permanent shift to centre? I would think he's a natural winger at the NHL level, but I only see him a few times a year.
- BetterCallSaul

Jamie benn made the move. I can't see why Hall couldn't. They play a similar game.

With the smaller skilled forwards they can use some physical bigger players in the bottom 6. Joensuu is a start at least. I just don't see them going after a colton Orr or Steve MacIntyre type. Maybe a younger player that can skate and play like Nolan or Maroon
- Killbot460

I don't see them doing it either, but teams that play for the cup have them. I just wouldn't call it wasting a roster spot. Plus, comparing to Orr misleads the idea of an enforcer. Orr does do some nice things on the forecheck and along the boards, goes to the net and stuff but mostly just fights. A guy like Scott Thornton fights but actually can play some pretty good hockey, could arguably play third line minutes on some teams. A guy that fights is needed for the Oil, and if they can fine a guy that can play a bit too thats even better.

Glad we have hockey guru's like this on HB to share their wisdom with us. Where would this site be without such thought provoking commentary? Within the realm of credibility, perhaps?

To the issue of the season being lost: It's a little early to write the season off. I can only assume your blog was written with a healthy dose of sarcasm. It is clear however, that the Oilers need to do something to address their center depth.

For all of you who are worshiping Darnell Nurse's jock strap, this is exactly why some of us didn't want the oilers to draft a defenseman. Nurse has been good, but drafting a center would have made this situation a little more tolerable. While having a newly drafted center might not have been the magic bullet, it certainly would give the oilers options right now, instead of the log jam on the blueline they currently face.
- NEEDSMORHORCOFF

If you'd drafted a center, and then gotten a glut of injuires at defense someone could say the same thing. Hind sight it 20/20, that's why you always draft the BPA. And from everything i've heard, Nurse is the real deal.

Hoping you guys fight through this. Sens went through a lot of this last year, he's hoping you can repeat that.

I don't see them doing it either, but teams that play for the cup have them. I just wouldn't call it wasting a roster spot. Plus, comparing to Orr misleads the idea of an enforcer. Orr does do some nice things on the forecheck and along the boards, goes to the net and stuff but mostly just fights. A guy like Scott Thornton fights but actually can play some pretty good hockey, could arguably play third line minutes on some teams. A guy that fights is needed for the Oil, and if they can fine a guy that can play a bit too thats even better.
- aminnes

That's exactly why I said tons of times: the oil should look to acquire Pat Maroon or Brandon Mashinter. They have both put up decent numbers in the AHL and have fought as well down there. In the mid to young twenties and they haven't had a real shot to make an NHL team. I would like for Mac T to go out and find players like them and give them a chance. I believe they are just as good as eager and jones they just bring a more physical edge to the team.

Touchdown Seahawks!!!

Oh sorry...wrong blog

Remember when Crosby had his jaw all (frank)ed up? Gagner is twice the man he is, he'll be back with a vengeance.

Kassian went for a hit along the boards, Gags stopped up making Kassian miss the hit by a good deal but in the follow through, Kassian's arms just kinda swung to the sides and happened to smash Gagner in the mouth.
- MaximumBone

Doesn't help that Gagner is 5'8" and Kassian is 6'3"... smurf.

Jamie benn made the move. I can't see why Hall couldn't. They play a similar game.
- Killbot460

Benn at centre didn't work out all that well, he's been shifted back to wing now where he feels more comfortable.

That's exactly why I said tons of times: the oil should look to acquire Pat Maroon or Brandon Mashinter. They have both put up decent numbers in the AHL and have fought as well down there. In the mid to young twenties and they haven't had a real shot to make an NHL team. I would like for Mac T to go out and find players like them and give them a chance. I believe they are just as good as eager and jones they just bring a more physical edge to the team.
- Killbot460

True. Eager was once very effective, not so much anymore...

With the smaller skilled forwards they can use some physical bigger players in the bottom 6. Joensuu is a start at least. I just don't see them going after a colton Orr or Steve MacIntyre type. Maybe a younger player that can skate and play like Nolan or Maroon
- Killbot460

Except both players you mentioned as a younger player that can skate and hit can't actually skate (at the NHL level, that is) Nolan is a below average skater and Maroon lacks acceleration and a certain swiftness to his stride.

If you're looking on the FA list for guys that can bring size and physical play along with another stand out facet to their game, you're looking at a fairly short list. Guys like David Steckel (FO and PK), Smithson (FO and PK), and possibly even Latendresse (offense) assuming that he doesn't make the Coyotes and that he can stay in shape.

One guy that I have interest in is Daniel Bang (Preds). He's never been a high offensive producer, but he plays a power game and has been noted as a hard worker throughout his career. Standing at 6'3 210ish, he's a lot of what we need. I don't know if he's super physical or not, but that's not MY main concern (despite recent events). Maybe make a deal for his rights (he's RFA) and perhaps another prospect like Buddish, Beck, or even as far as Watson. Maybe even try to get Gaustad.

Touchdown Seahawks!!!

Oh sorry...wrong blog
- LeftCoaster

Get your poop together man, you're completely Jaguaring all over the place here.....

Get your poop together man, you're completely Jaguaring all over the place here.....
- lumlums

I thought something smelled a little off.

Get your poop together man, you're completely Jaguaring all over the place here.....
- lumlums

You'll be hearing that a lot through out RNH's career, "RNH will be back."
- Compeyson

As much as you've already heard it about Lupul possibly.

As much as you've already heard it about Lupul possibly.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

Now now, don't be taking shots at the Oilers alumni.

Now now, don't be taking shots at the Oilers alumni.
- Dangles13

Lupul sucked ass while he was here.

- LeftCoaster

Touchdown!!!

Damn... look what you did!

Lupul sucked ass while he was here.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

Probably through his nose....

Lupul sucked ass while he was here.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

It's not so much what he did here as much as it's what we gave up to get him.

Touchdown!!!

Damn... look what you did!
- lumlums

A couple of close games and we are all watching the 31-0 game eh?

Lupul sucked ass while he was here.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

Shooting percentage last year: 26.2%

Here comes the crash.

EDIT: Unless of course he only moves his stick on tap-ins.

Touchdown!!!

Damn... look what you did!
- lumlums

Bob McKenzie‏@TSNBobMcKenzie22m
Confirming what VAN media reported already, disciplinary hearings tomorrow for Canucks Dale Weise and Zack Kassian.

A couple of close games and we are all watching the 31-0 game eh?
- Dangles13

Meh... I'm not really a football fan, just got on some background noise.

Meh... I'm not really a football fan, just got on some background noise.
- lumlums

Kinda like Jacksonville, not really a football team but someone has to play them every week.