Well that's pretty much the problem. MTL has a Norris winner... but after that only an aging #2 in markov and a bunch of #3. But correct me if i'm wrong, but right now im pretty sure Yak's isnt worth a #1 D. His value couldn'T be lower than that right now.
- guitar_ft

It could absolutely be lower than it is right now. But I agree, the Oilers would rather wait and continue to develop Yakupov or trade different assets to get that #1 D.

They're certainly not interested in a fire sale.

Oh that is such a stupid mega troll headline. Even Ryan Lambert wouldn't stoop to such a headline.
- S Kaspar Rollins

Speaking of Stupid headlines - great one from tsn. CANADA HAS OPTIONS IF STAMKOS IS UNABLE TO PLAY IN SOCHI

Here I thought they were just going to give up and not play at all.

Also, Eklund, the Flames still are not in a position to move any d-men. Unless somehow some idiot team thinks Butler is good, in which case I'd take pretty much anything.

Still don't understand why they did the Smid trade.
- S Kaspar Rollins

I agree but I mean is there no chance that Horak kid turns out into anything? Also for the most part the moves made added leadership, defense, experience, toughness. So they have been addressing their weaknesses.

I agree but I mean is there no chance that Horak kid turns out into anything? Also for the most part the moves made added leadership, defense, experience, toughness. So they have been addressing their weaknesses.
- blizzzard

He might be an OK third liner but remember he couldn't crack a year 1 rebuild Flames squad. I was more sorry to see Brossoit go.

Mainly though I just saw the trade as them making their huge d problem actually worse just for the sake of a maybe slight upgrade in goal. Questionable strategy.

He might be an OK third liner but remember he couldn't crack a year 1 rebuild Flames squad. I was more sorry to see Brossoit go.

Mainly though I just saw the trade as them making their huge d problem actually worse just for the sake of a maybe slight upgrade in goal. Questionable strategy.
- S Kaspar Rollins

I think most people agree that the Smid move was very questionable. I always liked him though. Could it have been a dressing room thing ? I thought Smid was a pretty good team mate though so it doesnt seem right.

Too bad the NHL doesn't allow loaning a young player to another team for perspective building experience. Yak to Vancouver for a month would have him crying like a baby for Eakins!

Well that's pretty much the problem. MTL has a Norris winner*... but after that only an aging #2 in markov and a bunch of #3. But correct me if i'm wrong, but right now im pretty sure Yak's isnt worth a #1 D. His value couldn'T be lower than that right now.
- guitar_ft

fixed

Nobody can devalue a prospect like the Oilers can. The brought the trade value of Hemsky down till nobody wanted him, did the same with Gagne and now Yakupov. Nice work Kevin Lowe.

He might be an OK third liner but remember he couldn't crack a year 1 rebuild Flames squad. I was more sorry to see Brossoit go.

Mainly though I just saw the trade as them making their huge d problem actually worse just for the sake of a maybe slight upgrade in goal. Questionable strategy.
- S Kaspar Rollins

Agreed and agreed!
Is there no one NHL ready in the Oilers system on D?

Agreed and agreed!
Is there no one NHL ready in the Oilers system on D?
- geta02it

They have been talking about this Klefbom fellow for years now Hopefully his first NHL game is better then Merrils

Nobody can devalue a prospect like the Oilers can. The brought the trade value of Hemsky down till nobody wanted him, did the same with Gagne and now Yakupov. Nice work Kevin Lowe.
- Bullot

Nobody can devalue a prospect like the Oilers can. The brought the trade value of Hemsky down till nobody wanted him, did the same with Gagne and now Yakupov. Nice work Kevin Lowe.
- Bullot

The best case scenario is that they flip him for a great d upgrade. The worst case scenario is Edmonton's version of the Phaneuf trade.

The best case scenario is that they flip him for a great d upgrade. The worst case scenario is Edmonton's version of the Phaneuf trade.
- S Kaspar Rollins

You just had to...

You just had to...
- geta02it

Well Dion was also a polarizing young star whose behavior was inviting a trade...also, like Dion should have been, Yakupov may be the best trade asset for the Oilers...

Agreed and agreed!
Is there no one NHL ready in the Oilers system on D?
- geta02it

Larsen has stepped in, and as a bottom pairing defender it's frankly not too much of a downgrade. Especially since (while a worse player to date) Larsen is a much better skater than Smid, and the oilers major D problem has been an inability to make a solid breakout.

I think fans are getting fed up
This was supposed to be the year they compete and make the playoffs...they are nowhere close! This was the year to expect "bold moves", nothing has been done to steer this ship in the right direction
Even if they made a big move to address their needs, it's way too late and they're likely not going to make the playoffs as you said...but it'll at least be an indication that the team WANTS to win, rather than keep finishing in the cellar for "high draft picks for the future"....they've been doing that for too many years, it's time to win NOW
- cpltanto

As big a mess as Edmonton appears to be at present. I think people are forgetting that the season is still quite young. Lots of time left to work out the kinks this season.

Well Dion was also a polarizing young star whose behavior was inviting a trade...also, like Dion should have been, Yakupov may be the best trade asset for the Oilers...
- S Kaspar Rollins

Perhaps but I see a better return given the current environment and circumstances with Yak in trading one of the "untouchables". Since management isn't changing and coaching obviously isn't the issue, maybe something more dramatic is required. Trading your lower pairing as Smid is (now) being described by Oiler nation or your 3rd or 4th line guys isnt the answer, maybe its time???

As big a mess as Edmonton appears to be at present. I think people are forgetting that the season is still quite young. Lots of time left to work out the kinks this season.
- MnGump

At this point, it's a long shot to make the playoffs. But most oilers fans want to go on a tear, even if it means a worse draft pick. On paper, it's a team that can at least pump a ton of goals in the net. Somewhat AVERAGE goaltending and J Schultz regaining his form, it's a pretty decent team.

And everyone's fed up with the injuries excuse, but the Oilers haven't had a healthy team all year. If we could legitimately run:

Hall-Gagner-Hemsky
Perron-Nuge-Eberle
Jones-Gordon-Yakupov
Smyth-Arcobello-Joensuu

That's a forward core with a LOT of depth.

The Oilers and Flyers, and Devils and Rangers talks have only been put temporarliy aside As is typical of a weekness, first you take the temperature, then you assess, then you medicate. We appear to be nearing the end of the assessment period.

What a Journalist you are.

Perhaps but I see a better return given the current environment and circumstances with Yak in trading one of the "untouchables". Since management isn't changing and coaching obviously isn't the issue, maybe something more dramatic is required. Trading your lower pairing as Smid is (now) being described by Oiler nation or your 3rd or 4th line guys isnt the answer, maybe its time???
- geta02it

Hmm, this seems to be following the apologist assumption that the Dion deal was somehow the only deal on the table, that his trade value was that bad, which I have never believed.

The lesson from the Dion deal, I think, is to tread lightly when trading good young players. And I think the Oilers should think this way too, rather than go the knee-jerk route.

As big a mess as Edmonton appears to be at present. I think people are forgetting that the season is still quite young. Lots of time left to work out the kinks this season.
- MnGump

I saw a percentage of teams that are out by November X points have an almost zero chance of being in the big show. The West is waaaaaay to strong...

This has to be one of the worst headlines in the history of HB....

I saw a percentage of teams that are out by November X points have an almost zero chance of being in the big show. The West is waaaaaay to strong...
- geta02it

Conservatively, we're looking at about 94 points, which means like 40-19-4 or something. Unlikely to happen

"There are some players the Canucks are definitely targeting in their attempt to get faster and a bit younger..."

... but I will not tell you who, because frankly, I just pulled this nugget straight out of my ass