MacT just advised Eakins aint going anywhere.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I think he was eluding to the oilers as a whole.

I think he was eluding to the oilers as a whole.
- coryberg2

good one...

MacT just advised Eakins aint going anywhere.
- Colin Dambrauskas

So he also addressed something we were discussing earlier. Two biggest needs are top Dman and top 2 Center. He said its fair to say they will attempt to address 1 through trade and one through the draft. So we'll see which is which? Draft a C trade for D? or vice versa.

So he also addressed something we were discussing earlier. Two biggest needs are top Dman and top 2 Center. He said its fair to say they will attempt to address 1 through trade and one through the draft. So we'll see which is which? Draft a C trade for D? or vice versa.
- Iggysbff

Setting aside my desire to draft Ekblad.

If the Oilers want to see impact sooner, they should draft the Center and try to trade for the Defense.

It is well documented that defensemen simply take longer to develop. Do the Oilers really still want to continue to wait? They seem to have confidence in Marincin and Klefbom, and Nurse may be ready next season. If they can get somebody established and more veteran in trade for the defense then that is the route that they should go. Somebody to lead these kids.

But they may have to be willing to pay to do it. And within reason, at this stage of the game they should be willing to pay to do it. I'm not saying set the team back by ripping open a different hole in the line up, but be willing to part with one of the "kids". If it is deemed that Yakapov is the "expendable" one, then don't go into it expecting teams to give the world for him. I'm not saying to get screwed in the trade, but make the move.

So if not Ekblad, who do you think they should go for? I'm thinking Draisaitl as it gives them a center, and also the much needed size to their top 6.

So he also addressed something we were discussing earlier. Two biggest needs are top Dman and top 2 Center. He said its fair to say they will attempt to address 1 through trade and one through the draft. So we'll see which is which? Draft a C trade for D? or vice versa.
- Iggysbff

isn't addressing either of those needs pushing your rebuild back 2-3 yrs (at least if drafting a D). If those are the needs they have, and want them dressed immediately they'd be via trade. I think Schultz would grow immensely with a vet player to play with. Since Gagner isn't considered a top 2 centre anymore, moving him and yak would bring in an extremely solid piece for that role.

Otherwise its the same trap of throwing on too much responsibility on a young player that could use a year or so to develop and gain confidence.

Setting aside my desire to draft Ekblad.

If the Oilers want to see impact sooner, they should draft the Center and try to trade for the Defense.

It is well documented that defensemen simply take longer to develop. Do the Oilers really still want to continue to wait? They seem to have confidence in Marincin and Klefbom, and Nurse may be ready next season. If they can get somebody established and more veteran in trade for the defense then that is the route that they should go. Somebody to lead these kids.

But they may have to be willing to pay to do it. And within reason, at this stage of the game they should be willing to pay to do it. I'm not saying set the team back by ripping open a different hole in the line up, but be willing to part with one of the "kids". If it is deemed that Yakapov is the "expendable" one, then don't go into it expecting teams to give the world for him. I'm not saying to get screwed in the trade, but make the move.

So if not Ekblad, who do you think they should go for? I'm thinking Draisaitl as it gives them a center, and also the much needed size to their top 6.
- dal_johnson

Draisaitl I think would be the one that could step into a 2nd line role more readily. But is it worth gambling on another prospect when they could trade for that player?

Setting aside my desire to draft Ekblad.

If the Oilers want to see impact sooner, they should draft the Center and try to trade for the Defense.

It is well documented that defensemen simply take longer to develop. Do the Oilers really still want to continue to wait? They seem to have confidence in Marincin and Klefbom, and Nurse may be ready next season. If they can get somebody established and more veteran in trade for the defense then that is the route that they should go. Somebody to lead these kids.

But they may have to be willing to pay to do it. And within reason, at this stage of the game they should be willing to pay to do it. I'm not saying set the team back by ripping open a different hole in the line up, but be willing to part with one of the "kids". If it is deemed that Yakapov is the "expendable" one, then don't go into it expecting teams to give the world for him. I'm not saying to get screwed in the trade, but make the move.

So if not Ekblad, who do you think they should go for? I'm thinking Draisaitl as it gives them a center, and also the much needed size to their top 6.
- dal_johnson

Most of us want to trade or sign a UFA dman. And draft a C. MacT is a smart man. I'll be fine with whatever he does. He's working hard to do what needs to happen. Just isnt a lot of teams giving up much. Signing UFA's like Markov, Hainsey, Mitchell, Niskanen would go a long long ways to helping.

Draisaitl I think would be the one that could step into a 2nd line role more readily. But is it worth gambling on another prospect when they could trade for that player?
- numbear

I don't see them with the desirable assets to gain both a top pairing and a 2nd line center, unless they are also willing to trade their pick.

And I don't see the Oilers wanting to continue to wait the time it will take a defensemen to develop versus a forward.

So if it is trade for one and draft for one, then they are better to trade for the defenseman and draft the center.

As to the pressure on an 18 year old forward. Yes it will be there, but this forward (Draisaitl for example) doesn't need to step in and be the main guy right now. There is still a lot for him to play behind.

Most of us want to trade or sign a UFA dman. And draft a C. MacT is a smart man. I'll be fine with whatever he does. He's working hard to do what needs to happen. Just isnt a lot of teams giving up much. Signing UFA's like Markov, Hainsey, Mitchell, Niskanen would go a long long ways to helping.
- Iggysbff

Hey man, last blog you said you wouldnt take Draisaitl over Ekblad. You keep saying you dont need Ekblad, but I thought Drais was the guy you wanted? Who DO you want?

Most of us want to trade or sign a UFA dman. And draft a C. MacT is a smart man. I'll be fine with whatever he does. He's working hard to do what needs to happen. Just isnt a lot of teams giving up much. Signing UFA's like Markov, Hainsey, Mitchell, Niskanen would go a long long ways to helping.
- Iggysbff

if he was able to grab Jagr that could be an interesting piece to add. Or hate to think of it as we lived through this crap....jokinen as a 1yr UFA for your second line centre.

I don't see them with the desirable assets to gain both a top pairing and a 2nd line center, unless they are also willing to trade their pick.

And I don't see the Oilers wanting to continue to wait the time it will take a defensemen to develop versus a forward.

So if it is trade for one and draft for one, then they are better to trade for the defenseman and draft the center.

As to the pressure on an 18 year old forward. Yes it will be there, but this forward (Draisaitl for example) doesn't need to step in and be the main guy right now. There is still a lot for him to play behind.
- dal_johnson

what are you talking about? Oilers are probably one of the only teams that have enough assets to fill two spots. Yes it means most likely moving Yak and their 1st, but they could do it.

I have to disagree that on their team the pressures are there if they draft a player as a 2nd centre. I don't see gagner being around next year, and they don't really have some one to step up into that position.

Flames are the opposite in that regard, too many 2/3rd line players. Oilers, too many 1st line types.

what are you talking about? Oilers are probably one of the only teams that have enough assets to fill two spots. Yes it means most likely moving Yak and their 1st, but they could do it.

I have to disagree that on their team the pressures are there if they draft a player as a 2nd centre. I don't see gagner being around next year, and they don't really have some one to step up into that position.

Flames are the opposite in that regard, too many 2/3rd line players. Oilers, too many 1st line types.
- numbear

Like I said, unless they are willing to trade their 1st. If they are then they definitely have the assets. But as was originally asked to start this line of conversation. Which do they draft, and which do they trade for. That instantly implies that for this conversation they aren't trading the 1st rounder.

As for the pressure, I just meant it is easier to step into the 2nd line center role then it is to step into the 1st line center. He would be somewhat "sheltered" as he still gets to play behind Hall, RNH, and Eberle. Defintely still pressure but he doesn't have to be "the man" instantly.

Most of us want to trade or sign a UFA dman. And draft a C. MacT is a smart man. I'll be fine with whatever he does. He's working hard to do what needs to happen. Just isnt a lot of teams giving up much. Signing UFA's like Markov, Hainsey, Mitchell, Niskanen would go a long long ways to helping.
- Iggysbff

If I were Mac T. I would question why I didn't wear a helmet more in my playing days. Then I would trade Yaks and Gagner for Ellis and Beck. I realise Ellis is an RFA but he is in a system that has a lot of talent around him so he maybe had for the right trade. He has PP experience and he has the ability to be sound defenively as well. Beck sounds like he could be a top 6 power forward so he could help beef up the current top 6 or at least help out the top 9.

Yuck .... I hate talking about what the Coilers could do ..... I feel dirty. ...

Oilers SUCK!!!! ...aaaahhh that feels better.

James Mirtle @mirtle
Flames announce they're shutting down their AHL team in Abbotsford. No word where they'll be located next year yet.

Exactly....the league needs the Alberta teams strong. Which is exactly why the League and Mr. Bettman are going to rig the draft and give the Flames the first overall pick.
- The-O-G

Shhhh...That's not until next year, we aren't supposed to tell anyone!

Hey man, last blog you said you wouldnt take Draisaitl over Ekblad. You keep saying you dont need Ekblad, but I thought Drais was the guy you wanted? Who DO you want?
- TandA4Flames

Id rate the top 4:

Reinhart
Bennett
Ekblad
Draisaitl


But I'm not MacT and his scouts.

At 1st overall my choice is Reinhart. I think of it as a chess game, Reinhart might not turn out to be the top guy (he very well could be), but providing incentive for Griffin Reinhart to join his brothers could make Sam the most valuable player in the draft for the Flames.

At 4th it is whomever is left between Reinhart, Bennett, Ekblad or Dal Colle.

I agree with Buddy that we need to start developing dmen now, but I really don't think we should burn a 4th overall on one so I won't be to upset if Ekblad is gone. Franchise d can be found later on in the draft i.e Shea Weber. I would like to see us perhaps grab another 1st to draft a dman like Fluery, or use our 2nd to get Mckeown (sp).

Id rate the top 4:

Reinhart
Bennett
Ekblad
Draisaitl


But I'm not MacT and his scouts.
- Iggysbff

I have Dal Colle over Draistaitl, but this rating would make sense for the Oilers. I think the Panthers take Dal Colle. Let's just hope the teams ahead of us Value players we covet differently, Reinharts #1 for me too.

Id rate the top 4:

Reinhart
Bennett
Ekblad
Draisaitl


But I'm not MacT and his scouts.
- Iggysbff

Reinhart is a little too much like RNH dont you think. Bennett or Draisaitl would seem like a Better fit. Guys with size and/or grit. Also, I'm pretty sure Dal Colle is both LW and C. Maybe hes your guy.

At 1st overall my choice is Reinhart. I think of it as a chess game, Reinhart might not turn out to be the top guy (he very well could be), but providing incentive for Griffin Reinhart to join his brothers could make Sam the most valuable player in the draft for the Flames.

At 4th it is whomever is left between Reinhart, Bennett, Ekblad or Dal Colle.

I agree with Buddy that we need to start developing dmen now, but I really don't think we should burn a 4th overall on one so I won't be to upset if Ekblad is gone. Franchise d can be found later on in the draft i.e Shea Weber. I would like to see us perhaps grab another 1st to draft a dman like Fluery, or use our 2nd to get Mckeown (sp).
- Saskabush

I think 1st round it'll be rein hart/bennet or dalcolle (I still have a soft spot for virtanen, but top 5 is to soon for him). Then 2nd to 4th load up on D, starting with Mckeown in the 2nd.

I think with some of the moves they make there will be a whack of 2nd round picks this year, so maybe a couple picks can be packaged to get a late 1st and grab a solid player there....like if Fleury drops between 20-30

Reinhart is a little too much like RNH dont you think. Bennett or Draisaitl would seem like a Better fit. Guys with size and/or grit. Also, I'm pretty sure Dal Colle is both LW and C. Maybe hes your guy.
- TandA4Flames

I think any of those bring more grit and size then huge. Iggy before you get your back out and give us the he gained 50lbs comments again, sure he's getting bigger, but he doesn't play big. All the names you mentioned play bigger.

At 1st overall my choice is Reinhart. I think of it as a chess game, Reinhart might not turn out to be the top guy (he very well could be), but providing incentive for Griffin Reinhart to join his brothers could make Sam the most valuable player in the draft for the Flames.

At 4th it is whomever is left between Reinhart, Bennett, Ekblad or Dal Colle.

I agree with Buddy that we need to start developing dmen now, but I really don't think we should burn a 4th overall on one so I won't be to upset if Ekblad is gone. Franchise d can be found later on in the draft i.e Shea Weber. I would like to see us perhaps grab another 1st to draft a dman like Fluery, or use our 2nd to get Mckeown (sp).
- Saskabush

And for every franchise dman found in the later rounds, there are hundreds of 2nd round d-men that you can't even name.

Guys like Doughty, Piertoangelo, or Suter, were all higher first rounders.

Even Nashville, who already has Weber and could follow your theory, took Seth Jones at number 4 last year.

If Ekblad is still there at 4th, then it likely means that Reinhart is gone. And for the Flames he is the only of the upper ranked guys that I might take over Ekblad. So at 4th I don't pass over Ekblad.

If we can grab another first then that is one thing. But by the time the 4th pick comes along that may not yet be an option.

I think 1st round it'll be rein hart/bennet or dalcolle (I still have a soft spot for virtanen, but top 5 is to soon for him). Then 2nd to 4th load up on D, starting with Mckeown in the 2nd.

I think with some of the moves they make there will be a whack of 2nd round picks this year, so maybe a couple picks can be packaged to get a late 1st and grab a solid player there....like if Fleury drops between 20-30
- numbear

Damn I sure wouldn't love a tol 6 RW and a few D men.

I think any of those bring more grit and size then huge. Iggy before you get your back out and give us the he gained 50lbs comments again, sure he's getting bigger, but he doesn't play big. All the names you mentioned play bigger.
- numbear

Reinhart is very much like Nuge.

Bennett is extremely gritty. Mucks it up and will punch his grandma to win a battle. Compared to Doug Gilmour.
Draisaitl is bigger puck protector/play maker. Compared to Getzlaf.

I'd have Dal Colle 5th.

Just awful news about the stabbings of the 5 U of C students....condolences to the families and all involved.

Hard to believe something like that can happen in our great city.

My heart is heavy today