Probably not many. Spezza just did it, but it's likely the exception as opposed to the rule.

My thought on Campbell is that if he really wants out, he'll get himself traded. Once a player really wants out GMs generally push hard to get them gone.
- Morris

Apparently this is year 2 of him wanting out. So I guess if he isn't dealt and the team doesn't improve this summer then you'll see Campbell become a bit more disgruntled.

Now with a stronger starting goalie, stronger depth down the middle, more NHL quality talent on D, a coaching staff that knows what they're doing, and the division they play in, Florida can challenge for a playoff spot in the next 1-2 years with some signings here and there.

EDM's got about 6 holes to fill, 3-4 of which are pretty substantial and even when they reach that peak point I still don't know if they'll be able to compete in the pacific. I'm easily more optimistic for FLA's rebuild than EDM's
- TheNugeIsHuge

About 75% of that has to do with Brian Campbell. Over the next 1-2 years, Petry, Schultz, Nurse, Klef, Marincin, Ference is not that different than Ekblad, Kulikov, Weaver, Gilbert, Gudbranson.

The big difference there is Campbell.

Out of curiosity, could you name those 6 holes, and which 3-4 are substantial?

My thought of the day:

We can't trade for a defenseman. We're too bad, and every other team has us over a barrel for that reason. giving up Eberle/Yak/1sts to make it happen isn't a "lose the trade but be better in the long-run" situation. We still need guys like Eberle and Yak, and maybe even Draisaitl/Bennett. We ought to go for the most attainable short-term defenseman. Any defenseman that's Petry quality or better is great, any defenseman that's slightly below can also be of service. When we improve in the standings, we're not every other team's lil' brudder, and we can come to the negotiation table as equals.

Yeah I am

I think depth through the top 9 is the best direction for this team.

Im not interested in pigeonholing players into certain roles. And I believe the entire nhl is trending this way.
This isnt a demotion for perron. In fact the guy id want in the top 6 isnt as talented as perron, but plays a much simpler crasher type game.
Its a way to make us tougher to match up with and improve our depth.
He'd still have comparable minutes.
- hugefemale dog77

Interesting. I see what you are saying. I agree that if we are to ever compete we need a third line that can produce. Realistically when we are at that stage 25+ goals from a player on that line would be ideal. I guess I am just seeing Perron as the biggest hitter and maybe our best goal scorer in the top 6. I would much rather see him play the opposite wing than bump him down short term. I do see your point but Eakins plays a short bench, I am not convinced next year he will or the Oilers will have the talent to run 3 capable offensive lines. I guess we'll see what pieces he can add though. It is possible.

My thought of the day:

We can't trade for a defenseman. We're too bad, and every other team has us over a barrel for that reason. giving up Eberle/Yak/1sts to make it happen isn't a "lose the trade but be better in the long-run" situation. We still need guys like Eberle and Yak, and maybe even Draisaitl/Bennett. We ought to go for the most attainable short-term defenseman. Any defenseman that's Petry quality or better is great, any defenseman that's slightly below can also be of service. When we improve in the standings, we're not every other team's lil' brudder, and we can come to the negotiation table as equals.
- Morris

We can afford a Dman with a bad contract. Campbell and Dion are two good examples. We can also afford to trade with teams that have too much in terms of dmen and are looking for youth. BUF with Zadarov and Ristolen might part with Myers for some of our young guys. Also I can't see a world where VAN puts together a team and keeps 20 million locked up in 4 dmen. We don't have a ton to offer but if we can get someone on a salary dump, we are looking good or gamble on someone that has had a bad season in injuries like we did with Perron.

Other than that I agree with you. We don't have a ton we can give.

Interesting. I see what you are saying. I agree that if we are to ever compete we need a third line that can produce. Realistically when we are at that stage 25+ goals from a player on that line would be ideal. I guess I am just seeing Perron as the biggest hitter and maybe our best goal scorer in the top 6. I would much rather see him play the opposite wing than bump him down short term. I do see your point but Eakins plays a short bench, I am not convinced next year he will or the Oilers will have the talent to run 3 capable offensive lines. I guess we'll see what pieces he can add though. It is possible.
- Hall Fan

I see it something like this using, some comparable players to what im thinking;

Bickell, nuge, ebs
Hall, Berglund, yaks
Perron, kelly, winnik


We'd mix and match depending on whos goin..
But bickell lends an element we dont have in our top 6 and creates some space for nuge/ebs.
(perron is gritty and certainly willing, but hes no physical force. If hes ur push back- you've got problems)
Berglund lends some defensive conscience to some elite offensive talents.
The 3rd can be effective in all 3 zones.


Switching bickell to the 3rd for example, limits their skill and offensive punch. Kinda turns it into a one dimensional checking line.
I think with the type of core we already have in place, we need to diversify our attack as much as possible