You're right, my mistake, it was 5 years.

But with that said, if the Oilers drafted anyone with the talent of Crosby and Malkin, i'm sure we would be in the playoffs by now as well. Crosby came in and socred 102 points as a rookie.
- SpoiledByOil

I tend to agree with you, as Crosby was a stud. Because I was just looking, in 2004, Ovechkin went first, Malkin #2 and basically none of the other 1st rounders even play (that I am aware of) in the NHL. Terrible year with two high end talented players.

In fairness, lately the top FA's have gone to PO teams or teams close to being PO worthy. Grant it, its the GM's job of who to identify as players to bring into franchise.
Ex: Ference at the time was/is a hard nose dman, but Nikitin (like u said) is worthless. Get my point?

Also other Oiler fans have mentioned about poor drafting of later rds, doesn't that fall on the GM? But if (like u said) Oilers have issues attracting FA's, not more so than Isles, bc NOT 1 FA decided to sign here unless they were looking for icetime ie; Moulson, etc.... Honestly, I felt that draft year of Yak, Oilers should of tried to trade the pick and acquire as much as possible for that top spot..... I feel for u, but Isles had it much worse.....
- Ur Not Me

Yes the drafting does fall on the GM and the scouts, MacT has been the GM for 2 drafts now, none of them being the year where we drafted 1st overall, so it's a little early to judge him on his drafting. I've actually like the selections we've made over the last 2 drafts, for the most part.

Ference coming here is a little different though because he was born and raised in Edmonton, just like if Boychuk were to come here as a FA, i wouldn't see at as being able to bring in quality FAs, but more of a hometown advantage.

I tend to agree with you, as Crosby was a stud. Because I was just looking, in 2004, Ovechkin went first, Malkin #2 and basically none of the other 1st rounders even play (that I am aware of) in the NHL. Terrible year with two high end talented players.
- Lilroot9

Crazy how such great talents can come from such a weak draft year

I tend to agree with you, as Crosby was a stud. Because I was just looking, in 2004, Ovechkin went first, Malkin #2 and basically none of the other 1st rounders even play (that I am aware of) in the NHL. Terrible year with two high end talented players.
- Lilroot9

Also, have to take into consideration that kids 2day are almost a lock of playing in the NHL compared to then when its a crapshoot.
The game has changed and the kids are groomed much better today also.

I tend to agree with you, as Crosby was a stud. Because I was just looking, in 2004, Ovechkin went first, Malkin #2 and basically none of the other 1st rounders even play (that I am aware of) in the NHL. Terrible year with two high end talented players.
- Lilroot9

I don't know if "basically" is the key word here but didn't Ladd, Zajac, and M. Green get drafted out of the first round here?

I don't know if "basically" is the key word here but didn't Ladd, Zajac, and M. Green get drafted out of the first round here?
- RobitailleFAN20

You are right, but not much else. I guess that's not bad, but when people think 1st rounders, you think a top 12 player on your team (in the future) but it seems like most of them are busts compared to what was expected (what I would have expected).

I don't know if "basically" is the key word here but didn't Ladd, Zajac, and M. Green get drafted out of the first round here?
- RobitailleFAN20

Here is the complete list

1 Alexander Ovechkin (Left Wing) *
2 Evgeni Malkin (Center) *
3 Cam Barker (Defense)
4 Andrew Ladd (Left Wing)
5 Blake Wheeler (Right Wing)
6 Al Montoya (Goaltender)
7 Rostislav Olesz (Center)
8 Alexandre Picard (Left Wing)
9 Ladislav Smid (Defense)
10 Boris Valabik (Defense)
11 Lauri Tukonen (Right Wing)
12 A. J. Thelen (Defense)
13 Drew Stafford (Right Wing)
14 Devan Dubnyk (Goaltender)
15 Alexander Radulov (Right Wing)
16 Petteri Nokelainen (Center)
17 Marek Schwarz (Goaltender)
18 Kyle Chipchura (Center)
19 Lauri Korpikoski (Center)
20 Travis Zajac (Center)
21 Wojtek Wolski (Left Wing)
22 Lukas Kaspar (Right Wing)
23 Andrej Meszaros (Defense)
24 Kris Chucko (Right Wing)
25 Rob Schremp (Center)
26 Cory Schneider (Goaltender)
27 Jeff Schultz (Defense)
28 Mark Fistric (Defense)
29 Mike Green (Defense) *
30 Andy Rogers (Defense)

Here is the complete list

1 Alexander Ovechkin (Left Wing) *
2 Evgeni Malkin (Center) *
3 Cam Barker (Defense)
4 Andrew Ladd (Left Wing)
5 Blake Wheeler (Right Wing)
6 Al Montoya (Goaltender)
7 Rostislav Olesz (Center)
8 Alexandre Picard (Left Wing)
9 Ladislav Smid (Defense)
10 Boris Valabik (Defense)
11 Lauri Tukonen (Right Wing)
12 A. J. Thelen (Defense)
13 Drew Stafford (Right Wing)
14 Devan Dubnyk (Goaltender)
15 Alexander Radulov (Right Wing)
16 Petteri Nokelainen (Center)
17 Marek Schwarz (Goaltender)
18 Kyle Chipchura (Center)
19 Lauri Korpikoski (Center)
20 Travis Zajac (Center)
21 Wojtek Wolski (Left Wing)
22 Lukas Kaspar (Right Wing)
23 Andrej Meszaros (Defense)
24 Kris Chucko (Right Wing)
25 Rob Schremp (Center)
26 Cory Schneider (Goaltender)
27 Jeff Schultz (Defense)
28 Mark Fistric (Defense)
29 Mike Green (Defense) *
30 Andy Rogers (Defense)
- Lilroot9

cam barker.... forgot he went that high, eeeeesh.

Here is the complete list

1 Alexander Ovechkin (Left Wing) *
2 Evgeni Malkin (Center) *
3 Cam Barker (Defense)
4 Andrew Ladd (Left Wing)
5 Blake Wheeler (Right Wing)
6 Al Montoya (Goaltender)
7 Rostislav Olesz (Center)
8 Alexandre Picard (Left Wing)
9 Ladislav Smid (Defense)
10 Boris Valabik (Defense)
11 Lauri Tukonen (Right Wing)
12 A. J. Thelen (Defense)
13 Drew Stafford (Right Wing)
14 Devan Dubnyk (Goaltender)
15 Alexander Radulov (Right Wing)
16 Petteri Nokelainen (Center)
17 Marek Schwarz (Goaltender)
18 Kyle Chipchura (Center)
19 Lauri Korpikoski (Center)
20 Travis Zajac (Center)
21 Wojtek Wolski (Left Wing)
22 Lukas Kaspar (Right Wing)
23 Andrej Meszaros (Defense)
24 Kris Chucko (Right Wing)
25 Rob Schremp (Center)
26 Cory Schneider (Goaltender)
27 Jeff Schultz (Defense)
28 Mark Fistric (Defense)
29 Mike Green (Defense) *
30 Andy Rogers (Defense)
- Lilroot9

It's amazing when you go back and look at some of the names that should have gone much higher/lower in the draft. Green and schnider are the names I'm looking at that should have been top 10 picks.... If I recall, 2002 was one of the worst drafts I can remember

Niemi to Minn/Det and Anderson to SJ. Thanks

Niemi to Minn/Det and Anderson to SJ. Thanks
- SJFreez19

that would work for Min. We dont need another goalie.

Niemi to Minn/Det and Anderson to SJ. Thanks
- SJFreez19

that would work for Min. We dont need another goalie.

I'm all for trying to get anything for Coburn and if the price is right, absolutely would I trade Couturier. I'm starting to think all he'll(Couts) ever be is that shutdown 3rd line center with very little offense but a decent guy on the PK.

I would be fine with Eberle on the team but pass on the other 2

Here is the complete list

1 Alexander Ovechkin (Left Wing) *
2 Evgeni Malkin (Center) *
3 Cam Barker (Defense)
4 Andrew Ladd (Left Wing)
5 Blake Wheeler (Right Wing)
6 Al Montoya (Goaltender)
7 Rostislav Olesz (Center)
8 Alexandre Picard (Left Wing)
9 Ladislav Smid (Defense)
10 Boris Valabik (Defense)
11 Lauri Tukonen (Right Wing)
12 A. J. Thelen (Defense)
13 Drew Stafford (Right Wing)
14 Devan Dubnyk (Goaltender)
15 Alexander Radulov (Right Wing)
16 Petteri Nokelainen (Center)
17 Marek Schwarz (Goaltender)
18 Kyle Chipchura (Center)
19 Lauri Korpikoski (Center)
20 Travis Zajac (Center)
21 Wojtek Wolski (Left Wing)
22 Lukas Kaspar (Right Wing)
23 Andrej Meszaros (Defense)
24 Kris Chucko (Right Wing)
25 Rob Schremp (Center)
26 Cory Schneider (Goaltender)
27 Jeff Schultz (Defense)
28 Mark Fistric (Defense)
29 Mike Green (Defense) *
30 Andy Rogers (Defense)
- Lilroot9

how did russia's junior team do that year?

AThey made the playoffs in 2007 (hence the 20th overall pick, to show that). The Fleury pick, they traded for that (from 3rd overall), but WOW. 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 and not to mention the Crosby straight luck pick after the lockout.
- Lilroot9

NHL is rigged (altho oilers getting so many makes me question betman's motives)

It's amazing when you go back and look at some of the names that should have gone much higher/lower in the draft. Green and schnider are the names I'm looking at that should have been top 10 picks.... If I recall, 2002 was one of the worst drafts I can remember
- RobitailleFAN20

Yea Hindsight is something isn't it??

Yea Hindsight is something isn't it??
- mattstake

I always think about how we are so lucky to have gotten datsyuk or Z... its unreal they went that late. Like, how bad do you think some of those GMs want a redo

You're right, my mistake, it was 5 years.

But with that said, if the Oilers drafted anyone with the talent of Crosby and Malkin, i'm sure we would be in the playoffs by now as well. Crosby came in and socred 102 points as a rookie.
- SpoiledByOil

C'mon dude. Yes the Pens had GREAT picks (Malkin, Crosby are generational talents - how many teams have two players that have Hart/Art Rosses+ for two players like that these days)

but look at what Ray Shero and the staff did (while dealing with bankruptcy). What Oilers haven't done is DIVERSIFY. D Goligoski 61st overall in 04; LW Christensen 3rd round 02, developed him; Letang 3rd round in 05. But ya 3 centers like Malkin, CROSBY, Staal.... then Whitney on D, and Fluery ... you get all those pieces in place for a real chance at a dynasty.

For the Oilers, yes Marincin, Klefbom are decent but not proven to be high impact / proven. Nurse is a beast and that's what they need. Those goalies aren't taking them to the promise land either.

This isn't a drafting good players issues; it's scouting and developing. Tampa, St. Louis, Detroit are doing great jobs without drafting really high. Although getting Alex Piets and Hedman don't hurt

I always think about how we are so lucky to have gotten datsyuk or Z... its unreal they went that late. Like, how bad do you think some of those GMs want a redo
- digitalbath

cue Cher on her battleship...

NHL is rigged (altho oilers getting so many makes me question betman's motives)
- AlfieisKing

Yep NHL is rigged. Just like the NFL refs are part of a conspiracy.

Coburn has a NTC I believe. Oilers and Flyers could be talking as they have in the past but I don't see Coburn waiving to go to Edmonton

Coburn is not a good defenseman.

C'mon dude. Yes the Pens had GREAT picks (Malkin, Crosby are generational talents - how many teams have two players that have Hart/Art Rosses+ for two players like that these days)

but look at what Ray Shero and the staff did (while dealing with bankruptcy). What Oilers haven't done is DIVERSIFY. D Goligoski 61st overall in 04; LW Christensen 3rd round 02, developed him; Letang 3rd round in 05. But ya 3 centers like Malkin, CROSBY, Staal.... then Whitney on D, and Fluery ... you get all those pieces in place for a real chance at a dynasty.

For the Oilers, yes Marincin, Klefbom are decent but not proven to be high impact / proven. Nurse is a beast and that's what they need. Those goalies aren't taking them to the promise land either.

This isn't a drafting good players issues; it's scouting and developing. Tampa, St. Louis, Detroit are doing great jobs without drafting really high. Although getting Alex Piets and Hedman don't hurt
- AlfieisKing

Along with stamkos, ptierangelo, tarasenko, drouin.

Along with stamkos, ptierangelo, tarasenko, drouin.
- Cptmjl

St. Louis, and the ransom he brought back.

Yep NHL is rigged. Just like the NFL refs are part of a conspiracy.
- eichiefs9

finally a voice of reason