I have to agree. Schultz took a chance on the Oil. Kruegar gave him great support and he helped the Oilers immensely his first year. Helping the Oilers be among the top teams in terms of PP. Often played with 4 forwards and him. I think MacT and Eakins stunted his development like they did with guys like Nail. I like Justin's chances of being a steady 3-4 defender and its great that he gets that chance.
- Hall Fan

How did they stunt his development?

What is it about their deployment and mins that were vastly different than Krueger and tambellinis?


You also never replied as to why u think tkachuk should be ranked ahead of pulujarvi despite pulu putting up respectable numbers in a pro league, leading Finland to golds at both the u18's (all tourney team) and the world juniors (mvp). And tying lindros for 2nd most points ever in a tourney by an under 18 year old.

Nobody stunted his development. He was simply leaned upon too heavily for lack of better options.
- Jeropotato

There is merrit to claiming Eakins was a trainwreck but this is what I was referring to in terms of stunting his development. Thats a ton of pressure on a young player and with the revolving door of coaches it can't help him transition into the NHL.

How did they stunt his development?

What is it about their deployment and mins that were vastly different than Krueger and tambellinis?


You also never replied as to why u think tkachuk should be ranked ahead of pulujarvi despite pulu putting up respectable numbers in a pro league, leading Finland to golds at both the u18's (all tourney team) and the world juniors (mvp). And tying lindros for 2nd most points ever in a tourney by an under 18 year old.
- HB77

Sorry I don't normally read replies. Tkachuk is faster, he has huge offensive numbers and skill. He plays a more physical game (although he does get a bunch of PIM). Also he plays all forward positions which is a nice bonus. Pulj is good but he is riding on Laine's coat tails where as Tkachuk is the talent on his line despite dvorak and marner being respectable prospects.

Tkachuk also dominated in the Playoffs and Memorial cup despite playing with a sprained ankle for the finals and MC, he posted. 15 points in those 8 games. In total 48 pts in 22 games in the CHL offseason. There are many sites suggesting that he may go third but I can see where each team might have a preference based on style of play. I do like Tkachuk's grit for the Oilers future top 6.

Krueger used Shultz the way he was ready to be used. PP unit and almost the whole two minutes. There was support and confidence in Shcultz. No one else seemed to back him in the press or have the confidence that Krueger did. Also, whatever it is, Krueger was able to get more out of a bunch of prospects that Tam and Eakins couldn't.

On Tkachuk. Director of Amateur scouting for the Blues suggested quite plainly that there is huge interest from their organization. Stating "We've watched Matthew all year and he's obviously an exciting player and there's some ties with the Blues; his dad is part of our staff."

Think there is a chance that the 4th pick, if Tkachuk is available at the time the pick comes gets moved to the blues in a larger deal to acquire Shattenkirk? Blues GM has made it clear that he would like to resign Backes if possible but there is just a lack of money and a deep blue line.

IMO Shattenkirk would be a great addition as a top line defender for the Oil. Plus at 27 he is right in his prime and two years left at a decent cap hit.

Sorry I don't normally read replies. Tkachuk is faster, he has huge offensive numbers and skill. He plays a more physical game (although he does get a bunch of PIM). Also he plays all forward positions which is a nice bonus. Pulj is good but he is riding on Laine's coat tails where as Tkachuk is the talent on his line despite dvorak and marner being respectable prospects.

Tkachuk also dominated in the Playoffs and Memorial cup despite playing with a sprained ankle for the finals and MC, he posted. 15 points in those 8 games. In total 48 pts in 22 games in the CHL offseason. There are many sites suggesting that he may go third but I can see where each team might have a preference based on style of play. I do like Tkachuk's grit for the Oilers future top 6.

Krueger used Shultz the way he was ready to be used. PP unit and almost the whole two minutes. There was support and confidence in Shcultz. No one else seemed to back him in the press or have the confidence that Krueger did. Also, whatever it is, Krueger was able to get more out of a bunch of prospects that Tam and Eakins couldn't.
- Hall Fan

Wtf is this garbage? Pulju is not only a better skater, but he is more versatile and less of a complimentary style of player than Tkachuk. Your entire first paragraph is completely ass backwards.

On Tkachuk. Director of Amateur scouting for the Blues suggested quite plainly that there is huge interest from their organization. Stating "We've watched Matthew all year and he's obviously an exciting player and there's some ties with the Blues; his dad is part of our staff."

Think there is a chance that the 4th pick, if Tkachuk is available at the time the pick comes gets moved to the blues in a larger deal to acquire Shattenkirk? Blues GM has made it clear that he would like to resign Backes if possible but there is just a lack of money and a deep blue line.

IMO Shattenkirk would be a great addition as a top line defender for the Oil. Plus at 27 he is right in his prime and two years left at a decent cap hit.
- Hall Fan

I would do a 4th for Shattenkirk only if he was signed to an extension

Sorry I don't normally read replies. Tkachuk is faster, he has huge offensive numbers and skill. He plays a more physical game (although he does get a bunch of PIM). Also he plays all forward positions which is a nice bonus. Pulj is good but he is riding on Laine's coat tails where as Tkachuk is the talent on his line despite dvorak and marner being respectable prospects.

Tkachuk also dominated in the Playoffs and Memorial cup despite playing with a sprained ankle for the finals and MC, he posted. 15 points in those 8 games. In total 48 pts in 22 games in the CHL offseason. There are many sites suggesting that he may go third but I can see where each team might have a preference based on style of play. I do like Tkachuk's grit for the Oilers future top 6.

Krueger used Shultz the way he was ready to be used. PP unit and almost the whole two minutes. There was support and confidence in Shcultz. No one else seemed to back him in the press or have the confidence that Krueger did. Also, whatever it is, Krueger was able to get more out of a bunch of prospects that Tam and Eakins couldn't.
- Hall Fan

Pulujarvi is riding laines coat tails, but tkachuk is the real talent carrying marner !!??

So I guess at the under 18's pulujarvi got named to all tourney team and won gold riding laines coat tails even though laine wasn't actually on the team ...
neither did he play on his pro team. Pulujarvi actually plays more minutes in all situations laine does too. And plays a position of bigger need for the oilers. Especially if we deal yaks or ebs.
So yeah...



Those sites suggesting he might go 3rd aren't saying he should go 3rd. Just that it's possible. But he remains ranked lower. And probably isn't going to

Eakins had him playing tons of pp time too. Every bit as much as Krueger. How did he not show confidence in him by playing him big minutes? You're trying to use the yaks comparison in relation to ebs/hall, but it doesn't work. It's not the same narrative whatsoever.
And what does the media support have to do with Eakins ? You're not making any sense.

And neither did Krueger get more out of young guys than Eakins did in any facet outside the pp. in fact, his 5v5 numbers were worse. Hall actually had his best season offensively under Eakins

No, just no. All of it

Ah he's just convincing himself Tkachuk is the better prospect because the Oil have a higher chance of drafting him. He does it every year.

Wtf is this garbage? Pulju is not only a better skater, but he is more versatile and less of a complimentary style of player than Tkachuk. Your entire first paragraph is completely ass backwards.
- RonPielep

Jesse is not a bad skater. That is not a knock against him but rather a compliment to Tkachuk. Many articles point out that Tkachuk is a more physical player. Elite prospects put it the way I think of it, talking about Jesse "Doesn't shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit." They also note is he more of a play maker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills.

Don't get me wrong. I am splitting hairs on two great players. Whoever gets either one will be getting a future impact player. I am just saying that Tkachuk is better and that this is only overlooked because of the international play of Jesse.

Jesse is not a bad skater. That is not a knock against him but rather a compliment to Tkachuk. Many articles point out that Tkachuk is a more physical player. Elite prospects put it the way I think of it, talking about Jesse "Doesn't shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit." They also note is he more of a play maker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills.

Don't get me wrong. I am splitting hairs on two great players. Whoever gets either one will be getting a future impact player. I am just saying that Tkachuk is better and that this is only overlooked because of the international play of Jesse.
- Hall Fan

It is nice to see that you are on a first name basis with Pulujarvi haha! You are a clown

Pulujarvi is riding laines coat tails, but tkachuk is the real talent carrying marner !!??
- HB77[] [] []

So I guess at the under 18's pulujarvi got named to all tourney team and won gold riding laines coat tails even though laine wasn't actually on the team ...
neither did he play on his pro team. Pulujarvi actually plays more minutes in all situations laine does too. And plays a position of bigger need for the oilers. Especially if we deal yaks or ebs.
So yeah...

[]

Those sites suggesting he might go 3rd aren't saying he should go 3rd. Just that it's possible. But he remains ranked lower. And probably isn't going to

Eakins had him playing tons of pp time too. Every bit as much as Krueger. How did he not show confidence in him by playing him big minutes? You're trying to use the yaks comparison in relation to ebs/hall, but it doesn't work. It's not the same narrative whatsoever.
And what does the media support have to do with Eakins ? You're not making any sense.

And neither did Krueger get more out of young guys than Eakins did in any facet outside the pp. in fact, his 5v5 numbers were worse. Hall actually had his best season offensively under Eakins

No, just no. All of it

Why don't you just say that you don't follow CHL hockey but watch the Worlds. Tkachuk was out playing Marner and Dvorak this year. Dvorak struggled early and they moved Marner to center but he wasn't up to the task so Tkachuk was moved in. I am not saying that Tkachuk is clearly the better player. Just there is an argument for it and that he could very well go third. Talk of Arizona, St. Louis and Toronto with huge interest in trading to pick him. Obviously the ties to each team are obvious but there is a reason people want him.

I don't understand the "Position of bigger need to the Oilers" part. Tkachuk can play all three forward positions with ease. So can Dubois. It is Jesse that people have pigeon holed to LW only. As for bigger need, Puljarvi is mentioned by many as a play maker and not a finisher. Tkachuk is a gritty all round offensive player. He uses his body more and can find the back of the net.

I am talking about Eakins calling out Schultz early in the season for his lack of defensive play. The continual knocks he said to the media regarding his blue liners in general. Playing the same minutes is not the same as being the only defender on a top PP unit. Call it what you will but many players fell apart under Eakins and Schultz was one of them. I will agree Nail was impacted more. Hall got better numbers under Eakins because he wasn't playing hurt. Nothing to do with Eakins practice or playing style.

Jesse is not a bad skater. That is not a knock against him but rather a compliment to Tkachuk. Many articles point out that Tkachuk is a more physical player. Elite prospects put it the way I think of it, talking about Jesse "Doesn't shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit." They also note is he more of a play maker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills.

Don't get me wrong. I am splitting hairs on two great players. Whoever gets either one will be getting a future impact player. I am just saying that Tkachuk is better and that this is only overlooked because of the international play of Jesse.
- Hall Fan

With all due respect dude, you did post Tkachuk was better.

Ah he's just convincing himself Tkachuk is the better prospect because the Oil have a higher chance of drafting him. He does it every year.
- Wildschwein

Dubois is the prospect that many scouts have put at fourth. I have no idea what you are talking about in terms of doing it every year. I liked Leon and thought he was great but I thought the Oilers were losing out picking him. I agreed with Taylor, RNH and even Nail. I didn't like them picking Nurse, I was hoping they would get Monohan before the draft. HB77 dislikes my posts because I take a stance and sound like it is absolute fact. I do often not take the popular opinion but that's the point. To talk hockey from different angles and not just sit on here sending different pictures to each other.

What I am not is a person who buys in because it is what they Oilers are most likely going to do. I always hated MacT and Lowe and was often mocked on here for it. I am a huge Hall fan and I think the next couple years people are going to understand why I think he should get the C. I don't know what you are referring to in terms of me liking the player they are going to pick every year. The Oilers have done ridiculous things the past decade that I have not agreed with. Trading Perron for essentially nothing, Signing Sekeras to a crazy huge contract and thinking he is a top defender, trading a ton of early picks to get 10 later picks (MacT sucks), they paid a huge price for Griffin... I like Talbot but I thought they should have offer sheeted Holtby.

I don't agree with much the Oilers do until this last year.

With all due respect dude, you did post Tkachuk was better.
- Wildschwein

I think he is. Not leaps and bounds better but a guy that can play that offensive style and use his body is much more versatile in the NHL. I think Tkachuk will be the better player. Do you think Pulj is better?

Dubois is the prospect that many scouts have put at third. I have no idea what you are talking about in terms of doing it every year. I liked Leon and thought he was great but I thought the Oilers were losing out picking him. I agreed with Taylor, RNH and even Nail. I didn't like them picking Nurse, I was hoping they would get Monohan before the draft. HB77 dislikes my posts because I take a stance and sound like it is absolute fact. I do often not take the popular opinion but that's the point. To talk hockey from different angles and not just sit on here sending different pictures to each other.

What I am not is a person who buys in because it is what they Oilers are most likely going to do. I always hated MacT and Lowe and was often mocked on here for it. I am a huge Hall fan and I think the next couple years people are going to understand why I think he should get the C. I don't know what you are referring to in terms of me liking the player they are going to pick every year. The Oilers have done ridiculous things the past decade that I have not agreed with. Trading Perron for essentially nothing, Signing Sekeras to a crazy huge contract and thinking he is a top defender, trading a ton of early picks to get 10 later picks (MacT sucks), they paid a huge price for Griffin... I like Talbot but I thought they should have offer sheeted Holtby.

I don't agree with much the Oilers do until this last year. Do you even have an opinion of your own?
- Hall Fan

I'm all for discussing the Oilers and hockey in general, and I have no problem with anyone taking a stance or going against the grain. But you post your opinions like they are absolute fact which to me is NOT discussing a topic. Offer up ideas by all means. But don't tell everyone here that your opinions are hidden truths.

Yes I do have an opinion of my own. On occasion I even share it. But these topics have been beaten to death since the end of the season and there really is little to add that has not been regurgitated 100 times over by myself and others. If the Oil were to actually make a move or if any new Oiler related topics were to pop up, I would be here discussing it like the rest.

I think he is. Not leaps and bounds better but a guy that can play that offensive style and use his body is much more versatile in the NHL. I think Tkachuk will be the better player. Do you think Pulj is better?
- Hall Fan

Yes I do. And before you ask me why, just go back and read HB77's post on that exact topic. There is nothing I can say that he hasn't already.

Why don't you just say that you don't follow CHL hockey but watch the Worlds. Tkachuk was out playing Marner and Dvorak this year. Dvorak struggled early and they moved Marner to center but he wasn't up to the task so Tkachuk was moved in. I am not saying that Tkachuk is clearly the better player. Just there is an argument for it and that he could very well go third. Talk of Arizona, St. Louis and Toronto with huge interest in trading to pick him. Obviously the ties to each team are obvious but there is a reason people want him.

I don't understand the "Position of bigger need to the Oilers" part. Tkachuk can play all three forward positions with ease. So can Dubois. It is Jesse that people have pigeon holed to LW only. As for bigger need, Puljarvi is mentioned by many as a play maker and not a finisher. Tkachuk is a gritty all round offensive player. He uses his body more and can find the back of the net.

I am talking about Eakins calling out Schultz early in the season for his lack of defensive play. The continual knocks he said to the media regarding his blue liners in general. Playing the same minutes is not the same as being the only defender on a top PP unit. Call it what you will but many players fell apart under Eakins and Schultz was one of them. I will agree Nail was impacted more. Hall got better numbers under Eakins because he wasn't playing hurt. Nothing to do with Eakins practice or playing style.
- Hall Fan

Maybe u do follow chl closer than me, but anyone who says tkachuk carries the line over the guy who got 116 pts in 57 games, won chl player of the year, mem cup mvp and was the best forward in team Canada, just flat out doesn't understand all the hockey they're watching. Much like most of the oilers hockey you pontificate on.

Of course you don't understand the positional point. No surprise there. First, pulujarvi is a right winger, not s left. And we have pouliot , hall and Maroon on the left side. Which is tkachuks NATURAL position. And if we deal ebs or yaks, we could use a right winger. What's tough to understand here?

I'm sure some teams want tkachuk, but how does this mean that pulujarvi still isnt superior prospect? It doesn't. Are u under the impression that many teams don't also want pulujarvi ??

The Schultz stuff is just nonsense. Not gonna bother to reason with you. Eakins was at fault for this guy, but doesn't deserve credit for the other guys success something something.

I'm all for discussing the Oilers and hockey in general, and I have no problem with anyone taking a stance or going against the grain. But you post your opinions like they are absolute fact which to me is NOT discussing a topic. Offer up ideas by all means. But don't tell everyone here that your opinions are hidden truths.

Yes I do have an opinion of my own. On occasion I even share it. But these topics have been beaten to death since the end of the season and there really is little to add that has not been regurgitated 100 times over by myself and others. If the Oil were to actually make a move or if any new Oiler related topics were to pop up, I would be here discussing it like the rest.
- Wildschwein

that "watching more chl" comment was a beaut. It was kinda like when old dudes chirp for being older and watching for way more years.
You don't know more cause you're older or watch more, you've just been confused at what you're seeing for a lot longer ....



If buddy has convinced himself about not liking his opinion cause it's not popular or whatever, he's delusional. And since when is blaming mact Or blaming our players struggles on coaching NOT the popular opinion??
That's status quo actually.

I don't like his opinions cause they're often nonsensical and nowhere near the realm of understanding the oilers

that "watching more chl" comment was a beaut. It was kinda like when old dudes chirp for being older and watching for way more years.
You don't know more cause you're older or watch more, you've just been confused at what you're seeing for a lot longer ....



If buddy has convinced himself about not liking his opinion cause it's not popular or whatever, he's delusional

I don't like them cause they're often nonsensical and nowhere near the realm of understanding the oilers.
- HB77

That they are more often than not.

Dubois is the prospect that many scouts have put at fourth. I have no idea what you are talking about in terms of doing it every year. I liked Leon and thought he was great but I thought the Oilers were losing out picking him. I agreed with Taylor, RNH and even Nail. I didn't like them picking Nurse, I was hoping they would get Monohan before the draft. HB77 dislikes my posts because I take a stance and sound like it is absolute fact. I do often not take the popular opinion but that's the point. To talk hockey from different angles and not just sit on here sending different pictures to each other.

What I am not is a person who buys in because it is what they Oilers are most likely going to do. I always hated MacT and Lowe and was often mocked on here for it. I am a huge Hall fan and I think the next couple years people are going to understand why I think he should get the C. I don't know what you are referring to in terms of me liking the player they are going to pick every year. The Oilers have done ridiculous things the past decade that I have not agreed with. Trading Perron for essentially nothing, Signing Sekeras to a crazy huge contract and thinking he is a top defender, trading a ton of early picks to get 10 later picks (MacT sucks), they paid a huge price for Griffin... I like Talbot but I thought they should have offer sheeted Holtby.

I don't agree with much the Oilers do until this last year.
- Hall Fan

Please stop typing!

I'm all for discussing the Oilers and hockey in general, and I have no problem with anyone taking a stance or going against the grain. But you post your opinions like they are absolute fact which to me is NOT discussing a topic. Offer up ideas by all means. But don't tell everyone here that your opinions are hidden truths.

Yes I do have an opinion of my own. On occasion I even share it. But these topics have been beaten to death since the end of the season and there really is little to add that has not been regurgitated 100 times over by myself and others. If the Oil were to actually make a move or if any new Oiler related topics were to pop up, I would be here discussing it like the rest.
- Wildschwein

Yeah the opinion of your own comment was erased. That was too much. I know you do but I don't often see it. I don't mean to offer my opinions as fact. They are just that, though, my opinions and I am perfectly happy to admit when I am wrong. I do sometimes say thing outrageous to make a point but I know they will be ridiculed. I just getting a conversation going. Often on here it is just who can post the dumbest picture off the net. I get that at work. I come here to talk hockey and I like a bunch of the regulars.

I agree the topics have been beaten to death but with just over a week before the draft there are still crazy comments being made. Did you see the article in the National post saying that the Oilers hope to trade for a defender but instead they should look to the draft. They suggest LD Mikhail to be the Oilers choice. I think the Oilers are going to get a fair number of offers for the pick if Tkachuk is there. He has a natural chemistry with guys. Matthews, Marner and Dvorak to list a few.

Maybe u do follow chl closer than me, but anyone who says tkachuk carries the line over the guy who got 116 pts in 57 games, won chl player of the year, mem cup mvp and was the best forward in team Canada, just flat out doesn't understand all the hockey they're watching. Much like most of the oilers hockey you pontificate on.

Of course you don't understand the positional point. No surprise there. First, pulujarvi is a right winger, not s left. And we have pouliot , hall and Maroon on the left side. Which is tkachuks NATURAL position. And if we deal ebs or yaks, we could use a right winger. What's tough to understand here?

I'm sure some teams want tkachuk, but how does this mean that pulujarvi still isnt superior prospect? It doesn't. Are u under the impression that many teams don't also want pulujarvi ??

The Schultz stuff is just nonsense. Not gonna bother to reason with you. Eakins was at fault for this guy, but doesn't deserve credit for the other guys success something something.
- HB77

I guess it is what you define as a good player. A guy that can step in on face offs, takes his man defensively, plays the body, can dig the puck out on the boards and crash the net. There is no great comparison to be had but Tkachuk is younger and plays with an edge that the Oilers could use. Give him a year and he will be past Marner if he isn't now. What I know from following the Knights is that they had to turn to Tkachuk when they were down this year. I also like a guy that can post more than 2 pts a game in the finals on a sprained ankle.

I do apologize for the position thing. The site I was on had him listed as a LW but looking at it again it shows him as LW/C/RW. The positional comment makes sense. It was early in the morning when I posted that so I agree that was stupid.

I am not saying that Puljarvi isn't the more sought after player. I like Tkachuk and maybe I am biased as I am a Knights fan and got to watch him this year where as I only saw Puljarvi in the international tournaments. I do know the NHL has been ranking players quite often based on size and their ability to use their body higher than those that don't but are more talented. Petan is a great example of that. I think if he was 4 inches taller he would have been a top 10 prospect.

Yeah the opinion of your own comment was erased. That was too much. I know you do but I don't often see it. I don't mean to offer my opinions as fact. They are just that, though, my opinions and I am perfectly happy to admit when I am wrong. I do sometimes say thing outrageous to make a point but I know they will be ridiculed. I just getting a conversation going. Often on here it is just who can post the dumbest picture off the net. I get that at work. I come here to talk hockey and I like a bunch of the regulars.

I agree the topics have been beaten to death but with just over a week before the draft there are still crazy comments being made. Did you see the article in the National post saying that the Oilers hope to trade for a defender but instead they should look to the draft. They suggest LD Mikhail to be the Oilers choice. I think the Oilers are going to get a fair number of offers for the pick if Tkachuk is there. He has a natural chemistry with guys. Matthews, Marner and Dvorak to list a few.
- Hall Fan

No, but what's your point ? Do u think some random writer somehow validates your opinion?

Kinda Like the links u posted that you were under the impression backed your 'yandle is a top pairing guy'. But it was clear you didn't actually read it as the article said THE EXACT OPPOSITE.
Did you then change your opinion and feel you were wrong? Doubt it.

There's a couple writers worth their salt, but unless it's a fact based numbers argument, some hack writers opinion is anecdotal at best

And as far as the offers, you named chemistry with two players the leafs have or will have soon. They certainly ain't trading down from 1 to get tkachuk in anything but dream world. And outside of that, what do they have that we want for the 4th ?
They aren't trading reilly either. So who's left ?

You're certainly not alone, but I just think you struggle with critical thinking ...

No, but what's your point ? Do u think some random writer somehow validates your opinion?

Kinda Like the links u posted that you were under the impression backed your 'yandle is a top pairing guy'. But it was clear you didn't actually read it as the article said THE EXACT OPPOSITE.
Did you then change your opinion and feel you were wrong? Doubt it.

There's a couple writers worth their salt, but unless it's a fact based numbers argument, some hack writers opinion is anecdotal at best
- HB77

I was trying to point out why I was beating a dead horse. I don't think the Oilers should draft a defenseman and I am pretty sure Chiarelli has made it clear that this is not the way he is drafting. He has outright said that he is looking to trade this pick for a more established defender. He is not planning on going off the list and pick a defender at 4.

The articles (only 2 of which you read) pointed out that he had high offensive ability. I can get you more that say he is a top pairing guy but I think you know he is the best defender on the UFA list. I am up for trading for someone, I am just not sold that now is the time to mortgage our top forwards for it. The value is just not what it will be if they start winning. Plus they have decent cap hits if you compare them to the contract extensions this year and what is proposed for this offseason. Word is Okposo wants 7 mil. Nothing against him but I would rather have Eberle or Nuge for a million less.

I know Toronto is not picking anyone but Matthews. Outside chance on Laine but I really doubt that. I do think they would like to get number 4 as well and I also think they have nothing to offer. St. Louis and Arizona could although the Blues are a more likely candidate for trade. I think if the 4th pick is moved it is going to St. Louis but again I don't think a trade in the top 5 will get done this year. Just too much value on picks.

I was trying to point out why I was beating a dead horse. I don't think the Oilers should draft a defenseman and I am pretty sure Chiarelli has made it clear that this is not the way he is drafting. He has outright said that he is looking to trade this pick for a more established defender. He is not planning on going off the list and pick a defender at 4.

The articles (only 2 of which you read) pointed out that he had high offensive ability. I can get you more that say he is a top pairing guy but I think you know he is the best defender on the UFA list. I am up for trading for someone, I am just not sold that now is the time to mortgage our top forwards for it. The value is just not what it will be if they start winning. Plus they have decent cap hits if you compare them to the contract extensions this year and what is proposed for this offseason. Word is Okposo wants 7 mil. Nothing against him but I would rather have Eberle or Nuge for a million less.

I know Toronto is not picking anyone but Matthews. Outside chance on Laine but I really doubt that. I do think they would like to get number 4 as well and I also think they have nothing to offer. St. Louis and Arizona could although the Blues are a more likely candidate for trade. I think if the 4th pick is moved it is going to St. Louis but again I don't think a trade in the top 5 will get done this year. Just too much value on picks.
- Hall Fan

You're not pretty sure, cause chiarelli has not made that clear. Quite the opposite. He's plainly stated its possible he may move down and grab someone else. And sergachev was on that list of potential pieces. Do you just purposefully ignore information that you find undesirable ?

And when will you be fine with the oilers making a move? After 8 years of bottom feeding? 12? Or when they're free agents? Or when they demand a trade?
It's this PlayStation mentality that you acquire pieces and then all of a sudden, it just clicks and off to the races.
Hall and eberle have not only been losing, but bottom feeding for 6 season!! And the nuge 5.

And again with the "well this guy said so" as evidence. Even if there wasn't plenty of evidence to refute that, It's still anecdotal at best.
Yandle is the best offensive option, but not the best ufa defencemen. And neither is he a top pairing guy.
He can barely keep his head above water in his own end. And he'll cost a lot and we'll be desperate to find a big defensive minute eater if we acquire him

I'm not against considering yandle, but Outside of the ufa list, all of Barrie, trouba, shattenkirk, hamonic, even brodin and vatenen are better options. On it, I'd say goligoski and demers are probably my safer options for the money they'll get