Russell is a decent veteran D depth signing. Way better than any of Mac t's gems, Likw Ferrence, Belov, Fayne or Nikitin. Plus its only 1 year so we can probably flip him for a quality RHD prospect by the deadline.

I am one to admit when I am wrong. If you told me at the end of the year that Chiarelli could find a way to put together a team worse than any they have had during the rebuild I would have laughed in your face. Apparently the recipe was quite simple. Trade your top player, after a World Championship gold which argumentatively made his value higher than it has ever been to date, for a prospect. Not just that but turning down better defensemen to make this deal happen and insist NJ doesn't throw anything else into the deal (surprised he didn't throw RNH in as well). Then he parts with the second of the teams first overall picks for a conditional third round pick. Yes, if Oilers are lucky they could get a late second round meaning the player they pick has less than a 20% chance of ever playing in the NHL.

The they don't do anything to bolster the blue line other than add what can only be considered a third pairing dman in Russell, who quite frankly I have money on him tanking in a big way.

He did this in what I believe was the deepest defensive market in at least a decade. UFAs, RFAs and shopped defenders... there has never been this much talent on the market, maybe ever. Brodin, Dumba, Yandle, Hamhuis, Campbell, Goligoski, Demers, Vatenen, Lindholm, Fowler, Jones, Barrie, Shatttenkirk... this is just a small sample of players that were reportedly available to the Oilers. I left guys like Hamonic out but I do believe the Islanders had a price for him.

Put the Larsson trade aside. Oilers can only protect 3 defenders and they have Sekeras on a NMC (ridiculous signing but he was one of the only defenders available last summer), Klef and Larsson. However if Sekeras were to agree to waive his NMC to go to Vegas, the Oilers don't have to protect him. Vegas has to pick 1 player from Edmonton, no more, no less. With teams like the Blues, Nashville, Chicago, SJ, Ana... The blues can only pick 7 defenders, there is no chance they take Sekeras at 5.5 million. You can argue Vegas has a raised floor this year but they do not need to take an over priced defender from the Oil. Small chance they take Nurse but most likely they will take a character player like Pouliot, Maroon or some other forward to fill out there depth. I am fairly confident the Oilers don't have a blue line that is going to be a target. With the defenders out there I would actually be surprised if they took Larsson or Klef to be honest. There are 7 other teams that have more than 3 defenders that are better for Vegas.

So no reason to not go wild an sign a defender other than Russell. Oilers could have signed Hambuis and demers, keep Hall and been set not needing Lucic. Seems obvious. Florida is a great example. They wanted the best, they traded for Yandles rights and inked him quickly. Oilers should have done the same with ANY player.
- Hall Fan

Whoa....did you just call Adam Larsson a prospect? He has damn near 300 NHL games. I don't understand the logic.

I am one to admit when I am wrong.
- Hall Fan

No. No you're not. If you were, you'd admit you're wrong on all the bolded statements in the following:

If you told me at the end of the year that Chiarelli could find a way to put together a team worse than any they have had during the rebuild I would have laughed in your face. Apparently the recipe was quite simple. Trade your top player, after a World Championship gold which argumentatively made his value higher than it has ever been to date, for a prospect. Not just that but turning down better defensemen to make this deal happen and insist NJ doesn't throw anything else into the deal (surprised he didn't throw RNH in as well). Then he parts with the second of the teams first overall picks for a conditional third round pick. Yes, if Oilers are lucky they could get a late second round meaning the player they pick has less than a 20% chance of ever playing in the NHL.

The they don't do anything to bolster the blue line other than add what can only be considered a third pairing dman in Russell, who quite frankly I have money on him tanking in a big way.

He did this in what I believe was the deepest defensive market in at least a decade. UFAs, RFAs and shopped defenders... there has never been this much talent on the market, maybe ever. Brodin, Dumba, Yandle, Hamhuis, Campbell, Goligoski, Demers, Vatenen, Lindholm, Fowler, Jones, Barrie, Shatttenkirk... this is just a small sample of players that were reportedly available to the Oilers. I left guys like Hamonic out but I do believe the Islanders had a price for him.

Put the Larsson trade aside. Oilers can only protect 3 defenders and they have Sekeras on a NMC (ridiculous signing but he was one of the only defenders available last summer), Klef and Larsson. However if Sekeras were to agree to waive his NMC to go to Vegas, the Oilers don't have to protect him. Vegas has to pick 1 player from Edmonton, no more, no less. With teams like the Blues, Nashville, Chicago, SJ, Ana... The blues can only pick 7 defenders, there is no chance they take Sekeras at 5.5 million. You can argue Vegas has a raised floor this year but they do not need to take an over priced defender from the Oil. Small chance they take Nurse but most likely they will take a character player like Pouliot, Maroon or some other forward to fill out there depth. I am fairly confident the Oilers don't have a blue line that is going to be a target. With the defenders out there I would actually be surprised if they took Larsson or Klef to be honest. There are 7 other teams that have more than 3 defenders that are better for Vegas.

So no reason to not go wild an sign a defender other than Russell. Oilers could have signed Hambuis and demers, keep Hall and been set not needing Lucic. Seems obvious. Florida is a great example. They wanted the best, they traded for Yandles rights and inked him quickly. Oilers should have done the same with ANY player.
- Hall Fan

If you were able to admit when you're wrong, I wouldn't have to make this post because I've gone over and disproven just about every single one of those points.

Whoa....did you just call Adam Larsson a prospect? He has damn near 300 NHL games. I don't understand the logic.
- Larsson_fan

You needn't bother with him. His posts are and always have been garbage that lack any semblance of logical backing. Please do as we all should've long ago and ignore him.

No. No you're not. If you were, you'd admit you're wrong on all the bolded statements in the following:

If you were able to admit when you're wrong, I wouldn't have to make this post because I've gone over and disproven just about every single one of those points.
- MaximumBone

Its hard to agree with any of this Hall Fans post. chiarelli has done an excellent job so far, in my opinion anyhow.

You needn't bother with him. His posts are and always have been garbage that lack any semblance of logical backing. Please do as we all should've long ago and ignore him.
- MaximumBone

Thanks for the tip, i'll avoid commenting on his posts if thats the way he is.

its bc he barely has the puck, or control of the puck, in the defensive end and plays too many minutes is the simple answer.

Based on his ice time, and time of possession, he doesnt have the puck enough to make meaningfully impacts in terms of corsi.

maybe with better deployment and usage he could look better in the fancy stats world, but his style of play isnt one that moves the puck efficiently out of the zone, he chips the puck, which leads to neutral zone turn overs vs skating it out or making clean break out passes.
- DDM-Coga

I wish all responses were like this. There is so much more to hockey than stat guys like to admit and if they would take their time to apply those stats to scenarios like this they would be much more respected as a whole.

I wish all responses were like this. There is so much more to hockey than stat guys like to admit and if they would take their time to apply those stats to scenarios like this they would be much more respected as a whole.
- -Dangles13-

Hes not as bad as his cf% numbers show, however there is no sugar coating it either. He is a 5th Dman so play and treat him like one. If a team starts to play him with top 4 minutes and deploy him in defensive zone starts...you are asking for trouble

Hes not as bad as his cf% numbers show, however there is no sugar coating it either. He is a 5th Dman so play and treat him like one. If a team starts to play him with top 4 minutes and deploy him in defensive zone starts...you are asking for trouble
- DDM-Coga

Fine by me, its not like the Oilers dont need a quality bottom pair defender. Where do think he compares to Nurse at this point? If you had to ice one or the other at a key time of the game, who do you go with?

I wish all responses were like this. There is so much more to hockey than stat guys like to admit and if they would take their time to apply those stats to scenarios like this they would be much more respected as a whole.
- -Dangles13-

Does Fayne pretty much slot in as a #7 Dman now?

Fine by me, its not like the Oilers dont need a quality bottom pair defender. Where do think he compares to Nurse at this point? If you had to ice one or the other at a key time of the game, who do you go with?
- Larsson_fan

Nurse...if you are going to get blunders and turn overs, might as well be from the guy you are trying to groom into the Top 4 and learn from them vs a rental player who is getting worse with time not better

Does Fayne pretty much slot in as a #7 Dman now?
- Mr.Bobby

Fayne for Blandisi

Fayne for Blandisi
- DDM-Coga

Blandisi is AHL bound. Wood/ Speers in competition for the last forward spot.

I completely agree with PC that Yakupov stopped playing to his strength. But what's done is done. I was really passionate about Yaks yesterday, but either way, he's a lost asset.

I really liked Russell in Calgary..... not entirely sure why those numbers are the way they are. What was it like 15 months ago he finished with the most shots blocked in the entire league. Pretty sure he was tops again this year although after to double check. Per game its not even close.

Having said that there's part of his game that do concern... but for this is no doubt low risk. He's also someone that worse a letter so it's only better for the team. The D-group will look ALOT different this year.

Klefbolm - Larsson
Sekera - Fayne
Russell - Davidson

Someone want to tell my why Nurse isn't playing? Is Fayne only in b/c of his contract.... I know he's not a waste of a player but would he be in if he was making 800k.

Nurse...if you are going to get blunders and turn overs, might as well be from the guy you are trying to groom into the Top 4 and learn from them vs a rental player who is getting worse with time not better
- DDM-Coga

I agree with that.
I just think the competition is a good thing. If nurse is going to have that spot, he has to outplay him every chance he gets; and I think that will push him even more to develop his game quicker

I agree with that.
I just think the competition is a good thing. If nurse is going to have that spot, he has to outplay him every chance he gets; and I think that will push him even more to develop his game quicker
- AlfieisKing

Dont agree with me, no one wants your opinions

Hey Matt ,boy you get a lot of criticism on here, lol I think a lot of it is fans worried about the trolls? But you have taken the glasses of,for the most part and tell it like it is!you and iggy don't agree much but he does the same,tell it as it is,but this team should be playoff bound barring major injuries (McDavid, talbot ) and some of the trades have been questionable but what gm hasn't? . ...good luck guys with the new building and your new accusitions

I want to firmly place my support 100% behind GM Peter Chiarelli right now. I have been a following this team closely since 1997, I believe this is the best management group we have in place since Sather was GM and Ron Low was Coach.

I liked Mac t as a coach and was excited when he replaced the always carefully considering, analyzing and deliberating Steve Tambellini. ST was lazy and lacked any sort of testicular fortitude to improve the team. Did Washington really view Martin Erat as a better TDL add than Ales Hemsky, or was he not made available? 'Nuff said on that lazy useless of garbage with bags under his eyes.

Unfortunately, Mac T was petty, and said too much to the media, and took too long to correct his mistakes. Aside from that, I would say he made a bunch of the right moves at the right time, but was a poor judge of players, or took bad advice, because he got the wrong players 80% of the time. He had the right idea signing Ferrence, Belov, Nikitin and Fayne, but they were the wrong guys. This is common knowledge. Ditto with Scrivens and Fasth.

He did make some excellent trades tho, getting Perron for MPS and managing to Move Horcoff without retaining salary was brilliant, as was his 2nd trade involving Perron to the Pens, not to mention the Pouliot Signing.

But it was his pettiness that did him in. Not being able to relate with Kruger, who is obviously a good hockey guy, and opting for Eakins , a total (frank) head ,was the mother of all (frank) ups. Not having the balls to recognize his mistake after the one disastrous season probably set this franchise back 2 solid years.
Speaking too glowingly about Schultz and paying him too much was another weird one, as was his "challenge" to Jeff Petry that resulted in him wanting a change. ( For the record, even if Petry signed here for the Montreal discount its too much, and Im glad to not have that contract). His distatse for pure skill guys like Yak were evident back when he was a coach, which is why he sicked Eakins on him.

Despite his excellent work at the draft table, it was clear that he wasn't ready to be the GM for the all important McDavid era, which is why Nicholson brought in the big guns.

Now I just want to go over the Highlights of GM PC's first year as President and GM, with my own little rating next to each event.


Trade for Cam Talbot: 7/10....best goalie available.
Trade for Griffin Reinhart: 3/10 Mac T did the grounwork for this brutal over pay. Right idea...wrong guy, wrong price.
Sekeras signing 7/10 Best D on the UFA market, too bad hes a lefty, slight overpay.
Drafted Connor McDavid 10/10. Absolute brilliant choice.
Scrivens trade for Kassian 10/10. Scrivs was done and Kassian is a good depth layer, character guy.
trade for Maroon10/10...would have called this a 7 if Anaheim didnt retain salary.Awesome add.
Convinces ferrence to stay on IR 10/10 Takes a great leader to get a healthy player to stay home.
drafts Pullijarvi10/10. Guy was projected to higher but Pc got him at 4. Brilliant work by his new scouting staff.
trades Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson 6/10. Larsson is awesome but he paid a high price. At the end of the day, we had enough forwards with offence and were desperate for a top pair RHD on a decent contract. Contraversial, but a win none the less.
Signs Lucic 8/10. Fair Hall replacement.People overstate the term.
Versteeg PTO10/10 Great utility forward on the cheap with almost zero risk.
Yak trade 5/10 Yak is a terrible hockey player. Who is at fault for that doesnt matter. The return was equally terrible but it was time to move on so I give a neutral rating.
Russell signing 6/10. Not outstanding but if we dont have 6 Defenders better than him than its an upgrade on what we have.


So according to my Math PC scores a grade of 78.4%, and judging by most of the posts I have read on here, its a hell of a lot higher a grade than the vast majority of you guys got in highschool, and ahead of the curve of most GM in the NHL.

I am kinda glad it happened in the 2012 season, with such a weak draft. If the rumours are true, that Katz was the one who insisted on drafting yak, then it was an eye opener for him to butt out of the running of the team.

I completely agree with PC that Yakupov stopped playing to his strength. But what's done is done. I was really passionate about Yaks yesterday, but either way, he's a lost asset.

(If a player is worth garbage, who cares if its lost or not?)

I really liked Russell in Calgary..... not entirely sure why those numbers are the way they are. ( My guess is you have a limited understanding of hockey and hockey related statistics?)What was it like 15 months ago he finished with the most shots blocked in the entire league. Pretty sure he was tops again this year although after to double check. Per game its not even close.

Having said that there's part of his game that do concern... but for this is no doubt low risk. He's also someone that worse a letter ( huh?)so it's only better for the team. The D-group will look ALOT different this year.

Klefbolm - Larsson
Sekera - Fayne
Russell - Davidson

Someone want to tell my why Nurse isn't playing? Is Fayne only in b/c of his contract.... I know he's not a waste of a player but would he be in if he was making 800k.
- AlfieisKing

Dont think this post is very good.

Not facts but stats that are skewed in relation to people you are comparing him too.

I am kinda glad it happened in the 2012 season, with such a weak draft. If the rumours are true, that Katz was the one who insisted on drafting yak, then it was an eye opener for him to butt out of the running of the team.
- vertigo2002

I think he recovered from his delusions that he could help "run" a hockey team, or that he knew what he doing, which is why he hired Bernie Nichols to be president of the whole KEG.

Step in the wrong direction after acquiring Larsson.

Wayyy too much money for a dman nobody got else wanted.

Dont agree with me, no one wants your opinions
- DDM-Coga

I get this guy isnt the brightest, but dont you think thats a little hostile?

Step in the wrong direction after acquiring Larsson.

Wayyy too much money for a dman nobody got else wanted.
- Rinosaur

I would say the money suggest he had other offers.