Personally I don't think the Oilers are going to do much on d via free agency, which is why I said "if we are serious about upgrading our d". I envision them signing one, maybe two low end free agent defencemen. Maybe someone playing on a good team but in a #7 role like Kent Huskins on St. Louis.

The plan is to develop another year, then make a real push during the summer of 2013. At least that's what I see happening.
- bazmagoo

I don't think the D is too far off, one top 4 guy to push Peckham to 7th or 8th and not bring back Barker

I don't think the D is too far off, one top 4 guy to push Peckham to 7th or 8th and not bring back Barker
- abware

Peckham needs to go, can't waste a roster spot on him anymore in my opinion.

Personally I don't think the Oilers are going to do much on d via free agency, which is why I said "if we are serious about upgrading our d". I envision them signing one, maybe two low end free agent defencemen. Maybe someone playing on a good team but in a #7 role like Kent Huskins on St. Louis.

The plan is to develop another year, then make a real push during the summer of 2013. At least that's what I see happening.

While I never agree with Richard's assessment of the following players as being "locks" to make the NHL, you've got to think at least one of and maybe two of Musil, Klefbom, Marincin or Gernat will be pushing for a roster spot in 2013.
- bazmagoo

I don't know what to think of the hockey news, but they just rated the Oilers #1 for prospects again based on the D prospects. I think Klefbom will push to make the team in 2013 but would probably benefit from a year or 2 in the AHL, the others could use 2-3 years

Trade down a few spots and see if you can grab a young defenseman, and draft Radek Faksa. Problem is, a team who needs a forward in the 7-10 range might really like him.

I don't know what to think of the hockey news, but they just rated the Oilers #1 for prospects again based on the D prospects. I think Klefbom will push to make the team in 2013 but would probably benefit from a year or 2 in the AHL, the others could use 2-3 years
- abware

Interesting, I like hearing that!

Trade down a few spots and see if you can grab a young defenseman, and draft Radek Faksa. Problem is, a team who needs a forward in the 7-10 range might really like him.
- Jack-artist

The Leafs should be drafting in the 7 to 10 range. I think they might be interested enough in Grigs to give something valuable from their defence.

I think if you looked at the difference in picks 2 and 5 since 2000 you'd probably change your mind on this. McBain does not make even close to as much of a difference as a potential superstar.

But I do like your other ideas.
- bazmagoo

You sorta missed my point. I don't know if there is much difference in potential between Grigorenko and Reinhart. So if they are more or less the same with respect to talent, I am taking Reinhart and McBain every time.

This being said, the knock on Grigorenko is his effort level. If he sorts that out, he could be almost as good as Yakupov.

The Leafs should be drafting in the 7 to 10 range. I think they might be interested enough in Grigs to give something valuable from their defence.
- marty11

I'll take Gunnarsson.

You sorta missed my point. I don't know if there is much difference in potential between Grigorenko and Reinhart. So if they are more or less the same with respect to talent, I am taking Reinhart and McBain every time.

This being said, the knock on Grigorenko is his effort level. If he sorts that out, he could be almost as good as Yakupov.
- Maxbone

Oh stop it already LB.

It's a risk I agree, but if taking that risk equals potentially getting a Malkin type player then I'm all for it.
- bazmagoo

There were no questions concerning Malkins attitude going into his draft year. Questions about if they could get him out of Russia, but nothing about his attitude.

Someone already mentioned Radek Faska, I would rather see the Oilers draft him or Alex Galchenyuk, because they are the same size as Grigorenko but lack the attitude questions.

There were no questions concerning Malkins attitude going into his draft year. Questions about if they could get him out of Russia, but nothing about his attitude.

Someone already mentioned Radek Faska, I would rather see the Oilers draft him or Alex Galchenyuk, because they are the same size as Grigorenko but lack the attitude questions.
- Ben37

Tru dat. Galchenyuk might end up being the steal of the draft.

There were no questions concerning Malkins attitude going into his draft year. Questions about if they could get him out of Russia, but nothing about his attitude.

Someone already mentioned Radek Faska, I would rather see the Oilers draft him or Alex Galchenyuk, because they are the same size as Grigorenko but lack the attitude questions.
- Ben37

See the thing is that from what I've heard, these three guys all have different play styles. Faska is a two way guy, Grig is more of a power forward style and Glach is more of a slick forward...might be wrong on this but they all have different styles so I don't think you can really interchange em. You've gotta figure out which fits your system best.

It was also rumoured Malkin had issues as well prior to the 2004 draft. If Pittsburgh had listened to these rumours instead of making their own decision, they very well may have drafted ...... you guessed it Cam Barker in the #2 spot. I'm guessing Mario wouldn't have been happy about that.
- bazmagoo

I cannot find anything that supports this and I have gone through a handful of reports fro the 2004 draft...

Now all this said Bob Mac has gone and reported that Pat Roy had challenged the young Russian to be a better 200' players and challenge Nail as the best player in the draft...and scouts have reported in seeing a difference in him from earlier in the season...SOoooooo maybe he has "gotten it" or maybe it is a tease at what he can be and he will fall back to his normal tendencies...who knows.

I just would rather go for a guy that is a bit more automatic in what you can expect from him...like Murray...

There were no questions concerning Malkins attitude going into his draft year. Questions about if they could get him out of Russia, but nothing about his attitude.

Someone already mentioned Radek Faska, I would rather see the Oilers draft him or Alex Galchenyuk, because they are the same size as Grigorenko but lack the attitude questions.
- Ben37

As I said in an earlier post Galchenyuk's #s from last year aren't to far off Grigs from this year. If he is fully recovered it could be a smart pick and I'm sure we could trade down a couple spots and still pick him

Oh stop it already LB.
- Jack-artist

I think he is on to something tho'

I don't agree with the draft Reinhart @ spot 5, but spot 7 is not out of reach for Reinhart.

Trading with a team in the right spot, say Tdot, for one of their Dmen and a swap of 1st round picks.

The Oil get an immediate Dman to step in and get to pick what has been said is one of the more physically ready D-men in the draft.

There is still the option of a UFA signing to deepen the ranks so as not to force the draftee into a situation where he is not as ready as thought.

I think he is on to something tho'

I don't agree with the draft Reinhart @ spot 5, but spot 7 is not out of reach for Reinhart.

Trading with a team in the right spot, say Tdot, for one of their Dmen and a swap of 1st round picks.

The Oil get an immediate Dman to step in and get to pick what has been said is one of the more physically ready D-men in the draft.

There is still the option of a UFA signing to deepen the ranks so as not to force the draftee into a situation where he is not as ready as thought.
- OilHorse

I could live with a TO deal. Maybe swap our #2 pick for #7 and Franson?

With Murray, Dumba, Rielly, Trouba and Reinhart all with similar ratings, the Oilers will definitely have a choice between a few of them in the #7 spot.

See the thing is that from what I've heard, these three guys all have different play styles. Faska is a two way guy, Grig is more of a power forward style and Glach is more of a slick forward...might be wrong on this but they all have different styles so I don't think you can really interchange em. You've gotta figure out which fits your system best.
- dragonslade

They are all big centers. Faska is a little bigger than the other two but not by a lot. Basically for the Oilers it is cemented that RNH is the #1. Gagner right now is the #2, but with him potentially be moved that opens up that hole. Do the Oilers want to go with a Penguins like set up or two dynamic skill centers in RNH and Gally/Grigs, a skill guy and two way player like the Canucks with Sedin and Kesler or the Bruins with Krecji/Seguin and Bergeron.

It is my personal opinion that Galchenyuk will be the best center that comes out of the draft. There is just something about the Russian born, American raised, OHL stud that appeals to me.

I could live with a TO deal. Maybe swap our #2 pick for #7 and Franson?

With Murray, Dumba, Rielly, Trouba and Reinhart all with similar ratings, the Oilers will definitely have a choice between a few of them in the #7 spot.
- Maxbone

I would even add Peckham to make it a swap of picks and Dmen

I would even add Peckham to make it a swap of picks and Dmen
- OilHorse

How generous of you

I could live with a TO deal. Maybe swap our #2 pick for #7 and Franson?

With Murray, Dumba, Rielly, Trouba and Reinhart all with similar ratings, the Oilers will definitely have a choice between a few of them in the #7 spot.
- Maxbone

I want more than franson if we're giving dbag burke his #1 center in grigs.

Schenn and #7-9.
We'll even throw in a 4th to make him feel better.

Pretty good discussion here so far. Let's see what Blazin Hazen has to say about this...

The way the Leafs are playing these days, that pick could be #3

They are all big centers. Faska is a little bigger than the other two but not by a lot. Basically for the Oilers it is cemented that RNH is the #1. Gagner right now is the #2, but with him potentially be moved that opens up that hole. Do the Oilers want to go with a Penguins like set up or two dynamic skill centers in RNH and Gally/Grigs, a skill guy and two way player like the Canucks with Sedin and Kesler or the Bruins with Krecji/Seguin and Bergeron.

It is my personal opinion that Galchenyuk will be the best center that comes out of the draft. There is just something about the Russian born, American raised, OHL stud that appeals to me.
- Ben37

I agree with that, really like Galchenyuk, hoping that's who we decide to pick.

I want more than franson if we're giving dbag burke his #1 center in grigs.

Schenn and #7-9.
We'll even throw in a 4th to make him feel better.
- hugefemale dog77

If you could get Schenn and the 3rd to 5th pick (where T.O. is heading) for our #2 pick and Paajarvi, would you do it? That would be a deal to make.

Omark and the 2nd for McBain and the 5th?



No.

Rutherford HAS said that our 1st rounder will be available, but only as a piece to acquiring a top 3 winger to play with Staal.

I like Omark, but McBain, Faulk and Murphy are the backbone of this team's future defense, and Jamie is too valuable to give up for what would be a lateral move at best.