Keep the hate coming. We love it.
- GuyLaDouche

Do you actually love it?

what does that mean? that the Habs suck? i know they do. but we're talking about drawing free agents. and i'm pretty sure in the regard, the Habs haven't had that much trouble lately.
- DoubleDown

Oh yeah... So many superstars just dying to go to Montreal these last few years. It's crazy how much talent you guys attract...

I didn't say there was anything wrong with the way they're proceeding but someone suggested that it was the "proper" way to re-build. I dunno, I think most fans would want to see their team succeed (contenders) while also drafting the right players even if they're late first round picks.
- Gmcc24

Certainly they would but the Oilers have to pick where they select. I think every Oiler fan would have preferred the Oil be in the playoff's but they didn't make it.

Tambellini hasn't wavered and made trades out of desperation e has stuck to his blue print. I'm sure we can all pick an example of teams that have succumbed to the win now pressure and made poor decisions as a result. The proper build is through the draft and that's what the Oilers are doing.

what does that mean? that the Habs suck? i know they do. but we're talking about drawing free agents. and i'm pretty sure in the regard, the Habs haven't had that much trouble lately.
- DoubleDown

For sure. I was a big doubter of the Cole deal, but he's looking like one of the best pickups of the last deadline. Similar stats to Richards, on a worse team, for a hell of a better contract.

Agreed! Let PRV play in the AHL next season. He's big, has a great attitude, and is still on his entry level deal for another season. What's the point in trading this asset when we can sign a UFA defender.

I think the Oilers lock up a big name in the UFA market this off-season. Probably not Suter, but one of Wideman, Stuart, Kuba, Jackman, or Carle would look great in an Oilers uniform. We may have to overpay, but if it was on a short term deal (max 3 years) I'd be all for it.

I'd absolutely be in favour of trading next years #1.
- bazmagoo

I mentioned before but I think Paajarvi should get top 6 ice time in the NHL next season. Excluding him Hall is our biggest top forward and we need more size up front, if Paajarvi can add some grit to his game over the summer I think him combined with Gagner and Yakupov would be a great combination. Or use free agency to put someone in that spot

There sure are slim pickings for the D-man the oil actually need.
- HotSauceBlueChs

But now they have the tools they maybe didn't have before to get a solid D. They should have traded Gagner(sp) when he was hot.

For sure. I was a big doubter of the Cole deal, but he's looking like one of the best pickups of the last deadline. Similar stats to Richards, on a worse team, for a hell of a better contract.
- lumlums

I wish the Oilers could attract someone like Cole... Oh wait...

Do you actually love it?
- HotSauceBlueChs

Bah-ba ba bah bahhhhhhhhhh

That's not an absolute. Different players develop at different speeds. The Wings didn't use magic they were surprised as much as anyone with how some of their late round picks developed. Had they not been so fortunate the story might be quit different.

With the exception of the Red Wings the championship teams have all sucked for a period of time before winning.
- Sabata

Here's the thing about Datsyuk especially. He was drafted at age 19, at the end of the 6th round. So, yeah sure, the red wings found him, but they also passed on him 23 times first. Can someone tell me that that's specifically great scouting?

Not winnin for McKinnon
And
We're bad for ekblad
Should be the oilers motto for the next 2 years, then worry about the playoffs.

Cole will go anywhere...
- laughs2907

Yes, but now he's doubled the number of teams that he's been effective with

7 3rd rounders
- DoubleDown

Now we need Suter and Harding...

Pretty sure that Edmonton owns the riot record too.
- docmorgan

nothing in edmonton never even came close to the same scale as vancouver so dont be a retard and even suggest it, thats like saying stealing a pack of gum from 7/11 is just as bad as backing a dump truck up to a bank vault and loading it up.

Oh yeah... So many superstars just dying to go to Montreal these last few years. It's crazy how much talent you guys attract...
- laughs2907

what superstars make it to free agency?

and i never said Montreal was the top draw. i just said they haven't had much trouble drawing free agents. sorry, but Montreal is a far more desirable place to play and live than Edmonton.

Keep the hate coming. We love it.
- GuyLaDouche

I want to see more hate from the Flames....

I wish the Oilers could attract someone like Cole... Oh wait...


- laughs2907

you traded for him. and he was so miserable and awful you traded him right back. for less.

Now we need Suter and Harding...
- saskoil21

HANDS OFF!!!!

I mentioned before but I think Paajarvi should get top 6 ice time in the NHL next season. Excluding him Hall is our biggest top forward and we need more size up front, if Paajarvi can add some grit to his game over the summer I think him combined with Gagner and Yakupov would be a great combination. Or use free agency to put someone in that spot
- freelancer

Disagree with ya there, I think Paajarvi needs a season in the AHL to fine tune his game. Don't think there are many signs he's ready for a full NHL season, in my opinion. I'd rather have Hartikainen up in the NHL just due to his size.

Leave PRV and Lander in the AHL next season, they can grown together and replace Horcoff and Smyth eventually.

But now they have the tools they maybe didn't have before to get a solid D. They should have traded Gagner(sp) when he was hot.
- Deadmau55

No to trading Gagner, we have no one else who can be a top 6 center, can't fill one hole by creating another

Not winnin for McKinnon
And
We're bad for ekblad
Should be the oilers motto for the next 2 years, then worry about the playoffs.
- NoobasaurusRex

hows the playoffs treating the stars and the 6000 fans that watch them play???

what superstars make it to free agency?

and i never said Montreal was the top draw. i just said they haven't had much trouble drawing free agents. sorry, but Montreal is a far more desirable place to play and live than Edmonton.
- DoubleDown

Sure whatever makes you sleep at night

Certainly they would but the Oilers have to pick where they select. I think every Oiler fan would have preferred the Oil be in the playoff's but they didn't make it.

Tambellini hasn't wavered and made trades out of desperation e has stuck to his blue print. I'm sure we can all pick an example of teams that have succumbed to the win now pressure and made poor decisions as a result. The proper build is through the draft and that's what the Oilers are doing.
- Sabata

Good points. The Leafs as a prime example

On another note, thanks for actually having a conversation without accusing me of hating. Much appreciated

Just saying. They can't draft a new city.
- hankthetank

nothing wrong with the one we have. Go OIL Go

Ok reality sets in.
The leafs need to rebuild, and the oilers don't need another small skilled forward.
Your not taking on any of our crap. (Komi, Lombardi etc etc)

So which leaf d would you take for the pick?
If I'm Burke I'd go either Schenn or Gardiner (basically any one leaf d) plus the 5th.