Well, at least they will have Staal with a Stanley Cup and have a note that says he was a finalist for a major award in the NHL a few times. For Hemsky, or Gagner, not so much.
- Oneonta Penguin

You make it sound like Gagner and Hemsky are retiring tomorrow. Lots of time left to win cups. I have complete confidence in how good the Oil will be two or three seasons from now.

If Gagner is worth top ten that means I can trade Derek Roy to get a top 3 pick right?

Check draft stats. You'll see you're incorrect. Some players absolutely do. A good majority don't.
- Maxbone

With the development of young players around the world, the kids are getting better and better each year. Last year Sean Couturier got drafred 8th. Are you telling me he is only going to be scoring 45 points in a season when he is 22?

You make it sound like Gagner and Hemsky are retiring tomorrow. Lots of time left to win cups. I have complete confidence in how good the Oil will be two or three seasons from now.
- Maxbone

Not without a goalie or defence.

If Gagner is worth top ten that means I can trade Derek Roy to get a top 3 pick right?
- Mathwil3

I wouldn't rate Roy higher than Gagner. He's 28, for one thing.

Is it a full moon tonight or something?

If Gagner is worth top ten that means I can trade Derek Roy to get a top 3 pick right?
- Mathwil3

maybe get a 2nd rounder with it too

I wouldn't rate Roy higher than Gagner. He's 28, for one thing.

Is it a full moon tonight or something?
- Maxbone

100% of GM's would take Derek Roy over Sam Gagner. Even your GM

Oneonta Penguin.
Richard Cloutier.

Time out.

Lets start with this. Lets all agree that we value the players on our favourite teams, because we see the little details that non fans miss. As Oiler fans, Richard and I have seen what MAKES Hemsky a great player, the details, whereas non Oiler fans read stats sheets and watch TSN recaps. Oneonta, you know far more about Jordan Staal than Richard and I do, because that is your team, you have seen far more games, and witnessed the details. So lets get some obvious info out there.

Hemsky is an elite playmaker, was approximately a PPG player in his career until this last season. Bad news is he is coming of a crap season, and his injury history.

Staal is one of the best two way centres in the game, and he's big. However, he has yet to have a great season, even with the added ice time due to injuries to Malkin and Crosby. Didn't produce much as a 1st line centre, not even really a 2nd line.

Staal would be GREAT for Edmonton because we would love the size. We NEED the size. The defensive play comes in handy as well. And although his offence hasn't blown anyone away, picture him on a line with Yakupov. He will produce. All we would need is a 2nd line left winger, and we have one of the scariest top 6 in the league.

Hemsky would be GREAT for Pittsburgh because Malkin has Neal, imagine Crosby with Hemsky. Hemsky does this thing where he can lure 3 players to him with his deking skills, opening up his teammates. This is how he somehow managed to make Horcoff, Smyth, and Penner look better than they are. I believe his injury history will be a thing of the past, and I think the way he lures opponents to him may save CROSBY from getting hurt again.

Now, before you FREAK OUT Oneonta, I know that Staal for Hemsky straight across will not happen. Why? Because Edmonton needs this trade more than Pittburgh does. Right now both of you think I am crazy, but get over your own biased opinions and think this over, okay?

Now, that being said, not much needs to be added to make this trade go through, as Staal has one year on his contract. So what to add? Lets hear your guys thoughts?

Oh, and Oneonta... I gotta say, I disagree with about 80% of what Clouts says in his blogs, he makes me shake my head often. But he is a blogger, and you are not, so maybe he knows a little more about blogging than you. No need to have a temper tantrum on him. Lets be honest, how many of the proposals do you agree with, why verbally smack him alone?

I wouldn't rate Roy higher than Gagner. He's 28, for one thing.

Is it a full moon tonight or something?
- Maxbone

Could be. Great blog tonight had flashbacks of my gf crying in the movie theatre and me saying best sleep I've had in years lol. Seriously, on Gagner it just seems people are worried about getting burned by a guy who looks like a perennial 50pt scorer. I look at him and Roy and wish it was 2006 so I can watch their talent and not the bigger slugs interfering and nothing gets called. I wouldn't mind trading for Hemsky but I think people would go nuts in Buffalo because he would. Reek of Tim Connolly

Generally, I am supportive of the Oilers and Oiler posters. But they seem to have gone a little quirky tonight around this thread.

The idea was that the Pens might deal Staal if they could strenghthen themselves defensively. So Oiler commentators start pushing the idea that the Pens should take some of the undersized and often defensively defective Oiler spare parts.

I know Oiler fans believe they need to do some deals to get stronger. But it won't happen if you dramatically overvalue your own assets and attempt to always discount the value of the very asset you desire.

Ottawa gave up Rundblad and a 2nd for Turris. Staal brings a lot more. But, most of all, Edmonton needs size and proven defensive competence. I don't think they have enough of this for themselves let alone be able to offer it up to Pittsburgh.

Oneonta Penguin.
Richard Cloutier.

Time out.

Lets start with this. Lets all agree that we value the players on our favourite teams, because we see the little details that non fans miss. As Oiler fans, Richard and I have seen what MAKES Hemsky a great player, the details, whereas non Oiler fans read stats sheets and watch TSN recaps. Oneonta, you know far more about Jordan Staal than Richard and I do, because that is your team, you have seen far more games, and witnessed the details. So lets get some obvious info out there.

Hemsky is an elite playmaker, was approximately a PPG player in his career until this last season. Bad news is he is coming of a crap season, and his injury history.

Staal is one of the best two way centres in the game, and he's big. However, he has yet to have a great season, even with the added ice time due to injuries to Malkin and Crosby. Didn't produce much as a 1st line centre, not even really a 2nd line.

Staal would be GREAT for Edmonton because we would love the size. We NEED the size. The defensive play comes in handy as well. And although his offence hasn't blown anyone away, picture him on a line with Yakupov. He will produce. All we would need is a 2nd line left winger, and we have one of the scariest top 6 in the league.

Hemsky would be GREAT for Pittsburgh because Malkin has Neal, imagine Crosby with Hemsky. Hemsky does this thing where he can lure 3 players to him with his deking skills, opening up his teammates. This is how he somehow managed to make Horcoff, Smyth, and Penner look better than they are. I believe his injury history will be a thing of the past, and I think the way he lures opponents to him may save CROSBY from getting hurt again.

Now, before you FREAK OUT Oneonta, I know that Staal for Hemsky straight across will not happen. Why? Because Edmonton needs this trade more than Pittburgh does. Right now both of you think I am crazy, but get over your own biased opinions and think this over, okay?

Now, that being said, not much needs to be added to make this trade go through, as Staal has one year on his contract. So what to add? Lets hear your guys thoughts?

Oh, and Oneonta... I gotta say, I disagree with about 80% of what Clouts says in his blogs, he makes me shake my head often. But he is a blogger, and you are not, so maybe he knows a little more about blogging than you. No need to have a temper tantrum on him. Lets be honest, how many of the proposals do you agree with, why verbally smack him alone?
- Friesenhan

Look at the teams left in the playoffs. You need to play defense, incuding your forwards. Why would you trade one of those away and get back another offensive minded player.

With the development of young players around the world, the kids are getting better and better each year. Last year Sean Couturier got drafred 8th. Are you telling me he is only going to be scoring 45 points in a season when he is 22?
- cburgess

Couturier might be the most Jordan Staal-like player since Jordan Staal. He's going to be a solid NHL player. A big fan of his game.

A year before the 2011 NHL draft, Couturier was considered in the top three, if not the top prospect. Which just goes to show sometimes teams over-think the obvious.

Nuge was good at #1. Landeskog at #2 was the right pick. Huberdeau at #3 looks okay but he hasn't proven anything at the pro level yet. Larsson at #4 was solid. Strome at #5 looks okay, but he didn't have a lights-out year. Zibanejad looks like a good prospect too. Scheifele at #7 ditto.

If you were to redo the draft, I'd say: 1. Nuge. 2. Landeskog. 3. Couturier. 4. Larsson. Can't say much else because the other players have yet to show anything at the NHL level.

Would I take Gagner now over Huberdeau, Strome, Zibanejad or Scheifele? Maybe. At least in Gagner, you know what you have. Would I take Gagner over ONE SEASON of any of these four in their prime? Yes. In fact, I'd take several seasons of Gagner over one season of Nuge in his prime, and Nuge most certainly is a better player than Jordan Staal.

100% of GM's would take Derek Roy over Sam Gagner. Even your GM
- cburgess

Amen. Gagner just isn't that good. 8pts in one game or not still a 3rd line center in Buffalo and Montreal

100% of GM's would take Derek Roy over Sam Gagner. Even your GM
- cburgess

I don't think so at all. Sorry.

Couturier might be the most Jordan Staal-like player since Jordan Staal. He's going to be a solid NHL player. A big fan of his game.

A year before the 2011 NHL draft, Couturier was considered in the top three, if not the top prospect. Which just goes to show sometimes teams over-think the obvious.

Nuge was good at #1. Landeskog at #2 was the right pick. Huberdeau at #3 looks okay but he hasn't proven anything at the pro level yet. Larsson at #4 was solid. Strome at #5 looks okay, but he didn't have a lights-out year. Zibanejad looks like a good prospect too. Scheifele at #7 ditto.

If you were to redo the draft, I'd say: 1. Nuge. 2. Landeskog. 3. Couturier. 4. Larsson. Can't say much else because the other players have yet to show anything at the NHL level.

Would I take Gagner now over Huberdeau, Strome, Zibanejad or Scheifele? Maybe. At least in Gagner, you know what you have. Would I take Gagner over ONE SEASON of any of these four in their prime? Yes. In fact, I'd take several seasons of Gagner over one season of Nuge in his prime, and Nuge most certainly is a better player than Jordan Staal.
- Maxbone

I need to buy some of these oiler goggles to continue this conversation

For Buffalo to get Staal Probably Sekera and Leopold and our lower 1st round. He is an RFA next year right? We may have to take on Martin or Z as well. Good thing we have Pegula

I don't think so at all. Sorry.
- Maxbone

May I have an explanation on that one?

Amen. Gagner just isn't that good. 8pts in one game or not still a 3rd line center in Buffalo and Montreal
- Mathwil3

He would struggle to make the top 6 on any team

Oneonta Penguin.
Richard Cloutier.

Time out.

Lets start with this. Lets all agree that we value the players on our favourite teams, because we see the little details that non fans miss. As Oiler fans, Richard and I have seen what MAKES Hemsky a great player, the details, whereas non Oiler fans read stats sheets and watch TSN recaps. Oneonta, you know far more about Jordan Staal than Richard and I do, because that is your team, you have seen far more games, and witnessed the details. So lets get some obvious info out there.

Hemsky is an elite playmaker, was approximately a PPG player in his career until this last season. Bad news is he is coming of a crap season, and his injury history.

Staal is one of the best two way centres in the game, and he's big. However, he has yet to have a great season, even with the added ice time due to injuries to Malkin and Crosby. Didn't produce much as a 1st line centre, not even really a 2nd line.

Staal would be GREAT for Edmonton because we would love the size. We NEED the size. The defensive play comes in handy as well. And although his offence hasn't blown anyone away, picture him on a line with Yakupov. He will produce. All we would need is a 2nd line left winger, and we have one of the scariest top 6 in the league.

Hemsky would be GREAT for Pittsburgh because Malkin has Neal, imagine Crosby with Hemsky. Hemsky does this thing where he can lure 3 players to him with his deking skills, opening up his teammates. This is how he somehow managed to make Horcoff, Smyth, and Penner look better than they are. I believe his injury history will be a thing of the past, and I think the way he lures opponents to him may save CROSBY from getting hurt again.

Now, before you FREAK OUT Oneonta, I know that Staal for Hemsky straight across will not happen. Why? Because Edmonton needs this trade more than Pittburgh does. Right now both of you think I am crazy, but get over your own biased opinions and think this over, okay?

Now, that being said, not much needs to be added to make this trade go through, as Staal has one year on his contract. So what to add? Lets hear your guys thoughts?

Oh, and Oneonta... I gotta say, I disagree with about 80% of what Clouts says in his blogs, he makes me shake my head often. But he is a blogger, and you are not, so maybe he knows a little more about blogging than you. No need to have a temper tantrum on him. Lets be honest, how many of the proposals do you agree with, why verbally smack him alone?
- Friesenhan

No temper tantrum. I get sick of bloggers who continually are delusional. I think he is utterly ridiculous with his ideas.

Outside of the top pick overall, there isn't a deal that Edmonton could send Pittsburgh for Staal. You aren't trading Eberle, or Hall, or RNH (I'm not a fan of his - think Landeskog will be better in his career). I would only be intrigued with one of your prospects, your Swedish Dman, but we don't need him. We are competing for Cups and trading Staal for a prospect is pointless. There isn't a match.

Hemsky DOENS'T help Pittsburgh at all. We are close to the cap to begin with and bringing in a fragile, soft player isn't the answer considering our health resume the last two years. Why take the chance? Nothing like playing him 5 million to play 45 games. I'm not sure he would produce in Pittsburgh to begin with. He certainly isn't a given to do it.

There isn't a match here.

I can see stall going to the sharks. I don't know why. I have a feeling those two(sharks,pens) will be good buddy's this offseason.
- Deadmau55

Ya your right about it being a good fit in SJ for Stall. If the Sharks can find a taker for Thorton, & than they can acquire Stall, the Sharks would have a GREAT young 1-2 punch at center in Couture & Stall.

Ya your right about it being a good fit in SJ for Stall. If the Sharks can find a taker for Thorton, & than they can acquire Stall, the Sharks would have a GREAT young 1-2 punch at center in Couture & Stall.
- GCHonda

Buffalo would take him in a heartbeat. But I thought they wanted to dump Marleau?

No temper tantrum. I get sick of bloggers who continually are delusional. I think he is utterly ridiculous with his ideas.

Outside of the top pick overall, there isn't a deal that Edmonton could send Pittsburgh for Staal. You aren't trading Eberle, or Hall, or RNH (I'm not a fan of his - think Landeskog will be better in his career). I would only be intrigued with one of your prospects, your Swedish Dman, but we don't need him. We are competing for Cups and trading Staal for a prospect is pointless. There isn't a match.

Hemsky DOENS'T help Pittsburgh at all. We are close to the cap to begin with and bringing in a fragile, soft player isn't the answer considering our health resume the last two years. Why take the chance? Nothing like playing him 5 million to play 45 games. I'm not sure he would produce in Pittsburgh to begin with. He certainly isn't a given to do it.

There isn't a match here.
- Oneonta Penguin

It probably worked out well on his X BOX so he figures it will in real life aswell

he would be doug gilmour 2.0 if he was to go to the leafs.

For Buffalo to get Staal Probably Sekera and Leopold and our lower 1st round. He is an RFA next year right? We may have to take on Martin or Z as well. Good thing we have Pegula
- Mathwil3

This isn't a match. Sekera and Leopold are puck moving defensemen. That is the last we need. Letang, Niskanen, Despres, Morrow, Harrington ... we are over loaded with those. I don't think Buffalo is a fit. Staal fits Buffalo, but I don't see a match in return that benefits Pittsburgh.

Cburgess who do you want the Habs to draft? What do you think about your new GM? I'm jealous your getting Rick Dudley don't know why his isn't with the Sabres