Just one other thing, when talking about signing Schultz, Brian Burke drafted him, before he left Anaheim. There is probably a rapport, with Burke, who probably gave him the green light, to stay in college. When Burke went out and grabbed Jake Gardiner, it probably left an impression on Schultz that Burke did right, by Gardiner. Although Burke can't directly talk to Schultz, he can use Gardiner to speak to him, as a friend. You can't say Gardiner hasn't gotten the love of the Leafs Nation, because he has. I bet that most Leafs fans would consider Gardiner as the only untouchable. Maybe Schultz would get that vibe and come here, knowing that there is an opportunity to crack the top 4 and get plenty of icetime, with his old friend.

I guess last year when Eric Belanger, Ben Eager signed..

I could pose the same question about the Leafs.... not like UFA's flock there.
- robin_steele264

UFA's flock to teams where the GM's aren't hampered by Burkes moral stand against long term contracts. Fortunately for him, it's the fans who have to pay the price for his righteous indignation.

I don't know if Schultz is thinking TO. It seems to be a dead end for defenceman careers since the lockout. If he does go there it will be for the big money and term. If he was smart he would jump into a team that had a respected and quality top 2 with him fitting into the 5-6. Get your feet wet, no pressure, learn from quality established D men and when injuries arise take your shot. Within 2-3 years, if he's progressed enough, he gets his top 3-4 role and potential big money under his apprenticeship of the other guys. Don't go somewhere where they give you a nickname and label you the next Big thing before you even have 20 games under your belt. That's where they throw you under the bus and call you out based on your salary and then it's non stop trade talk. Why in Gods name would you want to start a career like that.
- SmielmaN

These guys have been raised being told they're the best. These guys think they're the best and they've proved they've been the best at every level they've played. That's why they're here and most are certain they can prove it at the highest level. They wouldn't shy away from being called the next big one, they'd embrace it.

Sure, everyone can offer him maximum bonuses, but that does count on the cap hit, does it not?
- Betelgeuse

-
No. The bonus cushion will likely return next season. Meaning that teams will be able to exceed the cap by 7% for their bonuses. Since no one ever achieves these bonuses, most teams don't care about using the full 7%.
-
Of course, the new CBA could change things pretty wildly, but going on the assumption that prospects will be treated similarly, I would count on this being the case.

Kessel Grabo Lupul

Stewart Stasny Kadri

Frattin Bozak Kulemin

Crabb Stecks Brown


Franson Phaneuf

Schultz Gardiner

Liles Schenn


Luongo
Reimer
- Mapleleafs_91

I love it, but I'd think Stasny would be the 1C since he's a passer and Grabbo is a shooter.

Also, I think Schultz and Gardiner should be the third pairing. Potential talent aside, they still need to be sheltered for now and used mostly in positive situations (against weaker opponents, PP, etc.)

Crosby could score 100 points with actual penguins on his line.
- robin_steele264

*Slow clap*
Lol.

Oilers young core has a little more upside me thinks.



- robin_steele264

-
If I were an Oilers fan, I would be very concerned about that young core. They are all small, and Taylor Hall in particular has shown an aptitude for getting injured with the head down flying through the middle of the ice play. Forcing them all onto the team so young, before they had other good pieces in place could be a nightmare when contracts come up.
-
I like the Oilers and I hope for their success - the franchise and the fans deserve it. But so far, the Pittsburgh strategy doesn't seem like it will work as well for EDM as it did for Shero. Hall, RNH, Yakupov and Eberle are no Malkin, Crosby, Staal, Fleury, and soon they will cost a fortune all the same.

He will not sign in Toronto.
- DrRecchi

Or, to put it another way, he will.

-
If I were an Oilers fan, I would be very concerned about that young core. They are all small, and Taylor Hall in particular has shown an aptitude for getting injured with the head down flying through the middle of the ice play. Forcing them all onto the team so young, before they had other good pieces in place could be a nightmare when contracts come up.
-
I like the Oilers and I hope for their success - the franchise and the fans deserve it. But so far, the Pittsburgh strategy doesn't seem like it will work as well for EDM as it did for Shero. Hall, RNH, Yakupov and Eberle are no Malkin, Crosby, Staal, Fleury, and soon they will cost a fortune all the same.
- hockey-nerd

Im not that concerened.

No one forced them on the team... they forced themselves on the team, thats about it.

Hall plays with fire, i would never ask him to change the way he plays.

Im not that concerened.

No one forced them on the team... they forced themselves on the team, thats about it.

Hall plays with fire, i would never ask him to change the way he plays.
- robin_steele264

-
They forced them on the team by not providing adequate competition for them. Who were they forcing off the team? Who did they have to steal a spot from? The problem is, the team had to sell hope, and they wanted the fans to be able to see it front and center. Anyways, it's just my opinion that their string of 1st overalls isn't going to turn out as well as Pittsburgh's - it's not meant to be a shot at the Oilers. It's not much of an insult considering Crosby is the best player in the world, Malkin 2nd best, and Staal an annual Selke candidate, while Fleury (this year's playoffs not included, lol) a Team Canada goalie. Like I said, I hope it works out for them - those are just lofty heights to try to achieve.
-
What are you hoping for at the draft?

-
They forced them on the team by not providing adequate competition for them. Who were they forcing off the team? Who did they have to steal a spot from? The problem is, the team had to sell hope, and they wanted the fans to be able to see it front and center. Anyways, it's just my opinion that their string of 1st overalls isn't going to turn out as well as Pittsburgh's - it's not meant to be a shot at the Oilers. Like I said, I hope it works out for them.
-
What are you hoping for at the draft?
- hockey-nerd

Hope they keep the pick take Yak.

Normally the 1st overall pick makes the team that picks them cause they are NHL ready. No sense holding them back if they are ready. Plus the team picking first likely isn't very deep cause well, they are picking 1st.

Selling hope is the only thing you can do in a rebuild. But in Edmonton after this 3rd top pick, it's time for the team to produce some results. I hope Tambs starts getting creative in finding ways to get an established dman or 2 on the team.

If not and the team finishes near the bottom again fans will grow nasty and heads will roll.

Hope they keep the pick take Yak.

Normally the 1st overall pick makes the team that picks them cause they are NHL ready. No sense holding them back if they are ready. Plus the team picking first likely isn't very deep cause well, they are picking 1st.

Selling hope is the only thing you can do in a rebuild. But in Edmonton after this 3rd top pick, it's time for the team to produce some results. I hope Tambs starts getting creative in finding ways to get an established dman or 2 on the team.

If not and the team finishes near the bottom again fans will grow nasty and heads will roll.
- robin_steele264

-
As someone not intensely following the Oilers, but still familiar with all their doings, I was thinking this looks like a good draft to fall back a spot (Columbus is desperate for that 1st overall) and maybe try to get a second pick in the top 10.
-
Tambellini could probably get an established D-man from Columbus for the right to move up a spot (Methot?), and use other assets (Paajarvi/Teubert) to land another pick in the top 10 - maybe with Anaheim, who seems a common trade partner. Walking away from that draft with Dumba, Murray and Methot before the 7th pick would be MASSIVE for the future back-end of the Oilers.
-

-
As someone not intensely following the Oilers, but still familiar with all their doings, I was thinking this looks like a good draft to fall back a spot (Columbus is desperate for that 1st overall) and maybe try to get a second pick in the top 10.
-
Tambellini could probably get an established D-man from Columbus for the right to move up a spot (Methot?), and use other assets (Paajarvi/Teubert) to land another pick in the top 10 - maybe with Anaheim, who seems a common trade partner. Walking away from that draft with Dumba, Murray and Methot before the 7th pick would be MASSIVE for the future back-end of the Oilers.
-
- hockey-nerd

I'm pretty excited about Yakupov. Oilers offense isn't the greatest. Defense isn't as bad as many describe it to be either. Good youth coming already. Only way I'd move the pick is for a serious top pairing dman who's gonna stay a while.

1. Sign Schultz to ELC max
* Will very likely happen
2. Trade 5th overall + Kulemin + Franson for Jordan Staal
* Overpayment -- Better off trading for the #1 overall pick
Try 5th overall, Franson/Gunnarson for 1st overall pick (EDM)
* IF this happens, you can bet the farm on acquiring a proven #1 C
* ERIC Staal perhaps?
* Give 'em 2013 & 2014 1st rd pick, Franson\Gunarsson
* They're rebuilding anyway
3. Trade Komisarek + Reimer for Luongo
*Like it. Might be underpayment for Lou.
* Maybe they will have to throw in Mac, assuming 1& 2 have happened
4. Re-Sign RFA's: Frattin, Scrivens, and Holzer
* HAS TO HAPPEN
5. Sign UFA's: Penner, Prust, Gaustad, and Crabb
* Drop Penner. Like the others.
6. Trade or bury Lombardi, Armstrong, and Connolly
* they were useless from the start.

Projected Lineup
Lupul - E.Staal - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - Yacupov
Kadri - Bozak - Frattin
Brown - Gaustad - Crabb
***Prust, Steckel***

Phaneuf - Holzer
Gardiner - Schultz
Liles - Schenn

Luongo
Scrivens

That is a VERY good team on paper.
Shores up every position

* 2 VERY dangerous top lines
* An energetic 3rd line
* a tough 4th line
* Goaltending
* No glut of defencemen

If half of this happens this year, the Leafs will be exciting to watch
- Climuster

Jesus H Christ...

1. Sign Schultz to ELC max
* Will very likely happen
2. Trade 5th overall + Kulemin + Franson for Jordan Staal
* Overpayment -- Better off trading for the #1 overall pick
Try 5th overall, Franson/Gunnarson for 1st overall pick (EDM)
* IF this happens, you can bet the farm on acquiring a proven #1 C
* ERIC Staal perhaps?
* Give 'em 2013 & 2014 1st rd pick, Franson\Gunarsson
* They're rebuilding anyway
3. Trade Komisarek + Reimer for Luongo
*Like it. Might be underpayment for Lou.
* Maybe they will have to throw in Mac, assuming 1& 2 have happened
4. Re-Sign RFA's: Frattin, Scrivens, and Holzer
* HAS TO HAPPEN
5. Sign UFA's: Penner, Prust, Gaustad, and Crabb
* Drop Penner. Like the others.
6. Trade or bury Lombardi, Armstrong, and Connolly
* they were useless from the start.

Projected Lineup
Lupul - E.Staal - Kessel
Kulemin - Grabovski - Yacupov
Kadri - Bozak - Frattin
Brown - Gaustad - Crabb
***Prust, Steckel***

Phaneuf - Holzer
Gardiner - Schultz
Liles - Schenn

Luongo
Scrivens

That is a VERY good team on paper.
Shores up every position

* 2 VERY dangerous top lines
* An energetic 3rd line
* a tough 4th line
* Goaltending
* No glut of defencemen

If half of this happens this year, the Leafs will be exciting to watch
- Climuster

Jesus i8 Christ...
- shinebox

- Flyfreaky

Stop it.

Hope they keep the pick take Yak.

Normally the 1st overall pick makes the team that picks them cause they are NHL ready. No sense holding them back if they are ready. Plus the team picking first likely isn't very deep cause well, they are picking 1st.

Selling hope is the only thing you can do in a rebuild. But in Edmonton after this 3rd top pick, it's time for the team to produce some results. I hope Tambs starts getting creative in finding ways to get an established dman or 2 on the team.

If not and the team finishes near the bottom again fans will grow nasty and heads will roll.
- robin_steele264

The funny thing is, people talk as though Edmonton purposefully set out to tank and rebuild. NO TEAM does this. Ever. All NHL teams do what they can to stay competetive and make the playoffs. why? because playoff hockey=revenue and fan loyalty. In Edmonton, through a series of critical and well publicized blunders, unfortunate events, bad management and general idicocy, the team was sent to a place where rebuild was really the only option. No real NHL stars on the team, no real good prospects in the system and even 2nd tier UFAs had no desire to sign. The management never sat down and said "well lets suck."

Anyone who actually followed the team closely this last year knows that this will be the last year they finish amongst the bottom dwellers. People saying they will be a lottery team again next year are uninformed, ignorant and probably like men.

- TheTaoOfSemenko

I had started to lose faith, then i read that post, and....

The funny thing is, people talk as though Edmonton purposefully set out to tank and rebuild. NO TEAM does this. Ever. All NHL teams do what they can to stay competetive and make the playoffs. why? because playoff hockey=revenue and fan loyalty. In Edmonton, through a series of critical and well publicized blunders, unfortunate events, bad management and general idicocy, the team was sent to a place where rebuild was really the only option. No real NHL stars on the team, no real good prospects in the system and even 2nd tier UFAs had no desire to sign. The management never sat down and said "well lets suck."

Anyone who actually followed the team closely this last year knows that this will be the last year they finish amongst the bottom dwellers. People saying they will be a lottery team again next year are uninformed, ignorant and probably like men.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

Honestly no team can be the worst place team out of 30 teams THREE years in a row. I understand that no team intentionally tanks as this is professional sports and players needing to perform for salaries etc but something has to give. I agree you won't be picking first overall next year but if you end up in the lottery again theres no other explanation for it

I love it, but I'd think Stasny would be the 1C since he's a passer and Grabbo is a shooter.

Also, I think Schultz and Gardiner should be the third pairing. Potential talent aside, they still need to be sheltered for now and used mostly in positive situations (against weaker opponents, PP, etc.)
- clarkysduster

Id honestly like to see phaneuf and schenn on the same line up... with gardiner and schultz on same line and franson/gunner with liles.

I put grabo on the first line to seperate 1st line and 2nd line to have good chemistry, lupul and kessel have good chemistry, stewart and stasny have good chemistry, add a center to the first line(grabo), add a winger to second line(kadri who is ready enough by now) and we have 2 set lines that have good connections with one another. Its all about chemistry, stasny and stewart had their best stats when with one another.

Honestly no team can be the worst place team out of 30 teams THREE years in a row. I understand that no team intentionally tanks as this is professional sports and players needing to perform for salaries etc but something has to give. I agree you won't be picking first overall next year but if you end up in the lottery again theres no other explanation for it
- pparam

They werent the worst team 3 years in a row.

The blog with all the mock draft links show the majority of them having the Leafs draft Grigorenko at #5....sweet.

The blog with all the mock draft links show the majority of them having the Leafs draft Grigorenko at #5....sweet.
- cracka

I can see him dropping. I would be happy if he was there at 5 but at the same time this kid has the most bust potential in projected top 10 of the draft.

They werent the worst team 3 years in a row.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

mistake, you know what i mean lol