Richard Cloutier: Who Could Win in Edmonton from the NHL Lockout?

Richard Cloutier: Who Could Win in Edmonton from the NHL Lockout?
- Maxbone

Same old, same old. You're talking about the Oilers prospects' opportunities, the NHL is in full lockout, and I'm not wearing pants. You're the reason I beat my children in Skyrim, Richard. But let me tell you, you do a DAMN good job at provoking discussion regardless of topic.

I disagree that roster spots will open up the way you say they will, and not only because of how you exaggerate the volume of post-lockout movement. As much as it pains me to say it, parting ways with Shawn Horcoff would be a mistake. The same goes for Jones and Eager. Their mix of grit, defensive ability, capable secondary scoring, and experience, they're exactly what our team needs to hold on to. The others, on the other hand, can go (frank) themselves (I kid). Rolling into any season with a roster full of inexperience does very little to push a team upward, let alone one in a full rebuild.

With what you suggest, upwards of 300 NHL players could be available on the FA market come the end of the lockout. Who's to say there won't be a number of quality players on the market who could fill roles in getting this team to the next step? Players Sergei Gonchar, Andy McDonald, Ryane Clowe, Robyn Regehr, Rob Scuderi, Matt Cullen, and Chad Larose could all be good additions at the right price and short term. And that's just naming a few.

We can agree that Teemu Hartikainen is practically guaranteeing himself a roster spot in the Oilers top-9 with how he's playing so far this season. Marincin has also really impressed me so far, and not just with his offensive acumen and production, but also with his play reading and simple defensive game. Of course he's prone to defensive lapses, but even our uber-prospect Schultz has those.

I think people- including yourself- undersell Rieder a good deal. In each of the past two summers, he's put on around 10lbs to be sitting at 190lbs as he is now. Another summer like that and I could easily see him playing himself into a role on the team. Playing in a third line role with some time on both special teams could prove just as, if not more, beneficial than playing top minutes in the AHL. Let him hone his game at the highest competition level and I'm confident that he'd rise to the occasion as he has since his drafting.

As much as I'd like him around, I can only really see Pitlick being good trade bait. His combination of speed, size, and skill is enticing despite his lack of production so far. Same goes for Paajarvi. That's not to say I've given up on them though, but I just can't see a future for them with the Oilers at the moment.

klefbom's has never been the god like superstar you've proclaimed in the SEL.

in fact it wasnt until this young season where he finally was healthy enough and given the opportunity to play big minutes. which he's been doing well by all accounts.
but by the same accounts has alot of work to do....

now it looks like he's out for the season. this is probably a HUGE dent in his development.
can prob count him out of being even close to nhl ready next year

VV is a career Ahl'er. teubert prob too. marincin looks way better so far.

VV is a career Ahl'er. teubert prob too. marincin looks way better so far.
- hugefemale dog77

Did you see his defensive plays against Milwaukee the other night? So smooth!

Did you see his defensive plays against Milwaukee the other night? So smooth!
- MaximumBone

i didnt. but every game ive watched ive been extremely impressed by his poise.

effortless skater, makes the simple play, and is decent both ways.
really impressed so far

The real winner in EDM because of the lock out?

FEMALES!

http://www.torontosun.com...mid-nhl-lockout-retailers

Same old, same old. You're talking about the Oilers prospects' opportunities, the NHL is in full lockout, and I'm not wearing pants. You're the reason I beat my children in Skyrim, Richard. But let me tell you, you do a DAMN good job at provoking discussion regardless of topic.

I disagree that roster spots will open up the way you say they will, and not only because of how you exaggerate the volume of post-lockout movement. As much as it pains me to say it, parting ways with Shawn Horcoff would be a mistake. The same goes for Jones and Eager. Their mix of grit, defensive ability, capable secondary scoring, and experience, they're exactly what our team needs to hold on to. The others, on the other hand, can go (frank) themselves (I kid). Rolling into any season with a roster full of inexperience does very little to push a team upward, let alone one in a full rebuild.
With what you suggest, upwards of 300 NHL players could be available on the FA market come the end of the lockout. Who's to say there won't be a number of quality players on the market who could fill roles in getting this team to the next step? Players Sergei Gonchar, Andy McDonald, Ryane Clowe, Robyn Regehr, Rob Scuderi, Matt Cullen, and Chad Larose could all be good additions at the right price and short term. And that's just naming a few.

We can agree that Teemu Hartikainen is practically guaranteeing himself a roster spot in the Oilers top-9 with how he's playing so far this season. Marincin has also really impressed me so far, and not just with his offensive acumen and production, but also with his play reading and simple defensive game. Of course he's prone to defensive lapses, but even our uber-prospect Schultz has those.

I think people- including yourself- undersell Rieder a good deal. In each of the past two summers, he's put on around 10lbs to be sitting at 190lbs as he is now. Another summer like that and I could easily see him playing himself into a role on the team. Playing in a third line role with some time on both special teams could prove just as, if not more, beneficial than playing top minutes in the AHL. Let him hone his game at the highest competition level and I'm confident that he'd rise to the occasion as he has since his drafting.

As much as I'd like him around, I can only really see Pitlick being good trade bait. His combination of speed, size, and skill is enticing despite his lack of production so far. Same goes for Paajarvi. That's not to say I've given up on them though, but I just can't see a future for them with the Oilers at the moment.
- MaximumBone

the bolded.

it's always about the shiny new kid with clouts.

they take time. winners need experience, vets and leadership. even with the exciting dvelopment of future stars ebs, nuge etc, anyone who watched the oilers, knew those kids werent ready to dominate night in and out. ( im talking to u trolleytracks)

just glancing at ur short list, clowe and regehr (at the right price) jump out and could help immensely

i didnt. but every game ive watched ive been extremely impressed by his poise.

effortless skater, makes the simple play, and is decent both ways.
really impressed so far
- hugefemale dog77

I think he broke up four 2-on-1's that night alone. And think, just a year ago everyone was incredibly concerned about how his defensive game (or lack thereof) would hinder him in the pros. This is just a small sample size, but so far he looks comfortable.

winners need experience, vets and leadership.
- hugefemale dog77

And driven youthful enthusiasm! But we already have that in droves, don't we?

I think he broke up four 2-on-1's that night alone. And think, just a year ago everyone was incredibly concerned about how his defensive game (or lack thereof) would hinder him in the pros. This is just a small sample size, but so far he looks comfortable.
- MaximumBone

6 pts, +4 and he's added some bulk.

think we might have a gem. fingers crossed

And driven youthful enthusiasm! But we already have that in droves, don't we?
- MaximumBone

in spades!! instead of rushing the prv's, marincins, pitlicks and setting them up for failure;
hold on to the usefull vets we have!! and the beauty is now we finally have the depth to diminish there offensive roles. some usefull veteran stop gaps could go ALONG way too imo.

6 pts, +4 and he's added some bulk.

think we might have a gem. fingers crossed
- hugefemale dog77

He went 1st overall in the WHL import draft too, so it's not like he doesn't have some pedigree.

What's up with Gernat? He injured?

klefbom's has never been the god like superstar you've proclaimed in the SEL.

in fact it wasnt until this young season where he finally was healthy enough and given the opportunity to play big minutes. which he's been doing well by all accounts.
but by the same accounts has alot of work to do....

now it looks like he's out for the season. this is probably a HUGE dent in his development.
can prob count him out of being even close to nhl ready next year

VV is a career Ahl'er. teubert prob too. marincin looks way better so far.
- hugefemale dog77

A year in the AHL was always in the cards for Klefbom anyways.

in spades!! instead of rushing the prv's, marincins, pitlicks and setting them up for failure;
hold on to the usefull vets we have!! and the beauty is now we finally have the depth to diminish there offensive roles. some usefull veteran stop gaps could go ALONG way too imo.
- hugefemale dog77

While I agree that I do not want to make whole sale change from vets to rookies I do agree with getting some of these guys in OKC up.

Hall and Ebs are moving into their 4th pro seasons. That is youthful vets.

Nuge will be on his 3rd pro season, Yak in his 2nd.

We keep Horc for his contract length and resign Jones. Gags and Hemsky stick around. That is 8 of the Top 9, in comes Thor to replace Smyth.

Hell,

Sign UFA Getlaf for 2C.

Sign LWs Clowe and Penner.

Hall.Nuge.Ebs
Clowe.Getlaf.Yak
Penner.Horc.Hemsky (Pancakes and Hemsky had some chemistry)
Thor.Belanger.Jones

Sign Doug Murray, Re-sign Smid

Smid.Petry
JSchultz.NSchultz
Murray.Marincin/Teubert/etc...

Just some ramblings...

While I agree that I do not want to make whole sale change from vets to rookies I do agree with getting some of these guys in OKC up.

Hall and Ebs are moving into their 4th pro seasons. That is youthful vets.

Nuge will be on his 3rd pro season, Yak in his 2nd.

We keep Horc for his contract length and resign Jones. Gags and Hemsky stick around. That is 8 of the Top 9, in comes Thor to replace Smyth.

Hell,

Sign UFA Getlaf for 2C.

Sign LWs Clowe and Penner.

Hall.Nuge.Ebs
Clowe.Getlaf.Yak
Penner.Horc.Hemsky (Pancakes and Hemsky had some chemistry)
Thor.Belanger.Jones

Sign Doug Murray, Re-sign Smid

Smid.Petry
JSchultz.NSchultz
Murray.Marincin/Teubert/etc...

Just some ramblings...
- OilHorse

Can't sign Getzlaf cause he's going to the Leafs for the max contract length / min yearly salary.

He went 1st overall in the WHL import draft too, so it's not like he doesn't have some pedigree.

What's up with Gernat? He injured?
- sanfordnson

Yep he had shoulder surgery in September. Likely won't be back till January.

Can't sign Getzlaf cause he's going to the Leafs for the max contract length / min yearly salary.
- robin_steele264

What? Damn, ack to the drawing board then I guess...think we can sign Colby Armstrong? He played in TO, he must be good.

Same old, same old. You're talking about the Oilers prospects' opportunities, the NHL is in full lockout, and I'm not wearing pants. You're the reason I beat my children in Skyrim, Richard. But let me tell you, you do a DAMN good job at provoking discussion regardless of topic.

I disagree that roster spots will open up the way you say they will, and not only because of how you exaggerate the volume of post-lockout movement. As much as it pains me to say it, parting ways with Shawn Horcoff would be a mistake. The same goes for Jones and Eager. Their mix of grit, defensive ability, capable secondary scoring, and experience, they're exactly what our team needs to hold on to. The others, on the other hand, can go (frank) themselves (I kid). Rolling into any season with a roster full of inexperience does very little to push a team upward, let alone one in a full rebuild.

With what you suggest, upwards of 300 NHL players could be available on the FA market come the end of the lockout. Who's to say there won't be a number of quality players on the market who could fill roles in getting this team to the next step? Players Sergei Gonchar, Andy McDonald, Ryane Clowe, Robyn Regehr, Rob Scuderi, Matt Cullen, and Chad Larose could all be good additions at the right price and short term. And that's just naming a few.

We can agree that Teemu Hartikainen is practically guaranteeing himself a roster spot in the Oilers top-9 with how he's playing so far this season. Marincin has also really impressed me so far, and not just with his offensive acumen and production, but also with his play reading and simple defensive game. Of course he's prone to defensive lapses, but even our uber-prospect Schultz has those.

I think people- including yourself- undersell Rieder a good deal. In each of the past two summers, he's put on around 10lbs to be sitting at 190lbs as he is now. Another summer like that and I could easily see him playing himself into a role on the team. Playing in a third line role with some time on both special teams could prove just as, if not more, beneficial than playing top minutes in the AHL. Let him hone his game at the highest competition level and I'm confident that he'd rise to the occasion as he has since his drafting.

As much as I'd like him around, I can only really see Pitlick being good trade bait. His combination of speed, size, and skill is enticing despite his lack of production so far. Same goes for Paajarvi. That's not to say I've given up on them though, but I just can't see a future for them with the Oilers at the moment.
- MaximumBone

Could you elaborate on this please?

What? Damn, ack to the drawing board then I guess...think we can sign Colby Armstrong? He played in TO, he must be good.
- OilHorse

kinda a good idea , you might not finish last overall for a whole decade

Same old, same old. You're talking about the Oilers prospects' opportunities, the NHL is in full lockout, and I'm not wearing pants. You're the reason I beat my children in Skyrim, Richard. But let me tell you, you do a DAMN good job at provoking discussion regardless of topic.

I disagree that roster spots will open up the way you say they will, and not only because of how you exaggerate the volume of post-lockout movement. As much as it pains me to say it, parting ways with Shawn Horcoff would be a mistake. The same goes for Jones and Eager. Their mix of grit, defensive ability, capable secondary scoring, and experience, they're exactly what our team needs to hold on to. The others, on the other hand, can go (frank) themselves (I kid). Rolling into any season with a roster full of inexperience does very little to push a team upward, let alone one in a full rebuild.

With what you suggest, upwards of 300 NHL players could be available on the FA market come the end of the lockout. Who's to say there won't be a number of quality players on the market who could fill roles in getting this team to the next step? Players Sergei Gonchar, Andy McDonald, Ryane Clowe, Robyn Regehr, Rob Scuderi, Matt Cullen, and Chad Larose could all be good additions at the right price and short term. And that's just naming a few.

We can agree that Teemu Hartikainen is practically guaranteeing himself a roster spot in the Oilers top-9 with how he's playing so far this season. Marincin has also really impressed me so far, and not just with his offensive acumen and production, but also with his play reading and simple defensive game. Of course he's prone to defensive lapses, but even our uber-prospect Schultz has those.

I think people- including yourself- undersell Rieder a good deal. In each of the past two summers, he's put on around 10lbs to be sitting at 190lbs as he is now. Another summer like that and I could easily see him playing himself into a role on the team. Playing in a third line role with some time on both special teams could prove just as, if not more, beneficial than playing top minutes in the AHL. Let him hone his game at the highest competition level and I'm confident that he'd rise to the occasion as he has since his drafting.

As much as I'd like him around, I can only really see Pitlick being good trade bait. His combination of speed, size, and skill is enticing despite his lack of production so far. Same goes for Paajarvi. That's not to say I've given up on them though, but I just can't see a future for them with the Oilers at the moment.
- MaximumBone

Someone give this guy his own blog...

On a different website.

klefbom's has never been the god like superstar you've proclaimed in the SEL.
- hugefemale dog77

Was considered the best player this season in the SEL until he got hurt.

Another NHLPA being a class act... Kris Versteeg was on TSN Radio 1050 where he referred to Bill Daly and Gary Bettman as ''cancers''.

I guess these players cannot grasp the fact that Bettman/Daly both work for their owners...

Another NHLPA being a class act... Kris Versteeg was on TSN Radio 1050 where he referred to Bill Daly and Gary Bettman as ''cancers''.

I guess these players cannot grasp the fact that Bettman/Daly both work for their owners...
- laughs2907

Isn't that great! Good to see progress is being made today!

While I agree that I do not want to make whole sale change from vets to rookies I do agree with getting some of these guys in OKC up.

Hall and Ebs are moving into their 4th pro seasons. That is youthful vets.

Nuge will be on his 3rd pro season, Yak in his 2nd.

We keep Horc for his contract length and resign Jones. Gags and Hemsky stick around. That is 8 of the Top 9, in comes Thor to replace Smyth.

Hell,

Sign UFA Getlaf for 2C.

Sign LWs Clowe and Penner.

Hall.Nuge.Ebs
Clowe.Getlaf.Yak
Penner.Horc.Hemsky (Pancakes and Hemsky had some chemistry)
Thor.Belanger.Jones

Sign Doug Murray, Re-sign Smid

Smid.Petry
JSchultz.NSchultz
Murray.Marincin/Teubert/etc...

Just some ramblings...
- OilHorse

I'd rather keep that wiener off of our team.

Isn't that great! Good to see progress is being made today!
- saskoil21