Matt Henderson: P8 Oilers vs Canucks: Oil Sign Kris Russell

Nice pickup. Russell is a solid 6/7 dman

Lucky is damn right

I'm one of the biggest proponents of possession metrics and I respect what they say about Russell (in fact, I've been a big critic of his in the past). Despite that, I see some merit in that he's capable on both special teams and represents a greater hurdle for our young to overcome than Fayne or Gryba (who I think I'd rather not sign anymore). My biggest problem came with the ice time he was given in both Calgary and Dallas (22+ per night). If Todd can bring those minutes down closer to 18-19 and he can emphasize a focus on puck control in Russell's game, then maybe he can prove to be a benefit to this team.

Assuming they end up signing Versteeg to a contract (and I can't see why they wouldn't), the roster looks FAR more competitive than it did last year. Some of that is natural progression of young players, but I'll give Chiarelli credit for icing the most complete looking team we've seen here in years.

If your D stinks and your goalie is average you might as well have a D man that blocks a lot of shots...

Again time to fire this blogger. Cry me a river Henderson with a another great piece. I bet you told your wife you're not eating breakfast because your so grumpy with the oilers.
- FiretheGM

I'm sorry that facts make Kris Russell look bad

If your D stinks and your goalie is average you might as well have a D man that blocks a lot of shots...
- mnhockeyguy

I'm sorry that facts make Kris Russell look bad
- Matt_Henderson

He's better than he looks on paper.

And he elevated his game hard in the playoffs. Screw the people that sit on the metrics; he looked good when Dallas needed him to.

Matt Henderson: P8 Oilers vs Canucks: Oil Sign Kris Russell
- Matt_Henderson

Say what you will about Kris Russell and his game, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better teammate on the ice, on the bench and in the locker room. I can guarantee you that.

I'm sorry that facts make Kris Russell look bad.
- Matt Henderson

I'm sorry your facts are flawed and make you look bad.

I'm sorry that facts make Kris Russell look bad
- Matt_Henderson

Jesus Hendo, pull your head out of your pooper for a second will ya. Russell is a top notch character on and off the ice for your team, and you bunch of Jabrony's could really use that right now. Intangibles they call them. And leadership qualities. You guys need all the help you can get... Comon now..

Jesus Hendo, pull your head out of your pooper for a second will ya. Russell is a top notch character on and off the ice for your team, and you bunch of Jabrony's could really use that right now. Intangibles they call them. And leadership qualities. You guys need all the help you can get... Comon now..
- Flamin_Irishmin

We don't need no stinking intangibles!!!! Oh wait....

I have to question the hockey IQ of anyone who feels yaks could have brought back more than a third round pick.......and furthermore how that same person feels that the oil can fix what chooses not to be fixed......

I have to question the hockey IQ of anyone who feels yaks could have brought back more than a third round pick.......and furthermore how that same person feels that the oil can fix what chooses not to be fixed......
- OGoilerfan

Sorry no questioning people opinions on here.

He's better than he looks on paper.

And he elevated his game hard in the playoffs. Screw the people that sit on the metrics; he looked good when Dallas needed him to.
- fry

He actually is. He didn't have his best year last year but all you have to do is watch him to realize he's a pretty good player. Sometime the analytics crowd really expose themselves as being oblivious to good players. One thing for sure is he make Edmonton's D better and that's all that matters.

Bring back Cloutier!!!!

Say what you will about Kris Russell and his game, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better teammate on the ice, on the bench and in the locker room. I can guarantee you that.
- Flamin_Irishmin

How long were you his teammate?

Sorry no questioning people opinions on here.
- Yeti1181

I can't tell if this was serious or you're joking

Bring back Cloutier!!!!
- laughs2907

Why is everyone being a baby today? Settle down, children.

Why is everyone being a baby today? Settle down, children.
- Matt_Henderson

- laughs2907

Look at it this way: the Flames got a young NHL Defenseman, a B level prospect and a late 2nd round pick for Russell at the deadline.

You'll probably get a better return for him than you got for Yak!

- DDM-Coga