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The Oilers Pre-Draft Blog - Everything You Need To Know

June 20, 2019, 4:28 PM ET [103 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
We are only one more sleep until NHL Draft Day, one of the best days of the year, right up there with Christmas, Halloween, and Arbor Day. Rumours and stories have been flowing through the interwebs so once again, let's get to it.

PULJUJARVI AND HIS AGENT ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS

From the first day of the 2016 season, I have been critical of how the Oilers have handled Jesse Puljujarvi. Bottom line is he was never ready for NHL duty and instead of leaving him in the AHL, the organization countinually bounced him preventing him from ever gaining traction.

This was the chance for a fresh start for Jesse. A new GM and a new coach who have preached development and patience and would look at the young winger with fresh eyes. Despite all of that he still seemed set on wanting to move on.



That is clearly a disgruntled player but I'm sure that an understanding can be had. As long as no one does anything ras.....



Oh boy.

This strikes me as an issue between Jesse and the other players on his team. Even with the clean slate, he still wants to go. It's becoming tougher and tougher to take Puljujarvi's side here. Yes he has been wronged by the team but whatever happens now is on him and his agent. In my opinion this is a massively poor move by those parties. Holland has stated he will not simply give in to a demand like this and sell for pennies on the dollar; that is great to hear. Now Edmonton will look for a trading partner and try and find a move that makes sense. If no move is able to be found...enjoy Europe.

PLENTY OF TRADING PARTNERS


Rumours aplenty as draft picks are the currency of the NHL:

Eklund reported interest in Puljujarvi from the Capitals, citing Burakovsky, a second, and a goalie prospect in return. Right now that seems high for at least my perceived value of Puljujarvi. If an offer like that is on the table Edmonton should seriously consider it. It seems more likely that Puljujarvi will end up going to a team with cap issues.

Toronto is reportedly interested in moving Kapanen, Brown Zaitsev, and Kadri. For Kapanen the Leafs want a defenseman and for Kadri, a centre in return. Edmonton has an abundance of left shot defensemen in the system right now and a need for wingers and I think a deal could be made here. Zaitsev should be avoided like the plague but if you were Edmonton would you give up Puljujarvi, Benning, and some picks if it meant having Kapanen and Brown returning?

Vancouver reportedly wants to move up to the number 6 spot that is currently held by Detroit. One would believe it is because they want someone like Cozens, Zegras, or Dach that they believe will be available but there are also reports Vancouver wants Broberg which is surprising as he should still be available at #10. Regardless depending on how the draft dice fall, Holland might trade down a couple picks if it means gaining another asset or two.

Fenton and the Wild meanwhile still seem to be doing weird and crazy things. Jason Zucker just received the King Clancy Trophy but his GM still seems adamant on trading him away. The number of times it has been discussed I would be shocked if Zucker isn't traded by the end of this weekend.

Speaking of teams doing bad things, the Winnipeg Jets also seem to be prepared to trade away some good assets. Nikolaj Ehlers is apparently still on the table as Chevy seems to be getting ready to offer a big contract to Tyler Myers.

Kevin Hayes just signed a 7 year 7.1 million dollar deal. This has nothing to do with trades i just wanted to stress how funny I think that is.

PLAYFAIR IN AS ASSOCIATE COACH

This one has been assumed for awhile but is now official. Jim Playfair joins Dave Tippett as an associate coach for the Edmonton Oilers, taking on the defensive role that Trent Yawney had previously occupied. Playfair had previously worked with Tippett with they Coyotes between 2011-2017. Tippett will likely hire at least one more coach in the coming weeks.

JOIN ME FOR THE DRAFT!

I will be live from my basement tomorrow evening (where bloggers live of course) keeping everyone here up to date with all the Oilers coverage/rumours of the 2019 NHL Draft. I look forward to chatting with you all then!
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