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In No Particular Order: Hall of Fame, Virtanen, PTO's and More

September 8, 2022, 11:41 AM ET [58 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Hey everyone!

Apologies for the lack of content lately. Been a busy week around and not too many real stories breaking for the Oilers. Now there are a few bits of news out though so let's break them down in quick fashion in another segment of In No Particular Order.

THE RING OF HONOR HALL OF FAME

The Oilers have always been pretty stringent about who will have a banner raised in their arena; if you don't win a Cup or are inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame than you don't get a banner raised. It's been a bit of a point of contention as there are a number of players that fans feel deserve to be honored in their building.

Starting this season that will begin to happen as the Oilers have announced they will be creating a Ring of Honour in Rogers Place that will include Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Grant Fuhr, Paul Coffey, Al Hamilton, Glenn Anderson, Kevin Lowe, Glen Sather, Rod Phillips, and Mark Messier along with two new additions that will be announced on September 20th. After that, every year the team will add three new additions. These are not necessarily only relegated to players and could also be other individuals that have played an important role in the history of this franchise. Joey Moss or perhaps even Ben Stelter come to mind as some potential additions.

As for players whether it is this season or soon, I imagine we will see the likes of Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky, Semenko, Horcoff, and maybe even Taylor Hall at some point added to the fold.

It will be fun to debate each season on who should be added in and is just one more way the Oilers organization is involving the fanbase and creating a better experience in their home barn. It's a great move.

JAKE VIRTANEN RUMOURS

Everyone is going to have an opinion in situations like this. There will be the people who say that he was found not guilty in court so everything is fine while others will say that cases like this are notoriously difficult to prove and that victims rarely get the justice they deserve. Regardless it is a messy situation and one that I hope the Edmonton Oilers stay far away from.

This is being discussed because of a report that the Oilers were one of several teams that were inquiring about the player. Virtanen, now 26 is a 6'1, 224lb right winger who plays a physical game and on occasion has shown a higher offensive ability but in many cases has lacked finish. In his last NHL season in 20/21 he played in 38 games, putting up 5 goals and no assists. The prior year he put up 18 goals and 18 assists in 69 games. There might be a useful player there but I would rather see the Oilers upgrade there defense instead of adding another streaky forward.

If the Oilers bring in Jake Virtanen, you look at Evander Kane (who has worked out well on ice), and the allegations surrounding Hockey Canada that occured while Bob Nicholson was at the helm; an ugly picture starts getting painted about the values of the Oilers organization. It is an issue I would like to see the Oilers on the correct side of and I hope it is not a conversation that we need to keep having.

This is a rare time where I will say in my blog that I expect everyone to stay respectful in the comment section. Keep things civil or I will make them civil.

OILERS SIGN BAILEY TO A PTO

In better news, the Oilers have signed Josh Bailey to a PTO. The 32 year old winger who has played with the Islanders for his entire career is coming off of another consistent season where he put up 14 goals and 44 points in 74 games. I am surprised he was not offered a contract but this is a great..... oops hold on...

I am being told it is actually Justin Bailey who the Oilers have signed to a PTO. Bailey, a 27 year old right winger is coming off a season where he played 14 games for the Canucks and put up zero goals and zero assists. In a total of 82 games, dating back to 2015, the forward has put up 5 goals and 4 assists.

Often we see PTO's and get excited as we can see how they have a path to making the team... this is not one of those times. Bailey has put up strong numbers in the AHL, going 15-12-27 in 30 games last season for Abbotsford so perhaps the Oilers sign him to a two way deal if they want more depth on the farm.

OTHER STUFF

Beware of crazy rumour season. Edmonton still needs to become cap compliant and we have seen plenty of wild rumours such as how the Oilers will trade Puljujarvi to the Ducks for Klingberg. Check who is posting what and trust in the correct sources.

I do think we will see some kind of trade in the next week or two as well as a few more PTO signings as we come closer to training camp. Looking forward to discussing it all with you.

Also please enjoy this to brighten your day. Sign this kid forever please.
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