They just sold the farm to keep Semin, so I don't know that they really give a (frank) about him being Russian.

They might when they see Semin disappear
- Lahey

Signing and having an already bonefide and skilled Russian is one thing drafting one is another. Sense have gonchar yet they still haven't done a better job than Columbus with developing filitov.

And besides semin name one other Russian on that team

Signing and having an already bonefide and skilled Russian is one thing drafting one is another. Sense have gonchar yet they still haven't done a better job than Columbus with developing filitov.

And besides semin name one other Russian on that team
- RedC21

They have a bonafide problem Russian locked up to a lot of years. I don't see why they'd be scared of drafting one.

The whole name me another Russian is ludicrous as there is only 22 in the league anyway. Not like there is 200.

I'm a Flames guy so take this for what it's worth. I agree, the building-thru-the-draft part should be over. I think you guys would be better off trying to move out some of your redundant parts along with whatever other assets you can move, including your 1st, to get the pieces you need to balance out your team.

I also agree that if you guys continue to struggle for wins, you will be right back where you started 4 years ago with a team that has accepted a losing culture; or at least are well down that path. At the very least you need to be fighting until the last few games, 1 or 2 at most, for a PO spot. This years end for you wasn't a good sign. In a PO spot and then lose 10 of 11; not good.
- TandA4Flames

agreed.

i really think people underestimate what perenial losing can do to a team/players psyche.
and i believe those same people also underestimate what winning and confidence can do.

u watch teams like the habs and the isles this year that got on a roll and it just snowballed and it wasnt long before they KNEW they could beat ANYBODY.
nobody can convince me that on paper montreal was a top, elite team in the league. neither can anyone tell me that the isles are actually that good. or as good as they looked from about 30 games on anyway. they stuck to a system that worked, believed in it, and gained confidence with every win.

not only that but successful franchises learn how to win abit at a time and it becomes part of the culture so they sustain it.
without pointing out the obvious red wings, i look at vancouver over the last 5 years for this. say what u will about them, but theyve been an elite team for 4 or 5 years and KNOW HOW to win games even when theyre decimated with injuries or playing their B game.

our kids need some real support and insulation asap. not only will wins build confidence, but when our kids arent playing their best game (which happens over an 82 game schedule), we have some other guys that can step up, carry the load and actually contribute to pull off some wins.

Allow me to explain before you hurt yourself trying to figure it out.

K, the Oilers draft list...let's say they have one group of clear top prospects...Jones, Barkov, Drouin and MacKinnon. Those guys will all go before the Oilers pick.

So then we go to the next level. There might be only two guys here...Monahan and Nichkiskin. Did I spell that right? I don't have the spelling in front of me but you know who I mean.

Maybe next is a group that includes Lindholm, Horvat, Lazar, Gauthier, Ristolainen and Nurse. The Oilers could have any one of these guys at #7, but what the team needs is a bigger and/or physical two-way center who has 2nd line potential. Perhaps Lindholm is the best player in this group, but he's perhaps not the player physically the Oilers need. Maybe a different team drafting between 8 - 14 will be a big fan of Lindholm, and will willing to give up an asset or an additional draft pick to get him. I'm not convinced the Oilers want to draft a defenseman for reasons I've explained in the blog.

So let's go to the board.

Buffalo at #8 might want Lindholm. New Jersey at 9, Dallas at 10, Phoenix at 12 and Columbus at 14 could all be digging Lindholm. Let's work with Phoenix, as they are perhaps the team on this list that needs the most help at center. Maybe the Coyotes pitch to the Oilers their 12th overall pick and a 2nd rounder for the right to draft Lindholm.

This works for the Oilers as they'd still likely get one of Horvat, Gauthier or Lazar at the 12th spot. Those three are likely be a better fit for the Oilers needs than Lindholm. Plus, now you've added an additional 2nd round pick from a draft class considered to be deep. Maybe the next step for the Oilers is to take two of their 2nd round picks to move up and sneak a second pick into the 1st round. This allows them to take a decent defensive prospect or the best goalie available.
- Maxbone

I understand the process, just not the "benefits" of it. And please no goalies in the first round.

They have a bonafide problem Russian locked up to a lot of years. I don't see why they'd be scared of drafting one.

The whole name me another Russian is ludicrous as there is only 22 in the league anyway. Not like there is 200.
- Lahey

I'm not ruling out Nichushkin but considering they have other needs to fill such as their defense and already have a solid top six, I'm saying it gives them a slight more reason to not draft him.

But in case you haven't looked up to my profile thing you'll see what team I like and by now you may know the player I want.

AMEN! But some have Freddy ranked as low as 33rd overall. That's just opinion though. There's not a chance that a player like that will be overlooked till the second round.
- mbxiphos1527

I think Gauthier is gonna go a lot higher than people think. NHL ready size and a great 2 way game. I see him going between 8 and 12

I'm not ruling out Nichushkin but considering they have other needs to fill such as their defense and already have a solid top six, I'm saying it gives them a slight more reason to not draft him.

But in case you haven't looked up to my profile thing you'll see what team I like and by now you may know the player I want.
- RedC21

I really don't understand how a rookie d-man is what they need to be honest.

They more need d-men now than prospects, kinda like the Oilers.

agreed.

i really think people underestimate what perenial losing can do to a team/players psyche.
and i believe those same people also underestimate what winning and confidence can do.

u watch teams like the habs and the isles this year that got on a roll and it just snowballed and it wasnt long before they KNEW they could beat ANYBODY.
nobody can convince me that on paper montreal was a top, elite team in the league. neither can anyone tell me that the isles are actually that good. or as good as they looked from about 30 games on anyway. they stuck to a system that worked, believed in it, and gained confidence with every win.

not only that but successful franchises learn how to win abit at a time and it becomes part of the culture so they sustain it.
without pointing out the obvious red wings, i look at vancouver over the last 5 years for this. say what u will about them, but theyve been an elite team for 4 or 5 years and KNOW HOW to win games even when theyre decimated with injuries or playing their B game.

our kids need some real support and insulation asap. not only will wins build confidence, but when our kids arent playing their best game (which happens over an 82 game schedule), we have some other guys that can step up, carry the load and actually contribute in place of them and pull off some wins.
- hugefemale dog77

I was on this thought train too, until i looked at some underlying numbers and it revealed how teams like montreal and NYI were generally outplaying teams for most of the season. On paper they arent deep with elite players, but they were actually good. Not Chicago/LA/Boston good but solid playoff contenders. If they got better goaltending, NYI especially, the results would have been better.

I think Gauthier is gonna go a lot higher than people think. NHL ready size and a great 2 way game. I see him going between 8 and 12
- Ihatebrianburke

Meh he's okay. He's big, solid, smart, puts in effort, but he's short on high-end skill, speed, physicality.

funny it was only 5 months ago that oilers fans were telling me they didnt want him no matter what
- Habitants98

That would have been about the same time Habs fans were looking to trade him.

Meh he's okay. He's big, solid, smart, puts in effort, but he's short on high-end skill, speed, physicality.
- Jack-artist

He's 17

He's 17
- TandA4Flames

Same can be said for anyone in the draft.

I think Gauthier is gonna go a lot higher than people think. NHL ready size and a great 2 way game. I see him going between 8 and 12
- Ihatebrianburke

There will be some surprises for sure. Just look at how wacky Craig Button's mock draft was. If I remember correctly he had Morin, Gauthier and Domi all going top 10. That seems crazy looking at most of the ISS and CSS rankings.

The first round should be a blast to watch this year. I think there will be tons of trades and surprise picks. A pick like Jankowski will definitely happen. Guys rated 40ish will go 1st round and vice versa.

Meh he's okay. He's big, solid, smart, puts in effort, but he's short on high-end skill, speed, physicality.
- Jack-artist

I watched him at the U18's. For a big kid he moves well and has pretty good hands.

I really don't understand how a rookie d-man is what they need to be honest.

They more need d-men now than prospects, kinda like the Oilers.
- Lahey

I wouldn't expect that d man to play next season. The canes are nothing like the oiler with the exception of defense. They were in a play off position before cam ward got injured half way through the season. They're final slot in the standings is not a reflection on the overall team but more of an unlucky break. I wouldn't expect anybody outside of the top four selections to make their teams next year. The canes don't need a prospect to come in and make an immediate impact. If cam ward is healthy they will be in contention for a playoff spot next year.

I was on this thought train too, until i looked at some underlying numbers and it revealed how teams like montreal and NYI were generally outplaying teams for most of the season. On paper they arent deep with elite players, but they were actually good. Not Chicago/LA/Boston good but solid playoff contenders. If they got better goaltending, NYI especially, the results would have been better.
- Jack-artist

u kinda didnt dispute what i said though.

i didnt say either were terrible teams that had no business in the playoffs. i said both played a system that they believed in and gained more confidence with every win and got on a roll.

i also said mtl certainly isnt as top tier elite as their placing suggested. but certainly playoff caliber imo. i will say it didnt take a super great team to get into those last couple spots in the east though.

and as far as nyi goes. do u mean better goaltending early on wouldve propelled them to an elite team? cause they did make the playoffs.
they're NOT an elite team.
and neither do i believe that nyi's record in the second half of the season was truly indicative of how good they are. something silly like 14-3-3 in their last 20.

There will be some surprises for sure. Just look at how wacky Craig Button's mock draft was. If I remember correctly he had Morin, Gauthier and Domi all going top 10. That seems crazy looking at most of the ISS and CSS rankings.

The first round should be a blast to watch this year. I think there will be tons of trades and surprise picks. A pick like Jankowski will definitely happen. Guys rated 40ish will go 1st round and vice versa.
- Iggysbff

There is always surprises. Bob Mckenzies who's should be the best of the best had Forsberg at 3, he went 11. Teravainen at 7, he goes 18th. Maatta at 10, goes at 22. Lindholm at 15, goes at 6th. Pouilot at 17th, goes 8th.

That's why people need to realize it's not as simple as they think. Teams fall in love with players for whatever reason and pick someone instead of the best player on the board according to the consensus.

Actually Fowler seemed to be a perfect example of that. CBJ loved Johansen, Conolly had an amazing interview in TB, Carolina pulled the good old Oiler love to their junior team, and down the line it went. Teams think they are drafting 6th and make a realistic pick before the draft and stick to it.

I wouldn't expect that d man to play next season. The canes are nothing like the oiler with the exception of defense. They were in a play off position before cam ward got injured half way through the season. They're final slot in the standings is not a reflection on the overall team but more of an unlucky break. I wouldn't expect anybody outside of the top four selections to make their teams next year. The canes don't need a prospect to come in and make an immediate impact. If cam ward is healthy they will be in contention for a playoff spot next year.
- RedC21

Why, they have Faulk we have Schultz. They have Murphy, Lowe, Slavin we have Kelfbom, Musil, Gernat.

I watched him at the U18's. For a big kid he moves well and has pretty good hands.
- Iggysbff

I did too, he looked okay. Not top 10 material IMO.

There is always surprises. Bob Mckenzies who's should be the best of the best had Forsberg at 3, he went 11. Teravainen at 7, he goes 18th. Maatta at 10, goes at 22. Lindholm at 15, goes at 6th. Pouilot at 17th, goes 8th.

That's why people need to realize it's not as simple as they think. Teams fall in love with players for whatever reason and pick someone instead of the best player on the board according to the consensus.

Actually Fowler seemed to be a perfect example of that. CBJ loved Johansen, Conolly had an amazing interview in TB, Carolina pulled the good old Oiler love to their junior team, and down the line it went. Teams think they are drafting 6th and make a realistic pick before the draft and stick to it.
- Lahey

Bob's last consensus list is even more proof. Of the 10 NHL teams he polled:
7 had Jones first
2 had Mackinnon first
1 had Drouin first.

So saying Jones goes first seems like a no brainer to us, but depending on which team? Could change.

I did too, he looked okay. Not top 10 material IMO.
- Jack-artist

He'll be an ideal 3rd line Center one day. Maybe a possibility of 2nd line.

But yes. You'd expect top 10 to be top 3 forward or top 2 dman some day.

I think Gauthier is gonna go a lot higher than people think. NHL ready size and a great 2 way game. I see him going between 8 and 12
- Ihatebrianburke

Oh believe me, I agree with you. It's just none of the predictions think so. We just just hope it works out in our favor. And what I mentioned earlier will definatly make everything work to our advantage.

u kinda didnt dispute what i said though.

i didnt say either were terrible teams that had no business in the playoffs. i said both played a system that they believed in and gained more confidence with every win and got on a roll.

i also said mtl certainly isnt as top tier elite as their placing suggested. but certainly playoff caliber imo. i will say it didnt take a super great team to get into those last couple spots in the east though.

and as far as nyi goes. do u mean better goaltending early on wouldve propelled them to an elite team? cause they did make the playoffs.
they're NOT an elite team.
and neither do i believe that nyi's record in the second half of the season was truly indicative of how good they are. something silly like 14-3-3 in their last 20.
- hugefemale dog77

Well yeah they could have finished higher than say, the Leafs, Nabokov was hanging around .900 the whole season and in to the playoffs. They were a good possession team that got bad goaltending. A .700 winning percentage down the stretch is definitely not indicative of their talent, who could argue that? I guess what im getting at is that more than just believing in their system and gaining confidence is that were winning because they were legitimately good.

Why, they have Faulk we have Schultz. They have Murphy, Lowe, Slavin we have Kelfbom, Musil, Gernat.
- Lahey

This isn't a comparison. It's just they have no need to add a top foreward where as their defense can use massive improvements. Look at the pens. Before the morrow trade they have 5 bonafide d prospects because they don't need help on foreward but their defense could use an improvement. You counted out 4 d prospects from the canes. Assuming they all make the nhl and go to their potential wouldn't it be nice to have 5 guys like that. And top ten picks are more safe and sometime all star potential guys. So now let's say something goes wrong in development with spavin and Lowe. Now they still have this pick. Until your d prospects make the show there is no guarantee that something won't happen and screw over their development. So if these prospects all of them turnout the canes not only become an offensive juggernaut but a defensive one as well.

Why, they have Faulk we have Schultz. They have Murphy, Lowe, Slavin we have Kelfbom, Musil, Gernat.
- Lahey

This isn't a comparison. It's just they have no need to add a top foreward where as their defense can use massive improvements. Look at the pens. Before the morrow trade they have 5 bonafide d prospects because they don't need help on foreward but their defense could use an improvement. You counted out 4 d prospects from the canes. Assuming they all make the nhl and go to their potential wouldn't it be nice to have 5 guys like that. And top ten picks are more safe and sometime all star potential guys. So now let's say something goes wrong in development with spavin and Lowe. Now they still have this pick. Until your d prospects make the show there is no guarantee that something won't happen and screw over their development. So if these prospects all of them turnout the canes not only become an offensive juggernaut but a defensive one as well.