I'd trade Yakupov for sure. The team is terrible and things need to change. How long do you keep the "core" players that aren't performing?

Yakupov doesn't have much trade value right now anyways. He could very well be a good player one day, but if he isn't good here, what's the point?

We're aren't getting any better.
- OilersFan1985

Please... just stop...

I like how he calls them Arizona in the first part, then refers to them as Phoenix in relation to the Flyers.

You would think it would be OEL for Yak... But I doubt Coyotes would part with the up and coming star D man.
- RobitailleFAN20

ya right... there is no way in hell yak is worth oel... the 1st overall novelty has worn off and he's just what he is right now... which is nothing close to oel

Its funny that when its rumored that Yak is trade bait and a targeted player isnt mentioned that all fans say he isnt worth anything. But now hes worth Yandle or OEL? Crazy talk. Im not even a Yandle fan. But it would be Yak ++ for Yandle. Maybe then there is substance.

I'd trade Yakupov for sure. The team is terrible and things need to change. How long do you keep the "core" players that aren't performing?

Yakupov doesn't have much trade value right now anyways. He could very well be a good player one day, but if he isn't good here, what's the point?

We're aren't getting any better.
- OilersFan1985

From an outside perspective the Oilers problems run deeper then the team they ice every year, the front office seems like a boys club where only former Oilers and people having ties to former Oilers are assigned, it kills progressive thinking Imo. And Edmonton needs a proven NHL coach, I think after this season Eakin might get replaced by Bylsma or something.

As for the on ice product, the Achilles heel has been defence since day one, they need to get more mobile.

Obv there needs some type of change in EDM, hard to see all this top end talent with Hall, RNH, Eberle, Yak, Draistaile (Sp?), Perron etc and underachieve so much. Needs to be a balance not just a bunch of young super talented kids trying to win games.

Why not trade a guy like Yak or Ebs and get a great package to actually help round out the team rather than just keep the same young guys, and every October everyone says "this is the year they put it together and win" but it's been a while... I can imagine a guy as competitive as Hall will be getting real frustrated with this soon enough

From an outside perspective the Oilers problems run deeper then the team they ice every year, the front office seems like a boys club where only former Oilers and people having ties to former Oilers are assigned, it kills progressive thinking Imo. And Edmonton needs a proven NHL coach, I think after this season Eakin might get replaced by Bylsma or something.

As for the on ice product, the Achilles heel has been defence since day one, they need to get more mobile.
- Alexzanki

If this trend continues I dont think Eakins makes it to the all star break.

EDM rumor doesn't make much sense to me...
Yak is currently at a low value, sell low... and Zbynek Michalek isn't the solution.

Any teams looking for a D-man, on behalf of Calgary I would be quite happy to send Engelland, Smid, or Wideman anywhere and could eat salary to up the returns.

Once again, mistaken or full of it

At this point. Wouldnt that be a solid return for Yakupov?
- poisondhearts37

YES

Better be for Domi or Gormley...

So the Coyotes are going to trade, a top prospect, a Good defenseman and a pick, for a top prospect that hasn't turned out.

ya right... there is no way in hell yak is worth oel... the 1st overall novelty has worn off and he's just what he is right now... which is nothing close to oel
- DarcyTucker16

Yeah, I take back what I said. You're right, Yak isn't even close to getting a return like OEL

What would the TOP spec be? Are they looking at a Domi? Domi, Michalek + would def start getting interesting for Yak
- MrBeanTown

I think you hit the nail on the head would be Domi and Michalek with a contract extension and a conditional pick maybe a third that goes up to a first depending on Yak's play. 30 goals turns to a first rounder something like that.

Please... just stop...
- saskoil21

I bet Yakupov or Eberle are traded this season at some point. The Oilers need help on defense, we aren't going to get a legit defensemen by trading a bunch of WIll Actons.

Hall isn't going anywhere, he plays hard, he's a leader, and a top 10 scorer.
RNH has a permanent #1 spot no matter how poorly he plays or how often he gets injured so he's staying

Eberle has skill, is defensive sound for the most part, and could bring back a good return to fill the holes.
Yakupov is an all-star only in the eyes of Oiler fans. He hasn't proven anything other than he can't play defense at all. Most people, including Oilers management over-value him because of what he "could be". Unfortunately for us, what "could be" doesn't mean anything to anyone.

Hey Ek, if Tlusty is being shopped around, have you heard if the Pens have any interest?

So the Coyotes are going to trade, a top prospect, a Good defenseman and a pick, for a top prospect that hasn't turned out.


- ehabs9

Not like Domi has looked like a nhl plaryer even. He isnt even playing well in the OHL as a overager.

EDM rumor doesn't make much sense to me...
Yak is currently at a low value, sell low... and Zbynek Michalek isn't the solution.

Any teams looking for a D-man, on behalf of Calgary I would be quite happy to send Engelland, Smid, or Wideman anywhere and could eat salary to up the returns.
- vowswithin

You've had Engelland for 4 games, and your already to ship him out???

EDM needs to find a goalie somehow along with trying to build up the defense.

So the Coyotes are going to trade, a top prospect, a Good defenseman and a pick, for a top prospect that hasn't turned out.


- ehabs9

I hate your name so much. I always think someone is quoting something I said.

Not like Domi has looked like a nhl plaryer even. He isnt even playing well in the OHL as a overager.
- jake24242

Still, why give up so much for a gamble at best?

EDM needs to find a goalie somehow along with trying to build up the defense.
- RobitailleFAN20

Chad Johnson and Matt Carkner for Hall and a conditional 2015 1st round pick

Tinordi and Beaulieu need to play at some point. Can't do that if they always try to bring some vets in instead of them.
- deadpoulet

Sorry, I wasn't suggesting that the Habs should trade for another D-man, I was more pointing to the fact that they are ok on forward for now compared with D. Hopefully some much needed practice of the systems will help the team. Maybe next year they won't focus so much as having two "teams" setup for pre-season and actually try to hammer down the roster in a more efficient manner.

I'm actually very okay with Beaulieu and Tinordi getting lots of ice time. Both are ready, obviously far from perfect but ready to get things done and continue to develop. I'm more concerned with the overall system that is in place than the actual players we have.

Tlusty for Bourque i'd do.

EDM needs to find a goalie somehow along with trying to build up the defense.
- RobitailleFAN20

Tokarski for Yak!

The oilers love taking unproven backup goalies and thrusting them into the starting postiion...this is the only logical trade.