Honestly there's a lot that factors into that, I don't think you can unequivocally say that until you see what changes are made and who's coaching them.

If they don't improve on D and in net, more of the same. NYI went from 5th last to the playoffs by adding a goaltender, two good dmen and some good depth forwards.
- LeftCoaster

You speak the truth, though the Islanders had taken a step back after making the post season the year before and giving the Penguins all that they could handle. The Oilers core has never had a sniff. And as bad as Edmonton's D and goaltending are, both are exasperated by a forward group that struggles to play a 200ft game. McDavid doesn't fix those problems.

I'm terrified of the Oilers a couple of years down the road, but I'm not scared of them next year.

I know this may shock a few folks, but, I wish the Sedins would entertain a trade for a chance at a Stanley Cup. The return, even at their age would be phenomenal. NYI a good fit playing behind JT and they've got the prospects and cap to pull it off.

Just a thought! I'm really tired of the same old same old...sorry.
- LeftCoaster

I'd like to see them win a cup, and I don't think that it's going to happen with the Canucks, but I just don't see it happening.

JBs extensions of Sbisa, Dorsett and Tanev guarantee mediocrity for the next 3 years. He considers making the playoffs and exiting in round one a successful year.

You speak the truth, though the Islanders had taken a step back after making the post season the year before and giving the Penguins all that they could handle. The Oilers core has never had a sniff. And as bad as Edmonton's D and goaltending are, both are exasperated by a forward group that struggles to play a 200ft game. McDavid doesn't fix those problems.

I'm terrified of the Oilers a couple of years down the road, but I'm not scared of them next year.
- CubanBuffet

A coach that won't stand for anything but a 200 foot game is what scares me the most about them. That said, I think you're right that it will be two more years of progress.

JBs extensions of Sbisa, Dorsett and Tanev guarantee mediocrity for the next 3 years. He considers making the playoffs and exiting in round one a successful year.
- Grumpy13

God I HATE the middle of the first round for picking.

We need more picks in the 1-12 range. Every year it seems like the talent after 12 drops way off.

JBs extensions of Sbisa, Dorsett and Tanev guarantee mediocrity for the next 3 years. He considers making the playoffs and exiting in round one a successful year.
- Grumpy13

The Dorsett and Tanev deals are absolutely fine, the Sbisa deal is a head shaker though. That said, I don't think it'll handicap the team going forward with some guys coming off the books.

A coach that won't stand for anything but a 200 foot game is what scares me the most about them. That said, I think you're right that it will be two more years of progress.
- LeftCoaster

Trotz would have fit like a glove, but he won't be going anywhere. (I wonder what the Canucks would have looked like if they'd gone with him rather than WD). But even if they do find that kind of coach, it will take time for them to learn to play that way.

The Dorsett and Tanev deals are absolutely fine, the Sbisa deal is a head shaker though. That said, I don't think it'll handicap the team going forward with some guys coming off the books.
- LeftCoaster

It's not like he was being coveted by every NHL team or what have you. Nor was there any urgency with respect to getting him signed. It wasn't the smartest move - especially the money given out, although thankfully the term is fairly short. Unfortunately Sbisa is a give-away machine and seems to be only useful for doling out the big hit now and then.

God I HATE the middle of the first round for picking.

We need more picks in the 1-12 range. Every year it seems like the talent after 12 drops way off.
- classic321

Unless you pick 1st you hate where you're picking. Last year was the highest this team has picked in ages and I was still upset that we missed the dropoff at the 5-spot. Grass is always greener elsewhere

I know this may shock a few folks, but, I wish the Sedins would entertain a trade for a chance at a Stanley Cup. The return, even at their age would be phenomenal. NYI a good fit playing behind JT and they've got the prospects and cap to pull it off.

Just a thought! I'm really tired of the same old same old...sorry.
- LeftCoaster

The Dorsett and Tanev deals are absolutely fine, the Sbisa deal is a head shaker though. That said, I don't think it'll handicap the team going forward with some guys coming off the books.
- LeftCoaster

Benning trying to save face Kesler Deal.

Sbisa was a healthy scratch for most of last year with the ducks.

NO ONE would have thought less of him if he let him walk.

Benning trying to save face Kesler Deal.

Sbisa was a healthy scratch for most of last year with the ducks.

NO ONE would have thought less of him if he let him walk.
- classic321

I wish he would have been a healthy scratch for the Canucks for most of the year

- VANTEL

I knew you'd get a kick outta that.

I know this may shock a few folks, but, I wish the Sedins would entertain a trade for a chance at a Stanley Cup. The return, even at their age would be phenomenal. NYI a good fit playing behind JT and they've got the prospects and cap to pull it off.

Just a thought! I'm really tired of the same old same old...sorry.
- LeftCoaster

this

Loose Burrow's & Bieksa.

Unless you pick 1st you hate where you're picking. Last year was the highest this team has picked in ages and I was still upset that we missed the dropoff at the 5-spot. Grass is always greener elsewhere
- bezz44

The drop off is well documented, that said, you can get some high quality players in the first and second round.

Loose Burrow's & Bieksa.
- VanHockeyGuy

Loose/tight

I knew you'd get a kick outta that.
- LeftCoaster

The irony

this
- VanHockeyGuy

There are reasons I say that; while I fully understand there's zero chance of it happening, I can't help but look at teams that have drafted fairly well (example Columbus) and sold off their veteran players/player to accelerate their growth.

One problem, we've only recently started to draft well, projected anyways, so our prospects need a few more years to develop.

The irony
- VANTEL

with the current state of the franchise I'm just so sick and tired of this veteran team. Benning has brought in some youth, which is great, but none of Vey, Clendening, Baertschi or Bonino are gonna be the next twins.

I feel so lost

Comets win 2-1

with the current state of the franchise I'm just so sick and tired of this veteran team. Benning has brought in some youth, which is great, but none of Vey, Clendening, Baertschi or Bonino are gonna be the next twins.

I feel so lost
- LeftCoaster

Well, although in the current system there is no one who is or ever will be as good as the Sedins, things look very promising with respect to Horvat, McCan, Virtanen, and Shinkaruk. I think we're going to be pleased down the road - unfortunately patience is at a premium

Comets win 2-1
- VANTEL

1-7 on the pp.

1-7 on the pp.
- manvanfan

They are learning quickly.

Well, although in the current system there is no one who is or ever will be as good as the Sedins, things look very promising with respect to Horvat, McCan, Virtanen, and Shinkaruk. I think we're going to be pleased down the road - unfortunately patience is at a premium
- Zogg

Ya you're right, I'm just being impatient.

When I look at how the Ducks have managed their organization it impresses me! Their asset management is damn good.

2014 - traded B. Ryan for Silfverberg, Nosen & 10th overall (N. Ritchie)
2013 - Shea Theodore 26th overall, kid is so good!!!
2012 - Hampus Lindholm 6th overall, down year.
2011 - traded down from 22nd to 30th for an extra 2nd. Picked Rakell @ 30 & John Gibons with the extra 2nd round pick.
2010 - picked Cam Fowler 12th overall & E. Etem 29th overall with the Flyers pick from the Pronger trade.