Provy is interesting to me. You're probably right that he's going back to the WHL, but if he dominates there again against that talent, what else can he learn? He probably needs to be pushed against pros at the AHL level, which is not an option..(of note, I hate that rule).
- Hextall271

I think there are still things that Provorov can learn and improve on at the Junior level this year. However, he still won't be AHL eligible next year either, and I can't see any point in 2 more years of Junior.

Great article on Gagne Bill. My personal favorite Flyer of all time. I was 12 when Gagne started making his mark with the team and I've had so much respect ever since. Wish he could have won with us but he left the game with some great memories and was always beloved by the fans. Wish he was 10 years younger and could give the game a shot now with this team. Could you imagine Gagne, G, Jake as a top line???

We just don't have the tanking experience they do.
- jmatchett383

Experience?? They've cornered the market on playing horrendous hockey and winning lotteries..

I think there are still things that Provorov can learn and improve on at the Junior level this year. However, he still won't be AHL eligible next year either, and I can't see any point in 2 more years of Junior.
- BiggE

I certainly don't put blind faith in the media's assessment that he's NHL ready, but if he is close to being as good as some say, 2 years in the WHL would be an absolute waste. I wonder what Hexy would do if he and say Ghost made the team? Does he send vets down to the A to make room?

I certainly don't put blind faith in the media's assessment that he's NHL ready, but if he is close to being as good as some say, 2 years in the WHL would be an absolute waste. I wonder what Hexy would do if he and say Ghost made the team? Does he send vets down to the A to make room?
- Hextall271

If both Provorov and Ghost make the team (which I'd find ridiculously unlikely) this year, he's probably have to trade at least 1 vet, more likely 2-3. Gudas and Streit are probably the 2 that you can move most easily if you had to make room. Schenn and Schultz would be next. I wouldn't move MDZ right now, and I don't see AMac being moveable. Medvedev is the wild card, and I can't see them moving him either.

I think there are still things that Provorov can learn and improve on at the Junior level this year. However, he still won't be AHL eligible next year either, and I can't see any point in 2 more years of Junior.
- BiggE

Agreed. Unless he regresses or stagnates this year (assuming he goes back), I'd say he's got a shot at next year's team.

My thoughts exactly. I'm fine with one or more of the kids making the roster on D, but if, and only if, they CLEARLY stand out as one of our top 4. Same pretty much with Laughton. If he outright wins a spot in the top 9, keep him up. If not, send him down.
- BiggE

How much longer are we going to wait for Laughton? I know last year was his first pro year but if he cant crack the top nine i think he should be moved for another prospect, we clearly don't have the room for him.

If both Provorov and Ghost make the team (which I'd find ridiculously unlikely) this year, he's probably have to trade at least 1 vet, more likely 2-3. Gudas and Streit are probably the 2 that you can move most easily if you had to make room. Schenn and Schultz would be next. I wouldn't move MDZ right now, and I don't see AMac being moveable. Medvedev is the wild card, and I can't see them moving him either.
- jmatchett383

Where does Morin fit in this?? What he also makes a great case?

How much longer are we going to wait for Laughton? I know last year was his first pro year but if he cant crack the top nine i think he should be moved for another prospect, we clearly don't have the room for him.
- ClaudeFather

We will once Vinny, Umberger, and possibly Gagner are gone. No need to rush a trade with him.

Are you guys going to actually make the playoffs with McDavid or is another lottery win in your future?

Also, Hextall isn't fat! He's still a rake..haha

Joking aside, if the Oil make no strides this year, it's time to start trading some of those 25 first rounders to change the mix..
- Hextall271

Oilers won't make the playoffs....but they should stuff 3-4 teams between them and Arizona. Otherwise changes will come.

Where does Morin fit in this?? What he also makes a great case?
- FlyersFirst

I think Morin has the best shot to make the team this year. But I was responding to a particular scenario (if Ghost and Provorv both make the team).

Pretty funny I skimmed my first season in the new NHL 16 and the Oilers still had the #1 overall pick for the 2016 draft
- arichardson22

(frank)ing playstation. I downloaded it via playstation store, and that was about at 6 o clock last night. I woke up this morning, and it still had another estimated hour to go.

I think there are still things that Provorov can learn and improve on at the Junior level this year. However, he still won't be AHL eligible next year either, and I can't see any point in 2 more years of Junior.
- BiggE

I would like to see the NHL and CHL would come to an agreement that would allow NHL teams to select 1 player per year who could move up to the AHL one year early. As an example, it would have benefitted Laughton to play in the AHL in 2013-2014, and Morin in 201-2015.

We will once Vinny, Umberger, and possibly Gagner are gone. No need to rush a trade with him.
- funmaster18

Vinny and Umberger are on the team next year as well, god willing they wont be but for arguments sake they are.

We just don't have the tanking experience they do.
- jmatchett383

The sad part is that the Oil actually tried not to suck. I guess if you walk like a duck , and you quack like a duck ......

The sad part is that the Oil actually tried not to suck. I guess if you walk like a duck , and you quack like a duck ......
- Jeropotato

Don't you bring Anaheim into this.

The sad part is that the Oil actually tried not to suck. I guess if you walk like a duck , and you quack like a duck ......
- Jeropotato

Go on.....

How much longer are we going to wait for Laughton? I know last year was his first pro year but if he cant crack the top nine i think he should be moved for another prospect, we clearly don't have the room for him.
- ClaudeFather

I think the plan is to see what Schenn can do at center and if he can't evolve his game to take over the 3c than Laughton takes his place and Schenn moves to right wing or is traded. With hextall giving Schenn that shot at center I don't see any possibility of Laughton making the team. And umberger sounds like he's healthy and being penciled in at third line

How much longer are we going to wait for Laughton? I know last year was his first pro year but if he cant crack the top nine i think he should be moved for another prospect, we clearly don't have the room for him.
- ClaudeFather

I think the plan is to see what Schenn can do at center and if he can't evolve his game to take over the 3c than Laughton takes his place and Schenn moves to right wing or is traded. With hextall giving Schenn that shot at center I don't see any possibility of Laughton making the team. And umberger sounds like he's healthy and being penciled in at third line

We will once Vinny, Umberger, and possibly Gagner are gone. No need to rush a trade with him.
- funmaster18

If a forward prospect isn't an established top 9 player in the NHL by age 21 they never will be.

If a forward prospect isn't an etsablished top 9 player in the NHL by age 21 they never will be.
- Feanor

While I appreciate your Pannaccio, I actually am wondering what to do with both he and Schenn. I feel like one of them has to stake down a top-9 center spot this year.

If a forward prospect isn't an etsablished top 9 player in the NHL by age 21 they never will be.
- Feanor

He's only played 36 NHL games so far. I don't care what age he is, I need to see him get more ice time before I can decide that.

Fantastic write up on Gagne. What a fabulous player. I wish him all the best in retirement.
- FlyersFirst

Ditto -- easily one of my favorite players, and that SOB was clutch

If both Provorov and Ghost make the team (which I'd find ridiculously unlikely) this year, he's probably have to trade at least 1 vet, more likely 2-3. Gudas and Streit are probably the 2 that you can move most easily if you had to make room. Schenn and Schultz would be next. I wouldn't move MDZ right now, and I don't see AMac being moveable. Medvedev is the wild card, and I can't see them moving him either.
- jmatchett383

Yeah, It's probably most likely that none of the current D prospects make the squad with Hexy preaching patience...I am ok with this, but another 2 years of junior for Provy would not be good IMO. I think Ghost and Morin can really improve with a year or 2 in the A, and can be called up if necessary (injury). It really is great to have this wealth of D prospects now where we are wondering how they will be managed and where to fit them in..

How much longer are we going to wait for Laughton? I know last year was his first pro year but if he cant crack the top nine i think he should be moved for another prospect, we clearly don't have the room for him.
- ClaudeFather

There is no such thing as not having the room for a quality player. Laughton is in his second pro season. Patience is a virtue.