I didn't say Larsson over RNH. Actually, I said he was the right choice. Although, even at the time people were saying his body might not be able to take the pounding and he was a risk.
And it's not whatever Dman worked out over Yak in hindsight. It was virtually any of the top d prospects over Yak.
Who cares what other GM's think is the top pick. You have to address what your team needs. And your team (still) needs someone to stop the other team from scoring.
And, IN MY OPINION, drafting Leon and waiting years for him to develop rather than trading the pick to acquire someone who could help defend/lead/mentor immediately was definitely a mistake.
- Tonybere

Of course it is. Cause you tried to identify an 'oiler issue' by not taking the defender.
So we unequivically proved that in 5/6 drafts, your contention has no logic to it. And the other, is hindsight at best.

If we're gonna start using draft hindsight to guys that were never even considered at certain spot but grew into a much much better player than the guy that was, we could put together a neverending list. Of every team. At every position. In every year.

Lindholm was not even in consideration for the 1 spot. By anyone. In any organization. Or in any scouting field. And trying to mention yaks was a bad pick cause a defender at 25 is better is literally the definition of using hindsight and little else


And to the Leon comment, you don't know what's out there. Nor do you know what was offered. You can do nothing but base your entire point on conjecture and guesswork.
And besides the fact that Leon showed stretches of dominance in only his 2nd season which is contrary to your 'development' theme, it really just comes down to a fundamental misunderstanding of the oilers organization to suggest drausaitl was a mistake in any way shape or form. He brings so many tools and unique skill sets that the oilers lacked it's hard to even list ALL of them.

Of course it is. Cause you tried to identify an 'oiler issue' by not taking the defender.
So we unequivically proved that in 5/6 drafts, your contention has no logic to it. And the other, is hindsight at best.

If we're gonna start using draft hindsight to guys that were never even considered at certain spot but grew into a much much better player than the guy that was, we could put together a neverending list. Of every team. At every position. In every year.

Lindholm was not even in consideration for the 1 spot. By anyone. In any organization. Or in any scouting field. And trying to mention yaks was a bad pick cause a defender at 25 is better is literally the definition of using hindsight and little else


And to the Leon comment, you don't know what's out there. Nor do you know what was offered. You can do nothing but base your entire point on conjecture and guesswork.
And besides the fact that Leon showed stretches of dominance in only his 2nd season which is contrary to your 'development' theme, it really just comes down to a fundamental misunderstanding of the oilers organization to suggest drausaitl was a mistake in any way shape or form. He brings so many tools and unique skill sets that the oilers lacked it's hard to even list ALL of them.
- HB77

Ok. You win. I'm not going to beat this horse anymore.
Except that I'm not sure what dominance by Draisaitl you're talking about. But then, I don't watch AHL games.
Maybe you could put Yakapov and him on the blueline next season. It couldn't go any worse for you.

Ok. You win. I'm not going to beat this horse anymore.
Except that I'm not sure what dominance by Draisaitl you're talking about. But then, I don't watch AHL games.
Maybe you could put Yakapov and him on the blueline next season. It couldn't go any worse for you.
- Tonybere

I think your ignorance on the subject has been made abundantly clear. And that's not even mentioning the tired draft narrative that you needed to be straightened out regarding.
You really didn't need to explain any Furthur that you're unsure about what I'm talking about

Then the ole "oilers suck" routine. Always the ender of a beaten man

Next time just try and think critically a little more instead of regurgitating the same nonsense you heard someone else say . Just some friendly advice to take. Or not

I think your ignorance on the subject has been made abundantly clear. And that's not even mentioning the tired draft narrative that you needed to be straightened out regarding.
You really didn't need to explain any Furthur that you're unsure about what I'm talking about

Then the ole "oilers suck" routine. Always the ender of a beaten man

Next time just try and think critically a little more instead of regurgitating the same nonsense you heard someone else say . Just some friendly advice to take. Or not
- HB77

Whatever. I know he had a DECENT year last year. But, you stopped being friendly about four posts ago, so I didn't really care.
Not sure what is sadder, that you think you "straightened me out" about anything or that you blindly defend the quality management of your 29th place team. You're not even the best team in your province, let alone contending in your division. Enjoy your "success" with your top end talent. Cap issues should show up right about the same time as a playoff appearance.

Whatever. I know he had a DECENT year last year. But, you stopped being friendly about four posts ago, so I didn't really care.
Not sure what is sadder, that you think you "straightened me out" about anything or that you blindly defend the "quality" management of your 29th place team. Your not even the best team in your province, let alone contending in your division. Enjoy your "success" with your top end talent. Cap issues should show up right about the same time as a playoff appearance.
- Tonybere

I didn't defend much other than the drafting really. Let alone blindly.
I actually suggested numerous other issues the organization has that you may have been correct about if you had known enough to identify them instead of the false mistakes you assumed.

I'm not enjoying much success at all. But it's certainly not because we should've drafted said defenders with our top picks or avoided acquiring Leon drausaitl! That's for sure!

And If you don't call the unequivocal proof about drafting I corrected you on, 'straightening you out', then I'm not sure what to say really. other than remaining ignorant to the facts of how misinformed you are is a poor road to take friend...

And again, back to the ole "oh yeah!!, well your team sucks" insults

You even threw in a cap trouble insult!

I literally could've played this discussion out after the first sentence in your first post. Holy transparent !

You should've conceeded any Furthur retorts long ago

You could put McDavid on any team in the NHL, they're a playoff team. I don't see why that is controversial, it seems stupid to think the opposite - especially when I mean 2016-17 McDavid, not the rookie.
- James_Tanner

There's a difference between being controversial and being wrong.

Some awfully good hockey players have managed to miss the playoffs, even when healthy. Not to mention the fact that this year saw 3 of the 8 teams that had top-10 scorers on their roster miss the playoffs. Plus, what if McDavid has a sophomore slump? What if he plays even fewer games next year due to injury? Am I supposed to believe those things are impossible?

Absolute statements tend to be wrong by default - doubly so when they apply to entirely speculative situations.

If I was in any way the pandering type, this would be funny.
- James_Tanner

Cmon, it's a little funny! and you may not think you pander, but you do... That was the point of the gif...

I didn't defend much other than the drafting really. Let alone blindly.
I actually suggested numerous other issues the organization has that you may have been correct about if you had known enough to identify them instead of the false mistakes you assumed.

I'm not enjoying much success at all. But it's certainly not because we should've drafted said defenders with our top picks or avoided acquiring Leon drausaitl! That's for sure!

And If you don't call the unequivocal proof about drafting I corrected you on, 'straightening you out', then I'm not sure what to say really. other than remaining ignorant to the facts of how misinformed you are is a poor road to take friend...

And again, back to the ole "oh yeah!!, well your team sucks" insults

You even threw in a cap trouble insult!

I literally could've played this discussion out after the first sentence in your first post. Holy transparent !

You should've conceeded any Furthur retorts long ago
- HB77

I love reading your posts, I don't know how you continue to argue against the same BS. Also you forgot to mention we had a better offer for both Schnieder and Hamilton rejected.

I love reading your posts, I don't know how you continue to argue against the same BS. Also you forgot to mention we had a better offer for both Schnieder and Hamilton rejected.
- Al Hacker

Character flaw in me that I just can't let ignorance go

Sometimes I get too lazy, but if I'm at work and bored, I'm gonna preach

I think your ignorance on the subject has been made abundantly clear. And that's not even mentioning the tired draft narrative that you needed to be straightened out regarding.
You really didn't need to explain any Furthur that you're unsure about what I'm talking about

Then the ole "oilers suck" routine. Always the ender of a beaten man

Next time just try and think critically a little more instead of regurgitating the same nonsense you heard someone else say . Just some friendly advice to take. Or not
- HB77

Alot of discussions going one, just want to give u my 2 cents:

The day Oilers drafted Yakupov, I and alot of people with me directly knew it was a mistake. They had good, young offensive talent up front and would have been better off taking a defender.

Maybe not Murray at #1, but theres always a deal to be made to trade down and add another piece. What if they traded the #1 to Minnesota for #7 (where they took Dumba) and maybe a guy like Spurgeon, Scandella, Stoner etc. Then they would have a full pairing extra to what they have today instead of a undervalued russian winger.

Drafting Draisatl was a good move. He filled a need for them to get bigger.

The thing is that they have made alot of questionable moves that they are paying for right now. Its easier to fill out a spot in your top6 then in their top4 via trade or FA. Im not on either the hate or love train for Oilers, this year they where to take a big step forward but got the season ruined by injuries. But even with a healthy season i didnt see them making the playoffs.

IF, and there are alot of IFS, Talbot can be a #1 guy, Klefbom, Nurse, Davidson can be consistent for 82 games and if McDavid keeps his game at the ridiculous level he had this year then they should make the playoffs next year. But still there are absolutley no playoffs experience in their rooster. Sekera, Pouliot and Purcell are the only players i can think of that has ever skated in the postseason.

A top4 defencemen (preferably 2) and some experienced middle6/bottom6 players and this team could be dangerous next year. Rather overpay a bit then going out to get a player like Griffin Reinhart.

I didn't defend much other than the drafting really. Let alone blindly.
I actually suggested numerous other issues the organization has that you may have been correct about if you had known enough to identify them instead of the false mistakes you assumed.

I'm not enjoying much success at all. But it's certainly not because we should've drafted said defenders with our top picks or avoided acquiring Leon drausaitl! That's for sure!

And If you don't call the unequivocal proof about drafting I corrected you on, 'straightening you out', then I'm not sure what to say really. other than remaining ignorant to the facts of how misinformed you are is a poor road to take friend...

And again, back to the ole "oh yeah!!, well your team sucks" insults

You even threw in a cap trouble insult!

I literally could've played this discussion out after the first sentence in your first post. Holy transparent !

You should've conceeded any Furthur retorts long ago
- HB77

Man, what an idiot. Way to hold down the fort!

Alot of discussions going one, just want to give u my 2 cents:

The day Oilers drafted Yakupov, I and alot of people with me directly knew it was a mistake. They had good, young offensive talent up front and would have been better off taking a defender.

Maybe not Murray at #1, but theres always a deal to be made to trade down and add another piece. What if they traded the #1 to Minnesota for #7 (where they took Dumba) and maybe a guy like Spurgeon, Scandella, Stoner etc. Then they would have a full pairing extra to what they have today instead of a undervalued russian winger.

Drafting Draisatl was a good move. He filled a need for them to get bigger.

The thing is that they have made alot of questionable moves that they are paying for right now. Its easier to fill out a spot in your top6 then in their top4 via trade or FA. Im not on either the hate or love train for Oilers, this year they where to take a big step forward but got the season ruined by injuries. But even with a healthy season i didnt see them making the playoffs.

IF, and there are alot of IFS, Talbot can be a #1 guy, Klefbom, Nurse, Davidson can be consistent for 82 games and if McDavid keeps his game at the ridiculous level he had this year then they should make the playoffs next year. But still there are absolutley no playoffs experience in their rooster. Sekera, Pouliot and Purcell are the only players i can think of that has ever skated in the postseason.

A top4 defencemen (preferably 2) and some experienced middle6/bottom6 players and this team could be dangerous next year. Rather overpay a bit then going out to get a player like Griffin Reinhart.
- Cloud

Purcell doesn't even play on this team anymore

Alot of discussions going one, just want to give u my 2 cents:

The day Oilers drafted Yakupov, I and alot of people with me directly knew it was a mistake. They had good, young offensive talent up front and would have been better off taking a defender.

Maybe not Murray at #1, but theres always a deal to be made to trade down and add another piece. What if they traded the #1 to Minnesota for #7 (where they took Dumba) and maybe a guy like Spurgeon, Scandella, Stoner etc. Then they would have a full pairing extra to what they have today instead of a undervalued russian winger.

Drafting Draisatl was a good move. He filled a need for them to get bigger.

The thing is that they have made alot of questionable moves that they are paying for right now. Its easier to fill out a spot in your top6 then in their top4 via trade or FA. Im not on either the hate or love train for Oilers, this year they where to take a big step forward but got the season ruined by injuries. But even with a healthy season i didnt see them making the playoffs.

IF, and there are alot of IFS, Talbot can be a #1 guy, Klefbom, Nurse, Davidson can be consistent for 82 games and if McDavid keeps his game at the ridiculous level he had this year then they should make the playoffs next year. But still there are absolutley no playoffs experience in their rooster. Sekera, Pouliot and Purcell are the only players i can think of that has ever skated in the postseason.

A top4 defencemen (preferably 2) and some experienced middle6/bottom6 players and this team could be dangerous next year. Rather overpay a bit then going out to get a player like Griffin Reinhart.
- Cloud

Proof? You have no idea what deals are possible......

Proof? You have no idea what deals are possible......
- Al Hacker

Jesus, you honestly dont believe that Oilers could have traded down? That there was absolutley no market for #1 overall?

Jesus, you honestly dont believe that Oilers could have traded down? That there was absolutley no market for #1 overall?
- Cloud

You honestly believe they didn't try at some point?

Jesus, you honestly dont believe that Oilers could have traded down? That there was absolutley no market for #1 overall?
- Cloud

Sure, we should accept offers of an extra 3rd rounder to trade down a couple of spots. That's the way to rebuild a hockey team.

BEAT IT!!!

Character flaw in me that I just can't let ignorance go

Sometimes I get too lazy, but if I'm at work and bored, I'm gonna preach
- HB77

But in all fairness HB, the Oilers do suck...

But in all fairness HB, the Oilers do suck...
- geta02it

Don't tell anyone, but so do the Flamers.

But in all fairness HB, the Oilers do suck...
- geta02it

Truer words ...

Truer words ...
- HB77

But James just said they are cup contenders this year.....

But James just said they are cup contenders this year.....
- Garnie

He's abit more optimistic than I am.


I'm Not even willing to claim a playoff contender before I see what they do this summer

But I love his enthusiasm. Even if it does bring out the haters tearing my fav team to shreds...

An hour and half till long weekend ! Cottage tomo!
Go oilers !

But James just said they are cup contenders AGAIN this year.....
- Garnie

Fixed

He's abit more optimistic than I am.


I'm Not even willing to claim a playoff contender before I see what they do this summer

But I love his enthusiasm. Even if it does bring out the haters tearing my fav team to shreds...

An hour and half till long weekend ! Cottage tomo!
Go oilers !
- HB77

Cottage tonight and the Oilers still blow chunks... Peace out HB... drive safe!

Great blog. I think the Oilers should definitely think of trading draft picks and prospects for dmen but with the expansion coming up, taking a future top 6 guy like Thachuk makes too much sense. I also agree you go after Yandle. There are a ton of teams looking for new tenders and there are a bunch on the UFA list. Might eat up cap space from teams that would also like to be in on Yandle. I also think Yandle should get a long contract. If the Oil can do it for Sekeras then why not for Yandle. Pay him and make him part of the teams core. He is that good.

Trading the core at this point doesn't make sense. I would also support them trying to bring Yak back into the fold. Having Leon, McDavid and RNH provides options.

I do want to pose a question. Are teams that have a large number of games missed due to injury actually poor performers or do these teams just let their players heal completely before bringing them back. No need to rush players when you are not in contention for the playoffs. I will bet anything that when the Oilers start winning, players will start playing a little injured.

Great blog. I think the Oilers should definitely think of trading draft picks and prospects for dmen but with the expansion coming up, taking a future top 6 guy like Thachuk makes too much sense. I also agree you go after Yandle. There are a ton of teams looking for new tenders and there are a bunch on the UFA list. Might eat up cap space from teams that would also like to be in on Yandle. I also think Yandle should get a long contract. If the Oil can do it for Sekeras then why not for Yandle. Pay him and make him part of the teams core. He is that good.

Trading the core at this point doesn't make sense. I would also support them trying to bring Yak back into the fold. Having Leon, McDavid and RNH provides options.

I do want to pose a question. Are teams that have a large number of games missed due to injury actually poor performers or do these teams just let their players heal completely before bringing them back. No need to rush players when you are not in contention for the playoffs. I will bet anything that when the Oilers start winning, players will start playing a little injured.
- Hall Fan

You also wanted nichushkin or petan over nurse....

a few things I disagree about sorta;
you always refer to the mistake of dealing when values are lower than they should be. But you never bother to take into account that another year losing would drive them even lower. Maybe so low in eberle/nuges case that we wouldn't be able to even expect a reasonable haul like we could get now.

And let's not forget that it's been the same for 2 seasons now where u keep thinking this is the year. And then their values potentially end up even lower than they were

And eff the expansion draft. Obviously not ideal, but Even if you only get a year out of the defender you moved for, that's another year of development for klefbom/nurse/Davidson/reinhart. Regardless of the fact that they'd probably protect said defender over sekera anyway, those young guys would be that much closer to taking the load anyway.

I think you vastly underestimate how desperately this group and organization needs to take a tangible step forward. Like we can't risk another bottom feeder year so that we can draft tkachuk over an offer of a quality top 4 defender.
This is going to be season 7 since we started rebuilding. And we've been better than 3rd last only once. It's crazy to think people are still talking "future". When do we focus on winning now? Year 10? Year 12?
And when does hall or even Connor run for the door?