Oh god...I haven't thought of that in quite a while! lol

I think firstly I would like to see a goaltender that I feel extremely confident in...like back in the Fuhr or Ranford or even Cujo days.

If everyone is healthy I am not unhappy with the current D and there are a few young bucks coming up that show promise.

Offense is a mess I think. A stud 1st line winger for McDavid is my #2 after an elite goaltender. Draisaitl, Nuge, AA, Neal, Yamo, can find their spots in the second line and fill out the first, but we need a real sniper to ride shotgun with McDavid (think Patrik Liane).

I'd change pretty much all of the bottom 6, I see a lot of fringe players getting 3rd line minutes and 4th liners that should probably be in the AHL.

I also sometimes wonder if McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nuge is too much money down the middle and I would "explore" the offers for Draisaitl. He'd obtain so much roster quality that this team needs and I really think Nuge could step it up even more if given the chance. We could probably get 2 of those top wingers AND that goaltender for Draisaitl. I probably wouldn't like the offers, and Draisaitl is amazing...but I'd kick some tires. (hey, I love AMZN stock too but if you're going to give me $3k for it I'll take it! haha)
- JLO961

That’s a bold move my man but I like thinking out of the box . If done in the offseason I think the line would be 28 teams long. Defense and goaltending win cups .

Has to be a few legit top 6 wingers..no?
- rrentz

Goalie also

That’s a bold move my man but I like thinking out of the box . If done in the offseason I think the line would be 28 teams long. Defense and goaltending win cups .
- Angus4444

Check with Toronto, they need another high-priced center.

Check with Toronto, they need another high-priced center.
- jmatchett383

Especially because GM Tanner thinks that Matthews gets too much PP time

No one is inflating the numbers. This is simply how you count deaths during a pandemic. It's the same in every country (perhaps China excluded). Here in Denmark the news are careful to always call it Covid-19 related deaths.
- Skytte

I mean, the flu doesn't kill anyone, it's the pneumonia, cytokine storm, or perhaps an extremely high fever that cooks your brain, but that's your body fighting the virus, not the virus itself. But no one has any trouble comparing deaths from the flu.

People that die from heart attacks almost universally have co-morbidities: hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity etc... but no one says "it wasn't the heart attack, it was the high cholesterol". They may not have had a heart attack without those co-morbidities, but that doesn't discount the fact that the heart attack killed them.

Oh god...I haven't thought of that in quite a while! lol

I think firstly I would like to see a goaltender that I feel extremely confident in...like back in the Fuhr or Ranford or even Cujo days.

If everyone is healthy I am not unhappy with the current D and there are a few young bucks coming up that show promise.

Offense is a mess I think. A stud 1st line winger for McDavid is my #2 after an elite goaltender. Draisaitl, Nuge, AA, Neal, Yamo, can find their spots in the second line and fill out the first, but we need a real sniper to ride shotgun with McDavid (think Patrik Liane).

I'd change pretty much all of the bottom 6, I see a lot of fringe players getting 3rd line minutes and 4th liners that should probably be in the AHL.

I also sometimes wonder if McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nuge is too much money down the middle and I would "explore" the offers for Draisaitl. He'd obtain so much roster quality that this team needs and I really think Nuge could step it up even more if given the chance. We could probably get 2 of those top wingers AND that goaltender for Draisaitl. I probably wouldn't like the offers, and Draisaitl is amazing...but I'd kick some tires. (hey, I love AMZN stock too but if you're going to give me $3k for it I'll take it! haha)
- JLO961

Gibson for Drai straight up. You get top 3 goalie signed to a ridiculous contract and we get top 3 C.

This is what I would do to make the Oilers better...

1) Add more elite superstars. Magically.
2) Get rid of all the mid-tier guys and replace with AHL guys making less than $1M
3) Don't worry about goaltending. There are only a few elite guys and the rest are totally unpredictable. One year they got lucky, the next year they don't.
4) Stop using McDavid and Draisitl on the PP. Save them for 5-on-5. Nik Petan and Cody Franson can star on the PP.

This is what I would do to make the Oilers better...

1) Add more elite superstars. Magically.
2) Get rid of all the mid-tier guys and replace with AHL guys making less than $1M
3) Don't worry about goaltending. There are only a few elite guys and the rest are totally unpredictable. One year they got lucky, the next year they don't.
4) Stop using McDavid and Draisitl on the PP. Save them for 5-on-5. Nik Petan and Cody Franson can star on the PP.
- Kooleus

Are you trying to be Tanner?

I am not sure what the answer is either to resume any form of the season. Some degree of people contact is the only thing that is sustainable. We all need to buy food and go to the doctor for example. Are the players willing to quarentine themselves and play to empty arenas? I don't know but it's their call, IMO. Furthermore any player should have the right to opt out. Without pay? They won't be popular.

I am not sure what the answer is either to resume any form of the season. Some degree of people contact is the only thing that is sustainable. We all need to buy food and go to the doctor for example. Are the players willing to quarentine themselves and play to empty arenas? I don't know but it's their call, IMO. Furthermore any player should have the right to opt out. Without pay? They won't be popular.
- powerhouse

Amazing, factual article from NY post, written by actual MD. If you really want to speak intelligently, it is very helpful.

One example from article.. In NYC. 99.2% of death from Corona an underlying condition

https://nypost.com/2020/0...he-coronavirus-lockdowns/

I will bet that not one player opts out.[url]

Amazing, factual article from NY post, written by actual MD. If you really want to speak intelligently, it is very helpful

https://nypost.com/2020/0...he-coronavirus-lockdowns/

I will bet that not one player opts out.
- rrentz[url]

Yes, an article by a radiologist pretty much sums up all of the scientific thought on the issue. Lol science says ...

Yes, an article by a radiologist pretty much sums up all of the scientific thought on the issue. Lol science says ...
- Canada Cup

Is it really that hard to accept facts, and interpretations that differ from your own?

This is author:
Scott W. Atlas, MD, is the David and Joan Traitel Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and a former chief of neuroradiology at Stanford Medical Center.

He doesn't say he's the end all, be all, but he's a smart man who can read and interpret stats and facts that are accepted in all medical fields

Anyway.........

Did you even read it? Didn't say it sums it up, just that it has medically researched and verified stats. Look them up yourself if you doubt them......I did.

That's how you learn. Read, then check to verify. Kind of simple. If you put your trust in something without making sure of validity your kind of an idiot.. unless you listen to CNN, Fox, or MSNBC.. because we all know everything on those networks is always spot on

This is author:

Scott W. Atlas, MD, is the David and Joan Traitel Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and a former chief of neuroradiology at Stanford Medical Center.



He doesn't say he's the end all, be all, but he's a smart man who can read and interpret stats and facts that are accepted in all medical fields

Anyway.........

Did you even read it? Didn't say it sums it up, just that it has medically researched and verified stats. Look them up yourself if you doubt them......I did.

That's how you learn. Read, then check to verify. Kind of simple. If you put your trust in something without making sure of validity your kind of an idiot.. unless you listen to CNN, Fox, or MSNBC.. because we all know everything on those networks is always spot on
- rrentz

I read it and I don’t dispute its facts. I just note that in interpreting those facts he is not an expert in the field and that he is employed by a conservative think tank. I’m sure if I linked an article written by a smart Dermatologist from the Brookings Institute you would gently suggest that the person’s expertise be questioned.

Similarly, if CNN or Fox (now the enemy I guess) has a renowned leading epidemiologist on, I will listen to what they have to say. Guess I don’t assess someone just based on what platform they appear on.

I read it and I don’t dispute its facts. I just note that in interpreting those facts he is not an expert in the field and that he is employed by a conservative think tank. I’m sure if I linked an article written by a smart Dermatologist from the Brookings Institute you would gently suggest that the person’s expertise be questioned.

Similarly, if CNN or Fox (now the enemy I guess) has a renowned leading epidemiologist on, I will listen to what they have to say. Guess I don’t assess someone just based on what platform they appear on.
- Canada Cup

Every doctor who's doing the research is qualified to have an educated opinion on the matter. Like author said, all info isn't out yet on Covid, but decades of research on all other existing viruses, etc. Suggest it will be similar
I use his and many others to form my own opinion

I was joking about news networks. I listen to Fox, but I don't take it as gospel...just like many listen to CNN or MSNBC and believe everything they hear

Amazing, factual article from NY post, written by actual MD. If you really want to speak intelligently, it is very helpful.

One example from article.. In NYC. 99.2% of death from Corona an underlying condition

https://nypost.com/2020/0...he-coronavirus-lockdowns/

I will bet that not one player opts out.
- rrentz[url]

Pretty sure that from day one doctors and scientists have been saying those most vulnerable are those with pre-existing conditions, like COPD, etc. But thanks for the breaking news?

Pretty sure that from day one doctors and scientists have been saying those most vulnerable are those with pre-existing conditions, like COPD, etc. But thanks for the breaking news?
- FoxMulder

Agreed, and data shows it's even more selective to those people... so why are many acting like we ALL need to stay locked away still?

Doesn't make sense to start reopening the country and those at more risk to take their own preventive measures?

James, I'm not going to troll you on this one. I think you have a valid series of points, but I don't agree. And here's why:

First off, for framing, I do not believe Covid19 is or was overstated. I work in medtech (specifically in respiratory care) and have been on this issue since December so, I don't want to poison the waters with misunderstanding. This thing is incredibly nasty. (Check out Dr. Duc Vuong's video on how the thing kills for a better idea on what really happened here).

So, I do believe reopening the economy in a new normalcy is necessary before long. This doesn't mean we'll be crowding around a bar watching the games, as always, instead, it will look more like how Sweden has gone about things (plexiglass between restaurant booths for example).

The sad reality is, Covid19 isn't going anywhere. It will probably see a second wave and, to add to that, has a chance at becoming a reoccurring seasonal problem.

We did the right thing re: instant lockdown. Simply put, we didn't have the data to take any chances. What came out from the WHO and the data released from China was unreliable. Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam, on the other hand, have done a marvelous job letting the rest of the world know what was, and is, happening (if you so choose to listen).

What we have now is completely unsustainable. We see the spike of suicide, depression and spousal abuse. Put simply, people are having poor mental health outcomes part and parcel with this kind of isolation.

Beyond that, the number of small business (even here in Canada, with supposed support) going out of business is worrying. I've seen two friends permanently shut down over this. One of said businesses was fairly new, and they will be going into bankruptcy. Their staff are now unemployed.

Yes, there are fools protesting they "Want a hair cut". But there are far more that simply want to get back to providing for their family.

Now, where the heck does hockey come in?

This:

1) Limited attendee games with strong control measures re: sanitation and social distancing could help some of those affected get back to work to some degree. The local "bump" from said games matters. For those not attending the games directly, see above re: Sweden and how this slots into the broader economic activity, not just the venue.

2) Distraction. We can laugh all we want about this... but there's a lot of truth here. This is a horrifying situation on so many levels (and many we didn't predict. See: food riots in Venezuela and South Africa). A little bit of levity can go a long way re: the mental health of those stuck indoors. Especially those who are alone.

3) Long-term outlook. It's no secret there are some teams that are struggling financially even prior to all of this. The huge hit to revenue could see some firesales of teams or, and I hope this is not the case, contraction.

Coming out of this, investment will be hyper-focused and fundamentals-driven. Buying an NHL franchise will not be top of mind for many investors. Lessening the blow to the bottom line, league-wide, could at least help ensure this scenario doesn't come to pass. After all, how many people's livelihood (at the venue, with the team, reporting on a team and, of course, local business) depends on the NHL?


I'm not saying turn the clock back to December and stick our heads in the sand, but I am saying the current state of paralysis we've self-imposed (and for good reason) has long-term impacts... and something even as, truthfully, seemingly unimportant as hockey has an importance in the wider tapestry of what's currently unfolding.

James, I'm not going to troll you on this one. I think you have a valid series of points, but I don't agree. And here's why:

First off, for framing, I do not believe Covid19 is or was overstated. I work in medtech (specifically in respiratory care) and have been on this issue since December so, I don't want to poison the waters with misunderstanding. This thing is incredibly nasty. (Check out Dr. Duc Vuong's video on how the thing kills for a better idea on what really happened here).

So, I do believe reopening the economy in a new normalcy is necessary before long. This doesn't mean we'll be crowding around a bar watching the games, as always, instead, it will look more like how Sweden has gone about things (plexiglass between restaurant booths for example).

The sad reality is, Covid19 isn't going anywhere. It will probably see a second wave and, to add to that, has a chance at becoming a reoccurring seasonal problem.

We did the right thing re: instant lockdown. Simply put, we didn't have the data to take any chances. What came out from the WHO and the data released from China was unreliable. Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam, on the other hand, have done a marvelous job letting the rest of the world know what was, and is, happening (if you so choose to listen).

What we have now is completely unsustainable. We see the spike of suicide, depression and spousal abuse. Put simply, people are having poor mental health outcomes part and parcel with this kind of isolation.

Beyond that, the number of small business (even here in Canada, with supposed support) going out of business is worrying. I've seen two friends permanently shut down over this. One of said businesses was fairly new, and they will be going into bankruptcy. Their staff are now unemployed.

Yes, there are fools protesting they "Want a hair cut". But there are far more that simply want to get back to providing for their family.

Now, where the heck does hockey come in?

This:

1) Limited attendee games with strong control measures re: sanitation and social distancing could help some of those affected get back to work to some degree. The local "bump" from said games matters. For those not attending the games directly, see above re: Sweden and how this slots into the broader economic activity, not just the venue.

2) Distraction. We can laugh all we want about this... but there's a lot of truth here. This is a horrifying situation on so many levels (and many we didn't predict. See: food riots in Venezuela and South Africa). A little bit of levity can go a long way re: the mental health of those stuck indoors. Especially those who are alone.

3) Long-term outlook. It's no secret there are some teams that are struggling financially even prior to all of this. The huge hit to revenue could see some firesales of teams or, and I hope this is not the case, contraction.

Coming out of this, investment will be hyper-focused and fundamentals-driven. Buying an NHL franchise will not be top of mind for many investors. Lessening the blow to the bottom line, league-wide, could at least help ensure this scenario doesn't come to pass. After all, how many people's livelihood (at the venue, with the team, reporting on a team and, of course, local business) depends on the NHL?


I'm not saying turn the clock back to December and stick our heads in the sand, but I am saying the current state of paralysis we've self-imposed (and for good reason) has long-term impacts... and something even as, truthfully, seemingly unimportant as hockey has an importance in the wider tapestry of what's currently unfolding.
- OzBolts

Good post

James, I'm not going to troll you on this one. I think you have a valid series of points, but I don't agree. And here's why:

First off, for framing, I do not believe Covid19 is or was overstated. I work in medtech (specifically in respiratory care) and have been on this issue since December so, I don't want to poison the waters with misunderstanding. This thing is incredibly nasty. (Check out Dr. Duc Vuong's video on how the thing kills for a better idea on what really happened here).

So, I do believe reopening the economy in a new normalcy is necessary before long. This doesn't mean we'll be crowding around a bar watching the games, as always, instead, it will look more like how Sweden has gone about things (plexiglass between restaurant booths for example).

The sad reality is, Covid19 isn't going anywhere. It will probably see a second wave and, to add to that, has a chance at becoming a reoccurring seasonal problem.

We did the right thing re: instant lockdown. Simply put, we didn't have the data to take any chances. What came out from the WHO and the data released from China was unreliable. Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam, on the other hand, have done a marvelous job letting the rest of the world know what was, and is, happening (if you so choose to listen).

What we have now is completely unsustainable. We see the spike of suicide, depression and spousal abuse. Put simply, people are having poor mental health outcomes part and parcel with this kind of isolation.

Beyond that, the number of small business (even here in Canada, with supposed support) going out of business is worrying. I've seen two friends permanently shut down over this. One of said businesses was fairly new, and they will be going into bankruptcy. Their staff are now unemployed.

Yes, there are fools protesting they "Want a hair cut". But there are far more that simply want to get back to providing for their family.

Now, where the heck does hockey come in?

This:

1) Limited attendee games with strong control measures re: sanitation and social distancing could help some of those affected get back to work to some degree. The local "bump" from said games matters. For those not attending the games directly, see above re: Sweden and how this slots into the broader economic activity, not just the venue.

2) Distraction. We can laugh all we want about this... but there's a lot of truth here. This is a horrifying situation on so many levels (and many we didn't predict. See: food riots in Venezuela and South Africa). A little bit of levity can go a long way re: the mental health of those stuck indoors. Especially those who are alone.

3) Long-term outlook. It's no secret there are some teams that are struggling financially even prior to all of this. The huge hit to revenue could see some firesales of teams or, and I hope this is not the case, contraction.

Coming out of this, investment will be hyper-focused and fundamentals-driven. Buying an NHL franchise will not be top of mind for many investors. Lessening the blow to the bottom line, league-wide, could at least help ensure this scenario doesn't come to pass. After all, how many people's livelihood (at the venue, with the team, reporting on a team and, of course, local business) depends on the NHL?


I'm not saying turn the clock back to December and stick our heads in the sand, but I am saying the current state of paralysis we've self-imposed (and for good reason) has long-term impacts... and something even as, truthfully, seemingly unimportant as hockey has an importance in the wider tapestry of what's currently unfolding.
- OzBolts

One of the best posts I've read on this. Thanks