Hypothetical trade from PHR. I’d do the first, Holloway, and Campbell for Mrazek, and take a chance on Waite fixing Campbell.

Petr Mrazek – Chicago Blackhawks (one-year, $3.8MM
Not only would Chicago be able to absorb the contract of Campbell even after a buyout, but Mrazek is quietly having a very productive season even with a poor team in front of him. In 10 games played for the Blackhawks this season, Mrazek has a 4-5-0 record, coupled with a .915 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

With only one year remaining on his contract, a trade for Mrazek would allow the Oilers to improve their goaltending situation down the stretch while giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a different goaltender in the offseason if they choose to do so.

In order to rid themselves of Campbell’s contract, Edmonton would need to attach their first-round pick in 2024, as well as their second-round pick in 2026, and potentially a third-to-fourth-round selection in either of the next three years simply to acquire Mrazek from the Blackhawks in the first place
- Angotti

I like the idea of getting young prospects in lieu of draft picks, but Holloway is on LTIR with a knee injury. And EDM has no other prospects that interest me.

And which if the fwd prospects is stepping in next year and contributes right away? I see none.
- LFS

Nazar III

But the inherent problem with prospects is it takes about 2 full seasons for them to get their feet under them.

So if they want to start actually competing they're gonna have to add at least one excellent player via trade or free agency.

They still gotta go out and get some guys. Havlat they got very early. Toews and Kane came in together and were able to help eachother. Sharp obviously some luck was involved. They threw a lot of money at Campbell and Hossa.

It would be nice if they got someone to help Bedard get 50 goals this year (though he could very well do it himself).
- fattybeef

I hear Gaudreau is struggling in CBJ. 30 years old now and signed for five more years.


I actually wouldn't mind Laine if they were actually willing to trade him (but not sure what you'd have to give up). Screw it - throw an offer to TOR for Nylander.

I hear Gaudreau is struggling in CBJ. 30 years old now and signed for five more years.


I actually wouldn't mind Laine if they were actually willing to trade him (but not sure what you'd have to give up). Screw it - throw an offer to TOR for Nylander.
- Chunk

Edit: all that said, your point is valid. I really thought KD would do more than add Hall as a guy that could actually help. Foligno and Perry are actually performing admirably, but I'd prefer a FWD or two that could be added and stick around for a while. It's really nice that Kurashev is starting to break out a bit.

Hypothetical trade from PHR. I’d do the first, Holloway, and Campbell for Mrazek, and take a chance on Waite fixing Campbell.

Petr Mrazek – Chicago Blackhawks (one-year, $3.8MM
Not only would Chicago be able to absorb the contract of Campbell even after a buyout, but Mrazek is quietly having a very productive season even with a poor team in front of him. In 10 games played for the Blackhawks this season, Mrazek has a 4-5-0 record, coupled with a .915 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

With only one year remaining on his contract, a trade for Mrazek would allow the Oilers to improve their goaltending situation down the stretch while giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a different goaltender in the offseason if they choose to do so.

In order to rid themselves of Campbell’s contract, Edmonton would need to attach their first-round pick in 2024, as well as their second-round pick in 2026, and potentially a third-to-fourth-round selection in either of the next three years simply to acquire Mrazek from the Blackhawks in the first place
- Angotti

What happened to Campbell? Is this something that Jimmy Waite can fix? One other problem is the term on that contract. When do we expect any prospects in the system to be ready?

Its interesting to look at what seems to be developing in the makeup of the Hawk's blueline going forward as it relates to their draft positions.

Playing regularly is KK (#7 overall): Kaiser (#81); Vlasic (#43); #141 (Philipps) and 2 guys getting pushed in Rockford: Del Mastro (#105) and Allan (#32).

Meanwhile there is little to nothing to show from draft picks expended on Boqvist (#8); Beaudin (#27); Jokiharju (#29); Mitchell (#57); Krys (#45). And probably a few others. Wonder why -bad drafting, poor coaching at the minor league level, no commitment by the NHL teaam??

I'm a big believer in the AHL for the competitive experience and development of young players - provided that their NHL teams have excellent coaches in place on the farm and a clear direction on what is expected of them in developing young pros. (I don't think that existed for a number of years in Chicago).

BTW - did you see the interview with Quinn Hughes after the late game in Vancouver last night? He told Scott Oake that the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) is the most competitive league he has ever played in, even more competitive than the NHL.
- RickJ

Drafting 18 year olds is not an exact science. Certainly the Bowman group was very good at drafting useful forwards.

They did draft Vlasic, Allen, Philips, Del Mastro, Kaiser so not sure what the argument is here.

Colliton didn't have a clue so that stunted the development of guys that were there and players like Mitchel, Beaudin and Boqvist - while being kind of toolsy - were not great skaters (straight line speed not good across board and Boqvist wasn't bad but the others definitely not really great going laterally) which is a problem for the more smaller skilled guys.

Boqvist has often been interesting, but never really good. He actually sees the ice (offensively) quite well, but he's been a disaster in his own zone and physically doesn't (can't?) really engage. If each of your other D-men were like Vlasic, then you could probably get away with him, but he's not really going to improve your team.

Side-note, but I read that Laine was healthy scratched (or will be). What the heck is going on over there?
- Chunk

Boqvist doesn't have the straight line speed necessary to make up for his cheating forward.

Also if you look at him move vs Korch or if we shoot really high Makar - the lateral quickness and edge work just isn't there.

What happened to Campbell? Is this something that Jimmy Waite can fix? One other problem is the term on that contract. When do we expect any prospects in the system to be ready?
- 333inthe3rd

Campbell had one solid season in Toronto and Edmonton signed him to a ridiculous contract. Before the one season in Toronto he was a backup for the Kings and never saw more than 30 games a year. Mrazek has a better resume than Campbell, who is really nothing more than a journeyman back-up/gets more games when the starter is injured. Think James Reimer as a comparison IMO.

Boqvist doesn't have the straight line speed necessary to make up for his cheating forward.

Also if you look at him move vs Korch or if we shoot really high Makar - the lateral quickness and edge work just isn't there.
- fattybeef

Thanks for the additional background. I thought when he was drafted everyone was raving about his skating, no?

I hear Gaudreau is struggling in CBJ. 30 years old now and signed for five more years.


I actually wouldn't mind Laine if they were actually willing to trade him (but not sure what you'd have to give up). Screw it - throw an offer to TOR for Nylander.
- Chunk

I'm thinking Nylander (though I can't see how Toronto moves him before the end of the year unless they really implode), Elias Lindholm, the Senators probably can't keep all of Greig, Stutzel, Norris and Pinto and need to produce something at some point. Horvat doesn't do a lot for me but he's a bigger guy who produces and may be around if the islanders decide to blow it up.

Theyre gonna have to add sometime soon. Big question is do you do it now to give the guys a shot in the arm (the goaltending is still gonna be poop half the time) or do you just let these guys continue to get beat up.

I think you wait until around Christmas, let the guys get through this nasty stretch of 9 games in 14 days or whatever it is and then maybe look to see who in the league is free falling. By that point they'll be cemented into a lottery spot and adding some help to finish the season at a 500 pace would probably be a good thing.

They still gotta go out and get some guys. Havlat they got very early. Toews and Kane came in together and were able to help eachother. Sharp obviously some luck was involved. They threw a lot of money at Campbell and Hossa.

It would be nice if they got someone to help Bedard get 50 goals this year (though he could very well do it himself).
- fattybeef

Well based on how I've seen Boston and the Cubs do it, this won't happen until they feel all the kids are in place in the system and developing. So it's far too early. Bears traded for Sweat but i think Poles thinks he's got enough pieces and draft picks and dead cap money out of the way to start competing. I don't think it'll happen this season, next season but the season after. So 25-26 season i can see them doing this.

Campbell had one solid season in Toronto and Edmonton signed him to a ridiculous contract. Before the one season in Toronto he was a backup for the Kings and never saw more than 30 games a year. Mrazek has a better resume than Campbell, who is really nothing more than a journeyman back-up/gets more games when the starter is injured. Think James Reimer as a comparison IMO.
- LAHawk

Okay, backups usually see action against weaker teams. That can inflate the stats a bit. Reimer is a good comp, yes, though Campbell has the first round pedigree, if that means anything.

Nobody is arguing he's as good as Mrazek, to be sure. Just a matter of what else Edmonton has to give up, what kind of miracles Jimmy Waite can work, whether the term is worth the trouble, and what is expected in Chicago's own pipeline at goalie.

Well based on how I've seen Boston and the Cubs do it, this won't happen until they feel all the kids are in place in the system and developing. So it's far too early. Bears traded for Sweat but i think Poles thinks he's got enough pieces and draft picks and dead cap money out of the way to start competing. I don't think it'll happen this season, next season but the season after. So 25-26 season i can see them doing this.
- BetweenTheDots

I think it more depends who is available and what they cost. For the right price Kyle could strike anytime. Too expensive and he won't do it he'll keep his powder dry.

What happened to Campbell? Is this something that Jimmy Waite can fix? One other problem is the term on that contract. When do we expect any prospects in the system to be ready?
- 333inthe3rd

Yes, the term is an issue, but a first and an A prospect would help add more talent to the Hawks cupboard, and maybe Campbell turns things around and shares the net with Soda.

Hypothetical trade from PHR. I’d do the first, Holloway, and Campbell for Mrazek, and take a chance on Waite fixing Campbell.

Petr Mrazek – Chicago Blackhawks (one-year, $3.8MM
Not only would Chicago be able to absorb the contract of Campbell even after a buyout, but Mrazek is quietly having a very productive season even with a poor team in front of him. In 10 games played for the Blackhawks this season, Mrazek has a 4-5-0 record, coupled with a .915 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

With only one year remaining on his contract, a trade for Mrazek would allow the Oilers to improve their goaltending situation down the stretch while giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a different goaltender in the offseason if they choose to do so.

In order to rid themselves of Campbell’s contract, Edmonton would need to attach their first-round pick in 2024, as well as their second-round pick in 2026, and potentially a third-to-fourth-round selection in either of the next three years simply to acquire Mrazek from the Blackhawks in the first place
- Angotti

While bundling Campbell a first and Holloway for Mrazek sounds enticing, the remaining term, four more years, on Campbell’s contract could prove to be a problem down the road.

I think it more depends who is available and what they cost. For the right price Kyle could strike anytime. Too expensive and he won't do it he'll keep his powder dry.
- rpeters01

Yea i do agree with this as well.

Hypothetical trade from PHR. I’d do the first, Holloway, and Campbell for Mrazek, and take a chance on Waite fixing Campbell.

Petr Mrazek – Chicago Blackhawks (one-year, $3.8MM
Not only would Chicago be able to absorb the contract of Campbell even after a buyout, but Mrazek is quietly having a very productive season even with a poor team in front of him. In 10 games played for the Blackhawks this season, Mrazek has a 4-5-0 record, coupled with a .915 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

With only one year remaining on his contract, a trade for Mrazek would allow the Oilers to improve their goaltending situation down the stretch while giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a different goaltender in the offseason if they choose to do so.

In order to rid themselves of Campbell’s contract, Edmonton would need to attach their first-round pick in 2024, as well as their second-round pick in 2026, and potentially a third-to-fourth-round selection in either of the next three years simply to acquire Mrazek from the Blackhawks in the first place
- Angotti

Yes, the term is an issue, but a first and an A prospect would help add more talent to the Hawks cupboard, and maybe Campbell turns things around and shares the net with Soda.
- Angotti

Campbell has been beyond awful for Edmonton. I think taking him on would be a huge mistake unless Edmonton gives "A LOT" in return. It could be a big anchor on the team for a longer period than KD wants if he is not ready to go. Since Campbell has been sent down to the AHL he has continued to struggle in a huge way. I wouldn't touch that situation unless they pay BIG BIG BIG.

So who goes first, the Blue Jackets Coach that wasn't supposed to be, or the GM that has caused all the mess?

Hypothetical trade from PHR. I’d do the first, Holloway, and Campbell for Mrazek, and take a chance on Waite fixing Campbell.

Petr Mrazek – Chicago Blackhawks (one-year, $3.8MM
Not only would Chicago be able to absorb the contract of Campbell even after a buyout, but Mrazek is quietly having a very productive season even with a poor team in front of him. In 10 games played for the Blackhawks this season, Mrazek has a 4-5-0 record, coupled with a .915 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

With only one year remaining on his contract, a trade for Mrazek would allow the Oilers to improve their goaltending situation down the stretch while giving them the financial flexibility to pursue a different goaltender in the offseason if they choose to do so.

In order to rid themselves of Campbell’s contract, Edmonton would need to attach their first-round pick in 2024, as well as their second-round pick in 2026, and potentially a third-to-fourth-round selection in either of the next three years simply to acquire Mrazek from the Blackhawks in the first place
- Angotti

I think the Oilers know Jack Campbell has the zips and is all done as an NHL goalie permanently. And that the cost to get rid of him would be massive.

But thinking of it from Emonton's end they woulld be crazy or desperate to agree to your deal offer. What if Mrazek takes a hike at the end of the season as soon as he turns UFA and they are left with nothing? Plus, I think they believe Skinner is their #1 going forward but they know he can't play 60 games, especially behind that horrendous type of defence they put on display most nights.

So where to find a decent backup to Skinner and what does it cost?

I'm thinking Nylander (though I can't see how Toronto moves him before the end of the year unless they really implode), Elias Lindholm, the Senators probably can't keep all of Greig, Stutzel, Norris and Pinto and need to produce something at some point. Horvat doesn't do a lot for me but he's a bigger guy who produces and may be around if the islanders decide to blow it up.

Theyre gonna have to add sometime soon. Big question is do you do it now to give the guys a shot in the arm (the goaltending is still gonna be poop half the time) or do you just let these guys continue to get beat up.

I think you wait until around Christmas, let the guys get through this nasty stretch of 9 games in 14 days or whatever it is and then maybe look to see who in the league is free falling. By that point they'll be cemented into a lottery spot and adding some help to finish the season at a 500 pace would probably be a good thing.
- fattybeef

I don't disagree and I am just amazed bedard has been able to produce given what he's been tasked to play with on the wings. I mean each and every game 2-3 opposing guys are on him, hovering around him, and that's just a lack of respect for the winger's on his lines.

Kurashev is having a nice little run and maybe this gives him confidence and he can be a long time depth guy on the team.

As far as adding skill....I think it has to happen sooner than what most of us figured given the rebuild. With the cap going up, you likely won't see the crunch we have seen in past years. Is Nylander the guy? No idea...some here like him, some here don't.

The other point to this is they need to start establish a long term answer to the top 6 and build out. Have a few pieces who can float up and down when needed, and maybe they shore up another top 6 player this summer with the draft? Add another via UFA and you are half way there. Leaves guys like Mooore, Nazar, Reichel, and others left to fill out spots in the top 6....as of today.

The rest of it....doesn't really matter currently. They have place holders trying to instill a different mindset to try and close out games, etc.....but there is a lot of dead weight on this team. Some guys flash, but others.....it's like groundhog day every time they play.

So who goes first, the Blue Jackets Coach that wasn't supposed to be, or the GM that has caused all the mess?
- LAHawk

Were the BLue Jackets supposed to be good this year?

WHatever happened to the player(s) hawks gave up to acquire Jones? How have they panned out? Haven't read much on here, so guessing not too good........

I get the need to have to fire coaches and/or GM but when Johnny hockey and Laine bomb....not much you can do.

Were the BLue Jackets supposed to be good this year?

WHatever happened to the player(s) hawks gave up to acquire Jones? How have they panned out? Haven't read much on here, so guessing not too good........

I get the need to have to fire coaches and/or GM but when Johnny hockey and Laine bomb....not much you can do.
- SteveRain

Well, signing Severson for 8 years and acquiring Provorov , it doesn't appear they were rebuilding.

Scratching Laine is basically the coach saying, I can't get through to him, it is your problem Jarmo

So who goes first, the Blue Jackets Coach that wasn't supposed to be, or the GM that has caused all the mess?
- LAHawk

Yarmo K has had so many chances and nothing ever gets better. So now the Coach has thrown it back to the GM and Team President.

And i don't think the Coach healthy scratches Laine without the OK from above.

How much longer is Tinordi out? When he is ready to come back does Phillips get sent down again? Or do they cut ties with Karpotsev, I mean Zaitsev.