Soon to be Oilers???

not to beat this comrie thing worse than it has been the last few weeks, but without suggesting your own trade pruposals, even though im sure this thread will degenerate into that, but from the names that keep coming up who do you guys think is the best fit to come back to e-town? i also added a UFA that I'd like to see in town.

names that have came up are...
-detroit (datsyuk, dandenault, fischer, draper)
-nashville (legwand)
-boston (boynton)
-atlanta (stefan, exelby)
-UFA (Ronning)

Datsyuk- a soon to be elite center, his name has come up alot, maybe just wishful thinking on our part, but i will break it down anyways. if he was to come here, we would probably have to anti-up alot more than mike comrie; likely a Rita and a pick.

dandenault- here's an intriguing name, dandenault is a solid defenseman who is actually a foreward (another staios). barried in the depth chart behind some of the leagues elite (lidstrom, chelios, hatcher, schneider) dandenault has the capabilities of being a top 4 guy, and has the speed and puck movement that would add another element for simmer's new look pp.

fischer- another d-man barried in the depth chart, fischer has the potential to be a top 4 guy perhaps more so than dandenault, but his wonky knee might be a deterant in any trade talks. he utilizes his size a bit as well being 6'5.

draper- draper is someone who i think the oilers can use. his pk skills are among the leagues best, he can play ALL 3 forward positions and he knows what it takes to win. one thing the oilers have lacked the last 6 yrs is a guy who knows what it takes to win. all of the oil vets have went from youthful prospects to vets (smith, smyth, moreau) as oilers and don't know how or what it takes to get over the hump. getting draper would bring some rings into the dressing room and some success stories that might make our guys a little hungrier. if edmonton was a destination for draper, i think that moreau would have to be shipped out.

Legwand- this kid has alot of potential, but has not fully developed yet. he would be a solid guy to get in return as he has the size and skills to be a #1 centre. if the oil wanted this to work, chances are there would have to be guys added on both sides.

boynton- a top 2 defenseman that has has flattened out his learning curve at the tender age of 24. would sure things up on the blueline, with the uncertainty of cory cross (looked pretty bad in camp), the virgin skates of bergeron and luoma, although both have impressed early. he can be used in all situations and emerged as the #1 d-man in beentown last year. this might be a guy who we can get strait across.

Stefan- more untapped potential, exactly what Kevin Lowe looks for when making a trade, the potential to be a #1 C/LW, but forced to play a more modest role behind Heatley and Kovalchuk. his defensive skills are improving but he still needs alot of work, but who else would like to see him centre an all czech line with dvorak and hemsky???

Exelby- the poster boy for stay at home defenseman, this kid would look good in oil silks because he loves to take the body, and is pretty responsible in his own end, but might need to tame his temperment a tad. only 22, his best years are ahead of him.

Ronning- this guy will be a good replacement if comrie was dealt for a defenceman, a one yr deal could be worked without to much financial stess on the budget, he has no size and a fair amount of speed, even at his age, might be more of a character guy, but can still be good for 30/40 points. another vet that will bring intangeables to the club.

So that is a little rundown of guys we might see in Oiler silks sooner rather than later. any preferences?

Don't ever discount any Rangers. :joker:

If you're tossing around names like Datsayuk it looks like you're going to be greatly disappointed. Roger Millions commented on the situation in Edmonton and it is not looking pretty. He said, "One saw a proposed deal with Anaheim fall through..Not good enough...Another talked about the Rangers..again not good enough. The bottom line is I will be surprised if a trade comes anytime soon. There simply will not be a lot offered in return." This looks like its going to play out just like the Marc Savard situation did.

IMO Datsyuk DOES NOT have more value then Comrie. I mean hell the guy played with Brett Hull and only had fifty points! Comrie played with Smyth and a gimp hand for part of the season and equaled that point total! Also Datsyuk isn't even young!!!!! He's gonna be 26 this year! So what you see is damn close to what you get! Comrie is younger, played with inferior linemates on an inferior team, and has scored WAY more then him in their two years each. If the Oiler trade Comrie for Datsyuk I'll be mad. If they trade Comrie and Rita (or anything of value) I'll be ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS!

If you're tossing around names like Datsayuk it looks like you're going to be greatly disappointed. Roger Millions commented on the situation in Edmonton and it is not looking pretty. He said, "One saw a proposed deal with Anaheim fall through..Not good enough...Another talked about the Rangers..again not good enough. The bottom line is I will be surprised if a trade comes anytime soon. There simply will not be a lot offered in return." This looks like its going to play out just like the Marc Savard situation did.

the names i heard were Lundamrk and a pick for Comrie. I would turn that down too.

The other was centered on Chistov which kinda suprised me. I would take chistov and run if he was offered

Draper??? The only place that could use him is a plastic surgery clinic.

WOW, THAT IS SUPRISINGLY SHALLOW, COME OVER TO WEST EDMONTON SO I CAN RUN YOUR HEAD INTO A CEMENT WALL AND THEN WHILE YOU ARE RECOVERING WE CAN CRACK JOKES AND TALK TRADES.

Too old, career 3rd liner with very limited offensive upside. No, you can forget him.

YA, BECAUSE THE LAST THING OILERS NEED IS AN EXPERIENCED VETERAN WHO BRINGS DEPTH, SPEED, PK AND FACEOFF PROWESS, FLEXIBILITY, LOCKER ROOM INTANGEABLES AND A FEW STANLEY CUP RINGS.

Comrie for Fischer? Needs some fine-tuning but the basics are there.

THANKS, REMEMBER THAT THESE ARE NOT ALL ONE FOR ONE TRADES, JUST NAMES AND QUALITIES OF GUYS WHO HAVE BEEN BUZZING AROUND THE TRADE WIRE.

IT'S ALL GOOD THOUGH DIEHARD, IM NOT GONNA WRINKLE MY KERRY TACO JERSEY OVER A LITTLE DISAGREEMENT, LOL.

If you're tossing around names like Datsayuk it looks like you're going to be greatly disappointed. Roger Millions commented on the situation in Edmonton and it is not looking pretty. He said, "One saw a proposed deal with Anaheim fall through..Not good enough...Another talked about the Rangers..again not good enough. The bottom line is I will be surprised if a trade comes anytime soon. There simply will not be a lot offered in return." This looks like its going to play out just like the Marc Savard situation did.

Except Lowe won't trade him for bum return. Comrie isn't costing them anything right now, like Savard was Calgary. Calgary was simply dumping Savard. Comrie would have to be traded for good value for Lowe to move him. There could be an arguement that he might not get FAIR value, but it won't be like Savard. Comrie is younger, as good or better offensively, and isn't costing the Oilers a penny.

We'll see how long it takes for Lowe to react. Having a first line of Isbister-Smyth-Hemsky should likely get Lowe searching for a deal high and low pretty quick (really, that is one of the worst first lines in all of hockey). In the west, a bad star can end your season early. If the Comrie situation drags out into November I can see Edmonton being behind the eight ball and out of the race by Christmas. Its bad enough that the defense is short a quality player or two. Lowe defintiely doesn't have the luxury of having a top six forward sit. He just doesn't have the organizational depth to do so. He'll deal soon, or get really screwed when he is desperate and every GM in the league knows it.

IMO Datsyuk DOES NOT have more value then Comrie. I mean hell the guy played with Brett Hull and only had fifty points! Comrie played with Smyth and a gimp hand for part of the season and equaled that point total! Also Datsyuk isn't even young!!!!! He's gonna be 26 this year! So what you see is damn close to what you get! Comrie is younger, played with inferior linemates on an inferior team, and has scored WAY more then him in their two years each. If the Oiler trade Comrie for Datsyuk I'll be mad. If they trade Comrie and Rita (or anything of value) I'll be ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS!


#5....i'm surprised it turned into this so quickly.

Except Lowe won't trade him for bum return. Comrie isn't costing them anything right now, like Savard was Calgary. Calgary was simply dumping Savard. Comrie would have to be traded for good value for Lowe to move him. There could be an arguement that he might not get FAIR value, but it won't be like Savard. Comrie is younger, as good or better offensively, and isn't costing the Oilers a penny.

Isn't costing them anything? What about offensive production from a team that can't score?

If Comrie holds out, the oilers can't afford to hold out.

By the way, you sound like an old flames fan. Kindy creepy that they too were mentioning Datsyuk and Fischer for Savard.

Isn't costing them anything? What about offensive production from a team that can't score?

If Comrie holds out, the oilers can't afford to hold out.

By the way, you sound like an old flames fan. Kindy creepy that they too were mentioning Datsyuk and Fischer for Savard.

lol - I hate the flames, sry. The Oilers can't score? they were ninth in the league in goals. They can score.

We'll see how long it takes for Lowe to react. Having a first line of Isbister-Smyth-Hemsky should likely get Lowe searching for a deal high and low pretty quick (really, that is one of the worst first lines in all of hockey). In the west, a bad star can end your season early. If the Comrie situation drags out into November I can see Edmonton being behind the eight ball and out of the race by Christmas. Its bad enough that the defense is short a quality player or two. Lowe defintiely doesn't have the luxury of having a top six forward sit. He just doesn't have the organizational depth to do so. He'll deal soon, or get really screwed when he is desperate and every GM in the league knows it.

worst first line in hockey? Your funny. The Oilers have more organizational depth then the Flames do in their dreams! The Oilers have a big surplus of forwards. And defensively they have a fine top seven in Brewer, Smith, Semenov, Staios, Cross, Bergeron, Ferguson - not to mention Luoma looks like he'll be a good third pairing Dman in the near future. Then there is always Lynch who is about a year away from challenging for a top six spot.

THANKS, REMEMBER THAT THESE ARE NOT ALL ONE FOR ONE TRADES, JUST NAMES AND QUALITIES OF GUYS WHO HAVE BEEN BUZZING AROUND THE TRADE WIRE.

IT'S ALL GOOD THOUGH DIEHARD, IM NOT GONNA WRINKLE MY KERRY TACO JERSEY OVER A LITTLE DISAGREEMENT, LOL.
Must be one last shot before the banning. Best grow up son.

The Oilers can't score? they were ninth in the league in goals. They can score.

Gone from those 231 goals are Anson Carter (25), Todd Marchant (20), Mike Comrie (20), Janne Niinimaa (4) and Dan Cleary (4). That's 73 goals. In are Radek Dvorak, Brad Isbister and Cory Cross. Sorry, but Dvorak will be lucky to make up Marchant's numbers and Isbister will be exceptionally lucky to make up Comrie's numbers. Cross will be hard pressed to make up Niinimaa's numbers. Cleary is inconsequential, but Carter's loss is a killer. 25 goals gonzo and unlikely to be replaced easily. 231 goals is going to be a pipe dream for Edmonton this year. And keeping the goals against under 230 will likely be a struggle as well. It could be a very long year in Edmonton with all the losses. There is not a team in this league that can lose three of its top five scorers, and its number one defenseman, and not take a healthy drop in the standings.

Gone from those 231 goals are Anson Carter (25), Todd Marchant (20), Mike Comrie (20), Janne Niinimaa (4) and Dan Cleary (4). That's 73 goals. In are Radek Dvorak, Brad Isbister and Cory Cross. Sorry, but Dvorak will be lucky to make up Marchant's numbers and Isbister will be exceptionally lucky to make up Comrie's numbers. Cross will be hard pressed to make up Niinimaa's numbers. Cleary is inconsequential, but Carter's loss is a killer. 25 goals gonzo and unlikely to be replaced easily. 231 goals is going to be a pipe dream for Edmonton this year. And keeping the goals against under 230 will likely be a struggle as well. It could be a very long year in Edmonton with all the losses. There is not a team in this league that can lose three of its top five scorers, and its number one defenseman, and not take a healthy drop in the standings.

except a healthy Smyth, a healthy York and a full season of Hemsky will easily make up the difference. Dvorak + Hemsky + Isbister will be damn close to what Carter + Marchant(career third liner, no more) + Comrie will get. not to mention the team is fairly young and haven't touched what their careers averages will be 10 down the road. Plus, if the Oilers either sign or trade Comrie, they'll get somethign that will help them out there.

Gone from those 231 goals are Anson Carter (25), Todd Marchant (20), Mike Comrie (20), Janne Niinimaa (4) and Dan Cleary (4). That's 73 goals. In are Radek Dvorak, Brad Isbister and Cory Cross. Sorry, but Dvorak will be lucky to make up Marchant's numbers and Isbister will be exceptionally lucky to make up Comrie's numbers. Cross will be hard pressed to make up Niinimaa's numbers. Cleary is inconsequential, but Carter's loss is a killer. 25 goals gonzo and unlikely to be replaced easily. 231 goals is going to be a pipe dream for Edmonton this year. And keeping the goals against under 230 will likely be a struggle as well. It could be a very long year in Edmonton with all the losses. There is not a team in this league that can lose three of its top five scorers, and its number one defenseman, and not take a healthy drop in the standings.
You wish. ;)

The increase of Hemsky, Isbister, Dvorak, with Smyth, York healthy and Horcoff improving should be something to offset the loss. Bergeron will make up the Niinimaa goals,(As well as improved Semenov and more go to for Brewer) and as for Cleary, Rita or Torres will outscore him by far and if not them, Chimera. Cleary was a bag of horsebung on the ice(Off the ice, class act), so that is a plus because whoever coming in will outscore him.

Now defensively...that could be another story. :blush:

You wish. ;)

The increase of Hemsky, Isbister, Dvorak, with Smyth, York healthy and Horcoff improving should be something to offset the loss. Bergeron will make up the Niinimaa goals,(As well as improved Semenov and more go to for Brewer) and as for Cleary, Rita or Torres will outscore him by far and if not them, Chimera. Cleary was a bag of horsebung on the ice(Off the ice, class act), so that is a plus because whoever coming in will outscore him.

Now defensively...that could be another story. :blush:

I think the Oilers will b just fine defensively this year. Salo should rebound from his worst year in Edmonton, and the addition of some bigger bodies will help keep leads. I could easily see the Oilers finishing in the 5-6 spot in the west. All they have to do is partly combine what they did defensively two years ago and offensively last year.

:joker: Hahaha! Keep on grasping at those straws Lanny, its actually quite funny!

worst first line in hockey? Your funny. The Oilers have more organizational depth then the Flames do in their dreams! The Oilers have a big surplus of forwards. And defensively they have a fine top seven in Brewer, Smith, Semenov, Staios, Cross, Bergeron, Ferguson - not to mention Luoma looks like he'll be a good third pairing Dman in the near future. Then there is always Lynch who is about a year away from challenging for a top six spot.

I think Lanny brings up a number of good points. The fourth line of the Oilers is pretty terrible - realistically, it could start with a combined under 80-games experience (Rita/Stoll/Pisani). Good young players, but not good NHL players. Yet.

I would say that the Oilers top 7 defensemen are in the bottom 5 - 10 in the league as well. Outside of Brewer and Smith, you have Staios whom I love, but may or may not have overacheived, Semenov who is only a sophmore, Cross who has had a storried career of ups & downs depending on how you look at it, Bergeron with all of 6 games of NHL experience, and Ferguson who has to be the most inept defenseman I've seen since Hans Jonsson on the Penguins. Lowe needs to get another D-man.

And without that D-Man, I feel the Oilers could be competing in a basement bowl. Average age of 24 is just pathetic, a coach who manages to create perhaps the leagues worst power play last year with pretty decent scoring talent, and a goaltender who is extremely unpredictable. The Oilers have it a lot worse than I think their fans are willing to admit.

However, I should also add this: The Oilers are one of the best teams in this league at pulling together & making up for their deficiencies as a group. We'll see if they can do it again this year, but if they cannot, it'll be a hell of a year.

There is not a team in this league that can lose three of its top five scorers, and its number one defenseman, and not take a healthy drop in the standings.

Geez, looking at that list I'm kind of encouraged by the Oilers depth chart this fall. Marchant was playing out of position (1lineC) to get his 20, Carter got 26 but Dvorak should be good for 15-20, and the kid Hemsky will likely improve on his total (6) to make up the difference on the right side.

The Oilers will certainly have to look at the quality of puck moving defensemen this winter, and that could give a clue about Comrie's next home.

[QUOTE=Mizral]I think Lanny brings up a number of good points. The fourth line of the Oilers is pretty terrible - realistically, it could start with a combined under 80-games experience (Rita/Stoll/Pisani). Good young players, but not good NHL players. Yet.[QUOTE]

I think a 4thline of Torres/Horcoff/Laraque is a lot more realistic and likely they have 522 games of experience combined and the most likely of being cut of the three is Torres(31 games)

[QUOTE=Mizral]I think Lanny brings up a number of good points. The fourth line of the Oilers is pretty terrible - realistically, it could start with a combined under 80-games experience (Rita/Stoll/Pisani). Good young players, but not good NHL players. Yet.[QUOTE]

I think a 4thline of Torres/Horcoff/Laraque is a lot more realistic and likely they have 522 games of experience combined and the most likely of being cut of the three is Torres(31 games)

I completely agree, but if you look at the third line then, it'd likely be something like Rita/Reasoner/Pisani, if you look at most Oiler fans' mock lineup sheets. That leaves three guys with precious little NHL experience in Rita, Torres, and Pisani on the 3rd and 4th lines, and it's not like Horcoff is a seasoned veteran either. The bottom two lines in Edmonton do not look so hot.

I completely agree, but if you look at the third line then, it'd likely be something like Rita/Reasoner/Pisani, if you look at most Oiler fans' mock lineup sheets. That leaves three guys with precious little NHL experience in Rita, Torres, and Pisani on the 3rd and 4th lines, and it's not like Horcoff is a seasoned veteran either. The bottom two lines in Edmonton do not look so hot.

Here's our 3rd and fourth lines (or something like this):

Moreau-Reasoner-Rita/Pisani
Torres-Horcoff-Laraque
:teach:
We also have Chimer who scored 16 in limited time that would fit in there some where. Our bottom two lines are in the top ten in the league buddy. Especially our fourth line. One of the best in the NHL easily. Vancouver should be inquiring about some of the Oilers forwards! ;)

I completely agree, but if you look at the third line then, it'd likely be something like Rita/Reasoner/Pisani, if you look at most Oiler fans' mock lineup sheets. That leaves three guys with precious little NHL experience in Rita, Torres, and Pisani on the 3rd and 4th lines, and it's not like Horcoff is a seasoned veteran either. The bottom two lines in Edmonton do not look so hot.
Three most likely line combos i see:
1)Isbister-Smyth-Hemsky(my favorite line-up)
Chimera-York-Dvorak
Moreau-Reasoner-Rita
Torres-Horcoff-Laraque(Pisani if Torres doesn't work)

2)Smyth-York-Dvorak(If Smyth experiment fails)
Isbister-Horcoff-Hemsky(Horc's a good two player ready for a larger role)
Moreau-Reasoner-Pisani
Chimera-Stoll-Laraque

3)Smyth-Horcoff-Hemsky(Smyth experiment fails #2)
Isbister-York-Dvorak
Moreau-Reasoner-Rita
Pisani-Stoll-Laraque

I am fairly confident in all these lines all Edmonton really needs is a depth center in case Smyth does not work out for center and Stoll is not quite ready. Once Comrie is traded/signs I am sure whatever weakness we have will be filled. Also both Pisani(better defensive upside) and Rita(better offensive upside) are two-way players so they should not be giving up many goals. Only line I think looks weak is the 2nd combo 2nd line but every other line in the examples has atleast one player with over 300games experience on the line

:joker: Hahaha! Keep on grasping at those straws Lanny, its actually quite funny!

Wow, that's a real brilliant post as to how the Oilers are going to improve. You sure showed me. Hey, how about you tell me how the Oilers are better off and try and come up with a convincing argument, which hasn't been presented to this point.

Gone...

Anson Carter (25)... average 20-30 goal guy per season, while playing only 50-65 games a season. All he did was score goals when the team needed them.

Todd Marchant (20)... solid 10-15 goal guy, and up until his signing with Columbus, what Oiler fans liked to call the best third line center in the game. Now he's over-rated and a mediocre third liner.

Mike Comrie (20)... we know about Comrie and what he does and doesn't bring to the table. The funny thing is that before the hold-out/lock-out, Oiler fans were talking this guy up as a top line center and key player that would make the Oilers a serious playoff threat. Now, he's questionable.

Janne Niinimaa (4)... 5-10 goals a season and solid all around game. Always solid and was the guy that made the Oiler's PP tick. Any connection between the Oilers' PP taking a dump after he was traded? Nawwww, he's over-rated and is a third rate defender that can be replaced by minor leaguers.

New Guys...

Brad Isbister (13)... numbers keep getting worse and worse, declining from his career high of 22 to last season's 13, which just happens o be his career average. Oh wait, he's the next Todd Bertuzzi and is a lock for a career year in Edmonton and not continue to be the underachiever he's been his whole career, so 35-40 isn't out of the question.

Radek Dvorak (10)... had ONE big year and has been living off of that reputation ever since. Including that big year he's still a career 17 goal scorer. Take that big year away and he's a 10-15 goal guy. It will be interesting to see whether he can get back to the level he was at three seasons ago, or be the disappointment that got him bounced from Florida and New York.

Alice Hemsky (6)... okay, the kid can dangle, but he doesn't go to the net and doesn't have a great shot. He is a wicked passer, but not a goal scorer. I just don't see how anyone can realistically expect a player of Hemsky's ilk to turn into a goal scorer? One thing I really do find interesting is how some teams that project using youngsters are immediately discounted, but the Oilers don't have this natural bugbear jump out and bite them. It just doen't add up. BTW... what if Hemsky ends up going through a sophmore jinx? Then what?

Marc Andre Bergeron (1)... is going to replace Niinimaa? WTF??? How can anyone honestly say this and think they can be taken seriously? A raw, under-sized rookie is going to replace the Oiler's top offensive defenseman and pop 4 goals and 30 points? Hmmmm, sounds like ROTY type numbers from a defenseman. So this is what we can expect from Bergeron? Wow, its going to be an exciting year for certain.

Its going to be a really interesting year. Established players aren't needed in Edmonton, they have the best depth in the NHL up front and all their rookies and minor leaguers are going to pick up the slack. I'm really shocked that more teams haven't gone this route before? Hey, I see Nashville is doing the same thing with their defense. Maybe the Oilers and the Preds can get together and put their teams together. The Oilers forwards and the Preds defensemen as surely the perfect match and a certain Stanley Cup contender.

:joker:

Here's our 3rd and fourth lines (or something like this):

Moreau-Reasoner-Rita/Pisani
Torres-Horcoff-Laraque
:teach:
We also have Chimer who scored 16 in limited time that would fit in there some where. Our bottom two lines are in the top ten in the league buddy. Especially our fourth line. One of the best in the NHL easily. Vancouver should be inquiring about some of the Oilers forwards! ;)

Top ten in the league?

http://animatedtv.about.com/library/graphics/homer.jpg

I think you give Modano=God a run for his money for the biggest homer around.

:dunno:

and Ferguson who has to be the most inept defenseman I've seen since Hans Jonsson on the Penguins.

Hmm... Maybe I'm thinking of a different Ferguson. I do know that Scott is not flashy, but very reliable, and not at all inept. He's always just there. You don't really notice him, which is good. He doesn't screw up often, yet he doesn't stand out in a good way either. All in all, there are far more inept d-men around.

That said, I agree, the Oilers need to upgrade their defence. It's just that inept doesn't really accurately describe him at all.

Gone from those 231 goals are Anson Carter (25), Todd Marchant (20), Mike Comrie (20), Janne Niinimaa (4) and Dan Cleary (4). That's 73 goals. In are Radek Dvorak, Brad Isbister and Cory Cross. Sorry, but Dvorak will be lucky to make up Marchant's numbers and Isbister will be exceptionally lucky to make up Comrie's numbers. Cross will be hard pressed to make up Niinimaa's numbers. Cleary is inconsequential, but Carter's loss is a killer. 25 goals gonzo and unlikely to be replaced easily. 231 goals is going to be a pipe dream for Edmonton this year. And keeping the goals against under 230 will likely be a struggle as well. It could be a very long year in Edmonton with all the losses. There is not a team in this league that can lose three of its top five scorers, and its number one defenseman, and not take a healthy drop in the standings.

There is the possibility of Hemsky getting more than 31 points this year. He could pick up some slack as could Horcoff and reasoner. If we could get 30 out of Rita or Chimera we would probably right where we were last year. Add to that Who ever we get for Comrie will fill in some numbers....hopefully! :rolleyes:

Janne Niinimaa (4)...

Marc Andre Bergeron (1)... is going to replace Niinimaa? WTF???

if it was 10 goals from niinimaa, maybe.. but getting a skid mark over a three goal spread isn't worthwhile... four goals is very plausible, a 3 goal improvement

I've been a proponent of the Comrie "and" for Stefan and Exelby deal for a long time now.

Stefan has less trade value than Comrie, but Stefan and Exelby would fetch more than Comrie alone. I'd like to add Moreau in the deal and while Atlanta would love to have him, they'd likely not want to pay his contract. How bout:

Comrie & Pisani ----- for ----- Stefan & Exelby ?

Its going to be a really interesting year. Established players aren't needed in Edmonton, they have the best depth in the NHL up front and all their rookies and minor leaguers are going to pick up the slack. I'm really shocked that more teams haven't gone this route before? Hey, I see Nashville is doing the same thing with their defense. Maybe the Oilers and the Preds can get together and put their teams together. The Oilers forwards and the Preds defensemen as surely the perfect match and a certain Stanley Cup contender.

:joker:


It must be getting close to regular season, that was a beauty paragraph. :D

One of the things we never really do when discussing these things is talk about ice time. Here's the numbers for the players who've left us:

Comrie 20goals/17:51 (4:15PP)
Marchant 20goals/19:53 (3:10PP)
Carter 25goals/19:38 (4:41PP) (numbers as an Oiler)
Niinimaa 4goals/26:47 (5:16PP) (numbers as an Oiler)

Now let's look at their likely replacements:

Isbister 13goals/13:46 (2:05PP) includes both E/N
Dvorak 10 goals/15:46 (2:13PP) includes both E/N
Hemsky 6 goals/12:04 (2:36PP)
Bergeron 1 goal/16:30 (3:04PP) in 5 games.


What does this tell us? Well, if we give Brad Isbister 4 minutes more per game, 2 of which are on the powerplay, could he close the gap between 13 and 20? (Comrie)

What about Marchant/Dvorak? Could Dvorak pop a few more given some extra time?

Hemsky/Carter? This will be interesting. Hemsky will get lots of ice time this season, certainly more pp time. Seems to me he'll close the gap.

Niinimaa/Bergeron? I think it is fair to argue the Oilers need some help back there if Bergeron is the go to guy. However, Lowe and MacTavish are impressed with him, and they know alot more about it than I do.

imo the Oilers lost some leadership and a few goals in the summer, but with Hemsky, York, Smyth, Dvorak and Isbister they should at least be able to have the beginnings of two scoring lines.

We'll see.

Dude, Were the hell did you get Drapers name from this? The Grind Line members will retire Wings. Plus Draper and Maltby form one of the best PK unites in the leauge. I could see a Fischer for Comrie trade happening.

Dude, Were the hell did you get Drapers name from this? The Grind Line members will retire Wings. Plus Draper and Maltby form one of the best PK unites in the leauge. I could see a Fischer for Comrie trade happening.


Fischer would fill out our top 4 and Comrie gives you a second/1st line center. Now if the real world was so easy

There is the possibility of Hemsky getting more than 31 points this year. He could pick up some slack as could Horcoff and reasoner. If we could get 30 out of Rita or Chimera we would probably right where we were last year. Add to that Who ever we get for Comrie will fill in some numbers....hopefully! :rolleyes:

If only...If only...

If only my Aunt Gloria had balls she'd be my uncle.

I have a feeling it's going to be a long season for you Edmonchuckians.

Wow, that's a real brilliant post as to how the Oilers are going to improve. You sure showed me. Hey, how about you tell me how the Oilers are better off and try and come up with a convincing argument, which hasn't been presented to this point.

Gone...

Anson Carter (25)... average 20-30 goal guy per season, while playing only 50-65 games a season. All he did was score goals when the team needed them.

Todd Marchant (20)... solid 10-15 goal guy, and up until his signing with Columbus, what Oiler fans liked to call the best third line center in the game. Now he's over-rated and a mediocre third liner.

Mike Comrie (20)... we know about Comrie and what he does and doesn't bring to the table. The funny thing is that before the hold-out/lock-out, Oiler fans were talking this guy up as a top line center and key player that would make the Oilers a serious playoff threat. Now, he's questionable.

Janne Niinimaa (4)... 5-10 goals a season and solid all around game. Always solid and was the guy that made the Oiler's PP tick. Any connection between the Oilers' PP taking a dump after he was traded? Nawwww, he's over-rated and is a third rate defender that can be replaced by minor leaguers.

New Guys...

Brad Isbister (13)... numbers keep getting worse and worse, declining from his career high of 22 to last season's 13, which just happens o be his career average. Oh wait, he's the next Todd Bertuzzi and is a lock for a career year in Edmonton and not continue to be the underachiever he's been his whole career, so 35-40 isn't out of the question.

Radek Dvorak (10)... had ONE big year and has been living off of that reputation ever since. Including that big year he's still a career 17 goal scorer. Take that big year away and he's a 10-15 goal guy. It will be interesting to see whether he can get back to the level he was at three seasons ago, or be the disappointment that got him bounced from Florida and New York.

Alice Hemsky (6)... okay, the kid can dangle, but he doesn't go to the net and doesn't have a great shot. He is a wicked passer, but not a goal scorer. I just don't see how anyone can realistically expect a player of Hemsky's ilk to turn into a goal scorer? One thing I really do find interesting is how some teams that project using youngsters are immediately discounted, but the Oilers don't have this natural bugbear jump out and bite them. It just doen't add up. BTW... what if Hemsky ends up going through a sophmore jinx? Then what?

Marc Andre Bergeron (1)... is going to replace Niinimaa? WTF??? How can anyone honestly say this and think they can be taken seriously? A raw, under-sized rookie is going to replace the Oiler's top offensive defenseman and pop 4 goals and 30 points? Hmmmm, sounds like ROTY type numbers from a defenseman. So this is what we can expect from Bergeron? Wow, its going to be an exciting year for certain.

Its going to be a really interesting year. Established players aren't needed in Edmonton, they have the best depth in the NHL up front and all their rookies and minor leaguers are going to pick up the slack. I'm really shocked that more teams haven't gone this route before? Hey, I see Nashville is doing the same thing with their defense. Maybe the Oilers and the Preds can get together and put their teams together. The Oilers forwards and the Preds defensemen as surely the perfect match and a certain Stanley Cup contender.

:joker:

The most valuble player of the ones the oil have lost hasn't been traded yet, so we will have to see what his replacement(s) do for the team before we start writing the oil off. The advantage of having a young team is we have a lot of depth to absorb the loss of the players listed. You might even be suprised and see a career year out of some players like Hemsky, York, Isbister,Reaoner, Dvorak or horcoff.

If only...If only...

If only my Aunt Gloria had balls she'd be my uncle.

I have a feeling it's going to be a long season for you Edmonchuckians.
Ya, it sure will seem longer when I am watching Hemsky in slow-mo scoring all those pretty pretty goals :D

Ya, it sure will seem longer when I am watching Hemsky in slow-mo scoring all those pretty pretty goals :D

Hemsky is good, but let's remember he only scored SIX (!) goals last season. How many can be expected out of him, seriously?

20

20

In the words of Supertramp: "Dreamer, you know you are a dreamer".

All he did was score goals when the team needed them.




And when the h-e-double hockey sticks did he do that?

AC was the antithesis of clutch.

Draper??? The only place that could use him is a plastic surgery clinic....Too old, career 3rd liner with very limited offensive upside. No, you can forget him.

YA, BECAUSE THE LAST THING OILERS NEED IS AN EXPERIENCED VETERAN WHO BRINGS DEPTH, SPEED, PK AND FACEOFF PROWESS, FLEXIBILITY, LOCKER ROOM INTANGEABLES AND A FEW STANLEY CUP RINGS.

:handclap: Amazing how some people undervalue (frankly, disrespect) experience. Third liners by definition are "limited" offensively! Draper - for the right price - would be invaluable to a young team....and any team looking to win.

-nashville (legwand)

I could not see Legwand for Comrie in any sort of deal regardless of other players involved.

That move at most would be lateral. In spite of that, I see Legwand w/ more upside. After all, the two posted VERY similar numbers (I think Comrie scored 2-4 more goals) despite playing on VERY different teams (obviously NSH does not have the talent that EDM has).

Lanny, everything I had to say had already been said by fellow my fellow Oilfans, my delusional friend from down south.

Besides, as a Flamer you have no right to call someone else a homer when your "analysis" is full of so much biased garbage it makes me want to retch.

Kudos, mate!

Not in a million years will we get Legwand for Comrie. I doubt we get Fisher or Boynton either.

I don't see how anyone here can jump on the Oilers as a team that is going to come in 5th or last yet. They are unproven as of right now.

Proven Players

Ryan Smyth consistently a 25 goal scorer and will usually rack up 60 points, depending on the amount of games he plays.

Mike York very good defensively and good stickhandling, can score some goals

Ethan Moreau Solid third liner, only one remaining from the old checking line.

Tommy Salo Will give a team 70 games a year. Unconsistent at times, but when hot a team can ride him for some wins

Jason Smith Team captain, hits hard, takes pain for the team, solid defender.

Partially Proven Players

Eric Brewer Still young, lots of pressure put on the kid, an olympic spot must mean something.

Radek Dvorak Has scored over 30 goals (31 I believe), injured his knee badly and was out for awhile. Came back with the Rangers and didn't get as much playing time, came to Edmonton and played very well.

Steve StaiosHas had two solid seasons in a row for the Oilers. More playing time may come for Stevie.

Georges LaraqueIts big Georges, I think if he starts out strong early, he could have a career year.

Brad IsbisterWas said to be the next Bertuzzi, while that may not happen, Izzy's career is not over, he can still be solid for the Oilers.

Scott Ferguson6th defender and always works hard

Cory CrossPlayed good last season, veteren player

Unproven Players

Alexei Semenov Was solid in his rookie season, but it was only his rookie seasion

Ales HemskyShowed some razzle dazzle last season lighting it up with his moves. Needs to become smarter of when to shoot the puck

Marty ReasonerCan he replace Marchant, take the key draws, kill the big penalties, shut down the big lines, we'll see

Shawn HorcoffCan he become the #2 centre, he showed last year he could have the potential, will he live up to it??

Raffi TorresA one-way contract, will he be on the ice, or sippin on an ice-cap in the press box

Jani RitaRated #1 prospect (forget by who), hasn't proven it in the NHL.

Jason ChimeraGreat rookie season, 14 goals with minimal ice time, can he repeat??

Fernando Pisani13 points in 31 games or so?? as a checking forward with minimal icetime, how can you say thats not good

Marc Andre BergeronPowerplay QB perhaps, won't get significant ice time however

Ty ConklinPlayed great in the AHL, but this is the NHL.

I've prolly forgot some players but thats the outlook, some question marks...definatly
a bottom feeder...definatly not
a playoff contender...definalty
a stanley cup contender...probably not

I mean hey, when Calgary fans try to talk smack about the situation of the teams I can't help but laugh. We've lost Weight, Guerin, Hamerlik, Cujo, and others and you think Carter/Niinimaa will be a huge hole for the Oilers to fill? Come off it. Sure there are a lot of question marks with the Oilers, but there always are with them because they are so young and there are always changes in the dressing room. But they have yet to disapoint. They missed the playoffs once with 92 points - so although not making the playoffs is disapointing, 92 points sure isn't. The Oilers will be more then fine. I assure you that there are dozens of GMs that would love to have the team and the prospects that the Oilers do over what they have.

Hemsky is good, but let's remember he only scored SIX (!) goals last season. How many can be expected out of him, seriously?

Hey its not the 15-20 goals he will get it is the 40-60 assist he will get

Any Interest in Brent Johnson?

Any Interest in Brent Johnson?
sure
To St.Louis:
Salo
Comrie(Weight's prodigy)
4th pick

To Edmonton:
Johnson
Jackman

Let me guess, hell no?

Any Interest in Brent Johnson?
forgot u guys picked up Osgood at the deadline were u just looking to dump Brent Johnson with no goalie in return?If that was ur intention I think Edmonton will stick with Salo unless he plays very poorly, he is costing us a lot I could see a trade next season if Johnson is still lying around