I'll give Edmonton fans every benefit of the doubt. They landed Schultz who looks like a top 30 defenseman without even stepping into the league and have many dynamic and elite forwards. Exploiting the crap out of the current terrible draft system which still rewards poor play too much.
Edmonton fans. There is no arguing with some of them...ugh!
Klefbom is as good as Brodin even though he's still in the SEL, injured out of the year, and was demoted earlier in the season.
Brodin is injured but played well in the AHL and is ready for the NHL.
So Klef = Brodin
While I agree, part of me is looking forward to the Oilers become awesome. (1) It should be some fun hockey. (2) Once realignment happens and we are in the central, not western division/conference, it's going to fun to watch the Oilers kick the crap out of the Flames, Nucks, Sharks, and Ducks for years and years.
One of the benefits of the lock out has been the opportunity for GM's, Scouts from all organizations to watch both their own and other teams prospects at the AHL level. This allows organizations to get a real good handle on both their teams stengths and weakness at the prospect level.
Do we expect more movement than usual in terms of trades and what do you feel is the biggest need in the organization and how do you feel it should be adressed ?
Thanks, just thought this question might foster some interseting healthy debate, Thanks
One of the benefits of the lock out has been the opportunity for GM's, Scouts from all organizations to watch both their own and other teams prospects at the AHL level. This allows organizations to get a real good handle on both their teams stengths and weakness at the prospect level.
Do we expect more movement than usual in terms of trades and what do you feel is the biggest need in the organization and how do you feel it should be adressed ?
Thanks, just thought this question might foster some interseting healthy debate, Thanks
I don't know. offseason from the last lockout should be a good indicator. I see Luongo being traded in the first week lockout is over. I'm sure there will be a couple other big movers.
I don't think the Oilers will win anything with their current players / prospects. They still need their management to succeed in their job. No debth yet.
What about moves in regards to Minnesota/Houston as it relates to prospects/players..any thoughts ?
If the lockout ended?
Probably not a whole lot. They wouldn't bring all the prospects up for camp, just the ones with a decent shot for the team. Scandella and Granlund would likely be called up, possibly Zucker and Coyle to see if one of them can make the team.
I would say its likely that just Granlund and Scandella get called up though and start the season as is. Possibly get a Dowell or Veiluex sent down. Heck if the lockout ends really soon Granlund may not even get called up do to his injury they may want him to get his legs under him a bit.
I am also of the opinion that at some point, we will move a young forward, probably a centerman for a young d man, with possible picks involved. If you look at what we have down the middle, in no order, Koivu, Brodziak, Kenopka, Dowell, Veillieux, Cullen, Granny, Phillips, Larsson, Rau, Macintyre, MacMillian, thats alot, I realize some guys can play the wing--but thats still 12 pro centerman--I know depth is great, I can just see possibly somebody moving, only so much icetime to go around, lol !
Probably not a whole lot. They wouldn't bring all the prospects up for camp, just the ones with a decent shot for the team. Scandella and Granlund would likely be called up, possibly Zucker and Coyle to see if one of them can make the team.
I would say its likely that just Granlund and Scandella get called up though and start the season as is. Possibly get a Dowell or Veiluex sent down. Heck if the lockout ends really soon Granlund may not even get called up do to his injury they may want him to get his legs under him a bit.
I'd like to think that if they are in the intention of calling Granlund up, it's wiser to let him practice with Wild and gain chemistry with the players. He'd get his feet going there too.
Regardless of what the Wild could potentially sell off, they're just going to have a ton of players who have taken a fairly decent amount of draws in their career. Hell, a hypothetical 4th line of Konopka, Powe, and Mitchell would consist of players who all have experience at center. I don't necessarily believe that because there's a perceived depth there it means a trade is coming.
If anything, the two players who I believe are the most likely to be moved are both wings; Setoguchi and Clutterbuck. I think if you're looking for a potential deal to be made to free up a significant spot for a prospect proving himself and needs a NHL spot, it would center around either of those players.
In my mind, if you're moving either, I'd be looking to add to them in order to acquire a defenseman that can play somewhere in the top 4.
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After Meaningless Win - 3/29/12 - Game 77 | SoH-"Who knows, that could have cost us a Cup tonight." | Dooohkay
In my mind, if you're moving either, I'd be looking to add to them in order to acquire a defenseman that can play somewhere in the top 4.
It all depends on what Scandella can do this season though. If he succeeds, he will be that 2nd pairing defensive D-man we need. Or Brodin, for that matter.
We know that Kampfer can be an effective two-way D, but he's injury prone and is currently out "indefinitely". Prosser's on a one-way contract, but needs an identity. He tries to be everything at the same time and can't really find his game as a result. Tons of hustle though. As for Falk, well, he's got a man body but he needs to start using it more often. Consistency is an issue, but that's often seen in young D-men, and young players in general. If he manages to be "good Falk" more often than not, he will cement his place in the line-up. A future #5 guy. About Stoner, he strikes to me as a physical, no-nonsense kind of guy who can clear up the crease and play good D when he's not busy breaking his hands on some poor fellows skull.
Connelly is an interesting one. An AHL star, he's labeled as an offensive D-man and has put up good numbers in Houston. I see him getting swapped in-and out of the line-up, depending on the game/potential injuries. He could be a good #6-guy/PP specialist, but he might also be a defensive liability. Might be able to chip in offensively if paired with a solid DD like Falk or Stoner.
As for Brodin, he should play this season in AHL. Next year? Call him up. We have already seen what he's capable of defensively, and he seems to have decent offensive upside to go with his excellent mobility. As mentioned during (and after) the draft, he and Dumba will compliment each other very well.
For others, I'm looking forward to seeing Daniel Gunnarsson in the small rink. He's got a big body, and while he seems to be reluctant to use it, his defensive awareness makes up for that. I was impressed by his play in the prospect camp, and as an overager, he should be making the jump next year. I don't really know anything about Draeger, so I'll reserve my judgement on him. Same goes for Seeler, although I've heard mixed opinions on him, some saying he's a potential top-4 D-man and others doubting if he ever makes the NHL. Medvec's got a big body, but we'll have to see if he's got what it takes. I'm seeing him as an AHL/depth D. Can't really judge Krupp, Caron or Jobke. Genoway is better off in Houston, although he could really flourish in Europe as he has Spurgeon's size but lacks the smarts.
I think it's safe to say Cuma's a bust at this point. Career AHLer, might see a couple of NHL games in case of injuries or a trade to Oilers. Bagnall is AHL depth as well.
Mind you, we still have a young D and a lot of them are still evolving and improving. Still, I wouldn't mind seeing a trade for a #4 D, just don't want to see us giving up prime assets like Setoguchi for it.
I think if you've got Scandella in your team's top 4 at this point you've got issues if you want to be a contender to make the playoffs as anything more than a fringe seed.
In my opinion, bring in a defenseman via a trade, you eventually get to something that looks closer to the below and you've got something to be confident about moving forward.
With the TRADE being able to play top 4 minutes when someone gets hurt.
I just look at it as I'd like to see Brodin paired with someone steady and already accomplished so it's easier for him to break into the league. I like Gilbert quite a bit more than most (Spurgeon as well), but he's probably not the guy I'd want to start Brodin with as he can get a little lost from time to time. With Suter, Brodin would know where his partner will be at all times and will have an reliable outlet when needed. It will go a long way towards getting his legs under him at the NHL level.
Spurgeon and Scandella would go from the pairing that has seen a lot of time together as pretty much the team's previous top pairing, to a very sound 3rd pairing. I'd feel pretty confident about that.
If you put Brodin with Suter, I think we're getting similar play styles. You're either asking a lot for Suter offensively, or they will both be pretty reliable.
I just look at it as I'd like to see Brodin paired with someone steady and already accomplished so it's easier for him to break into the league. I like Gilbert quite a bit more than most (Spurgeon as well), but he's probably not the guy I'd want to start Brodin with as he can get a little lost from time to time. With Suter, Brodin would know where his partner will be at all times and will have an reliable outlet when needed. It will go a long way towards getting his legs under him at the NHL level.
Spurgeon and Scandella would go from the pairing that has seen a lot of time together as pretty much the team's previous top pairing, to a very sound 3rd pairing. I'd feel pretty confident about that.
But would we be comfortable playing him 'Suter minutes' right off the bat. I know we've all been impressed with him, but it might not be the best idea. My idea from another thread...
My scenario had Hjalmarsson as the 'TRADE' piece. Fellow Swede, I figured he was a relatively good option, but I have gathered that you would dislike his arrival?
There are several good UFA options after this year. That could be viable with how much is coming off the books. Preferably less than $3.5M and less than 3 years.
But would we be comfortable playing him 'Suter minutes' right off the bat. I know we've all been impressed with him, but it might not be the best idea. My idea from another thread...
My scenario had Hjalmarsson as the 'TRADE' piece. Fellow Swede, I figured he was a relatively good option, but I have gathered that you would dislike his arrival?
Dear God, no. Hjalmarsson simply isn't that good.
And Souray, well, I was obviously kidding.
I'm thinking we need someone like Toni Lydman, only younger.
