I would actually consider doing that deal. The Oiler faithful(including myself) are not 100 percent satisfied with our 1-2 center punch, however we simply cannot trade Gagner at this point. Therefore, this trade would make Gags expendable and in return we could hopefully acquire a guy like Clowe for example
I doubt that Edmonton would want another center but the value is there for sure
Edmonton has more depth at RW with Eberle, Hemsky and Yak than at centre where they just have RNH and Gagne for top 6ers. Huberdeau can also play wing anyway.
Huberdeau plays the wing more then he plays C and the Oilers don't need another small highly skilled C. The Oilers need size in the top 6, one of the reasons, among many, I didn't like the Oilers drafting Yakupov. As much as I don't like Yakupov, Florida would have to add for this trade to happen, Oilers pass.
Huberdeau plays the wing more then he plays C and the Oilers don't need another small highly skilled C. The Oilers need size in the top 6, one of the reasons, among many, I didn't like the Oilers drafting Yakupov. As much as I don't like Yakupov, Florida would have to add for this trade to happen, Oilers pass.
What about Galchenyuk instead of Huberdeau?
Alex Galchenyuk 6'2 200 pounds
Jon Huberdeau 6'1 177 pounds
Huberdeau plays the wing more then he plays C and the Oilers don't need another small highly skilled C. The Oilers need size in the top 6, one of the reasons, among many, I didn't like the Oilers drafting Yakupov. As much as I don't like Yakupov, Florida would have to add for this trade to happen, Oilers pass.
Should of use the words light weight, I understand he closer to 170lbs then the 176lbs Team Canada lists him at. Yes I've seen him play, the question can he get away with his style in the NHL, or would he get beat up. The Oilers need size and grit that can handle the punishment as well as give it out in the top 6 and Jon Huberdeau doesn't fit that role.
I simply haven't watched enough of Huberdeau to know whether or not he plays with an edge, but I like the grit and physicality Yakupov can bring.
He will take some runs at some guys, and with Hall developing his physicality as well, the top 6 is becoming more difficult to play against.
The intriguing part would be if Huberdeau could play centre, but it seems odd that if people are saying he plays more wing than centre now I can't see that changing overnight in the NHL, would take a while for that transition.
I can honestly say that I hate Yakupov for no reason, and I would not have taken him if I were the Oilers. However he does have a lot of talent and should not be traded without playing for the Oilers first.
According to most hockey experts, Yakupov was in a class by himself in his draft, then it was a crap shoot who ever went next. Just because Huberdeau was drafted a couple position later is not a good bases for a argument.
