Brooks has hated everything about Zherdev from day one. His "reporting" on the subject is inflamed by his personal views.
That's not to say Zherdev is a model citizen, but if Zherdev pulled a baby from a burning building, Larry Brooks would write the article criticizing him for leaving the family cat behind.
Brooks has hated everything about Zherdev from day one. His "reporting" on the subject is inflamed by his personal views.
That's not to say Zherdev is a model citizen, but if Zherdev pulled a baby from a burning building, Larry Brooks would write the article criticizing him for leaving the family cat behind.
I could see him writing that article and concluding that Zherdev doesn't like *****.
Of course we aren't interested. Too much money for a player whose ability to help us win games is doubtful. And we let Kotalik walk, who NYR gladly picked up to replace Zherdev. Why take Sather's garbage?
I don't understand this team. We aren't doing any damage this year even if we make the playoffs. So, at the right price, why not take a chance for 1 year on a highly-skilled player who has the potential to be a solid first-liner? As long as your not toying with the team's future, it can't really cause any harm. The pressure is on Sather right now; either he gets something, or he gets nothing. I don't see him asking for too much.
If the Oilers really haven't even kicked the tires on this one, I'm not sure how they plan on improving this team.
I don't understand this team. We aren't doing any damage this year even if we make the playoffs. So, at the right price, why not take a chance for 1 year on a highly-skilled player who has the potential to be a solid first-liner? As long as your not toying with the team's future, it can't really cause any harm. The pressure is on Sather right now; either he gets something, or he gets nothing. I don't see him asking for too much.
If the Oilers really haven't even kicked the tires on this one, I'm not sure how they plan on improving this team.
If you take Tambellini at face value, bringing in a new coaching staff and Khabibulin makes this "a great team."
If the Oilers really haven't even kicked the tires on this one, I'm not sure how they plan on improving this team.
IMO, Renney was the decision maker in this process. He kows Zherdev better than anyone in the Oiler org. If he isn't sold on Renney, then we have to trust him.
I don't understand this team. We aren't doing any damage this year even if we make the playoffs. So, at the right price, why not take a chance for 1 year on a highly-skilled player who has the potential to be a solid first-liner? As long as your not toying with the team's future, it can't really cause any harm. The pressure is on Sather right now; either he gets something, or he gets nothing. I don't see him asking for too much.
If the Oilers really haven't even kicked the tires on this one, I'm not sure how they plan on improving this team.
If Renney doesn't want Zherdev than that's good enough reason for me. Renney knows how to handle high maintenance players - he would not nix a deal for Z unless without ample justification.
If it's Nilsson, another contract has to be going out too. Staios?
I'm late to the discussion but this is what I was thinking as well.
Funny thing is, I really don't care for Zherdev and I am one of the few around here that likes Staios on the roster.
That said, this makes sense for a couple reasons. As enigmatic as Zherdev is, he will easily replace what Nilsson would bring in offence but most importantly it helps the Oilers next summer when they can let him walk. It clears 4.7 mil in additional cap space that right now is tied up in Staios and Nilsson. That in itself is pretty valuable.
The Oilers would need to find a cheap veteran bottom pair d-man before training camp to fill Staios' spot though (I guess they could try and get away with Strudwick and Peckam splitting duties but that is a gamble) and it still does nothing in terms of bringing in a legit 3rd or 4th line center.
I'm late to the discussion but this is what I was thinking as well.
Funny thing is, I really don't care for Zherdev and I am one of the few around here that likes Staios on the roster.
That said, this makes sense for a couple reasons. As enigmatic as Zherdev is, he will easily replace what Nilsson would bring in offence but most importantly it helps the Oilers next summer when they can let him walk. It clears 4.7 mil in additional cap space that right now is tied up in Staios and Nilsson. That in itself is pretty valuable.
The Oilers would need to find a cheap veteran bottom pair d-man before training camp to fill Staios' spot though (I guess they could try and get away with Strudwick and Peckam splitting duties but that is a gamble) and it still does nothing in terms of bringing in a legit 3rd or 4th line center.
That doesn't seem to be on the radar. I'm guessing the centre position is all but set and Gagner is going to get a promotion.
The Oilers would need to find a cheap veteran bottom pair d-man before training camp to fill Staios' spot though (I guess they could try and get away with Strudwick and Peckam splitting duties but that is a gamble) and it still does nothing in terms of bringing in a legit 3rd or 4th line center.
I don't think that's necessary.
Quinn has a pretty consistant history of rolling his top 4D and finding 12-15 minutes for his 3rd pairing. At this point in time I don't think that role is too far above the heads of Smid, Peckham and Strudwick.
__________________
TheSpecialist - MacT thinks he was that good of a hockey player when in actuality he was no better then a Louie Debrusk.
That said, this makes sense for a couple reasons. As enigmatic as Zherdev is, he will easily replace what Nilsson would bring in offence but most importantly it helps the Oilers next summer when they can let him walk. It clears 4.7 mil in additional cap space that right now is tied up in Staios and Nilsson. That in itself is pretty valuable.
The Oilers would need to find a cheap veteran bottom pair d-man before training camp to fill Staios' spot though (I guess they could try and get away with Strudwick and Peckam splitting duties but that is a gamble) and it still does nothing in terms of bringing in a legit 3rd or 4th line center.
That's the advantage of a deal like this - 2 contracts out - 1 in that expires. I think Tambo feels pretty handcuffed with the amount on contracts that we have and he has stated that he won't bring in more contracts without sending some out.
Also, bottom pairing can be Smid and Struds with Peckham as the 7th.
I also think the 3rd of 4th line is a training camp invite that will have to sign for near the league minimum. Moore, Betts, Peca, maybe even Malhotra could be desperate come training camp for a paycheck. This is what I'm thinking happens on this front.
I don't see a lot of value in Zherdev for the Oilers. To me Zherdev seems destined to play in the KHL, whether it's this year or next year after playing out his NHL contract. The question is, what do you give up for a player who is likely here one year?
I am also of the opinion that Zherdev isn't the soluition to the Oilers' problem. We are soft enough already and have too many inconsistent players. We don't need more band-aids, we need surgery.
The sad thing for me is I am not sure management has the gumption to fix this leaking ship the right way and rebuild properly.
I don't see a lot of value in Zherdev for the Oilers. To me Zherdev seems destined to play in the KHL, whether it's this year or next year after playing out his NHL contract. The question is, what do you give up for a player who is likely here one year?
I am also of the opinion that Zherdev isn't the soluition to the Oilers' problem. We are soft enough already and have too many inconsistent players. We don't need more band-aids, we need surgery.
The sad thing for me is I am not sure management has the gumption to fix this leaking ship the right way and rebuild properly.
Y'know just to play devil's advocate Detroit doesn't exactly scream "tough hitting hombres" to me, and they seem like a fairly good team. If we had a wicked PP and some guys who could draw some penalties it might make other teams stay away from the rough stuff. That and a good PK system....and winning some faceoffs....and a solid defence, might help us win more...but yeah, in this division the Oil have to be tough.
