I wonder if the Oilers are going to go after a centerman. I suppose it depends on what they think RNH's chances are of making the team. If you think it's a likelihood then you've all of a sudden got:
Horcoff
Gagner
Cogliano
RNH
Brule
Sure Brule might be moved, but thats a lot of bodies at the center spot.
Brule is really more of Winger, I'm still not personally penciling in the Nuge yet, but if he makes the team, you make space for him, imo. I think Cogs will be dealt, the Rangers look interesting, they aren't deep down the middle, so maybe there's a fit there.
But anyways, Hartikainen will get his games as injuries occur. He's better off getting Top-6 minutes in OKC and getting the 1st call-up in case of injury.
I'd like to have McDonald as a PB filler though...
Guys, Teemu is 20. And while I'd think all of us were impressed by his late season audition, it isn't realistic to expect him to carry that over for an 82 game season. If he plays a big role in OKC and is top of the list for call ups, I think that's the best situation for him.
As for Omark, I hope he makes the team and plays with MPS. They'll be our third line, but in reality, our top 3 lines will split the minutes, so it's no big deal.
As much as I like Harti, Hamilton, and Pitlick, you don't give them jobs. You sign legitimate NHLers, and make those guys earn their spots. If they can't beat out guys like eager and jones, then they aren't ready anyways.
I didn't think any would make it this year anyways, other than Harty, so a year for everyone in the A is probably good for development. Who knows where Hemsky, omark, or others will be in a year anyways.
Yeah. This is a tough one for me. I like the added toughness and I'm thrilled to get that toughness in the form of a guy who can actually play a handful of NHL minutes. But the term bugs me. There needs to be room for wingers like Hamilton and Harski and Pitlick (played wing all last year) to break in.
Injuries + pressbox. A team needs and will use more than 8 wingers. Long-term, we also know at least one winger position will be opening up soon (Smyth), and we don't know what Hemsky's future is.
Fiddler and Hejda...this team is way too thin on the blueline.
Hedja would be a solid signing.
Like Eager...a bit of an overpay for a 4th liner be he should be a good fit here.
Meh. I mean, with the current cap, $1.1 is about what guys like Eager will sign for.
Hejda is going to cost a fair bit. After the Wiz and Ehrhoff deals, Hejda will get around 3-3.5 from a team for 3 years. He'd consider us, but some playoff contending team will probably sign him.
I'm expecting a Randy Jones type D-man (4-5, can play on the PK lots, below average at ES) signing for us, and we'll call it a day.
A Fiddler, Belanger or Reasoner is a must though. An absolute must.
__________________ <-- Credit goes to The Nemesis.
Can actually play hockey, skate, and he'll go crazy at times. Has a cup ring, huge... Look how effective Thornton was with Boston. Have I missed anything.
Meh. I mean, with the current cap, $1.1 is about what guys like Eager will sign for.
Hejda is going to cost a fair bit. After the Wiz and Ehrhoff deals, Hejda will get around 3-3.5 from a team for 3 years. He'd consider us, but some playoff contending team will probably sign him.
I'm expecting a Randy Jones type D-man (4-5, can play on the PK lots, below average at ES) signing for us, and we'll call it a day.
A Fiddler, Belanger or Reasoner is a must though. An absolute must.
I agree that Fiddler is a must but so is a player like Hejda. This defence as it stands right now is brutal...not nearly enough top 4 dmen or even 1 solid defensive dman.
Overpays are the norm for this team and IMO Hedja is worth the overpay.
I think this is proof that Edmonton is seen as a team of the future. Players are starting to want to be apart of this up and coming dynasty. Cheers to Tambo for making some great trades and acquisitions. To all you Tambo haters in your face SUCKA's lol
As much as I like Harti, Hamilton, and Pitlick, you don't give them jobs. You sign legitimate NHLers, and make those guys earn their spots. If they can't beat out guys like eager and jones, then they aren't ready anyways.
I didn't think any would make it this year anyways, other than Harty, so a year for everyone in the A is probably good for development. Who knows where Hemsky, omark, or others will be in a year anyways.
I think Eager does have some growing up to do. He needs to be an enforcer that is responsible defensively, not a wreckless, yapping pest taking stupid penalties.
I do think he's capable of cutting out the nonsense and being a solid enforcer. He's an upgrade over McIntyre and Stortini so this is still a fine move for the Oilers.
<-- Credit goes to The Nemesis.
Cheers to Tambo for making some great trades and acquisitions. To all you Tambo haters in your face SUCKA's 
lol
