McNuge
Registered User
Personally, I think people give the GM far too much credit in the effect he makes to the on-ice product. The Oilers are where they are in the standings today because of poor execution by the players on this team, not because they miss Jordan Eberle. I wouldn't even consider myself 'pro-Chiarelli', but I'm certainly willing to see his decisions play out. The one thing he does hold over his predecessors though is his willingness to make the difficult trade, even if it's likely not going to be the most well-received.
I agree, over the past 5 games we look like one of the best teams in the NHL again, yet very little has changed in personnel on the ice. Effort is more important than anything. You can have a team of superstars but if the effort level isn't there, well, you aren't winning anything.