Rumor: Rumors & Proposals Thread | The Oilers Biggest Roster Need Is?

[Jimmi McJenkins]

I'll defer to you for two reasons. You know more about O'Connor than me, and you have probably watched more Oilers hockey this year than me.

I mean I haven't seen that much of him lol, just thought he was effective, compared to the rest of that team, when the Oilers played them, has size and speed (big plus) and the cap hit is right.

He's basically putting up numbers like Foegele did with Carolina before the Oilers brought him in, but he's only $900K on the cap.

 

[Arpeggio]

The most promising part of the Oilers game right now is their defence and strong 5on5 play imo. They basically dominate every night, outside of a few outliers. If they replace Stetcher with a legit top four guy, I think we'll have the best team in the NHL. Skinner and Arvidsson will get going, and Kane coming back healthy will be huge. That's a huge injection of physicality and goal scoring into the lineup, which is basically all they're missing up front right now.

I think if you're doing a goalie, it's someone to replace Pickard and challenge Skinner. Everyone hates Skinner, but he's got another level to his game that Pickard doesn't. Oilers don't win that Dallas series if Skinner doesn't stand on his head in game 6. He was also really strong for the second half of last season.

That said, bringing someone in who could actually steal the net from Skinner would be really interesting, and I think would be good for the team. I don't have faith in Pickard being that guy, I think he's more of a number 3.

 

[Yuke]

This team was just in game f***ing 7 of a Cup Final with no benefit of reliable goaltending.

At what point do the same minority of idiots who think we just run n' gun our way to wins actually open their eyes?

Knoublaugh/Coffey's defensive system prohibits high danger scoring chances, it's the main reason we didn't get eliminated in round 2 again last year, it's the main reason the team is not below .500 right now.

If you don't think so, then explain how the f*** this team is team is 9-7-1 right now? The offence has been poor, McDavid has not been good to start the year aside from the last 3 games, the PP has sucked, the PK has sucked, the goaltending has sucked.

This team would be 5-11-1 right now or worse (2-9-1 like last year) if the D was also terrible on top of that.

The people who want to bend over backwards and kiss their own ass to defend a mediocre goalie in Skinner need to paint the D as bad to support their dumb narrative that "fancy stats" to are wrong because it supports nothing they say.

I know the D has been pretty good but can be alot better. That is one reason why we have 8 loses. Saying goaltending is the reason and ignoring the D lapses is blind thinking.

 

[Soundwave]

The most promising part of the Oilers game right now is their defence and strong 5on5 play imo. They basically dominate every night, outside of a few outliers. If they replace Stetcher with a legit top four guy, I think we'll have the best team in the NHL. Skinner and Arvidsson will get going, and Kane coming back healthy will be huge. That's a huge injection of physicality and goal scoring into the lineup, which is basically all they're missing up front right now.

I think if you're doing a goalie, it's someone to replace Pickard and challenge Skinner. Everyone hates Skinner, but he's got another level to his game that Pickard doesn't. Oilers don't win that Dallas series if Skinner doesn't stand on his head in game 6. He was also really strong for the second half of last season.

That said, bringing someone in who could actually steal the net from Skinner would be really interesting, and I think would be good for the team. I don't have faith in Pickard being that guy, I think he's more of a number 3.

The goaltending is clearly the weakest part of the team.

The D is rounding into form and the only difference between this year and last year's team defensively is the PK which will normalize. Emberson/Stetcher are no better/worse than Ceci/Desharnais who were nothing special.

The offence will eventually get its shit together now that McDavid has woken up.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

The most promising part of the Oilers game right now is their defence and strong 5on5 play imo. They basically dominate every night, outside of a few outliers. If they replace Stetcher with a legit top four guy, I think we'll have the best team in the NHL. Skinner and Arvidsson will get going, and Kane coming back healthy will be huge. That's a huge injection of physicality and goal scoring into the lineup, which is basically all they're missing up front right now.

I think if you're doing a goalie, it's someone to replace Pickard and challenge Skinner. Everyone hates Skinner, but he's got another level to his game that Pickard doesn't. Oilers don't win that Dallas series if Skinner doesn't stand on his head in game 6. He was also really strong for the second half of last season.

That said, bringing someone in who could actually steal the net from Skinner would be really interesting, and I think would be good for the team. I don't have faith in Pickard being that guy, I think he's more of a number 3.

This is exactly where my mind is at, so acquiring a guy who's largely unknown in the NHL, but is likely due for a long look is the best bet here imo.

Again I'll say Jet Greaves or Joel Hofer.

I know the D has been pretty good but can be alot better. That is one reason why we have 8 loses. Saying goaltending is the reason and ignoring the D lapses is blind thinking.

You still seem to assume that other team's don't have defense lapses, so your basic understanding is wrong.

The Oilers aren't flawless at defense because NO ONE is, but they play very strong defense, they just never seem to get a save.

Did you know that not all defensive breakdown end up as goals for other teams? Look at the opponents the last 2 games, it's really basic stuff.

 

[Soundwave]

I know the D has been pretty good but can be alot better. That is one reason why we have 8 loses. Saying goaltending is the reason and ignoring the D lapses is blind thinking.

The 5 on 5 D has been the best part of the team this season, if it hasn't been explain to me which part of the offense, PP, PK (special teams), or goaltending has been better.

It's the main reason we are above .500.

5 on 5 we've allowed fewer goals than Vegas, Vancouver, and Florida, and only 4 more than Winnipeg.

I would say given how shit every other aspect of the team has been, we are fortunate the 5 on 5 D is keeping the team's head above water right now.

So no, I don't buy the narrative that we have 8 losses largely due to the D. We have 8 losses because the offence aside from Draisaitl has been horrible, the special teams have been horrendous, and the goalies suck as the three primary reasons for this year's poor start, you can tack on McDavid playing some of the worst hockey of his career for the first 12-13 games also.

 

[Arpeggio]

The goaltending is clearly the weakest part of the team.

The D is rounding into form and the only difference between this year and last year's team defensively is the PK which will normalize. Emberson/Stetcher are no better/worse than Ceci/Desharnais who were nothing special.

The offence will eventually get its shit together now that McDavid has woken up.

That Emberson trade might turn out to be one of the best trades from this era if he sticks. He looks great imo, and it being so early in his career at a young age is super promising.

You have to think the forwards will get it going. I think you have to try Henrique in the top six again. Or maybe you put Henrique with Kane and Skinner when Kane returns. Basically all of the old guys have been underwhelming. I'd love it if Philp and Savoie pushed for spots before the deadline, would be nice to see a different mix.

 

[Soundwave]

Not only is the D holding the team together right now, they've carried a big chunk of the scoring this year too.

Ekholm (2) + Bouchard (4) + Kulak (4) + Nurse (2) have 12 of our goals.

That represents more goals than Hyman (3) + Skinner (3) + RNH (1) + Arvidsson (2) combined who only have 9 goals in comparison.

We are f***ing lucky our record is not a lot worse and it's largely because the D has carried the team. We could have been like 2-9-1 again this year or something similar, the main difference that is keeping us from that is our D has been much better 5 on 5 this year versus last and the D is also carrying a big chunk of scoring load too.

Last year this team had 66 goals against (horrendous) after game 17, this year it's a much more respectable 53 at the same point (17 games in) even with a horrendous PK, that's the main reason we are not like something terrible like 4-11-2 right now.

 

[Yuke]

This is exactly where my mind is at, so acquiring a guy who's largely unknown in the NHL, but is likely due for a long look is the best bet here imo.

Again I'll say Jet Greaves or Joel Hofer.


You still seem to assume that other team's don't have defense lapses, so your basic understanding is wrong.

The Oilers aren't flawless at defense because NO ONE is, but they play very strong defense, they just never seem to get a save.

Did you know that not all defensive breakdown end up as goals for other teams? Look at the opponents the last 2 games, it's really basic stuff.

Where did I say other teams don't have defensive breakdowns? If you want to be champs you need to play like you are the best in all areas. Yes, goaltending too.

 

[Zerotonine]

Blackwood Vladar Lyon are the kind of goalies likely available.
Hofer Daccord might be available if you want to pay through the nose.

Also assuming we get someone like Blackwood/Vladar for Pickard and futures we should also strengthen our farm team. And we should take a couple of future risks as well.

Are these guys even much of an upgrade tho??? Esp to spend assets on

 

[Yuke]

The 5 on 5 D has been the best part of the team this season, if it hasn't been explain to me which part of the offense, PP, PK (special teams), or goaltending has been better.

It's the main reason we are above .500.

5 on 5 we've allowed fewer goals than Vegas, Vancouver, and Florida, and only 4 more than Winnipeg.

I would say given how shit every other aspect of the team has been, we are fortunate the 5 on 5 D is keeping the team's head above water right now.

So no, I don't buy the narrative that we have 8 losses largely due to the D. We have 8 losses because the offence aside from Draisaitl has been horrible, the special teams have been horrendous, and the goalies suck as the three primary reasons for this year's poor start, you can tack on McDavid playing some of the worst hockey of his career for the first 12-13 games also.

8 losses LARGELY due?
Where do you see that in my reply?

 

[Zerotonine]

Not only is the D holding the team together right now, they've carried a big chunk of the scoring this year too.

Ekholm (2) + Bouchard (4) + Kulak (4) + Nurse (2) have 12 of our goals.

That represents more goals than Hyman (3) + Skinner (3) + RNH (1) + Arvidsson (2) combined who only have 9 goals in comparison.

We are f***ing lucky our record is not a lot worse and it's largely because the D has carried the team. We could have been like 2-9-1 again this year or something similar, the main difference that is keeping us from that is our D has been much better 5 on 5 this year versus last and the D is also carrying a big chunk of scoring load too.

Last year this team had 66 goals against (horrendous) after game 17, this year it's a much more respectable 53 at the same point (17 games in) even with a horrendous PK, that's the main reason we are not like something terrible like 4-11-2 right now.

That's crazy to think we have let in less goals considering how bad the goaltending has been this season.

And people still want to blame the D. The only reason the d sticks out is because every simple mistake ends in the back of the net

 

[Soundwave]

Are these guys even much of an upgrade tho??? Esp to spend assets on

You have to take a chance on someone else, preferably someone who is not near the bottom of the league in GSAA.

We can't bank on this tandem, it's clearly the weakest aspect of the team.

Did Vegas know that Adin Hill would be a big upgrade? Probably not. They took a chance and it worked.

If you don't have a defacto no.1 your best bet is to try multiple different options and see if one guy separates from the pack. Standing pat won't work.

 

[McAsuno]

This could absolutely be a big opportunity to get a guy who's not appreciated that fits what the Oilers need.

Would be a homerun to acquire him. Strong defensive player with great transition/puck retrievals in his limited minutes. Don't see it happening though personally. Even acquiring Pettersson from Pittsburgh would be nice. Not as sexy as acquiring someone like Jirecek but still relatively solid.

 

[Soundwave]

8 losses LARGELY due?
Where do you see that in my reply?

Honestly I'll put in this way, the pundits here should be kissing the D's ass right now.

They are the main reason you are not sitting with a 2-9-1 start again this year, the rest of the team has played as bad or worse than last year, the 5 on 5 D is the main area they are significantly better than last year at this point.

The goals against from last year at this point to this year has dropped dramatically from 66GA to only 53 and that 53 number is inflated honestly by a unsustainably bad PK.

The D is also carrying a big chunk of the offence, again, Ekholm + Bouchard + Nurse + Kulak have more goals (12) than Hyman + RNH + Arvidsson + Skinner (9) combined.

We would be f***ed without the D doing the work they have this year.

Maybe instead of complaining, we can give them a little credit, because y'all sure seem to like 9-7-1 better than 2-9-1. I know which one I'd rather have.

 

[Yuke]

Honestly I'll put in this way, the pundits here should be kissing the D's ass right now.

They are the main reason you are not sitting with a 2-9-1 start again this year, the rest of the team has played as bad or worse than last year, the 5 on 5 D is the main area they are significantly better than last year at this point.

The goals against from last year at this point to this year has dropped dramatically from 66GA to only 53 and that 53 number is inflated honestly by a unsustainably bad PK.

The D is also carrying a big chunk of the offence, again, Ekholm + Bouchard + Nurse + Kulak have more goals (12) than Hyman + RNH + Arvidsson + Skinner (9) combined.

We would be f***ed without the D doing the work they have this year.

Maybe instead of complaining, we can give them a little credit, because y'all sure seem to like 9-7-1 better than 2-9-1.

D is a team game. Just like the offense with this team.

 

[Soundwave]

D is a team game. Just like the offense with this team.

I mean ok, anything to not give the D group as little credit as possible.

The offence has STUNK this year even McDavid has been largely crap this year until the last 3 games.

They have 47 goals for this year through 17 games, that's awful.

The only reason we are above .500 instead of like 5-6 games below .500 is because of the D group we have.

They have done a lot of heavy lifting for the team, even offensively. Would you rather be 5-12-1 right now or 9-7-1. If you like 9-7-1 then give the D some freaking credit.

 

[oobga]

Not only is the D holding the team together right now, they've carried a big chunk of the scoring this year too.

Ekholm (2) + Bouchard (4) + Kulak (4) + Nurse (2) have 12 of our goals.

That represents more goals than Hyman (3) + Skinner (3) + RNH (1) + Arvidsson (2) combined who only have 9 goals in comparison.

We are f***ing lucky our record is not a lot worse and it's largely because the D has carried the team. We could have been like 2-9-1 again this year or something similar, the main difference that is keeping us from that is our D has been much better 5 on 5 this year versus last and the D is also carrying a big chunk of scoring load too.

Last year this team had 66 goals against (horrendous) after game 17, this year it's a much more respectable 53 at the same point (17 games in) even with a horrendous PK, that's the main reason we are not like something terrible like 4-11-2 right now.

I remember the D being far far worse last year to start. Woody's "We're changing from Man on Man to Zone Defense!!!" announcement was honestly insane. And then seeing guys standing stationary in invisible boxes and having zero clue what to do to defend in the neutral zone was pretty wild.

It's definitely different this year. Still have the bizarre inability to finish golden opportunities. Special teams still look like a disaster. Those are 2 things that we have shown time and time again can have massive reversals in-season though. Goaltending obvious still a huge question as it's always been.

The foundation is more solid during our weak start this year. Just need some things to reverse before we have to fire the coach and we'll be good

 

[Soundwave]

I remember the D being far far worse last year to start. Woody's "We're changing from Man on Man to Zone Defense!!!" announcement was honestly insane. And then seeing guys standing stationary in invisible boxes and having zero clue what to do to defend in the neutral zone was pretty wild.

It's definitely different this year. Still have the bizarre inability to finish golden opportunities. Special teams still look like a disaster. Those are 2 things that we have shown time and time again can have massive reversals in-season though. Goaltending obvious still a huge question as it's always been.

The foundation is more solid during our weak start this year. Just need some things to reverse before we have to fire the coach and we'll be good

The D was miles worse at this point last year.

66GA to only 53GA this year at game 17 even with the poor PK this year ... that's a massive improvement in goals against.

53GA is through 17 games is actually the best goals against start we've had since three years ago when Mike Smith was playing good hockey and the team started off a red-hot 15-5 and was no.1 in the league on Dec. 1.

Skinner/Pickard are no where near as good as Mike Smith was then and we're still keeping pace with GA (53 GA versus 50 GA for that team).

 

[CanadasTeam99]

The 5 on 5 D has been the best part of the team this season, if it hasn't been explain to me which part of the offense, PP, PK (special teams), or goaltending has been better.

It's the main reason we are above .500.

5 on 5 we've allowed fewer goals than Vegas, Vancouver, and Florida, and only 4 more than Winnipeg.

I would say given how shit every other aspect of the team has been, we are fortunate the 5 on 5 D is keeping the team's head above water right now.

So no, I don't buy the narrative that we have 8 losses largely due to the D. We have 8 losses because the offence aside from Draisaitl has been horrible, the special teams have been horrendous, and the goalies suck as the three primary reasons for this year's poor start, you can tack on McDavid playing some of the worst hockey of his career for the first 12-13 games also.

No no. Yuke thinks we should have 1 or 0 High Danger chances allowed per game lol. I want what that guy is smoking

 

[Soundwave]

No no. Yuke thinks we should have 1 or 0 High Danger chances allowed per game lol. I want what that guy is smoking

Last night Wedgewood saved at least 5 high danger chances from McDavid alone.

 

[Yuke]

No no. Yuke thinks we should have 1 or 0 High Danger chances allowed per game lol. I want what that guy is smoking

It's called reality and you need some.
I've never said 1 or 0 but I do want less. The forward defensive breakdown is higher than the D breakdowns. Way to many fly-bys.

Last night Wedgewood saved at least 5 high danger chances from McDavid alone.

Please. McD should sign that Preds crest. He hit it so many times

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

It's called reality and you need some.
I've never said 1 or 0 but I do want less. The forward defensive breakdown is higher than the D breakdowns. Way to many fly-bys.


Please. McD should sign that Preds crest. He hit it so many times

So you want less than 2, so you want 1 or 0.

You want something that isn't real or realistic.

Sincerely, what you imagine defense to be and what actually is are quite different.

 

[GOilers88]

Are these guys even much of an upgrade tho??? Esp to spend assets on

I feel like this is generally the sentiment when pretty much any alternative goalie options are mentioned. Then we see said options play well elsewhere, or have a good season, and people pine for them.

Nobody ever really wants to take a chance because it's not a clear cut upgrade, then they'll complain that we didn't take a chance based on hindsight.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

Are these guys even much of an upgrade tho??? Esp to spend assets on

Lyon is absolutely better than Pickard, no question.

I don't believe in Blackwood because of his health.

The guys I keep suggesting, Greaves and Hofer, are largely unknowns, but are couple of the better goalies that are not NHL regulars are very much worth a look to this team.