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

Oilers Biggest Roster Need?

  • 2nd Pairing RD

    Votes: 86 40.6%
  • Starting Goalie

    Votes: 117 55.2%
  • Top 6 LW (RNH, Podkolzin and Jeff Skinner Aren't Getting it Done)

    Votes: 3 1.4%
  • Top 6 RW (Arvidsson and Hyman Aren't Getting it Done)

    Votes: 1 0.5%
  • 3C

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Physical Bottom 6 Wingers

    Votes: 1 0.5%
  • Other (Post Your Opinion)

    Votes: 4 1.9%

  • Total voters
    212

TheNumber4

Registered User
Nov 11, 2011
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And I've definitely seen a lot of games where we just sit on the perimeter for a while but the analytics would say we "dominated" even though we just sorta skated around without accomplishing anything.
Well possession at the very least is still perfect defence. So there should be some credit given. But in the analytics world, possession does not mean possession. Possession means shots on net at volume.
 
Apr 12, 2010
75,436
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Calgary
Well possession at the very least is still perfect defence. So there should be some credit given. But in the analytics world, possession does not mean possession. Possession means shots on net at volume.
True, possession in the offensive zone is ideal. But generally whenever the Oilers actually attempt a shot in those scenarios it's some muffin shot that has zero chance of going in.
 

TopShelfGloveSide

Registered User
Dec 10, 2018
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Missing the player type again I see. How many age 20 defensemen are currently in the NHL. And how many are excelling against apex competition?

How many d-men have excelled at age 20? I mean I saw a rookie teenage Ray Bourque in like game 30-40. This is a very difficult position. Development curve for young d-man is highly volatile as we see with all but the super elites. Why would Jiricek be any different at 20?
So he’s just like every other young d-man at this point. ;)

He turns 21 tom speaking of. Wonder if he gets traded for his bday.
 

jukon

NHL Point Leader
Mar 17, 2011
3,570
2,234
I saw something that the Oilers could improve their cap space at TDL by a significant amount if they waived another player during this break. Dermott would be an easy clear. Seems like a waste, who is our capologist now?

 
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Soundwave

Registered User
Mar 1, 2007
74,432
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All I know is this "early season" shit excuse is now pretty much over especially for anyone who has been on the roster for more than a season and has no excuse about an adjustment period.

That means Skinner better now start playing at .905+ at least from here on out.

That means Hyman and RNH need to start producing.

That means the PP needs to start producing.

Corey Perry, Janmark, and Brown get a pass for their play thus far this year, they've more or less matched or exceed expectation to date. Draisaitl has been great after a poor first couple of games. McDavid is playing like McDavid again.

The new guys, hopefully they can start to find their stride but this is a tough market to come into, I'm willing to give a little more grace there.
 

TheNumber4

Registered User
Nov 11, 2011
44,646
55,622
True, possession in the offensive zone is ideal. But generally whenever the Oilers actually attempt a shot in those scenarios it's some muffin shot that has zero chance of going in.
Yes. It’s a real problem this team has had for awhile now. Circle circle circle then nothing happens. Imo, they need to
Break that cycle by using more short one timers instead of just looking for the perfect net front passing play. I feel like we saw a bit of that in the Rags game, with Podz one timer and another where Nuge set up Brown. This team hasn’t put much emphasis on one timers or shooting talent in general. And that needs to change cause we need more easy offence and ways to score that are not McDrai related.
 
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Apr 12, 2010
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Calgary
Yes. It’s a real problem this team has had for awhile now. Circle circle circle then nothing happens. Imo, they need to
Break that cycle by using more short one timers instead of just looking for the perfect net front passing play. I feel like we saw a bit of that in the Rags game, with Podz one timer and another where Nuge set up Brown. This team hasn’t put much emphasis on one timers or shooting talent in general. And that needs to change cause we need more easy offence and ways to score that are not McDrai related.
They definitely need to cut back on the fancy plays. Often when watching them you can predict what they're going to do. I for one am definitely getting tired of the offensive zone buttonhook.
 

Behind Enemy Lines

Registered User
Feb 19, 2003
17,008
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Vancouver
I watched a full Jiricek game last night. For a big guy he really does have good 4 way agility. I was impressed with that aspect of his game, he can really move for his size. He does seem to lack explosiveness in his acceleration though, a bit of a stuck in the mud type stride. His legs move fast but it’s like he’s not generating any power. If that improves, a 6’4” D-man with puck skills and a shot like he has could be immensely valuable.

The market for RHD is so sparse and mediocre for what’s available. Then you’d only be looking at a rental or short term deal. The cap hit will be higher too. I really wonder if we should go for a home run here and try to get this guy. Cost controlled and could be here his whole career. And for what cost? Probably a bit more than it would take to rent a retained Connor Murphy or equivalent. There’s risk of course, cause if he doesn’t develop fast, you’ve spent your assets on a player that might not help you in this years playoffs… but the reward would be immense if he works out.
Agree, his first step is slow and his skating stride is short and almost shuffling which limits into a short burst. Critical is his four way agility and area defending with size. The critical component is his processor maturing into decision making against fast, aggressive apex level competition. This is the critical speed of game gap of an immature prospect D. His skating technique can still be developed though it won't ever be a defining characteristic.

Unfortunately he's not a fit for Edmonton who have limited assets and a more urgent need for a veteran mature top 4 d-man to complete a Cup Level defense corp. I had proposed a hedge trade idea of going after Provorov and Jiricek as a package for immediate help and future, sustaining window acquisition with their 1st, Akey, and 2nd round picks. That would hedge the 1st for a UFA Provorov. But a poster rightly commented C-Bus likely gets more value selling off the two players separately.

I'd love a future NHL near ready high-end defense prospect in the system. But think there are teams better positioned to give up assets and deliver the opportunity required that we know from recent first hand experience is primary motivator for young players.
 
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Soundwave

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Mar 1, 2007
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I saw something that the Oilers could improve their cap space at TDL by a significant amount if they waived another player during this break. Dermott would be an easy clear. Seems like a waste, who is our capologist now?



Did they not do this? Seems like a very stupid thing to miss out on.
 
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Behind Enemy Lines

Registered User
Feb 19, 2003
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So he’s just like every other young d-man at this point. ;)

He turns 21 tom speaking of. Wonder if he gets traded for his bday.
Only so many Ray Bourque's on the prospect tree. haha.

But not quite like every young d-man. Jiricek has got very solid teenage production in the AHL which is a very solid benchmark. But he's stuck, frustrated, and there's a deep disconnect on the opportunity horizon within a franchise trying to stabilize itself from a deep, sustained loser culture.

We'll see how quick this gets resolved. Giving up on extremely young d-men is a precarious situation.
 
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TheNumber4

Registered User
Nov 11, 2011
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Agree, his first step is slow and his skating stride is short and almost shuffling which limits into a short burst. Critical is his four way agility and area defending with size. The critical component is his processor maturing into decision making against fast, aggressive apex level competition. This is the critical speed of game gap of an immature prospect D. His skating technique can still be developed though it won't ever be a defining characteristic.

Unfortunately he's not a fit for Edmonton who have limited assets and a more urgent need for a veteran mature top 4 d-man to complete a Cup Level defense corp. I had proposed a hedge trade idea of going after Provorov and Jiricek as a package for immediate help and future, sustaining window acquisition with their 1st, Akey, and 2nd round picks. That would hedge the 1st for a UFA Provorov. But a poster rightly commented C-Bus likely gets more value selling off the two players separately.

I'd love a future NHL near ready high-end defense prospect in the system. But think there are teams better positioned to give up assets and deliver the opportunity required that we know from recent first hand experience is primary motivator for young players.
There’s risk with putting your eggs in the basket for a prospect. Maybe I’m being a bit optimistic that he could step in and help this year, an important cup or bust year.

But what if the trade was Savoie for Jiricek? It’s not like we were banking on Savoie to make an impact for us this year anyways. We’d still have assets to shore up the right side in that scenario with future picks.

If we go for a Rental RHD this year, we’ll just have to do that deal again next year. The idea of Jiricek just filling that spot for good is enticing.
 

K1984

Registered User
Feb 7, 2008
15,614
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Yes. It’s a real problem this team has had for awhile now. Circle circle circle then nothing happens. Imo, they need to
Break that cycle by using more short one timers instead of just looking for the perfect net front passing play. I feel like we saw a bit of that in the Rags game, with Podz one timer and another where Nuge set up Brown. This team hasn’t put much emphasis on one timers or shooting talent in general. And that needs to change cause we need more easy offence and ways to score that are not McDrai related.

Slow decision making with the puck is most of the reason our offence stinks IMO. Not just shooting either, it's like 80% of the roster needs to hold the puck for at least 3 seconds before they decide what to do with it. Meanwhile the opposition has time to fully set up and defend.

Agree that this looked different in the Ranger game. Less floating around looking for the perfect play, more shooting or passing on the first instinct. Fast plays going north/south get the opposition d men turning, forwards back deeper, and creates a chaos that pulls teams out of their structure. We more or less have refused to play this way for the whole year.
 
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Behind Enemy Lines

Registered User
Feb 19, 2003
17,008
18,817
Vancouver
There’s risk with putting your eggs in the basket for a prospect. Maybe I’m being a bit optimistic that he could step in and help this year, an important cup or bust year.

But what if the trade was Savoie for Jiricek? It’s not like we were banking on Savoie to make an impact for us this year anyways. We’d still have assets to shore up the right side in that scenario with future picks.

If we go for a Rental RHD this year, we’ll just have to do that deal again next year. The idea of Jiricek just filling that spot for good is enticing.
My addled thinking was Provorov covers the immediate need and expanding to add contract controlled Jiricek justifies putting their 1st round pick in play for a UFA d (which they can't afford to do). Though I think Provorov might consider re-signing on a Cup competitive team.

I'd trade Savoie for Jiricek. Easier and cheaper to find replacement wingers notably small skill ones. Building up a strong, deep and big defense corp is where I would prioritize.

Beyond the asset challenge between these two teams, I'm not confident Jiricek walks onto a Cup contender Oiler roster this season so he likely gets more development time in Bako.
 
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Canovin

1% is the new 11.5%
Oct 27, 2010
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Savoie has more value across the league than O'Reilly but O'Reilly's game is more tailored for the NHL. I wouldn't move either. If you upgrade on Stuart Skinner, you solve a lot of problems already.
 

TheNumber4

Registered User
Nov 11, 2011
44,646
55,622
Slow decision making with the puck is most of the reason our offence stinks IMO. Not just shooting either, it's like 80% of the roster needs to hold the puck for at least 3 seconds before they decide what to do with it. Meanwhile the opposition has time to fully set up and defend.

Agree that this looked different in the Ranger game. Less floating around looking for the perfect play, more shooting or passing on the first instinct. Fast plays going north/south get the opposition d men turning, forwards back deeper, and creates a chaos that pulls teams out of their structure. We more or less have refused to play this way for the whole year.
I wondered in the past if this was systems related. It seems certain teams like the Knights have it ingrained to just shoot when the chance is “good enough”. Instead we are always looking for a perfect play, which in the hands of McDrai is fine, let them do what they do best. But as a general systems thing, from coach down there needs to be a mindset of just getting solid shots off and generating those oppurtunities. It should be a lot easier finding a top of the circle one timer than trying to sift a net front one timer through a maze of bodies .
 

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