Rumor: Rumors & Proposals Thread | Where's the Beef?

powerserge

Registered User
Oct 12, 2022
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I agree the Oilers left themselves open. But we could have reserved some of our cap in other ways as I mentioned. But this again from someone who never would've signed the Connor Brown contract, or acquired Brown at all, and with his deferred amount to this season. Org does stupid things wins prizes.
Well Brown is 1 mil for this season or 2.5 mil average for this and last season. I'm ok with that. He more than earned his money last playoffs. McD, Hyms wanted him don't forget. Arv, Eks vouched for him this year. He should get going, question remains can he stay healthy.

Most teams have bad contracts to deal with and are against the cap but not enough to make the teams a target like we are. It's the huge upcoming contracts that make us the target. Losing youth and speed hurts us. Paying McD and Drai 16 and 14 mil until they are 38 is absurd. A nothing play and McD is out for a bit, we are very fortunate he is not out for months. Just like that when you pay and rely on a player so much. Spread the wealth, invest in your youth. Would prefer this. But what's done is done. Drai just got done, no hard balling, blank check for McD I'm sure. Yep you keep your stars that are getting older which is what fans want. Just giving my take on how the team should build, so that our stars have a chance and our team can compete every year.

Over 50% of our cap to 4 players aint going to cut it, the odds are very much against this model. Teams seeing us in a bind, which makes us a target is self explanatory. Bowman should learn from giving Toews and Kane those deals. Yep they earned it, they won cups, but the team hasn't competed since and even with Bedard team needs more time to compete. That's 9 years now. It took 19 years to get back to the finals. Hard ball your players, have to look at where they need to be $ wise to have the best chance to win if that's the priority.
 

Duder54

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Dec 11, 2017
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Canadian ex-pat in Zurich, Switzerland
Well Brown is 1 mil for this season or 2.5 mil average for this and last season. I'm ok with that. He more than earned his money last playoffs. McD, Hyms wanted him don't forget. Arv, Eks vouched for him this year. He should get going, question remains can he stay healthy.

Most teams have bad contracts to deal with and are against the cap but not enough to make the teams a target like we are. It's the huge upcoming contracts that make us the target. Losing youth and speed hurts us. Paying McD and Drai 16 and 14 mil until they are 38 is absurd. A nothing play and McD is out for a bit, we are very fortunate he is not out for months. Just like that when you pay and rely on a player so much. Spread the wealth, invest in your youth. Would prefer this. But what's done is done. Drai just got done, no hard balling, blank check for McD I'm sure. Yep you keep your stars that are getting older which is what fans want. Just giving my take on how the team should build, so that our stars have a chance and our team can compete every year.

Over 50% of our cap to 4 players aint going to cut it, the odds are very much against this model. Teams seeing us in a bind, which makes us a target is self explanatory. Bowman should learn from giving Toews and Kane those deals. Yep they earned it, they won cups, but the team hasn't competed since and even with Bedard team needs more time to compete. That's 9 years now. It took 19 years to get back to the finals. Hard ball your players, have to look at where they need to be $ wise to have the best chance to win if that's the priority.
This is the problem with the salary cap in a nutshell. Teams with multiple elite players run into real problems if they can't win while the contracts are still reasonable.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but has any team won in the salary cap era while having such a large percentage of the cap paid out to such a small number of players?
 

Soundwave

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Mar 1, 2007
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This is the problem with the salary cap in a nutshell. Teams with multiple elite players run into real problems if they can't win while the contracts are still reasonable.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but has any team won in the salary cap era while having such a large percentage of the cap paid out to such a small number of players?

Pittsburgh won twice with a similar percentage tied in their top players, even moreso because Letang was effectively hurt for one of their runs.

Crosby (8.7) + Malkin (9.5) + Letang (7.5) + Kessel (6.8) + MAF (5.75) = 53% of the cap on 5 players (71.4 mill cap roof in 15-16).

2017 would be even more extreme because Letang didn't even play in the playoffs, so effectively they had a 7.5 million cap penalty and won the Cup anyway.

The cap is going to go up significantly after next season too, league revenue is way beyond the current CBA which was done for COVID. By 50-50 split revenue the cap should be like 102+ million already but it's artificially stuck at 88 million. The CBA runs out after next season which puts an end to that.

We'll probably have a 92.5+ mill cap next season (capped rise of 4.5 mill), followed by a larger increase to 100 mill or more the year after.

Assuming a 100 mill cap the 1st year of McDavid's deal, McDavid (16), Drai (14), Bouchard (10), Nurse (9.25), Goalie (5) = 54% of the cap, so virtually the same as Pittsburgh 2016.
 
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Arpeggio

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Jul 20, 2006
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Edmonton
I'm usually the last one to be concerned about physicality or how tough a team is, but the Oilers straight up don't hit anyone lol. Like it's great that they've carried the play for the most part at even strength, and you can generate momentum that way, but in games like the one against Columbus, it would be nice to see a physical forecheck once in a while to get the team engaged. I think they may have to reassess the construction of the bottom six at some point, particularly in Janmark and Brown's spots. If those guys aren't scoring, I feel like you have to replace them.
 
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powerserge

Registered User
Oct 12, 2022
122
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This is the problem with the salary cap in a nutshell. Teams with multiple elite players run into real problems if they can't win while the contracts are still reasonable.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but has any team won in the salary cap era while having such a large percentage of the cap paid out to such a small number of players?
Was discussed this summer. I believe only 1 team won with 50% of the cap to 4 players, ideally you want to be in the 39-44% range. Fourier knows more numbers. Our best chance to win is this year, think Drai/McD/Nurse and Eks combined brings us to 41% of the cap which is good, other teams gobbling up our young talent and no longer having that cheap talent hurts our chances.

You need to take care of your own house (inking your young guys) before spending like a drunken sailor in free agency. Management didn't do it. Stupid. These upcoming huge contracts can make or break us, it's that simple.

As mentioned McD just said it himself in a recent quote on Crosby. "I hope I can be as competitive as Crosby at age 37". There's 16 million reasons to say take a pay cut and play some hard ball if you want more cracks at winning. If not you and Drai will have a few good aging players to play with but the bulk of the team will be NHL minimum to 1 million dollar players. Once McD signs we will need 2 solid top 4 D and a solid goalie and have to pay for it, maybe we can afford a extra 5-6 million dollar player but the rest of the team will be cheap players. It depends if the cap will be 96 or 100 million in two years. We should have some young guys ready to play by then who will be cheap but we all know our prospect pool is rather low and cupboards empty.
 

powerserge

Registered User
Oct 12, 2022
122
107
Pittsburgh won twice with a similar percentage tied in their top players, even moreso because Letang was effectively hurt for one of their runs.

Crosby (8.7) + Malkin (9.5) + Letang (7.5) + Kessel (6.8) + MAF (5.75) = 53% of the cap on 5 players (71.4 mill cap roof in 15-16).

2017 would be even more extreme because Letang didn't even play in the playoffs, so effectively they had a 7.5 million cap penalty and won the Cup anyway.

The cap is going to go up significantly after next season too, league revenue is way beyond the current CBA which was done for COVID. By 50-50 split revenue the cap should be like 102+ million already but it's artificially stuck at 88 million. The CBA runs out after next season which puts an end to that.

We'll probably have a 92.5+ mill cap next season (capped rise of 4.5 mill), followed by a larger increase to 100 mill or more the year after.

Assuming a 100 mill cap the 1st year of McDavid's deal, McDavid (16), Drai (14), Bouchard (10), Nurse (9.25), Goalie (5) = 54% of the cap, so virtually the same as Pittsburgh 2016.
A real solid goalie costs you 8 million whether Stew is that guy or not. Add JC 2.6 mil buyout that year and if all the above is true you are near 60% of your cap to 5 players. Assuming cap is 100 million.

If the cap is 96 million then put all of the numbers together and that's 62.3% of your cap to 5 players.
 

Oilslick941611

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Jul 4, 2006
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Ottawa
A couple of players around the league were dealt. None of them to Edmonton.

This means Oilers management isn't looking at any players around the league and isn't trying to improve the team. It means they're waiting right up until the TDL to try and make a splash and are content to try and piss away a season.
oh god not this again.

Does anyone remember the summer when a certain poster thought that the Oilers were sitting on their hands, sleeping or on vacation during the offer sheet because they didn't immediately release a statement on it?

No, just because there was a trade/trades for players that don't help us doesn't mean that the Oilers aren't trying to improve the team. The way the cap is we likely get one shot to improve the team and it's going to be near the deadline. Jesus Christ people. Not being in on a trade for matt f***ing Benning or Oil Matt doesn't mean the GM has thrown in the towel. Get a f***ing grip guys.
 
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GOilers88

#FreeMoustacheRides
Dec 24, 2016
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oh god not this again.

Does anyone remember the summer when a certain poster thought that the Oilers were sitting on their hands, sleeping or on vacation during the offer sheet because they didn't immediately release a statement on it?

No, just because there was a trade/trades for players that don't help us doesn't mean that the Oilers aren't trying to improve the team. The way the cap is we likely get one shot to improve the team and it's going to be near the deadline. Jesus Christ people. Not being in on a trade for matt f***ing Benning or Oil Matt doesn't mean the GM has thrown in the towel. Get a f***ing grip guys.
Whaddya mean again? It's always this :D

Also unpopular opinions but I always liked Matt Benning and would take him back.
 

K1984

Registered User
Feb 7, 2008
15,405
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I'm usually the last one to be concerned about physicality or how tough a team is, but the Oilers straight up don't hit anyone lol. Like it's great that they've carried the play for the most part at even strength, and you can generate momentum that way, but in games like the one against Columbus, it would be nice to see a physical forecheck once in a while to get the team engaged. I think they may have to reassess the construction of the bottom six at some point, particularly in Janmark and Brown's spots. If those guys aren't scoring, I feel like you have to replace them.

Physicality is another symptom of our p***y mindset.

Janmark and Brown, for example, were dogs on the puck down the stretch and through the playoffs. Not a check not finished, not a race to the puck or a battle not contested. Now? Floating.

I don't need playoff level battle or physicality, but if they can find some sort of middle ground that would be great. Same with a lot of aspects of our game. Don't need to be the best in the league right now, but can we just find a way to not be a f***ing embarrassment?
 

Canovin

1% is the new 11.5%
Oct 27, 2010
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Pittsburgh won twice with a similar percentage tied in their top players, even moreso because Letang was effectively hurt for one of their runs.

Crosby (8.7) + Malkin (9.5) + Letang (7.5) + Kessel (6.8) + MAF (5.75) = 53% of the cap on 5 players (71.4 mill cap roof in 15-16).

2017 would be even more extreme because Letang didn't even play in the playoffs, so effectively they had a 7.5 million cap penalty and won the Cup anyway.

The cap is going to go up significantly after next season too, league revenue is way beyond the current CBA which was done for COVID. By 50-50 split revenue the cap should be like 102+ million already but it's artificially stuck at 88 million. The CBA runs out after next season which puts an end to that.

We'll probably have a 92.5+ mill cap next season (capped rise of 4.5 mill), followed by a larger increase to 100 mill or more the year after.

Assuming a 100 mill cap the 1st year of McDavid's deal, McDavid (16), Drai (14), Bouchard (10), Nurse (9.25), Goalie (5) = 54% of the cap, so virtually the same as Pittsburgh 2016.
The Oilers don't have red hot Matt Murray
 

Soundwave

Registered User
Mar 1, 2007
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A real solid goalie costs you 8 million whether Stew is that guy or not. Add JC 2.6 mil buyout that year and if all the above is true you are near 60% of your cap to 5 players. Assuming cap is 100 million.

If the cap is 96 million then put all of the numbers together and that's 62.3% of your cap to 5 players.

We're not going to spend 8 million on a goalie. We almost won with Skinner at 2.6.

Fact is it can be done. Pittsburgh did it in 2017 with Letang's 7.5 mill not even on the roster, that means effectively their top players were well over 50% of the cap because injured he contributed 0 to their Cup in 2017. The fact is Pittsburgh did it twice and someone else will do it again.

Hire a freaking goalie scout who knows what he's doing for one, find someone who can overperform their contract in net. Is there a salary cap on scouts now?

This is supposed to be hard, if it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing.
 
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Scrapin Ice

Registered User
Oct 25, 2024
22
4
Usually somewhat skeptical of players coming from the farm and replacing vets in-season but this year it might happen. Funny enough maybe Roby Jarventie might end up at centre on that fourth line and Noah might end up splitting time with Perry down the stretch. Maybe we see them taking a more active role early February. Maybe we should fix Nurse's partner now and bring in a better goalie prospect for the farm and leave the rest and see what happens internally. Savoie is really hard to judge--alot depends on how fast he picks up the defensive systems and awareness..

Marcus Pettersson would be a good get. Provorov has been mentioned.

Matt Benning isn't exactly a high bar to clear.
I don't know much about Pettersson but Provorov won't be available cheap and will be expensive to resign--I don't think he is realisticaly on the table.
 

Oilslick941611

Registered User
Jul 4, 2006
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Ottawa
I agree. But such as ...who are these better players?
So we should settle for crap even though the plan was always to wait for the deadline?

Get TL or oil matta and have no assets to trade if someone pops up in the deadline.

Waiting for the deadline might mean we fail and not get anyone but that’s the best course of action for our situation. Unless something pops up during the season
 

powerserge

Registered User
Oct 12, 2022
122
107
We're not going to spend 8 million on a goalie. We almost won with Skinner at 2.6.

Fact is it can be done. Pittsburgh did it in 2017 with Letang's 7.5 mill not even on the roster, that means effectively their top players were well over 50% of the cap because injured he contributed 0 to their Cup in 2017. The fact is Pittsburgh did it twice and someone else will do it again.

Hire a freaking goalie scout who knows what he's doing for one, find someone who can overperform their contract in net. Is there a salary cap on scouts now?

This is supposed to be hard, if it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing.
Almost? There's 31 other teams trying to do the same thing. There's no cups for 2nd place.

So since 2005, in 19 years only one team has done it, twice. There's a 10% chance. The NHL has more parity, has more size, speed and skill than ever. A scout is the solution? I doubt that's what puts a team over the top.

Nothing is easy but you can make things easier on yourself by not investing over 50% of your cap into 4 players or around 60% of your cap into 5 players with a 5 million $ goalie (+ JC buyout) come 2026.
 

Sethual

Registered User
Oct 9, 2024
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Pittsburgh won twice with a similar percentage tied in their top players, even moreso because Letang was effectively hurt for one of their runs.

Crosby (8.7) + Malkin (9.5) + Letang (7.5) + Kessel (6.8) + MAF (5.75) = 53% of the cap on 5 players (71.4 mill cap roof in 15-16).

2017 would be even more extreme because Letang didn't even play in the playoffs, so effectively they had a 7.5 million cap penalty and won the Cup anyway.

The cap is going to go up significantly after next season too, league revenue is way beyond the current CBA which was done for COVID. By 50-50 split revenue the cap should be like 102+ million already but it's artificially stuck at 88 million. The CBA runs out after next season which puts an end to that.

We'll probably have a 92.5+ mill cap next season (capped rise of 4.5 mill), followed by a larger increase to 100 mill or more the year after.

Assuming a 100 mill cap the 1st year of McDavid's deal, McDavid (16), Drai (14), Bouchard (10), Nurse (9.25), Goalie (5) = 54% of the cap, so virtually the same as Pittsburgh 2016.
Imagine Nurse had any sort of impact at all on offense or defense and BOOM we have a Finals caliber team every year... alas we are stuck with that hunk of garbage until he retires early (hopefully dudes a bumcrustyshitforbrains)
 

Jumptheshark

Rebooting myself
Oct 12, 2003
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Somewhere on Uranus
From what I've seen of him he just has a difficult time staying healthy. He gets injured in weird ways. But I see a skilled puck-moving RD that other teams are underappreciating. Brannstrom was another.

We have two high-end LD that can play the entire game, if required. One of them needs a partner that can transport the puck.


I understand why the BJS did not offer him a qualifying contract when he was on 2.6--but usually they would have offered 1mill or something. I agree injuries look to be a thing
 

Scrapin Ice

Registered User
Oct 25, 2024
22
4
So we should settle for crap even though the plan was always to wait for the deadline?

Get TL or oil matta and have no assets to trade if someone pops up in the deadline.

Waiting for the deadline might mean we fail and not get anyone but that’s the best course of action for our situation. Unless something pops up during the season
Nobody really wants any of those three. None of them have the qualities we need. But its hard to work on improving overall when your defensive system is consistently allowing 6 goals against. Would be good to find a foil for Nurse sooner than later (with the right skill set).
 

Oilslick941611

Registered User
Jul 4, 2006
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Ottawa
Nobody really wants any of those three. None of them have the qualities we need. But its hard to work on improving overall when your defensive system is consistently allowing 6 goals against. Would be good to find a foil for Nurse sooner than later (with the right skill set).
Go look at the posts complaining that the oilers get these guys when they were traded.
 

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