Speculation: What do the Oilers need to do to take the next step?

[SupremeTeam16]

The Oilers and McDavid will be way too popular and profitable to let them sit in the basement, and by popular I mean love them or hate them people in other cities will show out to watch them when they go on the road.

Mix in all the HRR generated from playoff games at Rogers Place and you can bet Bettman and the board of governors want nothing more then to see the Oilers be successful and I'm sure they will do what they can to help make it happen.

I'm just kidding that's crazy talk, things like Pro sports leagues, corporations and political groups are all above reproach and would never put their thumb on the scale to produce a more favourable outcome.

 

[ManofSteel55]

80pt seasons

Hall: 1

Lucic: 0

Points per game

Hall: 0.86

Lucic: 0.68

It's something called context.

I don't want to rag on Hall because he was a great Oiler, but one argument that is always thrown out against us when we use points per game is that it ignores injuries. Hall missed a lot of time on the IR with us. Lucic has a history of being healthy and not missing time. Yes, Hall is a far more gifted scorer. But Lucic brings things that make him nearly as valuable to us as Hall was. And he is still young enough that we shouldn't have to worry about his game deteriorating for a few years, if at all.

Hall > Lucic. Easily.

Hall, plug defenseman < Lucic, Larsson. Just as easily, if not moreso.

 

[SaskPreds]

Get another RD that's good on the PK and even strength.

Get a backup goalie that can steal some games.

Get a 4th line that can carry a regular shift.

Hurt anyone that tries to lay a hand on McJesus.

This. He needs a McSorley, Lucic will help.

 

[ManofSteel55]

This. He needs a McSorley, Lucic will help.

As will Maroon. And Kassian. We've got a few bullies in our lineup now.

 

[rockinghockey]

Oilers need Trouba as their 2nd pairing RD

Klefbom - Larsson
Sekera - Trouba
Davidson - Nurse
Fayne

That's a much better lineup than last year.

Forwards are pretty much set as long as they play a team defense they will be fine
Defense would be set with a Trouba addition
Goal tending is acceptable with Talbot - Backup could be better

Would love to get Trouba I would think they would want next years 1st as they are set for players and a left shooting dman prospect
2017 1st and Reinhart for Trouba more than fair

 

[Rebuilt]

Like others have stated, the Oilers just need to stay healthy and they are going to move up the standings this year. The only things I would ask in my 'wish list' are a young franchise goalie and young 3rd line grit forward and of course a PMD.

-Thatcher Demko
-Brendan Lemieux
-Jake Bean

I would be more than delighted if we were able to get ahold of players like these.

 

[The_Puck_Hog]

And now we know who's opinions we don't need to take seriously.

Adam Larson Career Stats:

Year GP G A Pts +/-

2011-2012 65 2 16 18 -7
2012-2013 37 0 6 6 4
2013-2014 26 1 2 3 -1
2014-2015 64 3 21 24 2
2015-2016 82 3 15 18 15

Career 274 9 60 69 +13


Luke Schenn

Year GP G A Pts. +/-

2008-2009 70 2 12 14 -12
2009-2010 79 5 12 17 2
2010-2011 82 5 17 22 -7
2011-2012 79 2 20 22 -6
2012-2013 47 3 8 11 3

First 5 Seasons 357 17 69 86 -20


What I was getting at was that Adam Larssons' first 5 years were not much different than Luke Schenn. Luke Schenn is an example of someone drafted high and with great expectations, however did not live up to those expectations. I don't think Adam Larsson will live up to expectations of a #1 defencemen.... Frankly, I don't think I that off base....

For the Oilers' sake, I hope he proves me wrong.

 

[Ainsy01]

80pt seasons

Hall: 1

Lucic: 0

Points per game

Hall: 0.86

Lucic: 0.68

It's something called context.

Thank you

 

[PatrikOverAuston]

Thank you

So you're just going to ignore you were called out on cherrypicking stats and failed miserably? Okay, but don't think folks didn't notice.

 

[Ainsy01]

So you're just going to ignore you were called out on cherrypicking stats and failed miserably? Okay, but don't think folks didn't notice.

I never compared Lucic to Hall. I said he has only scored 20 goals in half of his seasons in the NHL (4 out of 8 not including lockout), and 60 points 2 of 8. You went and started the timeline in 2010-2011 and said well hes scored 20 4 times since then. If any one is cherry picking its you. I used his entire career stats and you used his "since 2010-2011" because it gave you a favorable arguement. I still dont think lucic is a top line forward. Do you?

 

[Fourier]

Adam Larson Career Stats:

Year GP G A Pts +/-

2011-2012 65 2 16 18 -7
2012-2013 37 0 6 6 4
2013-2014 26 1 2 3 -1
2014-2015 64 3 21 24 2
2015-2016 82 3 15 18 15

Career 274 9 60 69 +13


Luke Schenn

Year GP G A Pts. +/-

2008-2009 70 2 12 14 -12
2009-2010 79 5 12 17 2
2010-2011 82 5 17 22 -7
2011-2012 79 2 20 22 -6
2012-2013 47 3 8 11 3

First 5 Seasons 357 17 69 86 -20


What I was getting at was that Adam Larssons' first 5 years were not much different than Luke Schenn. Luke Schenn is an example of someone drafted high and with great expectations, however did not live up to those expectations. I don't think Adam Larsson will live up to expectations of a #1 defencemen.... Frankly, I don't think I that off base....

For the Oilers' sake, I hope he proves me wrong.

Sam Gagner's first five years in the NHL.

2007-08 79 13 36 49
2008-09 76 16 25 41
2009-10 68 15 26 41
2010-11 68 15 27 42
2011-12 75 18 29 47

Totals 366 77 143 220

Sean Couturier's first five years in the NHL:

2011-12 77 13 14 27
2012-13 46 4 11 15
2013-14 82 13 26 39
2014-15 82 15 22 37
2015-16 63 11 28 39

Totals 350 56 101 157

I guess maybe Philly let the wrong guy walk...Or is it possible that your case is not as strong as you believe because there is more to comparing players than the number of points they generate per year?

 

[JarvisFunk]

I still dont think lucic is a top line forward. Do you?

Patrick Maroon played like a 1st line forward next to McDavid.

I think Milan Lucic will do just fine.

 

[PatrikOverAuston]

I never compared Lucic to Hall.

So Hall's not a top line forward either, then? If that "context" is good enough for Lucic it must be suitable for other players.

I said he has only scored 20 goals in half of his seasons in the NHL (4 out of 8 not including lockout), and 60 points 2 of 8. You went and started the timeline in 2010-2011 and said well hes scored 20 4 times since then. If any one is cherry picking its you.
I used his entire career stats and you used his "since 2010-2011" because it gave you a favorable arguement. I still dont think lucic is a top line forward. Do you?

I used Hall's entire career to this point, just like you used Lucic's. However, if you'd like to somehow argue that what Lucic did as a 19 to 21 year old affects his production today at age 28, I really can't wait to see what approach you take. I'm sure it will be amusing.

 

[Ainsy01]

So Hall's not a top line forward either, then? If that "context" is good enough for Lucic it must for other players.



I used Hall's entire career to this point, just like you used Lucic's. However, if you'd like to somehow argue that what Lucic did as a 19 to 21 year old affects his production today at age 28, I really can't wait to see what approach you take. I'm sure it will be amusing.

I dont know why you keep bringing up Hall. I stated lucic's career stats and stated, that in my opinion, they arent that of a true top liner.

Show me a top winger in the NHL right now thats played atleast 6 (lucic has played 9) seasons with ONLY two 60 point seasons under their belt. (bonus points: Winger that makes 6 million dollars a year) (Bonus bonus: for the next 7 years)

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Adam Larson Career Stats:

Year GP G A Pts +/-

2011-2012 65 2 16 18 -7
2012-2013 37 0 6 6 4
2013-2014 26 1 2 3 -1
2014-2015 64 3 21 24 2
2015-2016 82 3 15 18 15

Career 274 9 60 69 +13


Luke Schenn

Year GP G A Pts. +/-

2008-2009 70 2 12 14 -12
2009-2010 79 5 12 17 2
2010-2011 82 5 17 22 -7
2011-2012 79 2 20 22 -6
2012-2013 47 3 8 11 3

First 5 Seasons 357 17 69 86 -20


What I was getting at was that Adam Larssons' first 5 years were not much different than Luke Schenn. Luke Schenn is an example of someone drafted high and with great expectations, however did not live up to those expectations. I don't think Adam Larsson will live up to expectations of a #1 defencemen.... Frankly, I don't think I that off base....

For the Oilers' sake, I hope he proves me wrong.

If his offense doesn't improve, Larsson will not ever be a #1 defenseman. However, your comparison is a bad one because those stats don't show you the defensive ability of either guy.

The problem with Schenn wasn't just his lack of offense, it was that he wasn't very good defensively either. His footspeed and lack of hockey IQ limited how effective he was as a shutdown defender. Larsson, on the other hand, is a fantastic shutdown defender.

Maybe comparable offensive totals, but not a good comparison overall.

 

[Menzinger]

Patrick Maroon played like a 1st line forward next to McDavid.

I think Milan Lucic will do just fine.

Depends what one means by "top line forward",

Oilers fans should be hopeful Lucic puts up 50 points. Which is comfortable too 6 territory

 

[Oil Spill]

i could argue that hes only played 5 seasons, because of the lockout. He's also been hurt alot, and hes also played on the worst team in the league, nice try though.

Watch him get 80 in Jersey.

Not a try it's exactly what you asked for, all these would have / should have excuses your proposing mean nothing. I hope Hall does hit 80 in Jersey, despite him being no longer a Oiler i'll always be a Hall fan (first player I watched score his first hat trick live), guy was a good solider on a **** team. Want nothing but success for him in his career.

Depends what one means by "top line forward",

Oilers fans should be hopeful Lucic puts up 50 points. Which is comfortable too 6 territory

If he rides shotgun next to McDavid he will put up 50-60.

 

[oilerbear]

Oilers are a vastly different team over last year . They have size , grit , an up graded D , more depth . What more do you think they need to do to becoming a good to great team ?

I know some will think this is better suited to the Oilers board but then you have fans that see the world thru rosy glasses . I am looking to hear from the true hockey fans and not the Oilers haters .

To me just base on cap

Out Hall and Nikitin = 10.5 million
In Lucic and Larsson = just under 10.2 million

Hall > Lucic
Larsson >>>>>> Nikitin

I am hoping to keep our C depth while adding a PM RHD . Not sure it possible but if it could be done I believe we are a playoff team

Are you sure?

last 3 years
Lucic 242gm 62G 96A 158P
81gm 21G 32A 53P per season
1gm a year a #13 to #16 (2G 8P per season) forward replaces him
-.23G -.32 A -.55P in that 1 game.

Hall 210gm 67g 116A 183P
70gm 22G 39 A 61P
12gm a year a #13 to #16 (2G 8P per season) forward replaces him
-2.9G -4.8A -7.7P in the 12 games.

the missed games play a huge difference.

 

[Oil Spill]

Are you sure?

last 3 years
Lucic 242gm 62G 96A 158P
81gm 21G 32A 53P per season
1gm a year a #13 to #16 (2G 8P per season) forward replaces him
-.23G -.32 A -.55P in that 1 game.

Hall 210gm 67g 116A 183P
70gm 22G 39 A 61P
12gm a year a #13 to #16 (2G 8P per season) forward replaces him
-2.9G -4.8A -7.7P in the 12 games.

the missed games play a huge difference.

Yeah Hall is easily > Lucic, not sure there is a argument to dispute that.

 

[Snowman]

The Oil need to start looking into moving Lucic. He's on a terrible contract and far to slow for today's game.

 

[Ainsy01]

Okay, so, we've determined that Hall is the example of what barely counts as a top line winger making 6 million bucks, and that lucic is 15 points a season worse than he is, on average points per game. Therefore determining that lucic is not, in fact, a top line winger. Health always needs to be considered when judging a players effectiveness. Thats not me making it up.

 

[CaptainSexyPants]

i could argue that hes only played 5 seasons, because of the lockout. He's also been hurt alot, and hes also played on the worst team in the league, nice try though.

Watch him get 80 in Jersey.

You could make a lot of arguments to try and get the foot out of your mouth, I suppose..

Fact is you tried to build up Player A and put down Player B by challenging him to find anyone in the league who could fit that damning set of criteria you laid out against Player B...annnnd then he points out to you that Player A fits the same description. Bit of a mic drop moment. How embarassing.

 

[PatrikOverAuston]

Okay, so, we've determined that Hall is the example of what barely counts as a top line winger making 6 million bucks, and that lucic is 15 points a season worse than he is, on average points per game. Therefore determining that lucic is not, in fact, a top line winger. Health always needs to be considered when judging a players effectiveness. Thats not me making it up.

You've determined none of that. YOU decided what the criteria of a top-line winger is, and are now smarting because a player absolutely no objective person would claim is not a top line forward (T. Hall) matches them to a T. Too bad so sad for you.

Keep trying to weasel out of it, though. It's like a person walking into a closed screen door and thereafter trying to play it off as totally intentional.

 

[Ainsy01]

You could make a lot of arguments to try and get the foot out of your mouth, I suppose..

Fact is you tried to build up Player A and put down Player B by challenging him to find anyone in the league who could fit that damning set of criteria you laid out against Player B...annnnd then he points out to you that Player A fits the same description. Bit of a mic drop moment. How embarassing.

haha i never compared him to hall, and Hall will be a 2nd liner in NJ, if rumors are correct.

 

[SupremeTeam16]

If you believe this, why do you even watch sports?

I'm not suggesting every outcome is pre-determined but there are ways for the league to give teams a leg up, take scheduling for example. The Oilers have one of the harshest travel schedules because of their geographical location. Last season they had several gruelling road trips and were one of the teams that had the most back to backs and three in four nights situations. They also had more extended breaks at Christmas, the ASG and barely played in the last two weeks of the season which leaves the players with more time away from the team and I think the Oilers are a team that need to spend more time together, practicing, training and generally just getting on the same page.

In such competitive game played at the highest level where even the smallest of things can make a difference don't you think that a more favourable schedule that is more evenly distributed would help a team be more well rested and better prepared maybe even promote a healthier lineup.