Greetings from Dominican and Oilers talk
Posted On: Wednesday 5th Dec, 2012 | Posted By: Raine P Follow | Comments: 3 | Views: 370
I've been very busy lately and haven't had much time to post a blog. I'm currently working in the Caribbean trying to fix a mess at the Barrick gold mine. It's a different world down here, one get's used to expecting the unexpected the longer you stay. There is also a thing called Dominican time, which basically means do not expect anything to happen very quickly. 6 months of work could very well develop into 12 months.
As you would assume, hockey has been one of the furthest things from my mind; 30 degrees Celsius with 100% humidity isn't exactly hockey kind of weather. However, the past couple of days with news that Nugent-Hopkins may lace it up for the World Juniors and what sounds like progress between the NHLPA and NHL has me back to thinking puck.
I'd be ecstatic to come home for Christmas and watch two of the Oilers first overalls face off against one another. Yakupov and Nugent-Hopkins will be a special treat for an Oilers fan. We will finally get to see RNH dawn the Canadian jersey, as he rightfully should, and for Oilers fans seeing Russia potentially taking gold won't be as heartbreaking as in the past (don't get me wrong, it'll still hurt).
It's extremely rare for such prolific players to be available for these games, in fact the last time two first overall picks played in this tournament was back in 1994. The '94 NHL lockout paved the way for Canada's dominance with high picks Ed Jovanovski, Wade Redden, Jason Allison, Marty Murray and Darcy Tucker to lead the way and claim gold. If the NHL remains in lockout expect one of the most memorable World Juniors in history.
I know many are following the NHL lockout closely and have their fingers crossed hoping for a deal to be struck. There are rumours that the league has their sites set for a boxing day start. This would allow the league to play a season somewhere between 48 to 56 games. As much as I'd like to see it happen there's a small part of me hoping for the league to start once the World Junior Hockey Championship is a wrap.
If and when the league does kick-start, expect some changes made to the Oilers roster. Hold off on those #64 Yakupov jersey's folks, an amnesty clause is bound to be introduced which may offer the Oilers the ability to buy out Shawn Horcoff's contract. Additionally, Khabibulin re-injured his groin and given his age and contract status I wouldn't expect to see him back. Same goes for Sutton who sustained a knee injury over the summer which is being considered career ending.
The Oilers will be looking to fill a void in net, either by acquisition or promotion. Denis has been more hot than cold during his time in OKC which could very well mean he is called up as Dubnyk's relief. Once Horcoff is let go a centre man will be on the wish list as well.
Some have argued that Gagner and Nugent-Hopkins is a fine example of a 1 and 2 combo but there are also those that believe size is an issue. I'm not sure where Tambellini and Lowe stand on that subject, but with Stauffer hinting at a "wow" trade I can't help to think this could be it.
What about Hall at centre? I don't think it's happening. The question came up during a media scrum with Todd Nelson and he said there were no plans of moving Hall to that position, not even for a looksy. I don't think Hall at centre ice is a smart move as it doesn't favour his game. A Taylor Hall blazing down the boards and beating opponents with sheer speed won't happen at centre, it shouldn't even be up for discussion.
The lockout does bring it's positives to an Oilers team. Some aging players will be ousted and fresh legs will be called up from the Oklahoma Barons. The Oilers could actually make a legitimate run for the playoffs. However, we'll need a new goalie to properly support Dubnyk, a new centre, and another defenseman. Basically the same needs as previous season, tell us something you didn't already know … eh?
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PS: I see Edmonton is getting dumped on, call me when it's spring. You'll find me here:
Image: Valley in province of Cotui, Dominican Republic
3 Comments to “Greetings from Dominican and Oilers talk”
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Hey Raine, do you really see the league having an amnesty period before an abbreviated season would start? It would just add to the confusion, with guys being bought out and trying to resurface in other locations on a limited timeline to get the season going. Can't see that happening, I can see a buyout period coming at the end of the season allowing teams to jettison contracts. Contracts will be cut in half anyway on what needs to be paid for the balance anyway.
Ok a WOW trade for a Centreman, who are you thinking and who are you sending?
What are your thoughts on Free agency coming in before the draft?
edited on: Saturday 15th Dec, 2012 at 16:55 pm
I read your comment just in time. By my estimation I have 3 more hours of life on my Macbook. My power adapter crapped out and I have 1 more week left in DR until I come home. It's going to be a very long week!
If any drastic new rules were to develop I would think it would need to start fresh for a brand new season. Give teams and players time to analyze their roster. We all know the NHLPA would never go for such a deal where players could be bought out and not have a place to call home when there are minimal games left.
The centre position is crowded right now and it's hard to believe that Belanger is signed through the 2013-14 season and Horcoff is still signed until 2014-15. That's a huge concern that needs to be addressed. Belanger is cheap enough to keep around as an insurance policy but Horcoff is not. If an amnesty clause came into effect I do think Horcoff would be bought out. It's the Oilers way, they don't seem to have it in them to strip a player of their captaincy - instead they tend to get rid of the player (ie: Jason Smith, Ethan Moreau). It's time for a new captain and it will happen for next season.
I'm not sold on Anton Lander, he isn't an upgrade over anyone at this point. Given Horcoff will be gone, one way or another, that leaves us with RNH, Gagner and Belanger. I know Gagner comes up often in trade speculations but we're only opening up another hole by trading him. I'd be more inclined to suggest Paajarvi (Hartikainen has passed him on the depth chart) and potentially the first round pick (the Oilers aren't picking first again) and/or play with the idea of shopping Reider (do we really need another small skilled forward?).
As far as who the Oilers should target in a trade, I'd look at some teams that have an abundance of centres. Boston for instance. Patrice Bergeron would be of interest, entering his prime, he has decent size, can pot in a few points and has a great plus/minus. He'd help bring stability to the Oilers game and is capable of being moved up and down the line up.
Some interesting players from the free agents pool for 2013:
Ryan Getzlaf (Eberle loves him)
Derek Roy
Stephen Weiss
Mike Ribeiro
Something to make note of, Corey Perry is also a free agent. If these two don't sign in Anaheim you can almost guarantee they will go somewhere together. Although the right wing is quite crowded in Edmonton, this would open a lot of opportunity to make trades. And I guarantee you the Oilers will field a lot of interest from free agents come next off-season.
Thanks for the comment!
I read your comment just in time. By my estimation I have 3 more hours of life on my Macbook. My power adapter crapped out and I have 1 more week left in DR until I come home. It's going to be a very long week!
If any drastic new rules were to develop I would think it would need to start fresh for a brand new season. Give teams and players time to analyze their roster. We all know the NHLPA would never go for such a deal where players could be bought out and not have a place to call home when there are minimal games left.
The centre position is crowded right now and it's hard to believe that Belanger is signed through the 2013-14 season and Horcoff is still signed until 2014-15. That's a huge concern that needs to be addressed. Belanger is cheap enough to keep around as an insurance policy but Horcoff is not. If an amnesty clause came into effect I do think Horcoff would be bought out. It's the Oilers way, they don't seem to have it in them to strip a player of their captaincy - instead they tend to get rid of the player (ie: Jason Smith, Ethan Moreau). It's time for a new captain and it will happen for next season.
I'm not sold on Anton Lander, he isn't an upgrade over anyone at this point. Given Horcoff will be gone, one way or another, that leaves us with RNH, Gagner and Belanger. I know Gagner comes up often in trade speculations but we're only opening up another hole by trading him. I'd be more inclined to suggest Paajarvi (Hartikainen has passed him on the depth chart) and potentially the first round pick (the Oilers aren't picking first again) and/or play with the idea of shopping Reider (do we really need another small skilled forward?).
As far as who the Oilers should target in a trade, I'd look at some teams that have an abundance of centres. Boston for instance. Patrice Bergeron would be of interest, entering his prime, he has decent size, can pot in a few points and has a great plus/minus. He'd help bring stability to the Oilers game and is capable of being moved up and down the line up.
Some interesting players from the free agents pool for 2013:
Ryan Getzlaf (Eberle loves him)
Derek Roy
Stephen Weiss
Mike Ribeiro
Something to make note of, Corey Perry is also a free agent. If these two don't sign in Anaheim you can almost guarantee they will go somewhere together. Although the right wing is quite crowded in Edmonton, this would open a lot of opportunity to make trades. And I guarantee you the Oilers will field a lot of interest from free agents come next off-season.
Thanks for the comment!
"I agree that Belanger is cheap enough to hang onto as insurance and I was never quite as big on Lander as many others are. At best bottom six, solid defensively but again size the issue. If we maintain smaller top 6 then we need some size in the bottom, Lander is not it. I am fine on flipping him in a package.
Getzlaf will certainly draw interest is he is good with a 1b scenario at best, bringing along his buddy Perry would make things interesting but I have a feeling Toronto will be dumping loads of cash at them, enough to even make those two interested enough to sign there????
Bergeron is an interesting name I had not thought alot about but with talking these types of names that puts Gagner on the block as neither Getz or Bergeron are 3rd line centres at this point. As for Roy, Weiss and Riberio, I think I would rather continue marching on with Gags.
I know others are stopping by to read so what are your thoughts people???? I know times are tough but revamping the lineup is always an option..