Oilers Jambalaya - Edmonton Oilers, OKC Barons & Stockton Thunder

Critchlow invited to Development Camp

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Wed, 23 May 2012 03:06:00 +0000

Cameron Critchlow has been invited to join the Oilers Development Camp this summer. While Cameron is a fine player in his own right, he is a winger and a smaller player. Not exactly on the WANTED list of the Edmonton Oilers right now. This is surely all about development and it seems every year they are inviting a few new players in hopes of filling out spots in their development system or the possibility of finding a gem.

As has been mentioned to me in twitterverse, it is possible this is a move for Cameron to come into OKC's development system with the Barons. Critchlow played for the Halifax Mooseheads this past year and had a huge playoff run. I am sure alot of new information will be coming out soon on this invite but in the mean time you can check out his stats and info at www.hockeydb.com

Critchlow spent time this year mentoring the young sensation and a projected Top 2 Player in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft "Nathan MacKinnon"

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

"Welcome to NAIL Country" Part IV

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:23:00 +0000

This, the last and final part of my postings on Nail Yakupov, is focused on the value Nail brings to an organization. This guy knows how to finish a check, and how too take a hit as well. Even more importantly it's the impact he brings to the ice , each and every time takes a shift.
Summarized Scouting Report on 'Nail Yakupov'

Strengths:

A gifted goal scoring forward ... feisty, dynamic, explosive ... should be able to step into the next level very quickly and continue to progress ... very quick and elusive skater ... explosive bursts of speed ... has the ability to change direction in a flash ... maintains a low centre of gravity ... plays with a healthy amount of energy each shift ... throws his limited weight around and will not back down from physical play ... attacks the dirty areas without hesitation ... possesses a rocket of a shot with lightning quick release ... possesses a heat-seeking one-timer ... understanding of scoring principles off the rush ... possesses natural scorers instincts ... the awareness of where to be on the ice to utilize that shot ... has been good in all three zones ... a true character ... easily one of the more popular players among his teammates ... constantly working on his game ... shows passion and drive on a nightly basis

Weaknesses:

Lack of size will prevent him from playing a rugged style in the NHL every shift ... tries to do too much with the puck and he could use linemates more at times ... working on the defensive aspect of his game and his play away from the puck

"His first step and ability to control bouncing pucks, knock them down and make a play are the best of any of the guys in the draft," said central scouting's Chris Edwards told NHL.com. "He really gets up to top speed very quickly and his hands are outstanding. Like Pavel Bure, Yakupov is dangerous every shift. He may not have been dominant on every shift like Bure was, but he created something every shift . . . you have to be aware where he is on the ice all the time."

Some questions have been raised about how good Yakupov truly is. I have no doubt in my observations these past 2 years that Nail is a Elite talent far above the rest of his draft class.

A year ago there were some scouts believing Nail was a 'generational' talent. This year, we are not having anyone say the same. Why is that? Until the World U20 Junior Championship Nail was still being considered that 'generational' player. Following the injuries, it is not heard by many. Most MSM would tell you Yakupov is not a "Generational" player but I would say, there is nothing showing this guy will slow down his development as a world class player.

Maybe Nail has not yet proven anything at the NHL level, but how many more years do we have to hear that same argument? I heard that about Eric Lindros, Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The list is even greater but I think you get the point.

Is there interest for this player? Absolutely! What could be offered for Nail Yakupov at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft? Let's take a closer look at the possible trade scenario's that could be offered and a realistic look at what would be accepted;

#2. Blue Jackets

It doesn't look like Columbus has a big enough desire to trade up 1 spot in the draft when there is Murray, Rielly, Galchenyuk, Grigorenko and Reinhart still sitting there at #2. The price should Edmonton choose to do so? Ryan Johanson and that story has been revisited more times then it should have been. Columbus has nothing to offer other then Johanson or Jack Johnson and neither is going to be traded from the Blue Jackets.

TRADE POSSIBILITY? NO

#3. Canadiens

The Montreal Gazette envisions a scenario where Nail Yakupov might fall all the way to third place and be scooped up to the Canadiens.

They called it a "blue-sky scenario," but basically the logic is that, if the Edmonton Oilers draft based on their greatest need, then they'll take blueliner Ryan Murray with the first overall pick. Yakupov would then fall to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who might hesitate to take another Russian player fresh off their inability to develop Nikita Filatov. It's worth noting that the Edmonton Oilers have expressed a willingness to take Yakupov with the first overall pick, despite their abundance of young, talented offensive forwards. It's also possible that the Blue Jackets or Oilers could trade down, which would allow Yakupov to go with to a team where he's a potentially better fit. It would be very surprising if Yakupov fell all the way to third, but the possibility also can't be completely dismissed.

It makes no sense whatsoever Nail falling to 2nd let alone 3rd. No time in history has a player ranked so high with being the consensus #1 for 2 years every fallen that low. To fall that low, there would have been some signs leading up to the draft days.

That being said, is there any possibility of the Oilers wanting anything from Montreal? The Oilers would like that #3 draft position but the only roster player of great interest would be PK.Subban. I highly doubt Montreal gives up a Big talented Centermen and PK.Subban to draft Yakupov no matter how great he could become.

TRADE POSSIBILITY? NO

#4. Islanders

The Islanders are much like the Oilers in that they are trying hard to work on their defensive game. Their blueline is limited for top end talent so chances of getting any defencemen is next to nothing. The only possible scenario could be the Islanders #4 pick and Ryan Strome. That would be about the only trade possibility the Oilers would accept. Anything less and you might as well keep Yakupov at #1. For the NYI, it would represent a giant risk, but Charles Wang is a owner who likes to make a impact. Not out of the question but a low percentage chance to make happen.

TRADE POSSIBILITY? Maybe

#5. Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are a team that likes to be in the front lines and is always looking for a 'Big Name' player. Yakupov does not represent a team need for Toronto, but neither does Nash and there is lots of speculation from reliable sources they are still pressing for a trade there as well.

"We would have no hesitation whatsoever in selecting a Russian in the draft,” said Dave Poulin, Toronto Maple Leafs vice-president of hockey operations. “We are simply taking the best available player, the player we have ranked next "

A article released in Toronto wrote;...

With the New York Islanders and other teams potentially also interested in acquiring Yakupov, you can expect that the Leafs would have to sweeten the pot. The Leafs, who had more defencemen than they knew what to do with this season, could offer Cody Franson or Luke Schenn, as well as a second-round pick, a minor-league prospect (Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Carter Ashton) or both.

Not sure I agree with the article that Burke would even consider that kind of trade but anything is possible. The Oilers would not consider a 2nd round pick. A #5 pick would have to be a part of the equation no matter the trade. Would Kadri, Franson (or Schenn) the #5 pick for the Oilers #1 pick and a prospect work? I highly doubt that happens if Kadri is involved. On the other hand there is not enough on the table for the Oilers to only get a 4-6 defencemen and a #5 pick.

TRADE POSSIBILITY? Maybe

#6. DucksWhat do the Ducks have that the Oilers would covet? #6 pick in the 2012 NHL Entry draft, Bobby Ryan and Cam Fowler. With Anaheim already struggling to recover back to being a top end team, ownership wanting to cut some salary is there possibility that Ryan could be available? I highly doubt this would work but it seems to be the only part that Edmonton would have interest in. The #6 pick and Bobby Ryan for the #1 pick and a Prospect like Curtis Hamilton in the minors? I don't see the Ducks giving Ryan in any deal and don't see Yakupov as being a fit in Anaheim.TRADE POSSIBILITY? No

#7. Wild

A #7 pick from the Wild would still represent a decent player for the future but not soon enough to make a impact for a couple years. This would mean they need a player off the Wild roster who could make a impact and is possibly available. I see no player a fit with the Wild to make this a potential trade partner.

TRADE POSSIBILITY? No

#8. Hurricanes

I know some oiler fans think there is some defencemen the club would like from the Hurricanes but Ryan Murphy and that is unlikely. I would say there looks to be no possibility of a trade here.

TRADE POSSIBILITY? No

#9. Jets

The Jets are a team that has one player that Oiler fans believe could see in the Blue and Orange named Zack Bogosian. Mark Scheifele is a center that the Oilers could use as well but both players are highly unlikely to be traded. The only possibility would be Oilers #1 and Gagner for Jets #9 and Bogosian. Would the Jets do this? It is possible but highly doubt the Oilers would be interested.

TRADE POSSIBILITY? No

#10. Lightning

What are players that the Oilers would want or could possibly be interested in? Connolly, Malone would be the only players of interest and Malone is only got a few years to play so I doubt they would want to entertain that one. Maybe a Brett Connolly and #10 pick for Oilers #1 pick?

TRADE POSSIBILITY?No

I see no possibility of any deal that would make lots of sense for both the Oilers and or another team. Any team below a #10 pick the Oilers would have no interest in, the Oilers are still rebuilding. The more a person looks at this thing, the greater the possibility ,Nail gets picked #1 at the NHL Entry Draft

"Welcome to NAIL Country"

home of 'the Russian Machine' Nail Yakupov

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

"Oilers Arena"

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:22:00 +0000

I would like to introduce you to Paul Neumann. Over the last 6 months, I have spent time conversing back and forth on twitter and in person with this guy. He has a pretty good head on his shoulders and most of all he has a OPINION and is a OILERS FAN! Recently I suggested he write a posting that I could put up for you, here at oilersjambalaya to read. Leave a comment after you read if you don't mind, letting him know what you think of his post.

I hope to post my final segment of the "Welcome to NAIL Country" Part IV sometime tomorrow. In the meantime and in between time, 'Keep your stick on the ice!'

revingev

---------------------------------------
Oilers’ Arena By Paul Neumann

It’s the Off-Season for your Edmonton Oilers, and so far most of the talk about the team has been about the upcoming NHL Entry Draft which will be held in Pittsburgh. The talk has centred mainly around Nail Yakupov and, if the Blue and Orange should draft him with the 3^rdconsecutive 1^st Overall Pick or, trade down in the top 5 and try for a stud-defenceman. However, not too much attention has been garnered by the “proposed” downtown arena, least of all its name! So, if we may wander down Wayne Gretzky Drive as it were, I’d like to propose a name for the soon-to-be-hallowed halls of this complex.

Myself, I’ve been advocating for it to be named the

“Bill Hunter Memorial Centre”. Now, for those of you, who do not know the history of hockey in Edmonton; let me first explain to you who this man was, and why he deserves this great honour.

Bill Hunter was actually born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on May 5^th, 1920. He was the first of TEN children, and an avid sports fan. Bill founded his first sports team, the Saskatchewan Dukes Football Club when he was only 18 years old! (The team is now known as the Saskatchewan Hilltops Football Club, whom now competes in the Canadian Junior Football League). From there on, Hunter enrolled in Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, where he managed the school’s baseball club.

He first became involved in managing hockey when he coached and managed the Saskatoon Quakers Hockey Club form 1950-’52. In 1955, he bought, managed and, coached the Medicine Hat Tigers Hockey Club.

Now flash-forward. ‘Wild’ Bill Hunter is now at the helm of the Edmonton Oil Kings Hockey Club as the team’s Owner, General Manager and, Head Coach. The team was founded by Leo LeClerc in 1951, but sold to Hunter in the early 1960’s. Under Hunter, the Oil Kings would win the Memorial Cup in ’63 and in ’66 and, become the Founding Franchise of the Western Canada Hockey League which we all know today as the Western Hockey league.

Hunter founded the new league because he believed that the four Western Provinces, whom each had their own junior hockey leagues, could not compete with the larger, more powerful Ontario Hockey league and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Hunter's dreams for a unified western league came true in the summer of 1966, when some member clubs in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League seceded from the league, and approached Hunter in hopes of starting a new league.

These teams were the Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Estevan Bruins, Moose Jaw Canucks and the Weyburn Red Wings. The ‘league’ then added a team in Calgary-the Calgary Buffaloes. The Oil Kings made it to the Memorial Cup TEN times between 1954 and 1976, winning the Memorial Cup in 1963 and 1966, capturing President's Cup (now the Ed Chenoweth Cup) titles in 1971 and 1972. However, it would prove to be the final championship titles in the glorious history of the original Edmonton Oil Kings before relocating to Portland out of financial difficulty, to become the Portland WinterHawks in 1976, after having been sold to different ownership.

In 1972, Bill was approached by Dennis Murphy and Gary Davidson if he wanted to become the owner of a franchise in a new professional hockey league, called the World Hockey Association. Hunter leaped at the chance, as he had long wanted to bring professional hockey to Edmonton, but the National Hockey League wasn’t interested in expanding to Western Canada, least of all to Edmonton. He would go on to name the franchise the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and, the glorious history of one of the worlds’ most famous sports teams begun. The team won the Inaugural Game of the newly formed World Hockey Association over the Ottawa Nationals, 7-4, and won their first-ever game in the Northlands Coliseum 4-1 against the Cleveland Crusaders, and history would be written from there on in.

The team acquired top-notch talent, and even coaxed goaltending legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Jacques Plante out of retirement to start in goal for the squad. Plante ended his career in professional hockey as an Oiler in 1975. (Why the number he wore as an Oiler, #30 isn’t retired by the Edmonton Oilers, I’ll never be able to understand).

Hunter made one more serious attempt to bring a professional team to Western Canada, when in 1983 he offered to buy the financially struggling St. Louis Blues Hockey Club and move the team to his hometown of Saskatoon. The offer took many by surprise, even in Canada, as few thought an NHL team could remain profitable in a small city in the middle of the Canadian Prairies.

Hunter later sold the team to Nelson Skalbania in 1979 before the WHA merged with the NHL.

So as you can see, this great man did so much to advance our National Game, and just as much to make Edmonton the envy of most of the country. Just think of it, even though the Oilers haven’t been faring too well for quite a few seasons, we still show up ready to support our team. We in the City of Champions are still loyal to the Oil, and Mr. Bill Hunter himself is partly responsible for this attitude for our sports clubs. It is a part of our culture, it is in our Blue and Orange blood. So here’s to the “Bill Hunter Memorial Centre” and, Go Oilers, Go!!

"Welcome to NAIL Country" Part III

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:19:00 +0000

In yesterday's posting we talked about the enigma 'Nail Yakupov' and his fierce competitive edge he brings, not only to the ice but also to life. He may be Russian, but other then the language barrier , you would think he grew up in Canada. There has been a lot of talk about Yakupov possibly being like Hall with his all out relentless style of game. As I said last post, high risk, high reward.

I am sure many of you recall the injury Yakupov suffered in the gold medal game of the World Junior Championship. Shortly after his return he sustained a couple other setbacks. The incident in the gold medal game was a knee injury. Leading up to the 'Top Prospects' game, Nail had dressed in the previous 3, Sarnia Sting games. What some may have missed, is he did not play the 2nd or 3rd period of that third game.

Sarnia sports media reported that Yakupov, searching for expert opinion, went to Dr. Bob Giffin, an orthopedic surgeon at the Fowler Kennedy Clinic in London, Ontario, who had been overseeing his treatment (is not a employee of the Sarnia Sting). Dr. Giffin recommended Yakupov not participate in the "Top Prospects" showcase, providing the young star the famous "doctor's note".

It was said that the CHL wanted Yakupov to still go to Kelowna to be assessed by one of the doctors hired by the league. Nail didn't make the trip, and the CHL/OHL Commissioner David Branch's response was to suspend Nail for 2 OHL games which also did occur.

This was a lot to handle pressure wise (when a league is basically acting like the injury is not valid is brings into question the integrity of the individual and the team). In spite of this, Nail just shrugged it off as another obstacle he would have to overcome.

Nail no sooner got back to work on the ice and upon finding his groove once again, he ended up back on the injury list. Despite picking up a 4-0 victory over the Owen Sound Attack, he took an illegal hit to the head by Owen Sound Attack Captain Michael Halmo. Yakupov was hit directly in the head at 11:20 of the 2nd period.

Yakupov, ended up getting stitches to his mouth and suffered a concussion. He did not return to the game and remained out of the line up. Nail did come back before season's end but there was lots of speculation as to the level of his overall health.

'I thought it was blatantly dirty' said Sting Head Coach Jacques Beaulieu. 'Nail took alot of stitches to the face, it's all marked up. Halmo didn't hit anything else, but his head. We've got to take these hits out of out game and protect our kids.'

It is pretty much a given, the Oilers will be doing some heavy investigation into his medical records and be observing closely at the combine. What should be noted is that Nail Yakupov's ppg in the CHL was greater then Hall, Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. His ppg did drop off after his first injury but nothing at this point of time shows any reason to worry about his health.

TO BE CONTINUED....

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

Tom Renney Will Not Be Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Smokin' Ray) — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:17:00 +0000

The Edmonton Oilers announced that Tom Renney will not be back as the head coach for the 2012-13 season.

While its not surprising, they should have told him earlier as it has been over a month since the Oilers season ended.

Like I've said before, I'd fully expect OKC Barons head coach Todd Nelson to be on the short list when they have it ready. I'd strongly consider hiring him. He's done well so far with the club in his two years. He might even coach this team to a Calder Cup championship.

I'm interested to see how this plays out over the summer.

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

"Welcome to NAIL Country" Part II

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:22:00 +0000

Last posting we finished off talking about Nail and his name, his time with his father back in the 'homeland' and how his life lessons may have served as a motivator for the success he has had. It appears to me that during his interview with Andrey Osadchenko, he was more then willing to allow the world a look into the man, more then just the name.

Character is a IMPORTANT factor in the Oilers choice when they select #1 overall at this draft. It has been stated on several episodes of 'Oil Change' and 'Oil Change OVERDRIVE' that Character is a MUST for a #1 overall pick.

As I mentioned before, I don't see Yakupov's outgoing personality as a 'negative'. In fact, the excitement he had in beating Canada has more to do with RESPECT of the Canadian team then disrespect. Why should he be so pumped beating Canada? Because it's FREAKING Canada man! Why was Canada so pumped about winning the 72 Summit series over the Soviet Union? Because it was the FREAKING Soviet's! It's a compliment, not a insult.

Nail is a player who plays on that edge, and yes, sometimes it may be risky. The greater the risk, the greater the reward IMO. Is Taylor Hall a risky bet? Yes, he is. But with great risk can also come great reward. Nail has that same edge. He comes across as authentic. What you see is what you get. Forget the fact he is Russian and look at the fact he is a 'fierce and skilled player'.

Back in 2009/2010, Nail was one of the very few 16 year olds who played in the MHL - Russia's major junior league, says Andrey Osadchenko. Despite not being on their top 2 lines he was still invited to play for the Russian U18 (quite the feat). Electing to further develop his career he headed to Sarnia of the OHL where he had been drafted and went on in his first season to break Steven "flipping" Stamkos rookie scoring record.

This guy has a compete level that is out of this world. Everything is a competition for him. Andrey Osadchenko in his interview tells another of Nail's story about his compete level. Nail tells Andrey "We tried to play soccer once - it was real difficult. It was so frustrating, I almost lost my mind. I expected a competitive game, but they couldn't do a thing on the pitch. (means playing field for non-soccer fans) They could neither kick the ball or pass it. Nothing. They were fooling around and laughing like a bunch of kids. It was terrible. I was really upset and thought 'Screw you guys. If you don't want to play fine. Go throw your stupid melon around the dressing room. I don't care.'" Some people could take that statement and make more out of it. Me? I just think he just wears his heart on his sleeve. He is, what he says he is and does what he believes is right. He has conviction and most of all, 'personality'.

Nail also has a appreciation for celebrating successes as well. In fact he tells Andrey Osadchenko that when he found out his Russian teammate from the 2012 WJ team, Nikita Gusev, did not take his SILVER Medal out of his hockey bag he was bothered. "I didn't like it one bit" said Yakupov. "..I put my silver medal on display right away..". Some people would disagree that finishing 2nd is worth celebrating but the difference between 1st and 2nd is very little. To me, it is worth celebrating, your 2nd best in the world. Enjoy your time but come back next year gunning to be #1!

Team Russian Coach Valeri Bragin has said "Yakupov will be a great player" , but still wants him to become a teammate that others will rally around. When asked about dealing with all the pressure's on him, Nail responded "In all honesty, I don't even notice it, sure I see my name popping up on various websites and all that. I don't get super excited about it, though. I don't think too much about what other people think about me. Sometimes people say, Yakupov is this and Yakupov is that, they talk about the pressure I'm supposed to be experiencing and sometimes they don't say anything. What's important is that I have a goal. I don't pay attention to small details."

QUOTE by Nail Yakupov;
"Whatever You give to hockey, it gives back to you"

TO BE CONTINUED...

"Welcome to NAIL Country" Part I

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:27:00 +0000

Like many of you out there, I am first and foremost a fan of hockey. The last thing some people may want to read about is more on the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and Nail Yakupov. Or did I get that wrong? Judging by the hits we here at Oilersjambalaya and other sites on the blogosphere get on articles on Nail and the draft, I would say there is interest still.

Rather then try to defend the reasons I have for the Oilers taking Nail at #1 overall, (HENCE THE TITLE) I thought 'why not get a closer look into his life and experiences?' For a few blogs, I will focus more on some stories of what is becoming a very interesting player in "Nail Yakupov".

Nail Yakupov

Born: October 6th,1993

Position: RW

Height: 5'11

Weight: 190 pounds

Nail, a outspoken Russian with elite Skill and speed to burn, plays with a fire that is rare to find in a average player. Yakupov has been in the hockey limelight now for 2 years and doesn't even blink at the thought of pressure.

While several fans, scouts and even some media members bring in the 'Russian factor' as a argument to draft him at #1, Nail has no worries. Both he and his agent Larionov bring quick attention to his coming to North America early in his development and his desire to be the best, in the best league in the world.

Yakupov makes light of those who refer to his name as a sign of significance. Nail told reporters "I don't have a great story about my name, it's not like I had a great grandfather who was a hero and I was named after him. My parent's just liked the name and that's it". It's a common name in the region of Russia where he hails from but does mean 'the one who achieves success'.

Nail comes from a smaller city called Nizhnekamsk. He tell's how it is not much different then Sarnia, where he has played the last 2 years for the Sting. "Sarnia is more of a stretched town and has lots of houses" Say's Yakupov. "Nizhnekamsk is bigger, about 250,000 people live there, but more compact and has apartment buildings. I like small towns. I'm not really the going out type."

Nail's big passion is movies , particularly thrillers. He cites favourites as Law Abiding Citizen, Vantage Point, and Phone Booth to name a few. he says some people think he's a moron because he loves Phone Booth but Say's he can't help it. You have got to love the fact, he is not one to just go with the crowd but actually has opinions of his own. Some are concerned he may be too outgoing and arrogant , to be a long term solution for the Edmonton Oilers and maybe not a team player and a teachable one at that.

Nail's father Rail Yakupov (yes, you read that right), was Nail's junior coach. He was also director of a junior hockey school back home. It meant only one thing for Nail; He would have to work twice as hard as his peers. He learned his worth ethic and persistence early in life. "He was very demanding" Yakupov Say's. "I don't know where I would be without him. He liked to remind me 'If you want to play, keep your mouth shut, listen and do as your told'." A sign that tell's us, a lot about the way he grew up.

Connections in Sarnia to Oiler Players, tell of how great of a guy he is. Speaks a lot to his character. Some fans are concerned about his outspoken personality as a bad sign. I would say his work ethic, character and ability to handle enormous pressure would be more of a concern then him being 'excited' about beating Team Canada at the recent WJHC 2012.

TO BE CONTINUED......

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

The "Great Draft Debate"

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:07:00 +0000

The Oilers 'winning' the Lottery has made for a lot of conversation for Oilers fans everywhere. In fact, not only for Oiler fans but also for fans of any of the top 10 draft selections.

This year most fans believed it was a easy decision. Pick 1 of 3 players at 2nd or 3rd overall. One of Murray, Grigorenko and/or Galchenyuk and we move on with yet another season. Something went terribly wrong though...the Oilers won a lottery that had not yet been won by a team who finished 29th overall.

Now this is where the problem lies with most GM's, and MSM, bloggers and fans alike. What should the Edmonton Oilers do with that pick at #1 overall? It can be a problem as much as it's a blessing. So now, when the Oilers step up to the podium in Pittsburgh in June at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, they are pressured from a few different angles.

Like Taylor Hall before him, Nail is not the positionally player the Oilers have the greatest need to draft, but he is the consensus #1 player, ready in most likelihood to play right away in the NHL. He has heart, intensity, hates to lose and wants to win more then anything. Sound familiar. Don't forget, while some still believe Tyler Sequin was the better option due to him playing center, Tyler has been playing RW in Boston. Had the Oilers played him at Center, there is no indication he could have handles the center position like he has RW.

1) The best skilled player who looks to have the best career ahead of his draft class at a top level is Nail Yakupov but he is a RW and is only 5'11. The Oilers have top 2 RW covered in Eberle and Hemsky, is there room for a 3rd RW?

2) The top defencemen right now to select is Ryan Murray. It's not known if he will be the best of the available d-men in the future but he is the most ready and the most likely to have a good career. Concern? Other then Drew Doughty who else as a top d-man has gone that high and been the best player drafted?

3) The Oilers need a 2nd center by most people's thought process so what about a bigger centermen in Grigorenko or Galchenyuk? This could work well, however with Grigorenko's play in the playoffs dropping (possibly due to mono we now hear) and Galchenyuk missing the entire season there is worries about the certainty around these 2 players as the #1 overall selection.

WHO SHOULD BE DRAFTED #1 OVERALL AT THE 2012 NHL ENTRY DRAFT?
Regardless if Edmonton picks at #1 or someone else trades up to that spot, you have to take the consensus #1 overall, or you could set your franchise back years. Anyone other then Yakupov at #1 would be opening up that team to high scrutiny unless their selection turns out better or at least equal to Yakupov within 5 years time. Those first 2 years the comparisons could potentially harm the team who chose other then Yakupov at #1.

HOW DO WE KNOW YAKUPOV IS ACTUALLY THAT GOOD?
Because if you look at history, you will see that when 80% or more of the Scouts worldwide have a player rated that high, for that long, it's pretty much a slam dunk they will at least turn into a star player in a top 6 forward role or top 4 defence pairing.

DO WE REALLY NEED ANOTHER FORWARD WHEN WE HAVE A DESPERATE NEED FOR DEFENCE?
Yes we do. As can be seen last year, we have 3 incredible young stars but 1 line does not make a great top 6. You need to really develop and build your own top 6 and you can always fill in your bottom 6 forwards with trades, UFA's and such. While we need a top 2 defencemen, there is less of a chance Murray can fill that role let alone maybe if he was that good, we are at least 2-3 years away from seeing that. The best we could possibly get from Murray this next year is Gilbert's level of play this past season before being traded.

There was lots of talk about NYI actually should be taking Hedman over Tavares as they had a desperate need for defence. Truth is, they did have a need and still have a need on defence. Sound familiar? Now how many would take Hedman over Tavares? How many would take Larsson over RNH? I rest my case. No matter how you look at this, drafting defencemen truly is a art that needs to look at long term development and not high draft picks. I personally believe Yakupov has a lot of the same qualities that Tavares has and like so many before him, after being in the limelight for so long, everyone starts looking for faults to their game or their character. It happens every year.

The Edmonton Oilers will pick Nail Yakupov at #1, they have little choice but to do the safest thing and go with what we do know. You can not go wrong by having a stable full of studs. You could always trade one down the road if you need to. The cost for a team to get the Oilers to trade down, is steep and risky for both The Oilers and any other team. It won't happen folks unless a team like Montreal steps up or New York and that is 90% unlike;y.

Let's not forget, unlike past year's it is possible to put someone like Nail as our 3rd line RW for his development. It allows time to play with more defensive minded players yet to still earn his place on the top 6. Nail unlike our other top guns, does like to check and still could get valuable time on the PP 1st or 2nd line unit.

It's very possible you could have a combination next year of;
?/RNH/Eberle
Hall/Gagner/Hemsky
?/Horcoff/Yakupov

Depending on what happens with Ryan Smyth you could slot in Paajarvi or Hartikainen in one of those other spots. If Yakupov starts the season well , can adjust to LW (his coach occasionally played him there) and is not a defensive liability, you could possibly have the season ending with;
Yakupov/RNH/Eberle
Hall/Gagner/Hemsky

There are several options left for the Oilers including Hall at center. Bottom line? The possibilities are plentiful and so is the potential to have a genuine 'scary' scoring team?

In my next blog , I will be covering more on the Oilers possible selections and why they will be targeting specific players with their second pick.

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

REVS 2012 Prospects List (May 12/12)

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Sat, 12 May 2012 14:53:00 +0000

REVS 2012 Prospects List (May 12/12)

"FINAL LIST"

1.Nail Yakupov (was ranked #1)

Nail finishes in my final list as still the reigning champ ranked #1. Nail has done nothing to change my opinion or almost anyone's opinion any different. Only argument that can be found against Yakupov is his point totals 'post injuries' slowed down his PPG pace and some negative talk about his shorter frame or the 'Russian Factor' has concerns among fans mostly.

In no way is any player even close to Nail in this draft in regards to pure skill and intensity. He will be picked #1 overall and will be the cream of this years draft in 5 years time as well.

2.Mikhail Grigorenko (was ranked #2)

I know, I am becoming one of the few who still have Grigorenko ranked this high. Unlike some who fall for the 'lazy Russian' and 'poor work ethic' rumours, I truly believe Grigorenko is a player who fits perfectly into a number 2 centermen role. In a 1st line role there would be more pressures and chances are he would struggle with that, but the 2 spot is a great fit for the big Grigorenko.

The way he protects the puck, the speed at which he passes the puck so crisply and his love for the game and incredible hockey sense are second to none. It is true , Patrick Roy has worked on Grigorenko's defensive 2-way game this past year and Mikhail has grown plenty. Like other top players, he is still growing. Unlike Yakupov, Mikhail has just been in North America a year but he wants to excel in the best league in the world as well. With me keeping him as my #2 ranked player either I get to be the one who said 'I told you so' OR I get to be the one who everyone else Say's 'I told you so'. Either way, he is my man at #2.

3.Alex Galchenyuk (was ranked #4)

Alex put up insane numbers before heading to the OHL and put up 80+ points as a 16 year old is not bad either as a good two way center. Alex's small showing in the playoffs in his limited ice time are what moved him up in my rankings. The question mark on Alex for me was erased seeing his leg hold up and still put up points on a bad team.

It really is too bad Galchenyuk was hurt this year cause it could have been a killer year for him IMO. This guy comes back for the playoffs after missing a entire year and still while getting up to speed on ice gets a ppg in the playoffs. He may be a wildcard only because the uncertainty of his recovery. Some are concerned the time off may have stunted his growth. I don't see it, if anything because this guy is a high intensity and highly competitive player he will slot perfectly onto a team as a top 2nd line centermen in the NHL. Most likely he will still need 1 more year in the OHL to work out some things on his game, with missing a entire year off.

4.Ryan Murray (was ranked #3)

It's not that I thought Ryan fell a ranking as much as someone showed well, who should have been ranked higher (Galchenyuk). Chances are high that Murray will jump straight to the NHL this year and there is no doubt in my mind, he will be a top 4 defencemen one day.

I see him as a perfect 3rd guy on defence who can fill in the second role when injury occurs but not sustaining that level of hockey over long periods. Ryan is what I would call, that perfect calm on defence. He doesn't wow you or anger you with his play. He makes the smart play and is dependable at all times in the game. A good defencemen that deserves the ranking he has. Remember very few defencemen get ranked this high and drafted this high, so it should be a honour his name is even sitting in the top 5

5.Morgan Rielly (was ranked #5)

Rielly was able to come back in the 3rd round of the WHL playoffs and show some flashes of those high end skills of his. Fortunately I was able to catch 2 games live of his in Edmonton and 1 on the screen. He had poise, Quick skating ability and excellent puck movement with incredible control. His leg looks to have healed well and is showing great promise to be drafted in 'Top 8' at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

6.Griffin Reinhart (was ranked #8)

Reinhart has done nothing more then just be himself. A big man who is stable and strong on defence are very valuable assets to have. As the playoffs in the WHL continue for his Oil Kings team, Griffin continues to up his physical game and is starting to become much more of a factor.

Having been able to catch a half dozen games of him live and a dozen on Shaw has been a eye opener. There is not much flash there, but should there be? After all, this is his game. He's a defensive defencemen who has a hard shot from the point, can move decent for a big man and can punish the forwards if need be. Because Griffin has risen his compete level as the playoffs went deeper, I have moved Griffin up in the rankings cause I definitely see a higher end potential in him then in past conversations.

7.Mathew Dumba (was ranked #6)

Dumba is a machine out there on the ice. A riverboat gambler but if he makes the right decision, your team is putting up points on the score clock because of him. While at the WHL level he is a beast, not sure it translates well into the NHL level of hockey where everyone is bigger and stronger.

His ranking was only changed due to Reinhart picking up steam, otherwise Dumba is still a very strong option for a team who wants a defencemen who is a game changer and has speed to burn. It's very possible a team like the Islanders consider Dumba for their defence.

8.Filip Forsberg (was ranked #9)

As with Dumba, Forsberg only drops due to Reinhart moving up the draft rankings, it is no slight of Filip or his play on the ice. As I have mentioned before, unlike some draft rankings, I find it very difficult to rank Filip higher due to his lack of offensive production while playing in a Swedish league ranked below the SEL.

While he is a power forward and good defensively , I would have expected to see greater growth in his draft year. Paajarvi played in the SEL and scored more points and yet was not drafted til later himself. Filip also mostly plays the wing not center as some are quoting on various sites so that does make it more difficult for a higher draft ranking.

9. Olli Maatta (was ranked #12)

Maatta was a solid defensive player all year in London and always reliable during those crunch time moments to produce when needed. His skating is top notch and his lateral moment is incredible. His hockey sense is what I really like about this player. He is a quiet type of player but a difference maker on the ice. These playoffs are what have really shown me his true potential as the London Knights would not be where they are without Olli.

Producing over a point a game in the OHL playoffs for a defencemen is no small feat, but it's the subtle way he keeps racking up the points and shutting down the other team's best players that impress me.

10.Radek Faksa (was ranked #15)

A player who works hard, plays a good two way game at center and has great hockey sense. Faksa was not even on my radar til later in the 1st round to start the year, but kept impressing as the season went on. Being a big player who seems to keep growing with each and every game will make Radek a easy pick for almost any team in the NHL.

11.Jacob Trouba (was ranked #14)

Another defencemen who seldom gets noticed as much by the casual fan as he doesn't play in the CHL. Rest assured Trouba while now ranked by me at #11, some scouts and GM's have him ranked in the Top 7. He is that good. Very mobile defencemen who likes to play it tough but most of all positionally plays the angles well.

12.Cody Ceci (was ranked #10)

While Ceci did nothing wrong to drop him in the rankings, it was the play of others that pushed him back. Ceci almost a consistent ppg player on defence for Ottawa of the OHL, has many attributes NHL team's desire. His only knock seems to be his lack of physical play for a big man. High end potential is probably a 4 d-man with most likely a bottom pairing guy but PP specialist.

13.Derrick Pouliot (was ranked #7)

This is a huge drop for Pouliot on my draft rankings. Most of it is more about other players rising their level of play as the season wrapped up and then into the playoff battles. Derrick is a great talent (I have got to see him play about 6 times this year) but with a slighter frame and being surrounded by so many other good defencemen and forwards, I fear his stats may be somewhat misleading. He seems to make the right choices with the puck but seems to shy away from contact and does not always make the easy play, which can end up costly when it's all said and done.

14.Zemgus Girgensons (was ranked #13)

Zemgus only moved back one draft spot ranking due to so many others performing well as the playoffs progressed. He still could be a awesome catch for a team like Calgary who needs that Centermen. A great dynamic player who can make quick acceleration east/west and before you know it, is driving straight to the net.

15.Brendan Gaunce (was ranked #11)

Brendan is the only player other then Derrick who I did drop slightly in my draft rankings. I started the year without him in my Top 15, but as the season went on, I started to become a believer. As the season started closing out, it seemed to me his game intensity dropped and he looked fatigued.

While I don't fault him for that, we are talking about the BEST 15 players in the world who are 17 years old approx. It's less of a knock against him then it is a compliment to the few others who have surpassed him on my list. A big strong centermen who many teams will seriously consider, I can see him being drafted between 12-25 overall in the 1st round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

For those of you who been following my prospects ranking from October/11, you will notice some changes again. Unfortunately as I mentioned before with so many injuries in the 2012 Prospect Draft class it has been much more difficult to read each players development in comparison to each other. Some players did make a return at season's end in the playoffs which was able to give some small indicators of their recover progress. (i.e.: Galchenyuk/Rielly) This list is not a mock ranking as to where they will be selected but my personal ranking in terms of talent that is available at that ranking and where I see them in 5 years time.

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

Oilers and the 2012 NHL Entry Draft

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Each year the Oilers amateur scouting staff work hard putting together their best collection of top prospects for the Edmonton Oilers organization. With Stu leading the charge few Oiler fans are too worried about the picks they choose in the end. I am sure all fans will tell you the same, while they have their own thought process, in the end 'In Stu, we trust'.

With the release of the combine, some eligible players finished for the year and some still playing in the playoffs, I thought what better time then to touch base on some players who the Oilers may be seriously considering for their organization. Based on informed information, rumours among the MSM, personal observation and tidbits I am reading into from Lowe, Tamby and Stu, I have compiled a small list of those who I believe they would like to pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft.

I have listed the players as I see the Oilers preferring to pick from top to bottom. Of course past the first 3 rounds, it will be unlikely any are left. Next posting , I will examine more closely the players and why I believe it is possible, should they be available when the Oilers step up to the podium, they will select these specific players mentioned in my posting.

NOTE: There are some players the Oilers could take that I do not have mentioned should they fall in the draft. Example: Forsberg fall to 12th Overall? Maybe they would attempt a trade to move up. Essentially I am saying should any player #2-6 fall in the draft selection they would potentially try to make a move on them should they be available. #7 on I believe they would take in the order of availability. Bottom line with my list is that, when they go to select, should that player be gone next on their list, I believe they will move to the next one.

I plan to repost this blog after draft time and see where and who the Oilers did end up taking in the end.

OILERS POTENTIAL LIST FOR THE 2012 NHL ENTRY DRAFT:

1) Nail Yakupov

2) Alex Galchenyuk

3) Ryan Murray

4) Morgan Rielly

5) Mikhail Grigorenko

6) Griffin Reinhart

7) Jacob Trouba

8) Radek Faksa

9) Olli Maatta

10) Brendan Gaunce

11) Zemgus Girgensons

12) Tom Wilson

13) Derrick Pouliot

14) Henrik Samuelsson

15) Slater Koekkoek

Of course there will be others past these 15 but it is possible that we could see the Oilers walk away from the first 2 rounds with any combination of (Yakupov/Wilson , Yakupov/Faksa , Yakupov/Samuelsson , Yakupov/Gaunce , Yakupov/Maatta , Yakupov/Girgensons). You could substitute either Galchenyuk or Murray into Yakupov's place if someone did step up to the plate and offer a incredible trade option. You will notice, I believe the Oilers 2nd selection will either be a Power forward who can score in the top 6 or a big Centermen to play behind RNH. Maatta and Pouliot are the only 2 defencemen I see as maybe available at 31 spot, even then it is doubtful.

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012 or 2013 NHL draft watch go to www.twitter.com/revingev

Making sense of it all

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:21:00 +0000

I know we have no playoff hockey going on here in Edmonton. I know people are getting tired of the rebuild and want to see a winning team. But c'mon folks, let's take this one step at a time.

The conversations I hear happening on the sports radio stations from callers, the comments and suggestions I am seeing on blog sites are 'out of this world' insane. I mean no disrespect to any of the callers or even comments on sites but "Oiler fan needs to take more time to think through the bigger picture'. Most of what I am reading and hearing is all along the same lines and commented on by many a fan of the Edmonton Oilers, so I will generalize the statements and comment on them here at OilersJambalya.

Now before I comment on the following statements being said by Oiler Fans, I do understand the frustration. However, it is important to remember it takes TIME to develop great players and it takes WORK. Maybe some of the statements that are being made seem like a better idea right now, but if Tamby made one of the decisions that some are saying he should do, you and I know, we would then be hearing everyone beating on him for making such a dumb decision in the first place.

I am not one to compliment Tamby but the more I hear from other GM's , Coaches and former great players (not associated with Edmonton) the more I am starting to be convinced taking it 1 draft at a time, 1 year of development at a time is the best way to build toward LONG TERM success. Maybe trading players immediately and signing free agents could work for the short term but it could cost you in the long haul. I know , I as a fan, don't want to be working on another rebuild after only 3-4 years of a good run or 2.

STATEMENTS BEING HEARD AROUND THE OILERS:

* We need to trade down in this years draft and take the defencemen. Our greatest need is defence so we can trade for a good assets and a team in the top 5 for their pick.

Name the last time a team did this and it worked. The best idea of a offer would be with Toronto maybe. Yakupov for Schenn and Reinhart? I guess if you don't believe Yakupov is elite level like Hall then you might. Truth is, Yakupov is right in and around the type of player Hall is by most scouts, just plays different but could mean the same to any team he plays for. I have followed Yakupov for 2 full years now and see no reason for him to disappoint.

I know lots of people like to comment on draft eligible players based on a couple comments from others, but the only way you really know the player is to follow over a good chunk of time and listen to all reports good and bad on a player. IMO the whole Russian factor is the silliest argument people have for not drafting Nail. I know some of you won't like it, but as Kevin Lowe said "we will be taking the first pick overall unless some team blows our socks off with a trade offer." And for the Oilers to take someone else at #1 besides Nail? That would be potential suicide. Stu likes to play it safe with his first round selections.

* Yakupov is another small winger. We don't need small players anymore, we have enough and we have lots of wingers.

Another SMALL winger? Yakupov is not a tall player but he weighs as much as Hall does this year and is a solid muscle machine. He is strong even against the likes of big Dougie Hamilton in Niagra. As far as another WINGER? Well Besides Eberle and Hall, who are the Oilers top 6 wingers? Hemsky? People always complain about his ability to stay healthy or even if he still has it. Hartikainen is still a project and with Paajarvi , some are not even sure he is a top 6 winger. Tobias Rieder is looking good in the OHL this year, but nothing is a sure thing. On the farm Pitlick is starting to develop well but a top 6 winger? Nope, to me that argument doesn't hold water at all.

* We need to blow up the whole team other then RNH, Eberle and Hall (maybe a few others can stay as well, but only a few)

Blow it up? This was probably the craziest comment or idea I have heard yet. We may not be where we want to be, but blowing this thing up with the exception of the young stars would just mean MORE REBUILDING and more years to wait for a contender.

* We need to sink Khabby in the minors next year or trade him and get a legitimate top goalie.

Why waste money on Khabby in the minors? It makes no sense. If a trade is available, I am sure they will explore it, but if we don't want him right now, why would someone else? We need to stay away from the idea, that people want players we think are BAD hockey players. You would have to GIVE away something in that trade and take back something you don't want as well.

We have 2 very interesting AND developing goalies in Bunz and Roy in our minor system this year. DD has shown he is still getting better and is a capable goalie. We don't need a goalie doing anything other then giving the Oilers a chance each night. If we keep the soft goals out of our net, we have a chance every night. That is where Khabby showed his greatest weakness since his arrival.

* Hall is better off being on the wing and should not be moved to center position. He would not play as dynamic if in the middle.

No one can really say if Hall would be better in the middle or left on the wing unless they read fortunes. The only reason people say they want him on LW is because the speed he crosses over the blue line backs up defenders and they can't see him performing as well if he is more defensively cautious at center position. When he was drafted, they wanted to make sure he was still comfortable with that position, there was a reason and having RNH does not mean it can not happen now. If coaching believes he is better off eventually playing center cause of drafting Yakupov then I am fine. It is possible it could turn out to be a much better role for him. Only time will tell on this one. All I do know, if Hall was to play with Eberle, it would set up a great RNH, and Yakupov duo as well.

* Look at how well Sequin has played compared to Taylor Hall, we should have taken the center as we need that 2nd centermen.

It is true Sequin has done quite well since entering the league, but until last year in the playoffs, no one was talking about this. He really grew this past year and is showing to be a big part of the Bruins future. However let's remember, Sequin is NOT playing CENTER position, he is playing RW. This is a very big mistake some are mentioning when saying we should have taken Sequin to be our centerman. No one knows yet, if Tyler Sequin will be a great centermen or not, as with only question marks, only time will tell.

* We need to start drafting defencemen who are high skilled, we have nothing really top 4 in our system.

Start drafting top defencemen? Folks, Gernat, Marincin, Musil, Klefbom, these boys are all potential candidates for some high end talent. Sure not all will work out, but I am willing to bet that 1 of the 4 will be a top 2 defencemen in the future. 25% success rate for high end defencemen is a pretty good rate of success. To draft a defencemen #1 overall or give up the chance on a potential draft Superstar player for a maybe good defencemen is not in my vocabulary. We had this same discussion last year between RNH and Adam Larson. Who still thinks the Oilers should not have drafted RNH?

* We need goalies, DD will not cut it, he is taking too long to develop.

Too long to develop? Look at how much some goalies look to be top 10 in the league and then fall apart. Fleury anyone? Luongo? The list changes each year. Goalies are a different breed of player. To have a steady and reliable goalie who can occasionally steal a game is good for me. To me a goalie over 4 million becomes scary!

* Get rid of Belanger and Horcoff , they are just taking the places of players who can develop at the NHL level.

We must have revisited this story at least 50 times on Belanger this year alone and 200 times on Horcoff the last 3. Belanger is possible to move this off-season, Horcoff not so much. Salary Cap is not a problem YET for the Oilers so Horcoff contract does not affect a thing this year or next. Horcoff as 3rd or 4th line Centre is all ok by me. When they can unload that contract and deal, they will. Sometimes it REALLY is about timing.

* Paajarvi showed this last year he is not a top 6 forward and will only be a perimeter player. We should trade him off for whatever we can get.

While I do agree Paajarvi took a step backwards this year, he does not get the same special treatment a Gagner or others get. Maybe 8 games on the top 2 lines. 2 of those games he played real well. He has a ways to go, has some things to learn, someone had to have a bad season of the 3 and I am sure most are happy Hall and Eberle did not falter. Paajarvi will be back challenging this year.

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012 or 2013 NHL draft watch go to www.twitter.com/revingev

2012 SC Playoff Predictions Rd 2

noreply@blogger.com (Paq Twinn) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:22:00 +0000

I would recap my first round predictions, but to say they sucked will save a lot of time. At least I got the most important one right with the Kings upset over Vancouver. *snickers*

Okay, lets get down to business, hopefully with better sucess then a 3-5 first round record.

Eastern Conference

New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals
- I'm going with the Rangers in 6, though I really like the way Dale Hunter has the Capitals dialed in defensively.

Philidelphia Flyers vs New Jersey Devils
- The Flyers are scary good and scary mean. Flyers in five.

Western Conference

St. Louis Blues vs Los Angeles Kings
- This is the toughest series for me. Both teams play very similar styles. If LA can get their offense going, Im not sure they can, they will win. I reluctantly take the Kings in seven.

Nashville Predators vs Phoenix Coyotes
- Once again, both teams play very similar styles. The Preds have the ability to score more then the Coyotes though. Nashville in 6.

-WRITTEN BY PAQ TWINN-

TOBIAS the 'Silent RIEDER"

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:37:00 +0000

While all the talk in this city sits around the Draft lottery win and the possibility of a potential Superstar pick like Nail Yakupov there is also excitement in the city about another good prospect on defence playing the the WHL Oil Kings by the name of Martin Gernat. There is lots to be excited about.

But playing in Kitchner Ontario for the OHL Rangers is a player forgotten by many, who is becoming a "Silent RIEDER" on the long list of potential Edmonton Oiler prospects.

Not knowing much about Tobias, I had my first chance of seeing him play here in Edmonton during last summer's' Oilers Development Camp'. Was not impressive by any means but also was a very astute learner. He had OK speed, made fairly safe plays and executed most the drills well. Nothing stood out, in a good way or a bad way. Is that so bad? I would say no, it's not bad. Most these young players take awhile to grow into their bodies and adjust to the game. The biggest question is always, 'are they still growing and learning and improving their overall game'?

In the case of Tobias, he has, and it has been a huge year in terms of his growth. Tobias had a record year in Kitchener for points and really became a go to guy who was dependable and used at the clutch moments. He is not flashy, not a wildman on the ice by any means. What Tobias has done this year is nothing short of awesome. A good test of a player's growth is how well he performs when under pressure. These OHL playoffs, Rieder is the one creating the offence consistently. In fact he ranks on the top of the stats ladder in the CHL playoffs let alone the OHL.

STATS:

60 Regular Season Games

42 Goals 43 Assists 85 Points

13 Playoff games (and counting)

11 Goals 14 Assists 25 Points

While he has gone about his role quietly and effectively, don't be surprised to be hearing lots more about this young man in the very near future. He may not be a big man by any means, he is strong on the puck and plays the game like a pro.

LONG LIVE THE RIEDER!

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012 or 2013 NHL draft watch go to www.twitter.com/revingev

Krueger on way out?

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:07:00 +0000

Well, can't say I didn't already post this. Just a few weeks back I made a blog and posted this very possibility. I also tweeted it in late January I believe.......I had written to respond to some questions. Here was what I had written;

What do you think with happen with our GM and coaching situation with next year?

I know there is lots of speculation everywhere with many different rumours floating. Tamby will get his GM extension (2 years?) and then it is anybodies guess. If someone good becomes available maybe they make a move but I think they try and convince Renney to sign a one year, explaining they need to see greater improvement to move beyond and challenge for a playoff spot to give anything longer. I really believe they want to eventually bring in Todd Nelson but are another year or two away from that. It's a trend more now then ever to do just that and it seems to work 50% of the time. On the other hand I am hearing rumours still that Krueger may not be back next year and returning to Europe. Myself, I really believe he is a vital reason for some of the development we are seeing , more then Renney.

That being said, I am really starting to wonder if now Sutter is next in line here in Edmonton. It's been said, without being said, Sutter was not a fan of Feaster and his way of building a contender. Like him or hate him, Sutter has always done well with top end talent and young skill. Both NJ and Calgary were not great teams to work with and very seldom Sutter makes a bad tactical error in game situations. Going to be a interesting off-season huh?

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012 or 2013 NHL draft watch go to www.twitter.com/revingev

NHL Entry Draft "Here we go again"

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:52:00 +0000

The Oilers now sit in the fortunate position of selecting the #1 pick yet once again in this year's 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The question this year? Should we take a defencemen because it is our biggest need? Did we not just go through this whole conversation last year at this time? Was not the big question last year, if we should take Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Adam Larson?

The conversation became so large that, bloggers and MSM were breaking down the validity of drafting a defencemen #1 overall. People were saying RNH was at least another year away and Larson could play NHL immediately. The stats guru's were going on about how RNH was not producing enough 5on5 and how he was still too small to play in the NHL.

What I find very interesting is RNH too many was considered too small. Why? Cause at season end he was maybe 165lbs. By training camp he was sitting at 174 and some still doubted his size. He is 6'1 and coming into camp and the complaints were there about his size. So his height was fine but his weight was too light? What size should he be, was my curious question to those in doubt. 190+lbs is the argument I heard.

Enter, 2012, Nail Yakupov. The question I hear yet once again is...'he is too small'. Too small? How's that? He is 5'11 and 190lbs when the season started. He is the 190 that everyone wanted RNH to be but now because he is 5'11, he is too small? Can't have it both ways. Very few STAR players are at least 6'1 and 200+lbs. Usually those players are drafted in later rounds and molded. The hope is, players like Hartikainen will fill those molds.

Back to the original question. Draft a potential 1-3 defencemen or a potential 40+Goal scorer? % of success is with the forward and not the defencemen. Why change course this year? People say we have 2 RW's already in Eberle and Hemsky. Do we really? People now are believing in Hemsky for next year? Sorry folks, as much as I like Hemsky, I believe his style of play is exactly what the Oilers do not need. This team is being molded different then in year's past. We have 3 top players, that's all! Everything else is a maybe or hopeful. I am glad we signed Hemsky. Why? Because it gives us a asset. It's another player we can trade.

Some are saying that Yakupov could bolt to the KHL. True, but the Oilers could also finish in 30th place again next year as well. Nothing is guaranteed. But let's look at some strong facts and reasoning before we start anointing Murray as our best pick at #1.

1.Yakupov came to Canada to play in the CHL at 16 years old. He said he wanted to adapt early and play in the best jr development league in the world, so he would be the most ready to go straight to the NHL. This should be a strong sign, that the KHL is not his goal or a temptation.

2. Yakupov's agent is Igor Larionov. Igor represents what is great about Russian hockey players. He is their greatest ambassador IMO.

3. Mark Glavin, Sarnia Sting Assistant GM raves about his work ethic and dream to play in the NHL and his dynamic abilities on the ice. This is the same guy who saw Stamkos grow up on his team as well and go on to carve a awesome career to date in Tampa Bay.

4.Yakupov strives to be the best, not only does he want to be the best, he works hard on being the best. Don't read too much into his cocky attitude as speaking his thoughts and feelings into english, things can be misunderstood quite easily.

5. Should the Oilers feel Yakupov is not the right fit, they can always trade that asset.

Yes, Murray would have been a very good pick at #2, but with #1 pick locked up, to pick anyone other then Yakupov would open this team up to scrutiny beyond imagination. I can't see a team being able to give the oilers a 1st round pick and top 2 d-man for that 1st overall , cause no one wants to give up that good of a proven defencemen.

As has been mentioned by the Oilers, this is a rebuild. Adding one more potential superstar player to the forward mix can be nothing but good. They are not looking at a quick fix and I see no reason why they will buck their trend. Could a trade happen? Absolutely! But the % is low someone will step up and offer something incredible on a potential.

I think instead of lines, we should be looking at pairs to play together. In whatever combination you want but to have 2 top lines with a pair that excels and you move different guys in and out on those pairings. Both Hall and Yakupov play a hard, fast, in your face style of play. To me, they need to be split up, to best utilize the shutdown tandems that play against them. To have say Hall with Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins with Yakupov could be a deadly combo. Any way you look at it, it will be a interesting couple months leading up to the draft.

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012 or 2013 NHL draft watch go to www.twitter.com/revingev

Oilers put final 'NAIL' in the Coffin

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:59:00 +0000

With the final result, weighted now in the favour of the Edmonton Oilers, this should now put a end to the drought of a losing season in Alberta's Capital City. Adding Nail Yakupov will now give the Oilers not 3 BUT 4 Star players to play in the top 6. We know things will be slightly more confusing in regards to positions on the wings but competition like this will now really push the current players to perform at their peaks or be moved and or even put down a line.

Players like Hemsky, Gagner, Paajarvi and Hartikainen will all be pushing for those remaining 2, top 6 playing minutes. Healthy competition like this should only bring out the best in this team. The options remain many. Hall could be tested at Centre to play with Yakupov and Gagner moved to the wing or even to 3rd line centre. Maybe Yakupov has the ability to shift to LW and you could play Yakupov/Hall/Hemsky ? Maybe you change things up. What about Hall/Gagner/Eberle and a Yakupov/RNH/Hemsky line? The options are limitless. If 1 or 2 stars go down, you still have a minimum of 2 in the line up with some other good skill.

Yakupov size? Well he may be 5'11 but he is 190lbs when he entered the season in 2011/2012. This guy has strength in his legs, core and upper body like few his age. Crosby was relatively the same size coming in and Yakupov has been up against several big bodied defencemen in the OHL this year. This guy keeps his legs moving constantly and has speed to burn with incredible control and vision on the ice. He draws penalties often due to his speed and constant leg movement. Like Hall, he will have to learn to keep his head on a swivel and be careful out there against the big boys of the NHL.

Injuries? Yes, he did have a couple this year to deal with, but that can be said of several top end prospects this year including Ryan Murray, Mikhail Grigorenko, Morgan Rielly and Galchenyuk. No indication from what I know before this year, that Nail is a injury prone player.

Bad playoff in 2012 for Nail? 5 points in 6 games and it's a disappointing playoff run? He just returned from injury and was still not playing up to par if you ask his teammates and coaches and the guy was still a trooper and still played. Imagine if he was not injured and running at full throttle!

What about his high end offensive potential? Nail Yakupov rates well against the best in the last 7 years of hockey in regards to points per game. Here is a small sample how he compares to the Oilers "Big 3".

Taylor Hall 1.54 ppg

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 1.26 ppg

Jordon Eberle 1.22 ppg

Nail Yakupov 1.59 ppg

Even comparing Nail to a couple star players from the OHL he fares well.

John Tavares 1.75 ppg

Steven Stamkos 1.59 ppg

Nail holds his own quite well in ppg. His biggest work will be learning to play well without the puck. However this guy knows all about puck retrieval and NHL coaches can work further on that part. No way I see the Oilers moving this player whatsoever. They will lead everyone to believe they will consider it, but in the end the Edmonton Oilers will select Nail Yakupov #1 Overall at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in June.

Here is a video for those of you who have yet to see some of the sick moves this player can make. Is he cocky? Yup, but I say it's always nice to be able to back that up sometimes. Myself, I am getting tired of Robotic type answers that never truly express how they feel or think. As long as the player is teachable and has all-world skill and work ethic, it's worth the chance.

Things are starting to really get interesting in Edmonton. Talk about pressure to make a move this next year. Cheers Oiler fans!

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012 or 2013 NHL draft watch go to www.twitter.com/revingev

Edmonton Oilers Win Again!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Smokin' Ray) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:33:00 +0000

The Oilers have won the NHL draft lottery once again for the 3rd year in a row. This is HUGE for this team.

Will the Oilers draft Yakupov or Murray? I'm excited to find out.

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

2012 SC Playoff predictions Rd 1

noreply@blogger.com (Paq Twinn) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:26:00 +0000

With the first round of playoff action starting tomorrow night, I thought I'd throw out my fearless predictions.

Eastern Conference

Rangers vs Senators....Sens in 7
Bruins vs Capitals....Bruins in 5
Panthers vs Devils....Devils in 6
Penguins vs Flyers....Pens in 6

Western Conference

Canucks vs Kings....Kings in 6
Blues vs Sharks....Sharks in 6
Coyotes vs Blackhawks....'Hawks in 5
Predators vs Redwings....Preds in 7

So there you have it. Feel free to point and laugh at your own discretion.

Who to take at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft?

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 01:53:00 +0000

Depending on who you speak with in Edmonton or even around hockey mad cities, the answer will vary. Some say, take for need, some say take best available player. Others say if they are even at best available player you take the defencemen.

Regardless of each person's opinion, they all should be given consideration regardless. Being the Oilers will not be picking #1 overall this year, (Unless they win the draft lottery on April 10/12) the decision is far more up in the year then previous years. Let's look back at the last two years of picks in Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

In Hall's draft year, the only question was which one should the Oilers take. The speedy left winger 'Bull in the china shop" no holds barred Taylor Hall, or the smooth talking, laid back but consistent defensive minded Tyler Sequin? No one else was even in the equation. Some wanted Sequin being he was a centre and that position was dearly needing to be filled in Edmonton. In fact the Oilers even had that discussion with Hall at the Combine about him possibly playing centre in the future.

That same year, both made their respective teams out of training camp and while Hall played a prominent top 6 player role, Sequin played a lot of isolated minutes on the 3rd and even 4th line occasionally. He did however play much more on the wing then he did at centre. When people start saying in Edmonton that Sequin is better (and he may be better in the long run, that we will not know for sometime.) they say we should have picked him cause he is a centre and look at how well he has produced. But did we not just mention he has been brought along as a winger? Yes, he is now transitioning to centre but time will only tell if Sequin can be as elite centre as Hall is a winger. I for one, am glad we got Hall. He represents what I want a Oiler to act like, play like and think like.

Last year, the question was raised between mostly RNH and Adam Larson. People said Hall could play centre, don't draft a centre who is small and only produces on the PP. We need a big defencemen to be the next Lidstrom for the Edmonton Oilers. IN the end, the Oilers choose RNH. (Every team in the league would have chosen him as well) No one a month into the season or since has gone back and said that we should have taken Larson with that 1st pick. Granted Larson is a solid and good defencemen, but Centre's like RNH come very seldom and team's usually never let them go until late in their career's. I love what RNH brings to our team. I love his vision for the game, love for the game and work ethic. He truly is a great mix with what we have started with Eberle and Hall. Those three probably have some of the highest respect from at least 25 of the 30 teams in the NHL, including the GM's.

So this brings me to the question. Who do we pick this year if we pick 2nd or 3rd? I am going on a limb here and predicting based on how things are shaping up that the oilers will be selecting either the BIg Russian Mikhail Grigorenko or the solid all around defencemen Ryan Murray. Both of these players have way more upside then negative things to say about their game. I am not one to value talent and ability or even hockey sense based on some observations from a couple scouts here and there. Every player has a bad game here or there and sometimes there are bad assessments of players cause it was unknown the extent of their injury and the affect it had on their game.

In Ryan Murray, you get that all around defencemen who may be ready to step in as early as next year and start competing hard for a job while honing his game. IN fact, I believe Ryan Murray WILL play his draft year with whatever team drafts him. IMO he has no reason to keep on the WHL path a extra year. He does not really benefit lots from playing with boys. He needs to start working on his NHL game even if at a 5 or 6th defencemen role. The guy can skate, block shots, shoot, stick handle and play well positionally in competition in the CHL, but what about with big tough men? That is a question we will know soon enough.

In Mikhail Grigorenko, you have that 6'3 centre men the Oilers have coveted for years who has skill to play in the top 6. He can skate, pass, has sick puck skills and loves to play centre and wants to be challenged. Yes, he may possibly take a game off here or there. Every player does, don't rate a player by a game or two, rate them by the whole body of their work. (Where have I heard that before?...haha!)

What do the Oilers need more? If the 'Bastard' believes they are equal I think they take Murray. If he believes Grigorenko is the real thing I really believe they take the 'Big Mikhail'. Either way, the Oilers are adding one hell of a player to their roster next year or the next again. Myself, I would take Mikhail cause I believe to find another centre who is a big Centremen for that second line and a great talent with skill is harder to find then a defencemen. This team IMO needs to solidify that second line centre before adding the backend as far as the draft. With decent goaltending this team has proven it is not far off from being a contender. Add a real threat on that second line next year or next and I believe the defence will be coming around soon enough. Having a top two lines in two years of.....Hartikanen/RNH/Eberle, AND Hall/Grigorenko/Paajarvi (change them up if you want) would be a sight to behold in my eyes.

However the same could be said if our backend consisted of Petry/Smid/Whitney/Murray/Schultz/Klefbom with guys like Gerant/Marincin and Musil waiting in the wings.

Regardless of who the Oilers take, I will stand behind "The Magnificent Bastard" and the choice he wants. Why? Cause if he feels Grigorenko is the guy, I believe he knows and see's something great. If he passes him over, he knows something that some of us don't OR he see's far greater potential in a 1 or 2 defencemen. I have Faith, the Bastards decision will be the right one!

LONG LIVE THE BASTARD!

for more information on Oiler, Barons and Thunder news as well as 2012 and 2013 NHL entry prospects give me a follow on twitter @revingev
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"Year End, Oilers Talk PART III"

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:34:00 +0000

As we near the end of yet another losing season, it has become quite discouraging , yet exciting time for Edmonton Oiler fans. On the one hand, we are sick of losing games we should win, sick of hearing Maple Leaf fans tell us how much better their team is, sick of Flame fans rubbing it in, that they are still a better team then us and worst of all, we Oiler fans are sick of not seeing our team compete for a playoff spot come March.

Now on the other hand, we have Jordon "Clutch" Eberle and his magic touch becoming one of the best 15 players in the NHL. Who would have thought that? Yes, we all knew Eberle was going to be good, but this good? No one I have ever read a article on predicted the top end game of Eberle this quick into his career. What about Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? This guy is magic with the puck and almost finishes the season at a point per game as a 18 year old kid? He may not win the Calder but IMO , he is hands down the best rookie in the NHL. 20 less games and still on top of the points standings for rookies? The guy is a treat to watch, at both ends of the ice. To me, the rookie of the year is easy to figure out. If you wanted to pick one rookie in the entire NHL on your team this year only, who would it be? RNH right? To say otherwise would be lying to yourself.

Hall is a 'Bull in a China Shop'. The guy rocks and he rolls like there is no tomorrow. He is a fighter, a delight to watch and has a competitive edge that is second to none. Can you imagine Hall lining up on Sidney Crosby's wing for Team Canada? Wow, that's all I can say. Petry, while he has struggled the last couple games is really turning into the top 4 defencemen that us Oiler fans hoped he would become. Smid has become one of the league's best shutdown men and Schultz has become a nice steady random with whomever he plays with. Dubynk, while some may not agree has rounded out well this year in his growth and I see only positive arrows up for him next year. On a 29th place team, look at his win-loss record, his SP and his GAA and there is no way you can deny he is moving in the right direction. (especially when you see how bad his numbers looked before christmas).

I have continued to collect the questions I am asked in person, email and twitter regarding my opinions on items related to the Oilers organization, so will wrap up my final segment on Oiler talk in today's blog.

QUESTIONS AND OPINIONS:

If the Oilers are to select Ryan Murray at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, do you think he would be ready to play in the NHL his first year?

On most occasions, I would say that a 18 year old defencemen is not ready for the daily rigours of NHL work and should take 2-3 years of development. In Murray's case, his own Everett Silvertips coach, believes he likely won't be returning next year. He believes he is good enough to stick with the NHL club which drafts him. That does not mean he will be ready to step into a top 2 defencemen role, but possibly a protected 5-6 defence role? Like other rookies he can be sheltered and brought about slowly. Should the Oilers draft Murray, I for one think he will be able to make the club his first year. The Oilers will talk the talk, just like they did with RNH, but if Ryan Murray can make a good case for himself he likely would be staying in Oilerland.

If the Oilers were to select another defencemen other then Murray, who do you think it would be?

Griffin Reinhart is a definite IMO for the Oilers. They will try hard to find a way to land a second pick and to select him if there is a way. Chances are slim but I do believe the Oilers brass believe he is a gem. I see no way, the Oilers draft Reinhart in the top 4 however, too high of a risk for that high of draft pick.

Do you feel the Oilers will try and trade for the 1st overall pick at the 2012 NHL Draft?

I believe they will attempt to try and procure the #1 overall pick, but like all the other years, it is almost impossible for the price teams want for that pick.

Who do you think will be in line next year from OKC to play here in Edmonton?

Paajarvi and Hartikanen with Teubert and Plante getting the call ups on defence. Its a do or die year for Plante to make a step but with the defence more then likely going to be upgraded one way or another, players on defence will be in tough to get a shot at the beginning of the season. The wildcard in here is Taylor Fedun. Depending on his rehab and if he is the same player as he was in exhibition season this past season.

Where do you think Paajarvi fits best on the current Oilers team?

I might see PaajarviHartikanen/Horcoff/Paajarvi next year. But what I think and what the coaches think are two entirely different things usually.

What happens to Linus Omark this off-season in your opinion?

Linus will be flushed IMO. I like the guy and there are several other teams in the NHL to catch on with. He has no chance in the top two lines and IMO he is a top two line type skill player. My guess is he gets traded as a RFA for some low pick at the draft table.

With two young goalies in the fold , with Bunz now signed , what happens to Roy?

Roy had a outstanding year in Stockton with the Thunder despite not always having much help with the team in front of him. He has become a much steadier goaltender and is more then likely going to be headed to OKC for a shot as the backup next year. My guess is they try and sign Danis to another one year contract. In the meantime, Bunz will likely take Roy's place in the development curve with the ECHL club his first year and may occasionally get a call up for a game or two with OKC if opportunity arises. The following year, I would venture to guess they hope to have Roy take the OKC starting goaltender position with Bunz as the backup.

What do you think with happen with our GM and coaching situation with next year?

If the Oilers were to improve no more then 25th overall at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, who are the top 3 players eligible to draft that may be of interest to the Oilers?

It's a strong draft year in 2013 so they stand to draft a forward again if they do falter. The big 3 names though are the ones you will hear all next year. Nathan Mackinnon of the QMJHL, Sean Monahan of the OHL and Hunter Shinkaruk of the WHL. All three are scoring dynamos and will be pretty closely watched this next season. Other players like Curtis Lazer, Seth Jones and Max Domi are thought to be pretty high end players as well. Goalie Zachery Fucale stands to be the best goalie of the crop year so far.

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012 or 2013 NHL draft watch go to www.twitter.com/revingev

A Future Superstar?

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:34:00 +0000

There is a lot of talk every year about some new kid doing well and possibly being the NEXT One. It happens almost every year. True, most never get to see that potential turn into super stardom but it is always exciting to see how their game eventually translates at the next level.

I personally have been able to see some great players move through the ranks, some better then others and followed their Junior careers quite closely. Starting with Eric Lindros, Sidney Crosby, John Tavares. Steven Stamkos, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and this year's potential #1 draft pick Nail Yakupov. But it's next year's potential 2013 #1 draft pick that has really caught my eye these last couple years.

Enter, Nathan Mackinnon. From Cole Harbour, same hometown of Sidney Crosby and following a lot of the same paths Sidney did, Nathan is now carving out a name for himself as a player to be concerned about, if your the opposing team.

I plan on writing a longer article on Nathan following the memorial cup but for now I will leave you with some video's to watch if you have not already seen what this kid can do. The first video is his first season as a 16 year old in the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads. The next two video's are of his first 2 games of the QMJHL playoffs he just played these past few days.

Nathan is 5'11 and 180lbs and turned 16 September 1st 2012. He wrapped up his first year with 78 Points in 58 games with 31 of those points being goals. This boy can score nice goals and is a sniper.

Nathan MacKinnon Season Highlights 2011/2012

Nathan Mackinnon in 1st ever QMJHL playoff game 2012

Nathan Mackinnon in 2nd Playoff game in QMJHL 2012 (penalty shot)

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

Oilers 2012 NHL Mock Draft Rankings, March 25th/2012

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:54:00 +0000

Junior Draft eligible players are now playing in playoffs and getting their final opportunities to showcase to NHL scouts their talents before the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The Oilers have been on a winning streak as of late and could be looking at drafting anywhere between 25-29th come draft time, so people's desire to see them draft a top defencemen may very well come to place. It will be a interesting race to say the least.

Should my REVS 2012 NHL Top 15 Draft List, be used and the following NHL teams finish in today's current order, the draft would look like the following;

1.Nail Yakupov

2.Mikhail Grigorenko

3.Ryan Murray

4.Alex Galchenyuk

5.Morgan Rielly

6.Mathew Dumba

7.Derrick Pouliot

8.Griffin Reinhart

9.Filip Forsberg

10.Cody Ceci

11.Brendan Gaunce

12. Olli Maatta

13.Zemgus Girgensons

14.Jacob Trouba

15.Radek Faksa

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watchwww.twitter.com/revingev

"Year End, Oiler talk PART II"

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 17:11:00 +0000

The NHL is the greatest hockey you can watch, but unfortunately with a organization comes the politics of it as well. As frustrating as it is to watch game after game where the ref's screw up the call, it is what it is. Last night, we saw a 'hit' that took out our 'beloved' Taylor Hall and some Oiler fans were crying for payback. There were several calls in the game that were not called either way. Bottom line is, stuff like this happens every day.

Today I wanted to continue answering questions that people keep asking me on twitter, Facebook, email and personally. I labelled this Part II but there will have to be, a Part III cause the questions don't stop rolling in. Figured it was easier to offer my opinions through our blog here at oilersjambalaya.

Are you worried or bothered with the lack of fighting like we used to see in the "Battle of Alberta"

Last night's BOA was a prime example of lots of emotion going both ways, without the actual fights. That is unless you consider Sarich having to scuffle with Ryan Whitney. The game was intense, packed with emotion, something was on the line (Flame playoff hopes and Oiler pride) and while it was not a old time fight filled, bench clearing brawl, it was a exciting game. It contained hits, highlight goals of both fluke and awesomeness and some unbelievable passes. Nope, fights that occur by emotion in the game (in defence of your teammate or one's that happen in anger) are the one's to me that make the game exciting. Not a big lover of staged fighting at all, never was.

What are your thoughts on our Current defence we have here in Edmonton?

Unlike many other Oiler fans and some MSM, I for one, am not as worried about our defence as I have been about our goaltending. Defence takes much longer to develop and making radical changes to bring in top 2 players or drafting them, either takes too long or your spending your top cap $ to pay them. I would much rather follow the Pittsburg model of bringing in defencemen. I am a believer of the Oilers current form of defence development.

With Klefbom, Musil and Gernat, I think the Oilers are sitting well in the years to come. Early in the season people were screaming for better defence when Petry was making his mistakes, and now who is complaining? The guy is looking better with every game he plays. The last couple years people have been calling for a Smid trade, now this year we absolutely love him. Some Oiler fans were complaining about the Schultz trade thinking we lost in that deal. To me, Nick was exactly what we needed. As I have mentioned before, I would rather have 6 defencemen who are all top 2-4 players rather then the traditional top 1 defencemen and a couple 2-4 and a couple 5-7 defencemen.

For me, if your picking in the lottery, you take best forward most often and use 2nd pick on the defencemen, much like the Oilers have done the last 2 years.

What's your opinion on all these hits from behind?

I am mixed on this one. So often I am seeing defence men turn their back on the player to protect the puck and then the league says that the player is vulnerable and should not be hit. On the other hand, I do believe with a faster and bigger player, we need to protect the players from themselves. This one is tough for me, I still have not decided which way I fall on this one.

The more you watch RNH, who do you think he most resembles his game after?

Paval Datysuk is the one who I have said he resembles his game after the most, but as time passes I am sure seeing a lot of similarities between him and the 'Great One'.Notice the similarity of his positioning when behind the net? That was Wayne's OFFICE! In no way am I saying he will have the same career, but Nugent-Hopkins is a top 10 player in this league and I am so excited to see his game grow as he matures in his game and physically as well. The fact he commands instant respect at 18 years old is amazing in today's NHL. To think he is a year and a half younger then Hall really shows you the upside this young kid has.

Where do you see Hartikanen's upside?

Teemu is looking to just work on the smaller details of his game and his compete level game in and game out. What few realize is Hartikanen's game is a difficult one to deliver game in and game out as it is physically demanding. Not only is it hard on the opponent but also on him. If Teemu can find a way to come through in his game like he did last night against Calgary (notice how he excels against Calgary though? Sweet!) he has the potential to be a top 6 player and occasionally play some shifts or games here or there on a top line when needed IMO.

Come playoff time, with the Oilers not playing, who will you be following?

This is a easy one for me. It is the Penquins! Not only do they have great top end goal scorers but good checking lines, tough defencemen, skilled defencemen and awesome goaltending but they also have very tactical coaching for games. They will be a treat to watch as the post-season begins.

Do you see Ryan Smyth

Not this time around. I appreciate Ryan's game but his time has come and went and there are just too many other players in the 'wait' and now Canada is starting to develop future Olympic players by giving them a chance to show their commitment to Canada at the World Championships each year.

What happened to Alex Galchenyuk during Friday night's game?

Unfortunately for Galchenyuk, this season has been a nightmare of sorts. Good kid, excellent player, but I truly hope this injury is nothing serious. I have not seen any new info today on how badly his injury was last night upon falling in the face-off circle but it must be a concern for any team now to take a chance on him too early in the draft based on his injuries. Maybe another Brett Connelly? All I know, is whoever does draft him, should it be later then a 6th pick will be getting a steal at that place in the draft.

Don't you think that Tobias Rieder is too small to play for the Edmonton Oilers?

Tobias is weighing in at around 190 lbs and still is at 5'11, so while small, he is skilled and like Eberle, you need to give him more time to develop. Just a hunch but I wonder if they would like to keep him 1 year longer in the OHL before sending him to the AHL for further development. Quite possibly should a opening arise, they could look at a move to the AHL but with so many young players like Pitlick and Hamilton there, I have a feeling he gets 1 more year with the Rangers in the OHL. His goal scoring is what has surprised me the most, but this kid has been showing good arrows, let's hope it continues into the post-season as well.

In your Opinion, how do you feel about Martin Gernat and his potential with the Oilers Organization?

Upon watching Gernat at 'Development Camp' last July, I knew he had that extra something special. The only question was, what was his upside and could he show 'battle' still deeper into the season. He will have his chance to really show what he can do come playoff time. The Oil Kings are about to take a shot at the WHL Championship, so there is not a better time to show the Oilers that he has the tools to be an effective player for long stretches and when it matters most.

The fact he is almost scoring a point a game is amazing in itself, but he is looking more like a pressure player the further into the season the Oil Kings go. I think it is quite possible he could become a top 4 defencemen in the NHL but for now we will take it one season at a time. Chances are after this year, the Oilers will keep him in the WHL 1 more year before giving him a year or 2 in the AHL.

For Oiler ,Baron and Thunder news and the 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

"Year End, Oiler talk"

noreply@blogger.com (revingev) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Oiler fans are dying for a reason to get excited about more then a future superstar draft pick. Granted, no one is complaining about the great picks the Oilers have brought into the fold, in Hall, Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins. While next season we may still not see the playoffs yet here in Edmonton, it must be almost a given that 2013-2014 will see that playoff flame burning bright here in Edmonton while our 'arch nemesis' to the south will be "Burning" with envy. (at least we hope they are).

Instead of going on about a single topic I have decided to answer some questions I continually am asked to talk about in Oiler related news. While some may totally disagree with my views, feel free to comment and do so here at oilersjambalaya. That is the great thing about the internet, we all have a chance to state our views and air our grievances, but if we do so, I say we do it with respect to one another.

Where will the Oilers end up placing?

No way do I see a remote possibility (other then winning the lottery) picking first again this year. On the other hand I am 95% certain they will pick 2 or 3. Unless they pull off a winning streak of sorts, my bet is still on 29th place finish.

Who are the players the Oilers would want to select 1-5 in place of available talent at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft?

It's only my educated guess but by things I have heard in the mainstream media, some back door conversations I would say their order of preference will be....1) Nail Yakupov 2) Mikhail Grigorenko 3) Ryan Murray 4) Morgan Rielly 5) Griffin Reinhart

What do you think are the chances of signing Ryan Suter in Edmonton?

Just have this feeling that Nashville finds a way to keep him and if not, he will end up in another non-hockey hotbed ashe signs for the big bucks, rather then the hockey.. Of course we could dream, that it's Suter's dream to be a Oiler and compete for a Stanley Cup with Hall and the boys.

What are the chances the Oilers will actually be able to sign a top 2 defencemen this off season?

Slim to none. There is just not much out there. On the other hand, it is quite possible that Tamby goes out and brings in another Schultz type player. I would gladly exchange one or 2 top d-men for 4 or 5 guys like Nick.

Do you think Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will win the Calder Trophy?

It's interesting how fast time flies when your having fun. Other then watching Ryan play, looking at his stats and listening to the opinions of the commentators around the league, why not take a look back at a article I wrote here at oilersjambalya at the beginning of the year.

www.oilersjambalaya.com/2011/09/calder-trophy-candidate.html

My answer is yes, while he may have been out 20 games, the pace he is scoring at for a rookie player on a 30th place team is incredible.

Is it possible for Taylor Hall to score 30 Goals this year?

All you need to do is look how close he is already with still 12 games to go. With close to 30 in the bank, to actually think this is just him getting started is pretty exciting. To me it's a no-brainer. I think he will hit over the 30 goal mark this year.

Will Jordon Eberle be able to finish with a point per game pace come the final game of the year?

As this season comes to a close I am a believer of Eberle and his chase for a 80 point season. In fact I am guessing he could very well be a few points over at year end. Jordon has been playing good, but not great in his own standards. Imagine a even better Eberle?

How likely is it, that Nugent-Hopkins, Hall and Eberle all get invited to play for Canada at the World Championships?

Well, since Lowe is running the show, it's highly likely. But even so, what GM or coach would not want these three guys playing together. They are all dying to play some meaningful games and based on how well they have carried this Oiler team themselves, I think they are a lock, all three will get the invite. Nugent-Hopkins faces the stiffest competition but I think he still makes the team.

What % would you give the Oilers chances of landing a Goaltender from outside the organization to play with the big Club?

IMO, 5% chance of landing anyone. This is a rebuild and the Oilers brass, see no reason to chance the plans now. Dubynk once again has a pretty good win loss record on a bad team and is growing, be it, too slow for most Oiler fans. Roy has excelled at the ECHL and will likely get his shot for a couple years in the AHL and more then likely Bunz will get a year of seasoning at the ECHL level next year. The plan from how I see it, those two are to be the future here in Edmonton.

For continued information on Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch, you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/revingev

Bickering Amongst Teammates Leads To...

noreply@blogger.com (Smokin' Ray) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:06:00 +0000

It's been reported that there was some bickering on the Oilers bench the other night. Captain Shawn Horcoff fully admitted this and it should be no surprise that this happened. Losing sucks. I'd be pissed off too.

The big question should be, who was doing the bickering and over what?

So many things went wrong during that game (and previous games), it would be hard to pin point it and where it started. I personally, hope it was the young guys on the team like Hall and Eberle that were giving the tongue lashing to the vets. I see it on so many different levels that the kids are going to sub plant the vets sooner rather than later as the leadership corps. For most of the veterans, their time here is almost up.

If it was the vets (like Horcoff, Belanger, Jones, etc) that had the beef with the kids, then I have an issue with that. If anybody with a decent amount of NHL experience on the team had the drive to win like Taylor Hall does, this team could make the playoffs now. But they don't.

On a couple of occasions we seen Hall try and make a save to try and stop an empty net goal. He was never successful in stopping the puck either time, but admiration from Oilers fans and alike grew. We seen right there how bad he wants to win. He'd do anything for the W. That screams leader to me. Give the kid a letter ASAP.

Then we have mr. clutch, Jordan Eberle. He wants to score the big goals. He wants the puck on his stick. He wants to win. Two more guys like him on the team and the Oilers are Stanley Cup champs. Forget mr. clutch. I'd love it if by next season he wore the C and we could officially call him Captain Clutch. He's that good.

But back to what I started with...

I sure do hope it was the kids chirping the vets. The kids are leading this team and they deserve respect. The vets IMO have no room to speak. They've as a collective unit, have sucked.

A new era isn't just coming, it's here.

GOILERS!!!

-written by Smokin' Ray Burnt-