The Pipeline - September 3, 2009
Posted 1:11 AM ET | Comments 19
Is no news good news?
The top story on the Oilers webpage today is an article promoting the Bryan Adams concert on Friday at Telus Field. Yeah. Actually I had the idea once for the Gag Me with a Canadian Music Tour featuring Celine Dion, with Bryan Adams and Shania Twain as the warm-up acts. Talk about a hat trick no one would ever want to score.
I feel like making something up in today's blog, but the problem is, all the good stories are exhausted already. Dany Heatley to Edmonton? Yawn. Mats Sundin to sign as a UFA? Doubt it. Phil Kessel an Oiler? Not gonna happen. The Oilers are capped out; trade ideas are tapped out; time to make a big deal has run out.
I suppose it is unfair to show such disrespect for some perfectly entertaining hockey rumors. Truth is, admit it or not, the Oilers front office is fully aware that this is not a team which is a threat in this year's edition of the NHL. The plan though isn't to solve the problems overnight. The important job at hand this year is for Quinn and Renney to wake the players up, and to evaluate the talent they have so the Oilers become a contender for seasons to come.
Everyone in Oilerville wants to know if a trade or two will happen before the puck drops on the season. Maybe. You never know, right? I suspect if the Oilers do make a deal or two, it will be to move one to two forwards, and a defenseman, for draft picks. Victims of their own efficiency in signing players, the Oilers are close to the 50 player contract limit, and some players need to go for prospects. Who's in and who's out? It all depends on the willingness of a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs or New York Islanders to give up, let's say, a 4th round pick for Rob Schremp. Would anyone part with a pick for players like Marc Pouliot, JF Jacques, Rob Schremp or Steve MacIntyre? Wisdom suggests that they do not have much of a future in Edmonton, and should be moved if a return can be found.
Where the shock is going to come in training camp won't be in the form of a trade, but will be the willingness for Quinn and Renney to give serious consideration to a young talent. While everyone is talking about Jordan Eberle going to the AHL this season, I wouldn't be surprised if he earns a shot on the team. Why? For one thing, Sam Gagner two seasons ago looked pretty good in Edmonton as an 18 year old, so we know young players can contribute. The Oilers also are starving for goals from the wing, and Eberle can score. Perhaps most important to the discussion is a attribute Eberle and Gagner have in common: They both want to win. They have drive.
Think about the Oilers season last year. Was a lack of talent the problem in Edmonton, or was it a lack of drive? There are very few teams that draft the talent the Oilers do. The Oilers roster has depth and potential to find scoring from all four forward lines, yet last season, they played lazy hockey half the season. The challenge now is to put together a group that wants to win, thinks it can win, and shows up every game. These elements considered, Eberle fits. For that matter, if you believe what you read, Schremp might fit too. Everyone has been ripping him for two seasons now, and Robbie just might have the frustration needed to go out there and prove he belongs.
The Oil did a great job at the draft this year selecting Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, who definitely is driven. He has the Glenn Anderson ability to skate 100 miles an hour and crash the net while scoring. The Oilers are loaded with young talented players drafted because they want to be winners. The future will be amazing in Edmonton without needing to make many trades. Perhaps patience by fans and management this season is more important than bringing in a Heatley or a Sundin.
It wouldn't be Hockeybuzz if I didn't provide at least one random rumor, so here goes: Forget Heatley to the Rangers, as there is no way his salary could be added. San Jose opened a little cap space recently, but they lack the players needed to acquire Heatley. So an Edmonton to San Jose trade could happen to facilitate an Ottawa deal. Today's rumor: The Oilers send Dustin Penner and Laddy Smid to San Jose for Johnathan Cheechoo and a first round pick in 2010. Considering the likelihood that San Jose will have a decent season, the 1st round pick would be 22nd to 30th overall.
Once the Sharks land Penner and Smid, they will be shipped with another Sharks asset to Ottawa for, you guessed it, Dany Heatley. The Oilers get a winger in Cheechoo who has had a big goal scoring season, and a first rounder, while clearing cap space to add a rental player or two at the trade deadline if they are in a playoff position. The Sharks get an all-star to play with Thorton, and Ottawa gets rid of their biggest headache in history...or at least, since Ray Emery. Or Yashin. Or Daigle. Is something wrong with the water in Ottawa? Must be the politicians.
The top story on the Oilers webpage today is an article promoting the Bryan Adams concert on Friday at Telus Field. Yeah. Actually I had the idea once for the Gag Me with a Canadian Music Tour featuring Celine Dion, with Bryan Adams and Shania Twain as the warm-up acts. Talk about a hat trick no one would ever want to score.
I feel like making something up in today's blog, but the problem is, all the good stories are exhausted already. Dany Heatley to Edmonton? Yawn. Mats Sundin to sign as a UFA? Doubt it. Phil Kessel an Oiler? Not gonna happen. The Oilers are capped out; trade ideas are tapped out; time to make a big deal has run out.
I suppose it is unfair to show such disrespect for some perfectly entertaining hockey rumors. Truth is, admit it or not, the Oilers front office is fully aware that this is not a team which is a threat in this year's edition of the NHL. The plan though isn't to solve the problems overnight. The important job at hand this year is for Quinn and Renney to wake the players up, and to evaluate the talent they have so the Oilers become a contender for seasons to come.
Everyone in Oilerville wants to know if a trade or two will happen before the puck drops on the season. Maybe. You never know, right? I suspect if the Oilers do make a deal or two, it will be to move one to two forwards, and a defenseman, for draft picks. Victims of their own efficiency in signing players, the Oilers are close to the 50 player contract limit, and some players need to go for prospects. Who's in and who's out? It all depends on the willingness of a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs or New York Islanders to give up, let's say, a 4th round pick for Rob Schremp. Would anyone part with a pick for players like Marc Pouliot, JF Jacques, Rob Schremp or Steve MacIntyre? Wisdom suggests that they do not have much of a future in Edmonton, and should be moved if a return can be found.
Where the shock is going to come in training camp won't be in the form of a trade, but will be the willingness for Quinn and Renney to give serious consideration to a young talent. While everyone is talking about Jordan Eberle going to the AHL this season, I wouldn't be surprised if he earns a shot on the team. Why? For one thing, Sam Gagner two seasons ago looked pretty good in Edmonton as an 18 year old, so we know young players can contribute. The Oilers also are starving for goals from the wing, and Eberle can score. Perhaps most important to the discussion is a attribute Eberle and Gagner have in common: They both want to win. They have drive.
Think about the Oilers season last year. Was a lack of talent the problem in Edmonton, or was it a lack of drive? There are very few teams that draft the talent the Oilers do. The Oilers roster has depth and potential to find scoring from all four forward lines, yet last season, they played lazy hockey half the season. The challenge now is to put together a group that wants to win, thinks it can win, and shows up every game. These elements considered, Eberle fits. For that matter, if you believe what you read, Schremp might fit too. Everyone has been ripping him for two seasons now, and Robbie just might have the frustration needed to go out there and prove he belongs.
The Oil did a great job at the draft this year selecting Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, who definitely is driven. He has the Glenn Anderson ability to skate 100 miles an hour and crash the net while scoring. The Oilers are loaded with young talented players drafted because they want to be winners. The future will be amazing in Edmonton without needing to make many trades. Perhaps patience by fans and management this season is more important than bringing in a Heatley or a Sundin.
It wouldn't be Hockeybuzz if I didn't provide at least one random rumor, so here goes: Forget Heatley to the Rangers, as there is no way his salary could be added. San Jose opened a little cap space recently, but they lack the players needed to acquire Heatley. So an Edmonton to San Jose trade could happen to facilitate an Ottawa deal. Today's rumor: The Oilers send Dustin Penner and Laddy Smid to San Jose for Johnathan Cheechoo and a first round pick in 2010. Considering the likelihood that San Jose will have a decent season, the 1st round pick would be 22nd to 30th overall.
Once the Sharks land Penner and Smid, they will be shipped with another Sharks asset to Ottawa for, you guessed it, Dany Heatley. The Oilers get a winger in Cheechoo who has had a big goal scoring season, and a first rounder, while clearing cap space to add a rental player or two at the trade deadline if they are in a playoff position. The Sharks get an all-star to play with Thorton, and Ottawa gets rid of their biggest headache in history...or at least, since Ray Emery. Or Yashin. Or Daigle. Is something wrong with the water in Ottawa? Must be the politicians.
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15 Oil Pipes - Life Without Heater
17 Oilers Pipeline - July 17, 2009
18 Oilers Pipeline - July 18, 2009
18 The Pipeline - What the Ek?
20 The Pipeline - July 20, 2009
21 The Pipeline - July 21, 2009
22 The Pipeline - July 22, 2009
24 The Pipeline - July 24, 2009
27 The Pipeline - July 27, 2009
29 The Pipeline - July 29, 2009
30 The Pipeline - July 30, 2009
31 The Pipeline - July 31, 2009
17 Oilers Pipeline - July 17, 2009
18 Oilers Pipeline - July 18, 2009
18 The Pipeline - What the Ek?
20 The Pipeline - July 20, 2009
21 The Pipeline - July 21, 2009
22 The Pipeline - July 22, 2009
24 The Pipeline - July 24, 2009
27 The Pipeline - July 27, 2009
29 The Pipeline - July 29, 2009
30 The Pipeline - July 30, 2009
31 The Pipeline - July 31, 2009
01 The Pipeline - August 1, 2009
03 The Pipeline - August 3, 2009
04 The Pipeline - August 4, 2009
05 The Pipeline - August 5, 2009
06 The Pipeline - August 6, 2009
07 The Pipeline - August 7, 2009
08 The Pipeline - August 8, 2009
10 The Pipeline - August 10, 2009
11 The Pipeline - August 11, 2009
12 The Pipeline - August 12, 2009
14 Maxbone Solves the Heatley Crisis
17 Diary of a Wannabe Gary Bettman
20 The Pipeline - August 20, 2009
21 Maxbone Blackwell Does the NHL
24 The Pipeline - August 24, 2009
25 The Pipeline - August 25, 2009
26 The Pipeline - August 26, 2009
27 The Pipeline - August 27, 2009
28 The Pipeline - August 28, 2009
29 The Pipeline - August 29, 2009
30 The Pipeline - August 30, 2009
31 The Pipeline - August 31, 2009
03 The Pipeline - August 3, 2009
04 The Pipeline - August 4, 2009
05 The Pipeline - August 5, 2009
06 The Pipeline - August 6, 2009
07 The Pipeline - August 7, 2009
08 The Pipeline - August 8, 2009
10 The Pipeline - August 10, 2009
11 The Pipeline - August 11, 2009
12 The Pipeline - August 12, 2009
14 Maxbone Solves the Heatley Crisis
17 Diary of a Wannabe Gary Bettman
20 The Pipeline - August 20, 2009
21 Maxbone Blackwell Does the NHL
24 The Pipeline - August 24, 2009
25 The Pipeline - August 25, 2009
26 The Pipeline - August 26, 2009
27 The Pipeline - August 27, 2009
28 The Pipeline - August 28, 2009
29 The Pipeline - August 29, 2009
30 The Pipeline - August 30, 2009
31 The Pipeline - August 31, 2009
03 The Pipeline - September 3, 2009
08 The Pipeline - September 8, 2009
10 The Pipeline - Comrie Signs with Edmonton
11 The Pipeline - September 11, 2009
12 The Pipeline - September 12, 2009
13 The Pipeline - September 13, 2009
14 The Pipeline - Quick Hits from Training Camp
16 The Pipeline - September 16, 2009
17 The Pipeline - September 17, 2009
18 The Pipeline - September 18, 2009
18 Breaking News - Kessel to Toronto
19 The Pipeline - September 19, 2009
21 The Pipeline - September 21, 2009
21 Oilers Camp Down to 32
23 The Pipeline - September 23, 2009
24 The Pipeline - September 24, 2009
25 The Pipeline - September 25, 2009
25 13 Predictions for the Upcoming NHL Season
28 The Pipeline - September 28, 2009
08 The Pipeline - September 8, 2009
10 The Pipeline - Comrie Signs with Edmonton
11 The Pipeline - September 11, 2009
12 The Pipeline - September 12, 2009
13 The Pipeline - September 13, 2009
14 The Pipeline - Quick Hits from Training Camp
16 The Pipeline - September 16, 2009
17 The Pipeline - September 17, 2009
18 The Pipeline - September 18, 2009
18 Breaking News - Kessel to Toronto
19 The Pipeline - September 19, 2009
21 The Pipeline - September 21, 2009
21 Oilers Camp Down to 32
23 The Pipeline - September 23, 2009
24 The Pipeline - September 24, 2009
25 The Pipeline - September 25, 2009
25 13 Predictions for the Upcoming NHL Season
28 The Pipeline - September 28, 2009
The oilers would be stupid to make that deal. Made up rumor or not, Smid WILL be a big part of this team he is Staos replacement and a HUGE upgrade at that and Penner is gonna have a big bounce back year this year under are star studded coaching staff. And all for what I beleive to be a washed up player who had a one off year and a late first round pick in a terrible draft year. Just nit worth it.
Oh yeah GO OIL, and FLAMEOUTS SUCK
Message Posted
Actually I was thinking the other way around. This would be a bad trade for the Sharks - a means to an end. Smid has not panned out so far, and Penner's salary would be great to dump. The chance of Cheecho scoring 30 is better than Penner scoring 30.
I agree with your comments about drive being a key factor. I can't find Hemsky's drive through the smokescreen of his seemingly limitless talent. Others with far less talent on the Oilers strike me the same way. That's not to say the drive isn't there, just that I haven't seen it. But if it is there this season then the Oilers could be a pleasant surprise.
I think we should stop the trade talks, lets go to camp with a real coach. A coach the players respect, I am not going to say Penner is going to score 50 goals or anything but I think he might suprise alot of the Oil faithful that has been trashin on him this off season. Hemsky is our best player hands down! There where many times he skated circles around teams including our own because noone else knows how to get open or to hit a wide open net (HORR COUGH), sorry had something in my throat.
I hear Comrie is in town.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please not Comrie!!!!
I'm confused by your comment about Eberle playing in the A? There is no way the Oil would put him on a lack luster team in Springfield, over trying to give him more confidence playing with the Pats and winning another Gold for Canada in his home province. As of right now the last thing the oil need is another 5'10 forward, although he has a great scoring touch.
How's this for a rumour. The Team 1260 was reporting this morning that Comrie was hinting to the local media that something was up and they had to wait until Friday to find out. They also confirmed later that Comrie's hockey gear has been shipped to Rexall Place as of today.Are we ready for this???
Why would Comrie be such a bad thing? I know he's far from a solution to our problems, but he'd give us more than a half decent 3rd line with a cogs,comrie and eberle/pisani/brule. Remember last year when we forced one of our best young guns to play with moreau and pisani?
Blah Blah Heatly Blah Blah Jagr Blah Blah Sundin Blah Blah Vince from slap chop Blah Blah b Burke Blah BlaH Comrie Blah Bah Another no source jr high blah blah blog
max...Eberle can't go to the AHL..He either sticks in the NHL or goes back to Junior. He's only 18 or 19, and ya gotta be 20 to play in the AHL....
Eberle played for Springfield last year, the last nine game's.
Eberle played the last 9 games in the "A" last year and had 8 points. He was the most productive player over that time for the Falcons. Believe me or not, but if you had Visnosky, Souray, on the back end, and a combo of any of Eberle Schremp Gagner Hemsky or even Cogs on the front end, That PP in Edmonton would be deadly. All those people can put the biscuit in the basket.