Taylor & Tyler: Tambellini should pitch his brains out to Peter Chiarelli
Robin Brownlee
June 10 2010 09:44PM
It's not often a team with the second overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft has a reasonable chance to win now like the Boston Bruins do, and that's reason enough why Steve Tambellini should be all over Peter Chiarelli like a bad haircut.
But, thanks to Brian Burke and the Phil Kessel trade, the Bruins are a team that's already pretty good -- 91 points this season, 116 in 2008-09 and 94 in 2007-08 -- and a team that holds second pick in Los Angeles, right after the Oilers pick first (and take Tyler Seguin).
Given the make-up of the Bruins, who have a core of players entering or still in the prime of their careers, would Chiarelli be better off hanging on to his selection and taking Taylor Hall, as he has already suggested he might, or is it in his best interests to at least listen when Tambellini takes up residence in his ear?
If the conversation starts with Tambellini offering, say, Ales Hemsky and Gilbert Brule or Dustin Penner for his pick and a Seguin-Hall daily-double, is there reason to keep talking?
If I'm the GM of the Bruins, if I think my team might be a Stanley Cup contender with Hemsky and Penner, and if I'm willing to admit gainful employment is a consideration, the answer is yes.
Why wouldn't Chiarelli listen?
Here and now
Before you laugh off the possibility of Tambellini swinging a deal to land Seguin and Hall, ask yourself this: will the Bruins be a better team over the next two seasons with Hall in the line-up or with Hemsky and Penner? Yes? No? Not sure? If yes, might the Bruins be good enough before Hall turns 21 to win a Stanley Cup with Hemsky and Penner?
Before you trot out cliches about "mortgaging the future" and the like, remember, that kind of talk takes on a different tone if you're walking in Chiarelli's shoes, as opposed to spouting platitudes as a fan or writer.
Talk about the future is fine, but the future can be somewhat more immediate in a city like Beantown that hasn't sipped champagne from the Stanley Cup since 1972. Dale Tallon damn sure had a hand in building the Chicago Blackhawks, but he wasn't around to enjoy the parade.
Is it a longshot that Tambellini will be able to convince Chiarelli to part with this pick? Duh. Of course it is. Chiarelli will have a line up of eager suitors trying to separate him from a crack at Hall with attractive offers. Then, there's the optics of giving up a potential franchise player for a shot to win here and now -- with no guarantee it'll play out that way.
Of course, it's not nearly as hard a sell if the Bruins win something before Chiarelli starts losing bits and pieces of his roster, as is inevitable under a salary cap, and Hall becomes the stud people project him to be.
From the Oilers end of things, Tambellini won't get the answers to any of those questions unless he asks. He damn sure better -- and it should be Plan A before he settles on trying to squeeze something out of Chiarelli to lay-off Hall if he can't hit the home run.
What's to lose?
I've already written why I'd offer up Hemsky. I'm not sure he'll be here after his contract expires in two seasons, despite his candlelight dinner with owner Daryl Katz after the season ended. I'm not convinced Penner will re-sign in Edmonton, either.
So, I start this what-if scenario with them, but feel free to change or add names you think might make a deal possible. If that includes taking a hummer contract back, like that of Michael Ryder -- the Bruins already have over $46 million committed to salaries next season, so the cap is a consideration -- so be it. Tweak it however you like.
The point is, there shouldn't be anybody near untouchable on the Oilers roster, not after four straight years out of the playoffs. Tambellini isn't giving up the chance to win something in the next two or three years by parting with Hemsky, Penner, Brule or whoever.
But, if you add a combination of those names to Marc Savard, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Blake Wheeler, Milan Lucic, Zdeno Chara. Johnny Boychuk and Tuukka Rask, might that put the Bruins over the top?
If I'm Tambellini, I'm asking Chiarelli that question in Los Angeles, and I'm throwing offers at him in an attempt to get Seguin and Hall until the mini-bar is empty and he tells me to get the hell out of his room.
What's to lose?
Know your audience
There's some sharp fans out there, but there's a handful of dullards with slack jaws and walnut-sized brains in the mix who keep things interesting by providing laugh-out-loud material.
Every Sunday, Jim Matheson serves up one of the best reads anywhere with Hockey World in the Journal. Matheson, an Elmer Ferguson Award winner -- he's in the writer's wing of the Hockey Hall of Fame -- got people talking with his latest offering last weekend.
Among other things, Matheson asked if the Oilers might make a pitch for Chicago's Kris Versteeg with the 31st pick at the Entry Draft, if they might be interested in free agent defenceman John Scott and if San Jose might be interested in Sheldon Souray.
Matheson's what-ifs and speculation drew this response by somebody calling himself "Asher" over at HF Boards.
"The more I read these Matheson "speculations" the more he comes off sounding like Eklund. I've often thought a lot of Eklund rumours are created by him sitting down looking at rosters and saying things like, "Gee, Team A could really use a player like the one Team B has that might be available." And then he goes on to create a rumour. I know Matty was writing for Eklund's site a while back... maybe he picked up a few of Eklund's writing habits along the way."
Matty was writing for Eklund a while back? Uh, no. Never has. Never will. That's the wonderful thing about the interweb. Dolts can write stupid stuff that has no foundation in fact and people will read it because it's only a mouse click away, alongside legit offerings from journalists, fans and bloggers who aren't uttering nonsense and lies.
The right stuff
Hall certainly passed his drive-by to Edmonton today with flying colors, saying all the right things.
"I know how crazy this city is for hockey," Hall told reporters at Rexall Place. "I was having lunch at Joey’s and the chef came out and asked me to autograph his apron. People are recognizing me, already. I think it would be pretty cool to play here."
Part of the reason some people are pitching Seguin as a better fit for the Oilers is that he's a centre, while Hall has played primarily left wing while leading the Windsor Spitfires to two straight Memorial Cups.
"I’d be very comfortable playing centre," Hall said. "In Windsor we had a lot of true centres who were better there than on the wing, so I moved over.
"When we had injuries this year, I moved back, and I played half the year I was at centre. It’s still hockey, it’s about winning battles in the offensive zone."
Seguin will stop in Edmonton for a look-see next week.
Listen to Robin Brownlee Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Jason Gregor Show on TEAM 1260.
You're just an ass.
What that has to do about anything is irrelevant.
You want to personally bait someone on the internet? What type of response are you looking for?
Grow up.
bull**it.
it could easily be argued one would rather be last, as your interview would be the freshest in peoples minds.
they could have asked seguin to go first, and he may have had a prior commitment. There is no way to know. Suggesting that one or the other being first is a "big tip off" is a huge stretch.
I am sure I could find a couple. Especially when you first started this internets thing. But some days you are grumpy. Although you may consider stupidity of ideas as "taking the first shot" since it insulted you by spending time reading the comment.
About 20% of the time now you are taking the first shot. Which is better than the 50% from before.
I imagine Robin would answer your questions if they weren't completely retarded
Interesting article and it would be unreal to get both picks, and I'm all for giving up Penner to get the 2nd, and whatever else it takes.
On a different note...
Gregor, my co-worker showed me this link..
www.sobelversusgregor.ca
Clap pullups, really. Impressive. I didn't know who were in that could of shape. My mom has MS, so thanks for riding for such a great cause. Good luck.
You do know that Seguin had dinner with Tambellini a month ago, and so did Hall. It doesn't matter which one is first, because you can argue that being the 2nd of two allows you to leave the last impression.
Ok if this is turning into a discussion about Matheson then I'll get on topic. :)
Matheson has long been a great reporter with tons of interesting info from around the league. Even if he's just giving his take without any insider info his stuff has some thought behind it and knowledge of the players, team needs and managers in the league. I think his insight, while some of it might be a stretch is all possible.
If you compare him to Eklund you'll see quite a difference. Eklund is constantly spouting off anything to get hits. He's always pandering to big audiences that get him hits like made up Leafs rumours, made up Habs rumours, made up Oilers rumours, and of course Flyers rumours. Then just to sensationalize things he'll put out rumours about big names that would never possibly move like Ovechkin to Nashville after the big save the Predators rallies.
Matheson deserves respect, Eklund doesnt, end of story.
I'm hoping the ride isn't that bad. I think my ass is what worries me the most..ha
Clap pullups while doing KIP pullups are easier than straight dead hangs. Never tried those, but I'm guessing they would be hard.
Would the Oilers be better served holding onto their current more secondary prospects, Nash, Omark, or trying to move them now in an attempt to strengthen their D and 4th line?
The reason I ask is, I think the competion within the organization is steep for the prospects we have now and with limited room for top 9 minutes, is it worth packaging these prospects with someone like Moreau to a chicago or boston?
Or do you let these players bolster the AHL club and hopefully they increase their value in the "A".
@Asher
Matheson appeared in a video clip on Eklund's site once three years ago with Tim Pannacio in Philadelphia -- it was an analysis clip about the playoffs, not a trade rumour item. It's something all travelling beat writers get asked to do by various outlets several times a season.
That's a far cry from having any kind of "working relationship" with a site. I've done radio and TV in virtually every NHL city at one time or another. That doesn't mean I work with or for ESPN, Fox Sports etc etc. Matheson has never written for the site you mentioned.
As for you saying it seems Matty's often only offering his opinion, that's what he's paid to do. He'll also put suggestions out there that he thinks make sense (often based on what he knows the team is already doing). "This guy or that guy would fit here" or "the Oilers should do this or that." He speculates about what he thinks should or will happen. That doesn't mean he's guessing. He doesn't write "The Oilers are looking at Player B" when he knows they aren't looking at that player.
@Eric Johnson
Do you change your name for every post ? How many names you go by ? Really I need to know
@Eric Johnson
What does Nash/Omark really get you on the open market? If it's just to be a throw in to dump salary I don't think it's worth it.
Our AHL team needs to be better, we've seemed to have issues developing talent or getting lucky with a prospect from the minors. I just don't think that changes until there is an environment that will make it easier on our prospects to develop.
Is speculating the same as guessing ? Kinda... Matheson knows what the team is doing ? Knows what other teams are doing ? example http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/edmonton-oilers/Matheson+Would+Spezza+good+Oilers/3109060/story.html
Laughing at the ignorance......
Souray holds zero value, maybe a bag of pucks as Tambo stayed on the toilet too long, when he was told by Souray to move it over a year ago. Take money back is the solution for this media relations debacle of crapping on your talent / asset. Then again, the trade player might even fail to report, more egg for the Summer of Steve.
UFA - Tambellini in his annual temper tantrum, two years running now (annual event) basically told the UFA's to go to hell, and he was looking for the true player that wanted to play, from within - not on the overdraft pay me more than I am worth to come to Siberia.
Oilers draft party seems to be an optimistic approach, given the fact there is 4 weeks of summer at YEG, I would not consider donating a Friday to sit in the concrete coliseum, Wanye probably would'nt go either, as it is tough to smuggle big bear bottles into the REX.
Temperatures today in Scottsdale is 89F, and Vegas 85 for ballers like BILLMAD..... just saying.
Great cause, Jason. good luck.
Here's the problem as I see it.
We are in a new era of reporting, no not internet era, it's the twitter era. Adding to the internet is that there are thousand of people that are one click away from posting a message that tens of thousands will see instantly.
A guy like Matheson who use to get some pretty good dirt, doesn't get it as much anymore. But this doesn't stop people from posting on their twitter account that Matheson says "Perry Pearn to stay in Montreal". Now people look at this and think geez Matheson is saying this is happening so it has to be at least close to the truth. In reality Matheson could've just wrote an article saying he thinks that Pearn should stay in Montreal.
If people that have/had credibility don't want to be taken the wrong way then it's up to them to make it clear what they are talking about. No more beating around the bushes, otherwise things are going to get mixed up and people will be called out. Credible people such as Brownlee may hate this, but too bad it is the evolution of the job/industry.
Gagner, Smid, Eberle, and both young goalies are confirmed guests at the RX1 Draft party...
So what happens if one of them is traded? Doesn't it make sense that at the very least one of the goalies may be delt?
Could be very awkward.
Perfect example. Is this just opinion or is there something that Matheson heard to make him think of this.
The other problem that lies within is it is becoming hard to wonder if something is a opinion article or something with legs. When you write a pretty even split of opinion and rumor type articles this is bound to happen to you.
@Chris Team Fire Chairman Lowe!
I mentioned that when I heard that. I guess JDD takes off his Oiler hat walks to the store and buys a new hat.
@Chris Team Fire Chairman Lowe!
I was thinking the same thing when I read that.
klowe and the crew traded smyth the day of the messier retirement ceremony didnt they?
now that was awkward.
telling an unproven goalie they cant show up to the draft party because they were just dealt for a (insert bag of pucks comment) wouldnt be so bad
@cableguy - 2nd Tier Fan
I think the Oilers planning Mark Messier retirement night on trade deadline day is something that maybe they should've realized could backfire.
oh, i agree 110%. problem is, after the way things shock down, thinking about public perception is probably about step 26 on the 25 step program of making a trade for the oilers
@cableguy - 2nd Tier Fan
I was thinking more along the lines of how cruel it would be to have one of those young guys, standing on a podium, in front of thousands of fans, watch himself get traded on the Jumbotron...
Classy.
You have to think that the Tambellini will be trying to make some moves at the draft... and we all know that one of the young goalies will be traded before the start of the season.
Wah Wah... Brownlee didn't answer my question so he obviously associates with Hitler, and pulls his writings from the early drafts of Mein Kampf.
Jesus people, you're all very very sad.
@cableguy - 2nd Tier Fan
I understand the thought of having players there to attract people, but a dunk tank with Lowe inside of it would probably avoid all issues and would attract more people.
Agreed.
We like you, Robin, but perhaps it would help everyone if you just let a few 'shots' slide. I've offended you before without even directing a comment at you.
I don't mind Matheson... sometimes his ideas can be a little out to lunch, but what he has to say is generally a pretty good read.
As far as the lashing out / caustic stuff, to be honest, I find in a lot of cases the people that are responded to here are more frequently the s--- disturbers. People that have genuine good opinions generally disappear in the background. You guys are free to respond to whomever you like and however you like, but for me it just makes the site look like a bit of a playground at times. Don't feed into the trolls.
@Ender
does it really bother you
What you don't know is that Robin is slated to replace Walter Matthau in Grumpiest Old Men 3.
He's just in character... all the time.
Here's Eklund's "source"
http://hockeybuzzhogwash.com/rumourgen.htm
for this June celebration thing at commonwealth, they should have pronger in one tank, and KLowe in another.
$10 a ball, every penny goes to charity.
they would raise an absolute ton on money
@cableguy - 2nd Tier Fan
Heatley is probably going to be there too, granted I don't hate him but there is a lot of hate for him.
While we're in a scrappin mood.....
What if the Oilers took Brian Campbell off of Chicagos hands for Shawn Horcoff (2 million cap hit benefit to the Hawks). I think Chicago has the balls and would bury Horcoff in the minors for a few years if the Oilers won't do it.
@Ender
Mellow isnt exactly Robins schtick. I mean come on he has a weekly radio spot about things that irritate him.
If you cant take him telling you to F off every once in a while then maybe post on a nice safe newspaper site where they moderate out anything nasty.
@Quicksilver ballet
Chicago might end up icing a better AHL team then we had NHL team this year.
Maybe we can rule out a couple moves now. Both goalies? One scheduled for just the first hour maybe...lol. Maybe they will fight in the bar to see who stays. Mahaha
Geez some of you guys whine like little school girls. You have open access to one of the most tuned-in guys in Oilers land and the best you can come up with is high-school (read: HF Boards) baiting and trolling?
Robin has hacked on me a couple of times and you know what? I deserved it. I can't even imagine how much Oilers insiders laugh their asses off at some of the retarded things people beak off here with.
I swear to god this place gets to be like a high school chat room when somebody says something you don't agree with, or dares to call you on your blatant stupidity.
If you don't agree with something the writers say, that's fine. But being a dick about it isn't cool. And if Robin or Gregor take a slash at you, I bet 9 times out of ten you deserve it.
Let's not be like the this guy, K?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGYhKqEq048&feature=related
@Ender
. Lets talk about Hockey and article
How about making a deal that involves Columbus 4th overall and moving it to Boston for their 2nd overall. (check my #78 post for some details)
What sort of deal could be made, and what players would be involved? Maybe picks would be involved too.
LETS TALK HOCKEY!
Well said, I've been waiting for Brownlee to respond to my #78post that... GET THIS... relates to the article.
I actually posted it twice just to get his attention before this whole thing blew up.
This topic is retarded on some many levels.
When has this happened before? That a first overall was traded for a second overall.
This is fcuking stupid, just as stupid as the people beating the dead horse that had no chance at life anyway.
I repeat, Hemsky and Penner arent going anywhere. Why do you keep planting seeds of doubt in the value of our two best wings with these stupid scenarios and articles is beyond me.
Robin, if your if was a spliff we'd be all fcuked up.
Two more weeks of damn arguemtns and comments and then, just like that one masonic rapper says "on to the next one".
@Jackie Treehorn
@ Racki:
That's why I almost never respond to your posts....... FACE!
Why are people so quick to say a player has 0 value?
Ales Kotalik and Jason Blake were moved this year, and for pretty decent return. Do you people not pay attention?!
Sourey has the most PP goals in one season by a d men ever. He's got size and he is gritty. That's worth something to someone. I know about his injuries and his contract...but seriously... Jason Blake!!!
Everyone forgets the human factor. How many people here have overpaid for something? Purchased a bad product even though there was plenty of information out there? Got swindled by a contractor?
When it comes down to it, trading hockey players is no different than the examples above. GM's are humans and they make bad choices. Look at Milbury!!!!
I'm not suggest we are going to get Webber for him, but don't say he isn't tradable.
Ha. Don't tell him you like him then, don't you remember how he went off when I said something like that?
Personally though, I love it when Brownlee gets mad at everyone. It's one of the most entertaining things on this site.
That "someway somehow" you mention might best be pulled off with the 4th pick from Columbus, given the familiarity with Howson. Still, it'll take some work.
There'll be lots of talk in Los Angeles -- less action -- about variations on the scenarios you've offered. Before you can say any deal is possible, you've got to take off your Oilers fan hat and ask yourself this: does it make sense for the other team?
As for your comment about me not answering this question sooner, please resist the urge to whine. I'm not paid to work a 9-5 shift at Oilersnation. Who I respond to or if I respond at all is at my discretion. If you add up the word count on my responses to readers on any given item I file, they exceed the number of words in that item. ON gets that part for free.
FROM LOWETIDE today.
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3169215704443931360&postID=8599887430255264586
Pretty good thoughts and ideas from Lee:
Anonymous said:
Best outcome I can think of is Tambellini and Lowe walking up to the podium for the first pick.
And announcing a trade with Boston for the #2 spot.
And then drafting BOTH of them.
LEE: Couldn't agree more and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be viewed as a highly likely possibility.
Whether it takes sending them Penner or Hemsky, with Souray or Cogliano as a throw-in if we had to, this deal can be done if Boston sees their window of opportunity as now. Hemsky is a very Cap Friendly pickup for them. We're also one of the few teams too that would consider taking Thomas off their hands if we can dump Souray in turn.
So, Penner, Souray & Cogliano for Boston's 2nd overall and Tim Thomas?
Like the line combos that creates in a couple years time: MPS / Gagner / Hemsky Hall / Seguin / Eberle
Yeah, I don't think anybody can complain about the level of interaction you and the other writers provide for readers.
That's another one of my favorite things about this site.
No, what's retarded on so many levels is that you think I've written about trading a first pick for a second pick and run your mouth on that basis. I'm talking about trading assets (Penner, Hemsky etc) for the second pick, giving the Oilers No. 1 and No. 2.
"Beating the dead horse that had no chance at life anyway?" That's deep. If the horse is dead then, no, it has no chance at life.
Stupid scenarios? I'm guessing you haven't spent much time talking to NHL GMs or covering the Entry Draft. Good guess? A lot of unlikely possibilities are discussed, even though it's rare they come off because a lot of pieces have to fall into place. It does happen, though, like when Burke managed to get both Sedins etc.
I have only been Fiveandagame( except for one day where I was like a thousand different variation of ogdens and dakins) and today I switched to my real name in an effort to be willing to stand by any comments with my personal name and not some false internet identity.
@Robin Brownlee
First off I posted twice to get your attention so you would talk about your article and not sling mud with the obvious baiters. When you respond is up to you; I know you are busy.
BROWNLEE SAID: As for your comment about me not answering this question sooner, please resist the urge to whine. I'm not paid to work a 9-5 shift at Oilersnation. Who I respond to or if I respond at all is at my discretion. If you add up the word count on my responses to readers on any given item I file, they exceed the number of words in that item. ON gets that part for free.
Please resist to include me with the riff raff you've gone out of your way to respond to today....to people who've obviously baited you into it. The person was making stupid childish comments and posting it multiple times as a different name I can only imagine. One idiot taking over the whole damn website and you gotta respond to him.....and to top it all off you call ME a whiner...thx alot
You went out of your way to respond to the jerks when I and others were responding to your article and talking about the topic at hand.
RACKI SAID: As far as the lashing out / caustic stuff, to be honest, I find in a lot of cases the people that are responded to here are more frequently the s--- disturbers. People that have genuine good opinions generally disappear in the background. You guys are free to respond to whomever you like and however you like, but for me it just makes the site look like a bit of a playground at times. Don't feed into the trolls.
He is not that far off base Brownlee. Know who your decent, courteous posters are.
That all being said...thanks for responding (and scolding me at the same time, lol) as I always value your thoughts and ideas.