THE COMING TWO OR THREE FOR ONE
Lowetide
July 01 2012 09:34PM
Back in the olden days, Edmonton was a different place. Sure, the streets still had potholes and the summers were hot/winters cold, but when it came to the hockey club good players came from everywhere and in endless ways.
The Edmonton Oilers borrowed from their own past this weekend, adding a very useful piece to the puzzle without using a draft pick or a trade package. The club signed a prized entry level free agent in Justin Schultz by showing him the opportunity available to him. In this way, the signing is somewhat similar to the Charlie Huddy and Randy Gregg signings of ancient history: acquiring important parts without subtracting from the collective talent on the roster.
That only gets you so far, and there are more teams now with monster dollars being thrown around for these young talents. For the Edmonton Oilers, the current blueline is a combination of draft picks, trade acquisitions and free agent signings.
- DRAFT: (3). Jeff Petry, Theo Peckham, Alex Plante.
- TRADE: (5). Ryan Whitney, Ladislav Smid, Andy Sutton, Nick Schultz, Colten Teubert
- SIGNED AS A TWO WAY FREE AGENT: (1). Corey Potter
- ENTRY LEVEL FREE AGENT: (2). Justin Schultz, Taylor Fedun
MODERN BLUE
If we made a depth chart of the current defense, it might look like this. Your list might be different, but we can discuss that in the comments section:
- Ladislav Smid
- Jeff Petry
- Ryan Whitney
- Nick Schultz
- Justin Schultz
- Andy Sutton
- Corey Potter
- Theo Peckham
- Colten Teubert
- Alex Plante
- Taylor Fedun
Now, I'm not so concerned about the actual ranking (because your list and mine don't have to match exactly, that's part of the fun) but about adding to the group in bold. In my opinion, most Oiler fans could agree that the 5 bolded players are--when healthy--either capable NHL defenders, trending that way, or highly thought of free agents.The key for Edmonton is adding a player without taking away anyone in bold. Nick Schultz was a great pickup, but he came at the cost of Tom Gilbert so it was robbing Peter to pay Paul.
I think the Oilers have a real chance to add a quality NHL top 4 defenseman this summer by using their depth in several areas.
BAG OF TRICKS
Jonathan Willis showed today that the Oilers have an excess of players under contract and rightly concluded that any addition is probably going to arrive at about the same time as subtraction. What will this deal look like?
This isn't exactly breaking news, but Edmonton is set up nicely for a 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 deal. They have quality in four different areas to my eye and should be able to satisfy another team in any number of ways without impacting the heart of their hockey club.
CATEGORIES
- Draft Picks: The 1st rder next season isn't in play, but the team does have Anaheim's 2nd round selection in the 2013 entry draft. That has value, and based on early reports the 2013 draft will be strong. A pick that could be anywhere from #31 to #45 (let's say) should be worth something.
- Young pro's who are close: We all know the list, but I'm talking about the young men who have played in the AHL, and maybe a little in the NHL too, but haven't broken through. We'd count Magnus Paajarvi, Teemu Hartikainen, Linus Omark, Alex Plante, Anton Lander. There's a wide variety of value in those names and of course the name going the other way would depend heavily on the return.
- NHL players older than 23: This team's heart begins at Nail and ends about Gagner in terms of age, and outside the group are a large number of quality players. Ales Hemsky got a lot of play today, but we could include Ryan Jones, Corey Potter and Ben Eager in this group.
- Prospects not yet at the pro level: This is the least likely area for trade, but Edmonton does have a lot of blueline depth bubbling under--we saw that during the draft when Edmonton chose forwards early and often.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
The Oilers have a lot of options and assets to satisfy specific teams. As an example, we know Chicago may be looking to unload an NHL calibre defenseman in the next few days. If they required draft picks and a lesser player at the same position, Edmonton could fill those needs.
Edmonton has also been linked in the media recently to Mark Streit (although the weekend's events may have changed it). The Islanders have to make the cap floor, so Edmonton might be able to offload an expensive item and add a prospect/pick as a sweetener and still walk away with their player. It's about options, and Steve Tambellini has them in almost every category. When he says a trade is the most likely scenario to address need, I believe him. The numbers support the premise.
Let me be the FIST to say... Wholeheartedly agree. Too bad about methot...
Jeff Schultz???
I hear what you're saying - Horcoff and Omark for Tavares.
Why? We need D.
I was thinking Horcoff, Omark, and maybe a pick for Streit.
lol. Might have to add in that Anaheim pick to make that go. :-)
I'd sign Winnick, then move Jones and Peckham (+a 3rd or so) for Sekaras from buffalo.
Short of getting another goalie, which isn't likely, that would be a pretty great off-season for Tambo.
I like all of that. ALL of it.
prtty sure we would be able to flip Tavares for a quality D
Mark Streit? meh. never been a fan, and i'm pretty sure that he wouldn't stay long term. if we're doing a 2 for 1 or 3 for 1, we can do better! my opinion.
Tavares for Bowmeister?
Imagine the confusion!
Hemmer + Omark + Potter to WNP for Enstrom
Gangner + 2nd for Bogosian
Wish list 7.0
Make a strong pitch at Doan, steal Bouwmeester out of Cowtown, sign Winnik, see what SJ wants for Clowe. Off load some contracts.
Roberts your mothers brother!
How would everyone feel about the Oilers targeting the Dallas Stars Jamie Oleksiak?
Hemsky, Jones, and Omark to Phx for Yandle.
Potter, Belanger, Eager and Peckham for Steve Ott
Realistically, I actually think the Oilers should go after Ott.
Yandle would be my next choice after Bouwmeester.
I would feel great about it! Only issue is he's another prospect in a slew of Oiler prospects, so I guess you wouldl have to give one up to get one but your not really making progress. Lateral defensive move at this time. IMO
Would Hemsky, Gagner, and a second or both second round picks next year get us subban? Or Peckham and potter! Don't really want to give up on Peckham after watching Greene in the playoffs!
Might be a bit of an overpay at this point for Subban. Hemsky or Gagner and maybe something. Although I'm not big on disruptive personalities that are still unproven, if Subban is actually that.
Certainly a lot of words around those pictures... something about moving bodies in and out or something was it?
Ott? Dare to dream Doan? Icing on the old gateau!!
I heard a couple times that the Oilers are might go after JBo down south...Horcoff for JBo straight across maybe? Or a 3 team trade maybe (I always hated dealing with the devil straight up). JBo is 6mil for only 2 more yrs, I think he could fit here.
Peckham rated lower than Potter, interesting LT, Id switch those 2 myself but like you said your list and mine may differ.
My hope for this off-season is there's enough change to get into the playoffs, without giving up to much depth (Gagner;maybe Hemsky) that all the team has left is players that arent NHL ready and we're still drafting top 5.
Yep, trade quantity for a but more quality. I agree.
@ LT
On a different note, looking at contracts, does Schultz's full $3,775,000 count towards the cap? Or is it the $925,000(?) that counts guaranteed, and the rest counts only if he makes bonuses?
Anyone? I bet JW would know.
But.. but...
If we trade Hemmer how are we gonna get Jagr??
@Wäx Män Riley
Full cap hit
Is Bobby Ryan off the table? The last I heard, he wasn't on the greatest terms with management down there. Did I miss something?
@Wäx Män Riley
No, you were right about the base salary counting then the rest only applying if he makes the bonus'.
Thats why capgeek has that little "bonus cushion" section and such. For practical purposes though I think most teams basically act as if the bonus' are paid already and that gives them a bit of breathing room come trade deadline day if necessary.
why the pie in the sky trades? this team is going to push for a playoff spot next year. Just switching duby for habby is going to help.
Nuge runs the first power play and yak/hemsky on the second. Still ranked first overall.
Healthy Hall, healthier whitney who isn't being counted on for top 4 but could be. Two legitimate scoring lines-
Nuge- Hall/eberle
Gagner- Hemsky/Yak
Horcoff- Smyth/MPS or Harti or jones
Belanger- Jones/Eager/Hordi/Harti/Petrell
Defence full of 3/4 guys
Smid/Petry
Schultz/Schultz
Whitney/inset name from list
Thats a solid line up
Where would you put a RW Doan? Is he better than Eberle or Yak?
Only thing that we are putting faith in is Duby vrs Habby. Stop with the random trades and lets see what these guys can do
I agree the lineup looks much better this year. There is no way Doan will be above Eberle or Yak, but he easily slots in above Hemsky. If you make this trade Hemmer is included in the trade.
Move Paajarvi into Hemmer's current spot on your list and make the 3rd line Smyth-Horcoff-Doan this leaves you a 4th line of Jones-Belanger-Hartikainan.
This makes teh bottom 6 bigger and grittier then with Hemsky.
@eastcoastoil
Why the pie in the sky trade’s?
The Oilers have too many contracts at this time; bodies have to be moved out. That’s why you’re hearing a lot of two or three for one trade scenarios or different signings.
It’s also a time were the Oilers are considering to unload fringe or transitional players, in order to become a competitive team or as Tambellini calls it an elite team.
At the same time other teams are going to be hard pressed to even make the bottom cap floor, or stay near the cap floor, so the trade speculations no doubt heats up.
Oilers still require size, grit, RFA’s signings and a top 2 defensemen. So naturally (myself included)the bloggers are throwing out trade possibilities.
@Walter "Wes" Sobchak
Big Gagner fan, but that would be what I am looking at, a big defensively responsible second line centre, if I was going to make a trade.
We are not going to win stanley this year but at some point we have to give MPS/Harti a shot. I would not bump them out of the lineup for Doan.
At the same time I don't think you move Hemsky now, wait for trade deadline, after half a season of healthy scoring line play if at all.
We were a last/last/second last team put some bodies on the waiver wire and sees what happens.
Who would you bring in as a legitimate top defenceman that would be better than Smid/Petry/Schultz/ a healthy whitney that you could actually acquire without moving the fab 4 or jeopardizing next years cap(2013)?
How would Columbus feel about trading Murray after the Nash deal is done? I would target them after that deal is done. Scott Howson does not need an 18 yr old dman on his team. What did they do with Ryan Johansen last season? Nothing. Even though they had an opportunity to let him play and learn they sat him most nights in the press box. I think Howson would like one proven top 6 forward,a grade a prospect MP and a draft pick. Oilers have 2 second round picks to offer next season. Offer them Anahiems.
C olumbus cannot go into this season with no hope. Thier goaltending is worse than ours. There has to be some semblance of a competitive team in Columbus. That market cannot sustain multiple seasons of 25 million + losses. There is definitely pressure on Sott Howson to trade Rick Nash and get a decent return. But picks and prospects will not pay the bills in Columbus. You can't sell the kind of rebuild that the Oilers are doing to that market in Columbus.
The Oilers need a dman. Put the screws to Howson and Murray will be ours
@The Real Scuba Steve
Nice try though......funny stuff......would that not be huge....!!
Pullin this one outta my azz..........but.how about a 5 for 1.......gagne, hemsky, omark, petrell and a player to be named l,ater for.....Mr. Chara...???.......ok you can all line up to rip me a new one on this idea......just remember they said #99 could not be traded......
@eastcoastoil
I think Doan is a big body, a leader and a proven player in the NHL; he would be more useful in a third line roll then Hemsky-Paajarvi or Harti. and can move up into a top 6 roll. IMO
Gagner is a 45-50 point player with upside to the 60 point area; you want to stick a big defensively minded hockey player with Yakupov? Seems counter productive to me.
As for Harti/MPS they are assets, and not ready for top 6 playing time as evident last year.
As for bringing in another Defenseman, you have Schultz who has never played a second in the NHL, you have an injury prone defenseman who admitted he's only at 80% Petry had a half of a good year. You don’t see the issue?
There are defensemen on the block for sure; personally I would take a run at Bouwmeester or Yandle without any of the top 4.
I also would not put a single player on a waiver wire until such time as I couldn’t move them through trade. As for the cap, Whitney and Khabibulin come off next year.
I know the depth chart is for guys who are a little further down the line, but I think given the chance Klefbom and Fedun would challenge for spots this year. Fedun would of been a first call up last year at least, and Klefbom has a sweet stride. Man can that kid skate.
I sure hope Fedun challenges this season, everything that has been written about him shows hes a gamer.
Klefbom I hope the Oilers can work out a deal with Sweden to bring him over this year, cause he could be a call up this season I believe. I remember a pre draft write ups claiming that there was not alot of gap between him and Larsson. In fact some sad he was a better skater, a quality puckmover from the backend, and all that was needed was more seasoning. I think hes the next gem in this organization and I hope we see him in training camp.
I don't see JBo or Streit being a fit now that we have J. Schultz; but Yandle or Hjalmarsson would be a good fit as long as we don't lose any of the five listed above.
On the wing, I heard a while back that Clutterbuck might be available (I wouldn't if I was Minnesota) and think that would be a good fit. Otherwise I'm not sure what else would be a good fit and might be inclined to leave it as is.
At center, unless there is someone available that is a clear upgrade (bigger & at least equivalent offensively) on Gagner I wouldn't do anything.
I would rather Klefbom get another year in Sweden - one rookie on D this year is enough. Plus Whitney's contract runs out this year; if we decide not to re-up then that would open up a spot for one of Klefbom or Marincin.
Mr. Plumber said:
Pullin this one outta my azz..........but.how about a 5 for 1.......gagne, hemsky, omark, petrell and a player to be named l,ater for.....Mr. Chara...???.......ok you can all line up to rip me a new one on this idea......just remember they said #99 could not be traded......
Pulling out of my own perviabal ars,
I think the going rate on a perenial aging Norris contender would probably be Smid, Hemsky, Prospect. If a guy like Nash or Weber commands two NHL bodies, a A prospect and a mid level 1st round pick, then Chara would be worth a bit less. But Bosto is not trading Chara anytime soon.
I think Nashville will be is sell mode on Weber this year is Suter leaves. I wonder if Smid, Gagne or Hemsky, (Klefbom, Pitlick, Musil) and a first or second round pick get it done. And if your the Oilers would you want to do it. I shudder at the cost, but the depth of prospects in the organization is there to offset a guy bolstering your backend for 12-14 years.
I would buy that !......did'nt consider the other team may want a d-man in return....well said. Weber would be a good addy here for sure...
@Walter "Wes" Sobchak
good points but i was talking about nick schultz not justin- this is going to be a confusing year. Switching Duby for habby and bringing in J. Schultz will be enough for this year. If we are making a cup run then its a different conversation but i think we still have to wait a season to be legitimate
i would stick a bigger body in at centre behind nuge, if its pie in the sky getzalf/thorton/backes/ at centre and get that size(grit)/2 way play, i should have been more specific.
as far a doan goes i wouldn't trade a 28 year old Ales Hemsky for a 36 year old that would be playing on my third line at relatively the same cost and is only a slight improvement on Ryan Smyth who you already have
IMO, the Oilers do not need Boumeester at this point with his huge contract.
With the first set type of defenceman we have (Schultz, Schultz, Smid, Petry, Whitney, then Sutton) plus Klefbom, Teubert and Fedun (maybe Plante) in the wings for the next season after .... the Oilers need opone more very good seasoned vet at a lower salary within say $2 to $3 million per.
After that..... there are the other kids of Marancin, Gernat, Musil, Davidson etc.
The Oil now need... as priority....two big power forwards with agitating and toughness qualities plus some capable scoring abitlities.
Why not say....offer Doan a contract or even make a play for Winnik?
Then, defenceman Halmaarson from Chicago could be a great potential useful player and asset as well.
We now have a very strong checking line of Horcoff, Smyth and Jones who can also each be on the 2nd powerplay unit or penalty kill.
Then if Dubnyk can play very well consistently and that Yan Danis is a great back-up being at his AHL Goalie of the year pace, Khabby should then be either bought out or traded and the Oil then can put another very decent younger guy in OKC (Nevenueau) along with Roy for next year
I want Klefbom in AHL with the chance of a call-up, not in Sweden where he can't recieve a call up. So that next year hes not starting in the AHL when he should =be trying to make the opening day roster. The kids closer then alot of us thought.
Substitute "bet" for "trade" and you get the annual July 1 Oilers fan frenzy.
http://youtu.be/N57SxyxUhTQ
@eastcoastoil
Ah! My bad for not recognizing N. Schultz. If you could get a Getzlaf then yes for sure I give Gagner + as part of the deal, but that guy would cost a pretty penny.
Doan is a UFA and would not have to trade Hemsky, although he is already an expendable asset that should be packaged and moved for a top pairing defenseman. IMO
@Walter "Wes" Sobchak
Fair points good posts, cheers
Once Ryan Suter walks, no way Nashville lets Shea Weber walk for nothing. So I would check David Poile's mindset in a week. You'd probably have to lose one of the top 4 kids as part of a package tho' to pull it off.
JNH - I have been wondering about Bobby Ryan as well. He is a big physical center and is obviously very good offensively, although playing with Perry and Getzlaf likely inflates his numbers. First question is, is he mad enough to force a deal? Maybe not, but it is not a good situation so he might be available for the right offer. If so, the deal would obviously have to begin with Gagner going the other way. I can't see offering Hemsky because his trade value has never been lower. If he has a bounceback year, and I expect he will, that could change. Trade them when their value is high. Hartikainen isn't going anywhere because they need his physicality. Depending on how both teams rate MP, he could be included. Finally we could offer Anaheim the pick of our D prospects, excluding Klefbom. So maybe Gagner, and, say Marcinen or Musil and maybe even a medium pick, or possibly a variation featuring Gagner and MP. A little pie in the sky but this is the only big, tough top six guy who might become available and we have a top six center we could move, which few teams do.
The Oilers should make a strong pitch for Doan. That would make moving Hemsky easier and Doan can play the left side.
That said, the player has had a long time living in the sunbelt and I always skeptical about players returning to northern climates after so long living down south when they have options.
Man, I hope they are pitching hard on Carle.
What about Eminger or Hannan?
Would love to see a 2 or 3 for 1 trade.
I would put Nick Schultz ahead of Whitney on the depth chart right now. Until Whitney can provie his foot problems are fixed, he's a depth defenceman at best. Too bad, I am a big Whitney fan.