put a package together to peel Ryan Johansen out of CBJ

I'm okay with our team and our size, so my trade idea is timid...how about Hemsky for Nino Niederreiter? you gain 2 inches and about 2lb in size, get a bit younger, a bit cheaper, and NYI gets salary and a talent.

Apparently El Niño wants out of NYI? no idea but maybe it makes the trade easier.

I also agree with getting Boyle. Not sure what it would take to get him, or what NYR need.

There's only two ways of addressing needs. FA's and trades. Staying the course isn't going to improve us. Eventually a tough decision needs to be made. We aren't going to be ripping anyone off with our filler. Something new and shiny is going to have to get offered to get something that's reliable.

There's only two ways of addressing needs. FA's and trades. Staying the course isn't going to improve us. Eventually a tough decision needs to be made. We aren't going to be ripping anyone off with our filler. Something new and shiny is going to have to get offered to get something that's reliable.

I think the only players that might attract some attention on the trade market are Whitney and Hemsky and our most likely trade partner based on needs is likely the Sens. Chris Phillips would be a beater for the Oilers and they have quite a few big guys in their bottom six although I'm uncertain of the actual grit they possess.

I hate giving up on an elite talent so early in his career, but if Sather would do this it would answer 2 needs at once. I would do this deal.

I'm all in favor of that as well Rama. Sell Hemmer while he is at the top of his game. The team as it sits now, isn't a playoff team even with him. Stay the course and continue their success through failing gameplan that Tambellini has executed to perfection the last four yrs. With the subtraction of Hemsky, one or two injuries and this is definatley a lottery team. Parlay the return for Hemsky into possibly another top 10 pick.Outside of the fab 5, pretty much everyone is available.

We'd be rid of that snakeoil salesman Steve Tambellini, he can head on down the No.2 a couple hrs and start another epic rebuild with the Lames.

Bend over Flamer fanbase, get ready for that 5yr smoke and mirror campaign, you know its coming....

What about Gagner and Hemsky to Montreal for Galchenyuk and Moen?

Is that close?

first trick in trying to make a trade is figuring out what you're trying to upgrade. Second trick is figuring out if you're better off getting it from within.

The biggest "weakness" you often hear about the Oilers is in the face-off dot. Our two best options for the top six are both below (maybe way below) average on the dot thus far in their young careers. Assuming no one wants to trade RNH, than the obvious role to upgrade is Gagner's second line spot. There's no point in keeping Sam for the third line. After all, you're gonna have to give up something to get something. Let's also assume you want to get back some size.

Who do you trade for? Well, I did a little research. I want someone who's not getting killed on face-offs (since it was Gagner as a baseline, I went with 45% and above) has decent size (once again, conservative 6 ft or taller) and since it's a top six role, someone with some offensive upside (more than 40 points last season.) That list left me with 30 centres in the league who fit those criteria. Remove the "you're not getting him, mid-season" players (ie. Stamkos, Sedin, Malkin, Staal, etc) and I'm left with about 15 players, many of whom would be viewed as typical third line centres. (ie. Brodziak, Fisher, Peverly etc) or old enough that you wouldn't give up a Gagner-aged player for (Jokinen).

From what's left, most are Western Conference players. Odds aren't someone's not giving you an upgrade mid-season that is going to hurt their chances. So, let's look East. Now, I have it narrowed down to: Bergeron (BOS); Krejci (BOS); Stepan (NYR) or; Bozak (TOR)

My deal:

To EDM: Krejci; Khudobin To BOS: Gagner; Khabibulin

Boston takes on a little salary and gets a veteran back-up goalie for their playoff run. We might need to throw a pick in there to sweeten the pot and tempt Chiarelli

Most of these ideas involve getting kids still developing. We have plenty of those already. If we trade talent for niño or johanssen were getting worse and in perpetual rebuild. Get reliable minute eaters for our prospects, not the other way around. Harski, mps, Klefbom, Reider, Marincin, Gernat, Musil. Including draft picks there is combination of a package there that would/should address multiple needs. The brass is too afraid to pull one.

My Crack Pot Trade Proposal (thats what we're doing right?) would be with the Mighty Brookyn Islanders:

I remember last year they had a hard on for Teemu Harti and that this year Nino Neiderrieitter wasn't very happy with the club. Plus their goaltending is suspect again. So here it goes:

Edmonton sends Teemu Harti, Ryan Whitney (love the dude but its a business), Yann Danis and a 2013 2nd round pick.

New York sends Mark Streit, Brad Boyes and Nino Neider

Might be a slight overpay on Edmontons behalf due to Whitney, Danis, Streit and Boyes all UFA at seasons end. Maybe that 2nd should drop down to a 4th if Streit doesn't sign a extension but his buddy RK should be able to convince him to stay.

How about Sam Gagner and Ryan Whitney and a mid round pick for the Sean Couturier and Bradon Coburn. Hockey players for players. We get some size in centre and a similar d-man at this point. Move a pick and prospect like Teuburt for Ryan Clowe to help out with more size over the top 9. Oiler now have 2 forwards that can play in the top 9 over 6' 3". Isn't that what we want. Size.

So I like gagner his age combined with his ability to play all forward positions makes him valuable to this team. So no trade Gags.

Though one has to wonder would you be able to get Weber for Hemsky, Smid, and a first round pick in 2014, hell throw omark in as well. Trade Whitney at the deadline. Sign Mark Streit in the off season.

Completely changes the face of your defense and frees up a top six spot for a center with size in the name of Frederik Gauthier.

Nope. Gagner has an expiring contract and is looking to put up a lot of points - could be a fluke year. This is a good setup for a contract dispute, and the Habs are near-cap as it is.

Hemsky has had injury issues and last year wasn't very productive. More valuable than Moen, and Hemsky would fill a need down the right wing for them, but not enough to offset bringing Galchenyuk up in your own system, raising him as a Hab, developing some loyalty, taking advantage of his ELC years and RFA years, and getting him to sign long-term.

I think you are overvaluing the oiler side of the trade.

Kicks feet sheepishly while looking at the ground.

Sorry had the goggles on

Biggest need is toughness in the top 6. We need a guy like Lucic. Remember how scared the sabres players were to fight him after he ran Miller. And he can bury the puck too. Would fit in great with Nuge and Ebs. Would hemsky + our first this year get it done? Maybe throw a defense prospect in as well. If I remember right things weren't going so swell with Lucic and the bruins last year. Hard to say what he's worth...... Top 6 of Lucic-Nuge-Ebs....hall-gagner-yak

I would guess that non-playoff teams are now much more reluctant to give up their first round picks since they all have a chance to be number one overall. On the reverse side of that I would also guess that any non-playoff first rounder now has more value. I don't have any trade ideas but that just popped into my head.

Lucic (and guys of that ilk) only get traded by complete idiots. Guys with size, skill and toughness with enough skating ability and determination to wheel in the top 6 are IMPOSSIBLE to find.

The oilers across their organization have exactly NONE.

In a do over.. they probably keep glenx, not that hes big or skilled or mean but hes WILLING and he thrives vs a bottom six matchup. MPS, tyler pitlick, curtis hamilton have either more size or a similar tool kit but they arent willing..... at all... and thus... they are not effective enough to make a difference.

Having played the game for forever, certain attributes can be gained by repetition and hard work...... courage is not one of them.

Yeah Struds already caught me on this one.

Is there any teams that would look at a 2nd pairing guy for a package of 3rd pairing guys small forward prospects or mid draft picks?

Right.

Okay, so essentially it sounds like the best plan is to still do nothing at all / i.e. draft this centre, wait till he develops, and hope one or two of our defensive prospects work out.

I guess I'm fine with that, but now we have a team with little to no veteran leadership, and we are still a few years away from being a real contender. Plus, with the contract Gagner is on, one of two things happen in this scenario, they can't resign him so he gets traded before Gauthier is ready to take a second line position; or, Gauthier does better than expected making Gagner expendable and is thus traded barring any injuries to the Nuge.

So in either case, what are we looking to get back from Gagner? Personally, I think in either case, we look to get back a top two defender (obviously you may have to include other parts). This at least makes our defensive prospect list solid for a lot of years to come, and gives us a good prospect pool to draw from if we need to make future trades.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Yandle. Sure it leaves a hole at second line centre, but maybe there's a stop gap situation out there.

Most insiders are saying the Oil are going to sit and wait until the Trade Deadline and the off season. And that they will be one of the busiest teams at those two times. Take that for what its worth.

I don't see your point. Gagner is 22 and has had points, no less than 40, in all 5 years he has played. Couturier is 19 and has put up 24 points in his 2nd year playing in the 3rd line center role. The Flyers are getting the better center as off today. Gagner is probably going to get you 40-50 (which is what he always has), but Couturier may get the same if not better, and he's big. Whitney still has value, we need a good Defence man and that's what Coburn is. They get a center who is Big and has the assests to be successful if put in a second line center role (currently behind Giroux and Briere). Both Oilers are either RFA or UFA, which means oilers can lose them with no or little return. I think the oilers would have to give away a mid pick conditionally based on if they sign with the Flyers or not.

We have to be more realistic here guys...

In my mind if we want to pry someone like Lucic from Boston we're looking to deal one of Ebs / Hall / RNH / Yak. Interest goes in order from left to right. Boston gets a pure point producer with lower salary while we get the size we want.

As roughneck said, players like Lucic are almost impossible to find. Now the question is if you're willing to pull the trigger for the trade.

I think they would trade hemsky instead of Gags and just move him to the wing. I have a feeling Gags will be willing to sign at a good discount. As will others just to stick with this super talented group.

Jordan Nolan is a beast, I prefer him over Clifford as he packs a bit more skill and the same amount of feist.

You're right, one of us is certainly on crack! lol... (hint...it isn't me.)

That's a little bit of an over-reaction from you I think on the Penner trade...even better; don't trade Smyth to L.A. then! My point is I think that Penner could be had at a great price - and we desperately need his size...

Oh my god - you don't think Hartnell could play in our top 9 - let alone our top 6?! Wow...just wow. We could shuttle many people around our top 9 just fine...and injuries are always a factor, so more talent is fine by me.

And the Leafs aren't trading anyone they just got off waivers? I think they'd love to get a draft pick for him, especially with all the other tough guys they've got. So they don't want Omark...the point is still the same; trade them something else and pick up one of their heavies.

You're right, I really wouldn't trade Smid. Top defender IMO in his prime, big and can play nasty too. Who is going to replace him here? I don't see anyone like him on the horizon.

Just my opinions, as well.

Gags is small not big and if there is one thing the Flyers like more than anything is size. Couturier is worth way more to them and a lot of other teams as well.

You would totally have to sell the farm to get Lucic out of Boston. You would have to way overpay and then your farther back then you when you started. Boston isn't going to trade Lucic for a couple of skill guys - they already have skill guys! Lucic is the complement to those guys - Boston already has the chemistry they want - that we want - they are not going to change that. Get realistic!

@reg dunlop

i would support this trade except keep yak and trade one of our 2nds

My point with Hartnell is your trading a prospect defenseman for yet another top 6 forward. You have to remember that part of making trades is also managing the number and types of contracts as well as looking at the salary cap. Basically your just adding another big chunk of salary to an already congested top 6 or 9 roster.

Smyth asked for a Trade from LA, you have to be crazy to think they would take him back. I don't mind getting Penner but your suggestions wouuld lead the team to have 30 NHL roster players with a salary cap of close to 80 million. This isn't NHL 2013 where you can turn the cap off man.

That's an interesting move. I still think we run into a problem with veteran leadership.

Does anyone think we could do a hockey trade, Hemsky RW for a LW with some size and maybe a bit less skill that can play in our top six?

That means Yak shifts over to the right side, maybe we have more of a gritty veteran on the wing on that line, then we can afford to wait till this centre develops in order to use Gags as a tradable asset to plug a different hole.

I think if we are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, a trade like this would make sense. We set ourselves up for a balanced top six in the future, while getting something and giving something to strengthen two different teams. Is there a team out there where this would be beneficial for both parties? (i.e a team that is stocked on LW, but needs some more skill?)

I still think if would be more beneficial to move gags to a wing and just start looking for that center right away. If your trying to find one through trade you also have to remember you might not get the right fit the first time. Just thinking out loud.

Some of you guys' trade proposals are so ridiculous, why would any GM trade a player for another player with an almost identical skillset? Hemsky and Gagner for Moen and Galchenyuk? Why would we do that? The whole reason GM's trade is to plug holes, we would have identical problems to what we have now.

Now, no trading Whitney, he has zero value at the moment. No trading Gagner, he's too young to give up on, especially considering how good he's playing. NO TRADING THE KIDS!!! Even Yakupov, despite the fact he's the newest.

The more I think about it, the more and more likely it seems that Hemsky is part of the wow trade (or whatever the new trade is that Stauffer referred to shortly after the lockout). He is very good, and he is one of my favorite players. But he just doesn't fit long term with our team, and you can't trade Eberle or Yak over him, like really? Hemsky for Matt Niskanen, give Pittsburgh what they need in Crosby's winger, and gives Edmonton what they need in a Top 4 D-man

MPS for Marcus Foligno.

Buffalo

Stafford, Regher

Edmonton

Teemu, Whitney, 2nd

You mean we get to be Eklund for a day? Nice! Actually, how about I make this somewhat realistic.

Ottawa is hurting after losing their elite center and super-elite D-man, but may still have playoff aspiration this season (they are currently 7th in the East). Gagner and Whitney are knockoff versions of the guys they lost, and do not lock them into anything long-term cap-wise. Maybe you throw in a minor league piece on top of that (is Omark still tradeable? OTT have shown the willingness to take a chance on a reclamation project or two in recent years). Seems like they would be a willing partner in any case.

They also happen to have what we need - big centers. Zibanejad would be my choice - big, skilled and the same age as the rest of the core. Plus just starting his EL. Add a D prospect of some sort (Borowiecki has some grit), but don't get hung up on that - Whitney has only played half the games and is at least partially responsible for some of our losses so its not like you're down a key piece - it seems apparent to me that he's not an oiler in 2014 anyway so may as well get something for him.

You are losing a key piece in Gagner - I've always been in his corner but you have to give to get, plus he's going to need a raise and probably some term this summer and I'm not sure he's a guy you give 4 million to for 5 years. Its a bit of a risk as Z-Bad is by no means proven, but our current collection of smaller guys goes nowhere in the playoffs (WHEN, not if we make them).

The other move that makes some sense to me is Hemsky to Pittsburgh for Sutter and one or more of their top D-man prospects. Sutter becomes the new Horc, Yakupov takes his rightful place at RW2 and Despres and Schultz would make a nice pair (on paper anyway -no idea what side Despres plays) but they've got Morrow, Pouliot, Dumoulin also. Pitt finally gets an elite RW to play with Crosby or Malkin.

Anyway, those are my thoughts, not yours. I'm (not) Joe Sports. Apologies also if these are similar to something someone posted already - didn't scroll through all of the posts.

Yes, this years draft picks to best help this team next year... would be used in a trade to upgrade our current talent as.. Winning now has becoming the standard instead of waiting for tomorrow.

This years 2nd round picks will help us in 3years.. If ever?

Finishing last every year and picking first does not make a good GM. Yes we have glaring holes in our team but these are holes that have been there for years and there was plenty of time to address them. Now we have all these top end skill guys but we need the other pieces.

When was the last time we drafted a big top six forward or at least some grit that can play some substantial minutes. We had some forwards with some grit and we let them walk. Why did we let Glencross walk? He is exactly what we need right now and the guy actually wanted to play here.

How many years have we been saying we need better guys in the face off circle? Belanger has helped this year for sure but remember how bad he was last year? How much longer can we rely on Horcoff and Belanger to win faceoffs because they won't be here long term.

I sure hope Paajarvi and some of the other forwards can develop more of a mean streak and keep driving the net.

Armchair GM it is!

Now, near or at the deadline:

D Whitney and a 4th or 5th to Ottawa for G Bishop. This would depend on where Ottawa is by the deadline. Desperation?

G Khabibulin to who ever for a 3rd or a 4th.

C Vande Velde to who ever for a 7th. I think you can do this if Martindale continues to improve.

Off Season:

C Gagner to Colorado for C Stastny and a 3rd or 4th. I was thinking O'Rielly, but thought age could be a benefit here instead and didn't think Colorado would agree to that deal.

Try to sign a D-man (Zidlicky, Visnovsky or Streit) for around 4mil for 1-2yrs.

Try to trade Horcoff for a pick or prospect. If you can't, buy-out. Stastny's cap hit is 6.6mil. Someone has to go. And, I believe, it's better to spend a 5.5mil cap hit or more on a 2nd liner instead of a third.

I do think the cap will be tight for next year with these minor adjustments and re-signing most RFAs and UFAs, but this keeps the core intact, adds some size and keeps some cap leverage for the following season.

No, I don't hate Gagner. I'm talking size, more grit and faceoff abilities. Hard facts. This would be my tough decision.

Hall-RNH-Eberle, Yakupov-Stastny-Hemsky, Smyth/Eager-Belanger-Jones, Hartikainen-Lander-Paajarvi

Schultz-Schultz, Petry-Smid, Fistric-(Zid, Vis or Striet)

Dubnyk-Bishop

Extras: Peckham-Klefbom-Tuebert-(Smyth or Eager)-OKC kids (Tyvarianen, Pelss, Pitlick or whomever is on when a call-up is needed)

Stastny isn't going to be a upgrade on Samwise.

You're fired.

OilClog...why the heck would you trade Hartikainen for Stafford????

@OilClog Hahahaha!

Oilers only need 1 gritty two- way center on the top 2 lines.

4 more puck moving D-men

More size

1 more starting goalie

They have had so much time to put a team together , and they have major holes.

Aside from their #1 picks and the gift Schultz they have done little in the last 10yrs.

The reason why is management Tambo and Lowe have no idea how to build a potential championship team.

Laugh all you want but Vancouver has built a team that could win the cup. Yes there window is closing but look at the team and how they are built. Sedin #1 center Kesler Two way center

Defense arguably the most mobile in league as a group.

Why do you think they traded Hodgson for Kassian - size and grit.

Edmonton's formula has not worked and won't work. Small fast with potential . How has that been working?

Don't get me wrong the team is getting better with their talent, but they will never win a cup with this management.

Hemsky for Chris Stewart Gagner, Whitney for Clowe and Doug Murray Potter for NYI Matt Martin (lead league in hits last year) Klefbom and 2 rd for ORiley Belanger for Brian Boyle Peckam and pick for Zenon Kenopka

Gives you power forward on each of first 2 lines with Clowe and Stewart, better faceoff man and all around player in ORiley as second line centre, 250 lb 3rd lince centre/winger in Boyle, Kenopka gives you muscle, faceoff wins and can kill penalties as 4th line centre. Matt Martin is a guy we need, something Eager should be, hits everything, fights, agressive and a pest on the 4th line. Add Doug Murray to defence gives good stay at home guy that hits and plays tough and weight 245 lbs

This makes us bigger, stronger better on the dot, more agressive and about the same offensivly as Stewart and Clowe score more goals but less assists but ORiely is still an assist guy.

deam world to make all of these trades but this fills our weaknesses for toughness and size.

You make a good point regarding salary with the top 9 forwards. In that case I would definitely move out one of our forwards - but would still love to add Hartnell to the mix!

Same with Penner or another big forward, simply move out a smaller player's salary. That's why my offers for the most part had us giving more players than we get back.

I honestly don't think its so much of a position based issue. Its more what features are you lacking and need to add to complete the team. The Top 6 needs size, good two ability and they need to win faceoffs. Center position just seems like the logical choice as I don't think Gagner will ever be that good at winning faceoffs but can still be a good winger.

I think Yak on the third line for the remainder of this season and part of next season isn't a bad idea. It would be different if we were still concentrating on developing more than winning but the team has shifted to winning.

I like Harti on the wing in the top 6. So if you could get a good two way center I would almost consider bumping RNH down a spot for a little while to take some of the pressure off. He will be a different player after he matures a bit.

thats just the way i see it.

I like the suggestions with us and Ottawa being trade partners.

I would love to get Bishop, or especially Robin Lehnor!

If you could get Penner on the cheap and then sign him for like 3 year at 1.5 mill per. That could turn out to be a steal of a deal man. I love the way Hartnell plays and would love to have him but I'd still be worried about the faceoffs in the top 6.

Actually I would be cureous how many people would do this trade if Montreal would. I would guess it will be well over half.

Moen is a LW with a huge amount of grit and Galchenyuk is a centre with size. plus Galchenyuk already has established chemistry with Yakupov.

I like Gagner and I have argued his value and against trading him unless you are actually getting a centreman that you think is an upgrade.

This years his value is high, but he still cannot win a faceoff. Faceoffs are not the be all and end all, but I am sick of having to have a 3rd or 4th liner on the ice for every important faceoff.

This makes our top 6 a lot scarier to play against.

Moen - Nuge - Eberle

Hall - Galchenyuk - Yakupov