Arcobello is a solid hockey player, for once the right call was made instead of calling up a plug like VandeVelde.

Can't wait to see him in action.

I agree no need to get something done before tomorrow, but depending how long Belanger is out you can't go with Lander and Arcobello as two of your four centers.

At some point as a GM you have to do something instead of sitting on your hands. Going for Steckel might not be the glamours move and may very well not be the best skater or that physical, but what are the odds Arcobello can actually play 8 minutes a game without hurting us?

I also don't really care about what Steckel did this year in 18 faceoffs. He's proven time and time again that he can win the draws.

Think Marty Reasoner is a possibility?

Ryan Carter would also be a nice option if NJ were willing to move him.

Arnott makes me nervous since he failed his physical, and while Langkow and Morrison are intriguing options, it's tough to imagine they are in game shape right now.

I'm not sure Arcobello is a guy who can add defensive, face-off, and PK stability that we'll be lacking with Horcoff and Belanger out, but I'm interested to see what he can do. He's worked hard to earn this opportunity and I hope he does well.

yay... bandaid solution. can we finally make a big-deal trade that will deliver the tough, gritty play we need? new faces, same old oilers i guess.

FTNF

Good thing Steve Ott has moved on from the Stars. He use to eat smaller Oiler forwards like this for lunch. Must've been grin'en ear to ear going up against the softest team in the NHL.

Hopefully Arcobello brings this to an abrupt end to this decade long domination....lol.

I think Arc is the best player that wasn't in Edmonton, but we seriously need a guy who can win faceoffs, especially in the Dzone. Gags' faceoff numbers are so bad they're gonna have to start trying Hemmer or Yak on the draws!

Can't say I'm surprised to see us floundering and holding on by a thread lately. Now we will see based on what Tambo does if we are going to sewer another season and pick high, or do our damdest to keep our heads above water with a few trades.

I'm not expecting the Cup or even a lengthy playoff run so either way I am cool. I ain't cool if we see some of the kids getting hurt though.

And I kinda felt like team Switzerland against Vancouver where the ice was tilted so much against us. iI was wondering what Krueger has taught the boys as we are atrocious in our own end when we don't have possession. It's been like that since the Rake left us and we burnt his baby's crib to the ground. ;)

Can't say I'm surprised to see us floundering and holding on by a thread lately. Now we will see based on what Tambo does if we are going to sewer another season and pick high, or do our damdest to keep our heads above water with a few trades.

I'm not expecting the Cup or even a lengthy playoff run so either way I am cool. I ain't cool if we see some of the kids getting hurt though.

And I kinda felt like team Switzerland against Vancouver where the ice was tilted so much against us. iI was wondering what Krueger has taught the boys as we are atrocious in our own end when we don't have possession. It's been like that since the Rake left us and we burnt his baby's crib to the ground. ;)

Arcebello....Interesting approach.......spend less energy worrying about how to stop more pucks...and more energy trying to SCORE more goals...hmmmmmm sounds familiar....I've seen this somewhere before....

"I kinda felt like team Switzerland against Vancouver where the ice was tilted so much against us."

Wow...I had that exact same Switzerland thought during that game.

"Reports of him being ridiculously out of shape are in accurate. His weight, body fat % and testing wasn't much different than 2012 I was told."

@ Jason Gregor - Wasn't Theo's pre-season golf game with Ryan Jones that they had on Oil Change from summer 2012? If yes, then that does not say much as even Jones made a couple of cracks about him looking out of shape on the course. He looked as chiseled as Penner in that clip.......

FWIW, it does not matter who they call up/add at center right now as long as they currently only have 4 NHL calibre d-men on the blue line. It is way easier to hide an AHL forward or two with a solid defensive corps than the other way around.

I feel sorry for Whitney due to all of the injuries he has had to deal with, but based on how he is playing this year he does not appear to be able to handle NHL speed forwards. I don't know if it is his confidence or lack of playing time over the past couple of years, but he looks brutal out there.

Potter was lucky that Renney gifted him with a contract last year - he is not an NHL d-man either.

No offense to Arcobello, but let's be honest: we're not winning many games with RHN, Gagner, Lander and Arcobello as our 4 centers.

Hmmm, every team will face some injury trouble, how they get through it usually determines their season. It will be interesting to see how Edmonton fairs. I think we end up dipping below .500, but then get a boost with the return of both Belangier and Jones in the same night. I also think Peckham (assuming he's in shape) and Fistric back will help our back end.

The call ups could go either way. So far the Nordic line has been good enough, not outstanding. Hopefully they keep playing that way while we ride out the injury troubles. Arcabello, who knows. I doubt he gets put on the third line as a shut down guy.

I imagine the lines begin to get switched up again. I like the idea of mixing up the top line and giving them the easier minutes as Nuge has struggled against the tougher competition this year. And that Gagner Hemsky, Hall line is usually pretty dominant, especially in the way of puck possession.

Kind of too bad this happening now with our first games against Detroit and Columbus coming up.

Time to make some tough decisions and I know that I will get ripped for even suggesting this but....I would be open to moving one of or a combination of for a solid, proven, big, strong number 1/2 centerman. Taylor Hall, Ryan Whitney, Sam Gagner, Ales Hemsky.

Before everyone loses their minds about the Hall suggestion....I find Hall to be one dimensional, a prolific whiner to the refs and a turnover machine. I also still question his durability. His market value would be highest now and you have to give up something to get something. I also believe that Yakupov has way more upside long term than Hall.

Two words.....Bobby Ryan.

Let the bashing begin.

Didn't Petrell play centre in Finland? If so, it may be worthwile to try him out on the fourth line.

He would only get 6 minutes anyway.

Have to think it's getting to be that time. Captain Snowypants is due to make 6 mill per for the next 7 yrs and what has he done?

Tyler Seguin would've put that puck behind Luongo last night.

Not big on Bobby Ryan, but i'd be all over a Shea Weber for Taylor Hall + scenario in August.

Captain Snowy pants.....Ha ha I love that. Would be nice to get Weber, but can we really afford his contract with RNH, Shultz and Yak due big raises in 1-2 years? I think it would also take more than just Hall to get Weber out of Nashville. I suggest Ryan because he is a proven 30 goal 50+ point guy and 6'2-215 lbs. He is signed until 2015-16 I think at 5 mil per. Cheaper, bigger, fills a massive hole in our lineup and proven to be a durable point producer.

It doesn't have to be Ryan....I just think it does need to be Hall.

Right now Seguin is the better player, if it stays that way remains to be seen. I wouldnt give up on Taylor i say his heart is too big. But i agree he is one dimensional right now and can be read like a book.

And yeah , Seguin i would have put money on to score.

Did it have to be Hall that took the penalty shot ? Silly Question perhaps. Because he was the one that was tripped. But i thought you had an option on who took it.

Weber has ZERO points so far this season and is -1. Suter has 4 points and is a -7. It might have been the pair and not the individuals. Just sayin.

Your final question demonstrates how little you know or care about hockey, as did both your and Yak be...'s comments about Hall. Hall is playing at a point per game pace right now, is better defensively than nearly everyone else on the team and is driving the play forwards. Is he still developing as a player and does he sometimes make mistakes - yes, but asking 'what has he done?' is akin to saying "I don't really understand hockey at all, but I like to comment on ie".

Taylor Hall is the best forward on the Oilers and it isn't particularly close. He's a one man force of nature who highhandedly tilts the ice in the right direction.

Suggesting he be traded demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of what goes into goals for and against.

I am going to make a bold premonition.....I think Taylor Hall will be the next Shawn Horcoff in Edmonton. Not comparable talent wise, but I think Oiler fans will eventually look at Hall's contract much as they do Horcoff's.

I don't blame either player for their contract as anyone would have signed it, but I do see the love in with Hall fading fast.

No one questions Horcoff's heart.....except maybe the last half of last year.

It'll be a tall order no doubt, but will the Oilers be able to sustain a near .500 winning % without Horcoff in the line-up for an extended period?

The best forward on the Oilers? I think that is a bit of a stretch.

I've suggested this before, I don't know how good he is at faceoffs but I'd look at Brandon Dubinsky. The kid has size, grit and has shown he can be a gamer.

Well, aside from Gagner of course.

Keep in mind my point about having to give up something to get something. When I look at the top 6, The only untouchables are Eberle, Yakupov, RNH. Gagner or hemsky would not get you the return that Hall would "currently".

Not a stretch at all IMHO, he's your cornerstone for the forwards. The polish will come but he is always pushing the river, even against tough opposition. That's the sign of an elite player.

Yes, excuse me . I dont' care or know anything about hockey. Use your brain and what little of it that is left and read my comment again you Moron.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention however, now get back to work , your coffee break is over ...Or do you get coffee breaks at 7-11 ? Or go have another drink if you are on your "day off".

Hey ON ! I dont really understand hockey because i made a comment about Taylor Hall and asked a question regarding the penalty shot. Me bad... lol Book dude, you make me laugh, no, really you do.. honest.

I am not saying Hall is not a good player. I am saying that the Oilers will have to make a tough decision going forward to acquire a solid centerman. the decision will be to apply a band-aid (Arcobello etc.) or make a bold move for the future.

Personally I think Pajaarvi should be in the AHL being groomed to become a second line centerman. But that does not solve the current situation.

MPS has the speed, the skill, the size (still needs to use it) and the defensive capabilities.

Yak with Nuge and Ebs will be the answer right now, "second line mins."

Hall, pushing the top competition with Gags and Hemmer "top line mins"

Don't touch the top 6 aside from tweaks.

This is not a cup year, see how the depth does and ride out the injuries.

No need for name calling guys....We are just spitballin' here.

Richard Cloutier wrote an article about players the Oilers should consider looking into. Very interesting player on that list Brock Nelson. I also think this should be a guy the Oilers look into. If he could be had for a prospect/low roster player and a pick, it could be a really good move.

Would like to see that, however he would be your Horcoff replacement in a couple of years if it pans out.

Depth question, I know Pitilick has not been playing well, at least last time I checked, but wasn't he drafted at center? And, if so, why did we stop playing him there?

Interesting prospect Phixieus but is he ready for the big show?

I question oilers drafting why didn't they draft Boone Jenner in second round 6'2" and 220??? Oilers were rebuilding last 3 yrs how many centremen they drafted??? Answer is zero.

Eastcoast....I agree at worst he would be Horc's replacement, but I still believe he could be a second.

Oil 99. Precisely why I say the tough call will need to be made to acquire one.

No, you don't really understand hockey because you noted that Seguin is a better player right now, that Taylor Hall can be 'read like a book', and finally you asked a question about the basic rules of hockey akin to someone asking "What is icing".

I am glad I make you laugh, you sound like you need some joy in your life. It must be hard carrying that chip around on your shoulder.

My job doesn't really have breaks or days off. Outside of having to be at certain meetings, I can work when I want. Lots of professional positions are like this.

I guess I should apologise for my tone. It's just that sometimes things get a bit ridiculous around here. Taylor Hall is +3, has 9 points in 9 games, and is playing against the other team's top lines at the age of 21. Yesterday, he and his linemates outplayed the Sedin's and a few days ago, they outplayed Thornton's line. How people end up making comments such as Taylor Hall is 'one dimensional' is beyond me. I recognize that your statement was less critical than the Clown's statement, but still it doesn't seem in any way to reflect the reality of the game that we are seeing on the ice.

Re: Brandon Dubinsky.

He's the perfect guy for the Oilers. I've wanted him for years.

Only thing is, I think you'd have to give up some pretty major assets to acquire him. And while his contract is cheaper than Horcoff's, it still might be too rich for the Oilers 3C position with the reduced cap next year. Might be better to revisit this in the summer.

Looks very close if not already there. I believe hes almost at a point a game in the AHL for the season. Constantly led his University team. In a lot of ways hes like J Schultz. At any rate I think right now he is a better option than either CVV or Arcobello not to mention his size and physical play are much needed by the Oilers. If you could trade say Peckham/Potter or comparable forward, a second and a third would it make sense? Or say Whitney and a third. I really think this is the kind of player the Oil should target. Just started his entry level contract, right in the same age range as all the other guys. I would try and find a way to make it happen.

Dominic Moore. Stopgap.

Sign UFA Getzlaf in the offseason.

Yes plz.

Are we good now ? No more insults ? In fairness, Seguin plays on a much superior team in the Bruins. Hall is the leader on this team and i expect will have his name and number hanging from the rafters one day. It was just my opinion at this point i feel Seguin is the better player. Remember, these two guys were neck and neck, so its no insult.

PS - Your hockey knowledge needs improvement. There are not any Sundin's in the NHL any longer. Oh, you meant Sedin's ! tsk tsk, better sharpen up Bro. Lol

Just kidding...

Life is good, real good, that chip on my shoulder set me up nice.

Go Oilers !! :-)

You can't afford a player like Getz. Hes going to ask for 7mill+.

Taylor Hall 2 goals 7 assists for 9 points in 9 games.

Tyler Seguin 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 8 games.

It is early, but right now for this season I would not be making statements about Seguin's scoring prowess over Hall's.

Is an interesting guy. Surprised to find he is a member of the Christian hockey family. Note, by that I don't mean that they area a bunch of bible thumpers, but that they are the hockey stick manufacturers and his grandpa / uncle won gold medals for the US in 1960 and 1980, respectively.

Good pedigree / 1st rounder. Just signed with the Isles though - given his size and age, why you think he goes cheap?

Hes not a proven NHLer or an elite prospect, probably a 3rd line center but maybe can make it as a 2nd liner. I think its fair to offer Whitney and a third or second for him.

What book¡e said.

If that gets him - great. He just sounds a lot like Kyle Okposo when he was that age and I know the Oilers offered a lot but the Islanders would not consider moving him. If they covet big skilled U.S. born forwards, not sure this guy can be had for a UFA who looks like his game has left him and a 2nd or 3rd rounder. Plus Nelson is a center.

As indicated, a great candidate and I like the guy's profile - just not sure why the Isles would be anxious to part with him. Never hurts to ask, I suppose.