WWYDW: Drafting After McJesus

Can you believe it’s time to start talking about the draft again? Soon enough, we’ll all be gathering at the Pint to watch the Oilers make a decision on which 18-year old will be the next saviour of the team. Will the team get it right? If they draft in the top two I’m willing to bet that the Oilers can get it right, but what happens if they don’t? 

All year long we’ve heard how the top two spots in this year’s draft are all but assured to Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. What happens after those two are selected is when things will get really interesting. If the draft is as deep as some experts are saying, maybe this year we’ll see more teams drafting for need instead of automatically taking the best player available? 

As much as we don’t want to admit it, drafting someone other than McEichel is a very real possibility for the Oilers. In my opinion, we’ll see a sky full of flying pigs before the Oilers catch Buffalo, and the Coyotes are on a torrid pace into hell that the Oilers may not be able to match. This year, we’re seeing a tank game that is unprecedented. So many teams have a chance at landing the #1 pick that expecting it is only setting yourself up for disappointment. 

I know, friends, I’m scared too.

Personally, I’m going into the draft assuming that the powers of Tambellini can be re-channeled and the Oilers will be walking away with the first overall pick. That being said, I’m a delusional person and we may need to come up with a contingency plan – that’s where you come in. 

The thing I want to know is what you guys would do if the Oilers end up drafting third or later? I want to know who you’d pick at the 3/4/5 slot and why? Maybe you’d package that pick up in a trade for a proven player? Let’s pretend, for a second, that you’re Craig MacTavish and you’re in control. Which route are you going to take at one of the most important drafts in Oilers history? Prolong the rebuild or start working on the present – you decide. 

Leave your draft day strategy in the comments and I’ll pick a random Nation citizen to win a NationGear tee.

Last month, we made a trip down to Moose Jaw to cover the Ryan Smyth retirement ceremony with the Warriors. Since we loved the Jaw so much, Jeanshorts made a video of our trip and you need to take a minute to watch it. Personally, I had never been to Moose Jaw before and what I found was it was a great place to visit. Moose Jaw is a city that has all the amenities that you’d want, but also sports a small town vibe that makes any prairie kid feel at home.  As someone that comes from a very small town, the vibe that Moose Jaw is putting out was a pleasant surprise and well worth a visit.