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Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Rumors

Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumors: Edmonton After Flames Defender?

I remember there being some talk about how the Oilers might have a quiet trade deadline, but for the life of me, they are getting connected to a lot of players this year. Mostly vets, mind you, but still. It’s really hard to believe that they’ll stand pat this season.

Today, we’re talking Fleury some more, Tanev, and The Fourth Period is saying that Oilers GM Ken Holland might be looking to beef up the bottom-six and suggests maybe Edmonton might be looking to make another Ekholm-like trade.

I should start prefacing these blogs with the fact that I write them a day in advance and because we’re getting so close to the deadline there’s a good chance I might write about a player or a team and it be old news by the time it gets to your beautiful eyes. If that happens, my apologies!

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The Latest Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumors

Remember When Jacques Plante Suited Up for the Oilers Back in the Day?

“When it comes to goalies, Marc-Andre Fleury will have the biggest impact. He’s earned the right to call his shot; nothing happens without his approval… This screams Carolina, Colorado or Edmonton, all playoff-bound. But, in some of those situations, he wouldn’t be the starter, so that factors in.”

  • I don’t know, I talked about him the other day, I just don’t think Edmonton is going to have enough trade assets or cap space to get a deal for him done. In addition to that, I’m not really sure that netminding is a priority for them anymore.
Dealing with the Devil

“In the latest buzz surrounding the NHL trade market, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly eyeing veteran defenseman Chris Tanev. TSN’s Darren Dreger revealed on OverDrive that the Oilers have shown considerable interest in Tanev, emphasizing the team’s eagerness to bolster its defensive core. While not labeled as front-runners, the Oilers join a growing list of teams expressing interest in the seasoned player. – NHL Trade Talk

  • He’s a UFA, so Edmonton’s not going to be paying a premium for Tanev. I imagine they might want to try and convince Craig Conroy to take on some young prospects who are close to NHL-ready and a contract like Brett Kulak.
  • My favorite part of the article this quote came from is this,
    • “Analysts agree that relying on Cody Ceci in the top four during the playoffs might not be an ideal scenario for the Oilers.”
  • While I don’t necessarily disagree with the point, relying on a guy who is being held together by duct tape and band-aids is a much better idea? Yikes.
  • Tanev also has some control over his destination with that M-NTC on his deal. My guess is that he goes to Vancouver, Colorado, Dallas, or Boston. Maybe the Jets if they come in with something tempting. I know Ottawa wants him bad but why would he agree to go there right now when he can try for a Cup and they sign with the Sens in the off-season.
  • Jaycob Megna (CHI) and Sean Walker (PHI), in my opinion, would be better investments for the Oilers if they’re so hell-bent on upgrading on Ceci and Kulak.
Adding Functional Toughness and Size

“I think, I think, in terms of goaltending. I think that the focus has shifted a little bit more towards bringing in a mid-six guy and even the blue line and further upgrading the blue line.” 

“Kenny Holland is looking at different options up front, can you further deepen this roster in your mid to lower six even after the Corey Perry addition? And what about the blue line? Can you get another physical type of presence? Like the Ekholm move that they last season?”

“You look at Montreal. Is it a David Savard, who has one year left on his contract that has a reasonable cap hit.” – David Pagnotta, The Fourth Period

  • I don’t know if Edmonton goes after a Savard-type, to be honest. Is he better than Ceci? A debate probably could be had. But they’ve got 6’5″ 235lb+ right-shot Johnathan Kovacevic sitting there and he makes minimum wage plus he’s got another year on his deal.
  • Pat Maroon, even after having back surgery, makes sense to me if you’re adding some functional beef to the bottom-six. He’s also on a cheap deal and it expires at season’s end.
  • In terms of another Ekholm deal, they’d have to land Colton Parayko (STL) or John Carlson (WAS) for it to equal the shock factor.

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Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Prospects, Rumors

Edmonton Oilers Trade Talk: Insiders link Monahan and Hayes to Oilers, Perry Reportedly Signs!

Here are the latest rumors regarding the Edmonton Oilers!

Random Pontifications

“However, the Oilers sending Ceci and Foegele to the Flames doesn’t come close to getting a trade done for Tanev. For the provincial tax, the Oilers would probably have to send their 2024 first-round pick as well as a young player off their roster. For the latter, former first-round selection Dylan Holloway could make sense.” – Flamesnation

  • Jesus Christ… How brutal is that trade proposal? Three roster players AND a first for a dman who’s barely being held together by a bottle of Elmer’s glue… They’re huffing some pretty crazy shit down in Cowtown.

Trade Rumors

  • “Elliotte Friedman doesn’t believe Jake Allen to the Edmonton Oilers is happening any longer.” – NHL Trade Talk
  • ”No different from any other year, there are teams looking for centremen and depth at that position – or a top-two or top-three centreman.” He adds, “We’re looking at Colorado. We’re looking at Boston, the Edmonton Oilers, maybe even the Washington Capitals if they stay in the mix leading up to the trade deadline.” – Darren Dreger
  • “I don’t know how Kevin Hayes feels about going to play in Edmonton; however, he did do a trade deadline stint in Winnipeg.” – Frank Seravalli
  • “I think the Oilers are an authentic candidate.” – Frank Seravalli on Corey Perry

No big surprises. The Oilers are trying to get bigger in their bottom six and add some supplementary scoring at the same time. However, they would be getting slower by adding any of the players mentioned above.

Dylan Holloway’s inclusion on last night’s roster was a positive one. He added speed, skill, and grit to that 4th line and if he keeps that up it’ll make it very difficult to trade him in order to add a veteran center. That said, it’s still just one game and we probably shouldn’t be anointing him savior of the 4th line just yet.

I still think that Holland/Jackson are going to add one or two bigger older players for the playoffs just because you need them. They’ll still have the kids down in Bako to come up as the black aces as long as they don’t trade them. A Pat Maroon and/or Klim Kostin-type for the 4th line wouldn’t hurt and I say those players because they’re glue guys, there’s no mystery behind them, and the fans love them. On top of that, depth is key.

What does it cost to bring in Maroon and Fleury out of Minny?

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Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Rumors

Edmonton Oilers Talk: Oilers’ Defensive Shake-Up on the Horizon?

In the midst of the NHL trade chatter, the Edmonton Oilers are orchestrating a tactical maneuver to fortify their blueline, with whispers suggesting a keen interest in multiple Flames’ defensive assets. As the trade deadline countdown begins, the Oilers are most likely eyeing a strategic move that could redefine their playoff prospects.

Flames’ Trio in Oilers’ Crosshairs

There’s some serious buzz in the air, and it’s all about the Oilers eyeing Flames defensemen—Nikita Zadorov, Chris Tanev, and Noah Hanifin.

Rumor has it, and you know I love a good rumor, the Oilers are zeroing in on one of these blue-line maestros that could set the stage for a deep playoff run.

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Nikita Zadorov’s Appeal

We’re diving into the Oilers’ quest for defensive power, and right now, all signs point to Nikita Zadorov as the man in their crosshairs. Now, why Zadorov? It’s more than just the ticking clock on those expiring contracts. Envision this dude as a budget version of Dustin Byfuglien, throwing his weight around like a wrecking ball on skates. This big fella glides on the ice like a damn ballerina, has a cannon of a shot, and the kicker? He’s a switch-hitter, playing both sides with ease.

The thing I love the most about this player is that he makes everybody on the other team pay a little bit more attention when he’s on the ice and at the moment the Oilers do not have one of these players. Could you imagine him and 6’7″ Vincent Desharnais pairing up? Remember the Twin Towers, Jeff Beukeboom and Steve Smith? Nobody’s going hear the front of the net if Zadorov and Desharnais are there and that’d give Edmonton’s netminders a helluva lot more time to see the shots coming in.

But here’s the plot twist: no pesky NTC. That’s like adding a shot of adrenaline to this trade drama. The Oilers are feeling the heat with their cap situation, and without that safety net, they gotta dance real smooth to seal the deal. It’s a high-stakes game, my friends, and the Oilers are playing for keeps.

Holland May Still be Useful Here

You’re probably not going to like this but hold onto your seats, fight fans! Ken Holland is plugged into Russian players, and he’s got the secret weapon, Dan Milstein, making moves. It’s not just any connection—it’s a legit bond. And let me drop this bomb on you: Milstein isn’t just any dude; he’s the agent for current Oilers Evander Kane and Matvei Petrov.

Now, consider this: Holland’s got this direct line to Russian talent, and Milstein’s the wizard behind the scenes. When they step into the trade negotiations, it’s like having the A-Team with a Russian twist. These guys aren’t just making deals; they’re crafting masterpieces. So, in the wild world of NHL trades, having Milstein in your corner is like having a secret weapon, and the Oilers are playing chess while others play checkers.

Cost

The Flames are hitting the reset button, and the Oilers are in the spotlight for a potential trade showdown and that means Calgary is going to want prospects and picks, but there’s a hiccup in the grand plan—the salary cap tango.

Enter Cody Ceci, a bit lighter on the cap but for an extra year and the Flames need somebody to play on their right side because if they turf Tanev they’ll only have Rasmus Andersson as a proper right-shot NHL dman.

Spice it up with prospects like Max Wanner, Markus Niemelainen, and/or the potential rising star of Matvei Petrov, and then toss in a shiny 3rd rounder in 2025 for good measure just to try and give the offer more of a kick in the ass.

Another option could be to get Calgary to eat 50% of Zadorov’s contract in return for somebody like Xavier Bourgault or Philip Broberg and Brett Kulak.

Remember how the Flames snagged Zadorov for a 3rd rounder from Chicago in ’21? Does anyone seriously think his stock has skyrocketed since then? It’s a cap chess match, and the Oilers are strategizing their next move.

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Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Rumors

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM7: Oilers Vs. Flames – 3P2W – When Flaming Dumpsters Collide

Hey y’all! Welcome back for another season of Edmonton Oilers hockey! I’m BLH and I’ll be giving you the skinny on today’s game!

If you’re new here and are wondering what 3P2W means, well, it stands for Three Players to Watch and seeing I’m as lazy as I am, I figured we’d shorten it to 3P2W.

So with that out of the way, let’s talk a little bit about what’s been going on lately in the Oilogospehere and then get into the player’s I’ve put under the spotlight for tonight’s matchup!

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Random Pontifications

“Is this collection of guys, both players and coaches together, perhaps just not very well equipped to deal with pressure?”

  • Here we go Oilers fans! The media are starting the gut checks early this year! I’ll tell ya what, this wasn’t the tune Leavins was singing last year when the Oilers made it to the conference final and if the team gets its act together, we’ll see him flip-flop again.

” Does a real Stanley Cup contender enter into the regular season without a real 4th line Center? I see that as an indictable offence.”

  • Can anybody tell me when the last time a proper 4th line center made or broke a team’s Stanley Cup dreams? A guy who plays under ten minutes a game and is usually on the 4th line for a very good reason… Here’s Leavins giving Holland the gears because he re-signed Janmark, Ryan, and gave Sam Gagner a PTO instead of getting a proper 4C… Smh…

“There is a lot of noise out there Connor Brown. Specifically, I see calls for him to be optioned to the AHL before his games-played bonus structure kicks in… Do you really think there is a better $775k player out there just looking for a job?

  • What is Leavins talking about here? You don’t think Holland could offer the same deal to another better player that he gave Brown and it would get rejected? What’s Phil Kessel doing these days? Reckon he’d turn down $3.25M guaranteed to play in Edmonton’s top six and give them a bona fide goal-scoring winger? Christ, at this point you have to consider Puljujarvi again now that his hips are back healthy again. What’s Josh Bailey doing these days? There’s always an internal solution too as Rafa Lavoie is tearing up the AHL right now.
  • Not re-signing Klim Kostin in favor of Connor Brown is looking a tad foolish right now.

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Three Players to Watch for the (team)

  • #91 Nazem Kadri (0g 1a 1pts) – Good Christ… I thought the forwards on Edmonton were struggling. Kadri has 23 shots so far this season (18 in the last five games) and not a goal to show for it. That probably means he’s going to get one tonight then… But if not, he’s going to get the focus on him somehow. You watch, he won’t be able to help himself.
  • #52 MacKenzie Weegar (1g 0a 1pt) – Yikes… Calgary’s big acquisition with Huberdeau in the Tkachuk trade is eating absolute shit this year. Can’t say he’s not trying though because he’s tied with Kadri for most shots on the team. Imagine having 46 shots between two players but only one goal to show for it…
  • #17 Yegor Sharangovich (1g 1a 2pts) – I can’t believe they’ve got this guy on the 4th line. Who’s running the show in Calgary for Christ’s sake? In the three seasons prior to coming to C-Town he had 30pts, 46pts, and 30pts and at this rate he’ll be lucky to get to 20pts. Two years ago he had 24 goals! The Flames should have him up in the top-six not Dryden Hunt.

Three Players to Watch for the Oilers

  • #2 Evan Bouchard (2g 6a 8pts) – Leavins is comparing this Bouchard situation with that of Jultz’s saying be careful what you wish for, Bouchard could leave and win a Cup somewhere else… You mean he could go to another team and play behind a proper no.1 RHD (Letang) and be utilized correctly instead of getting shoved into the lion’s den with a rusty fork like he is now? Imagine if Edmonton had Erik Karlsson, Bouchard, and some Rando rotating with Desharnais on the 3rd pair… It’s fine, soon the Oilers will be throwing Beau Akey into the same spot and ruining another promising defender’s early career.
  • #28 Connor Brown (0g 0a 0pts) – This is getting ridiculous. Brown has to do something, anything, to get his name on the scoresheet. I read some of the media guys in town saying that he needs time to get up to speed and to that I say, what the fuck has he been doing all this time? He’s been skating since the end of April according to his IG account and he got plenty of preseason games, did he not? Is there maybe a slight chance that maybe the Oilers overestimated what Brown might be able to bring this year?…
  • #97 Connor McDavid (2g 6a 8pts) – Connor’s got 5pts in his last five before being asked to work from home. If there’s a game where the world needs to see classic McDavid, it’s this one. We know that he’s got Markstrom’s number and the Oilers could very well end Calgary’s season tonight with a strong performance from their captain.

The Next Twelve Games (#2-#13)

  • 10/14 vs. Canucks – I think the Oilers will take 2/2 vs. Vancouver to start the year. (W)
    • (4-3 LOSS)
  • 10/17 @. Predators – The Pred don’t scare me. Their roster is in shambles. Poor Jusse Saros and Roman Josi. (W)
    • (6-1 WIN)
  • 10/19 @ Flyers – Their forward group looks entertaining but they’ve got nobody on defense. (W)
    • (4-1 LOSS)
  • 10/21 vs. Winnipeg – The Jets are always a tough out. I like their chances. (L)
    • (3-2 OTL)
  • 10/24 @ Wild – Minny isn’t as good as they used to be but still very solid. (W)
    • (7-4 LOSS)
  • 10/26 vs. Rangers – I like NY’s defense and goaltending here. (L)
    • (3-0 LOSS)
  • 10/29 vs.Flames – Calgary is going to surprise a few this year. (L)
  • 11/2 vs. Stars – This will be a very tight game. (W)
  • 11/4 vs. Predators – Leon will continue to light the Preds up. (W)
  • 11/6 @ Canucks – I’ll take Edmonton for a third time here, Alex. (W)
  • 11/9 @ Sharks – I don’t even recognize half the names on SJ’s roster… (W)
  • 11/11 @ Kraken – I like Seattle’s roster. Well-rounded. (L)

(predictions made 10/11/2023)

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Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL

Edmonton Oilers Talk: The Great Outdoor Sh*tshow of ’23

Ever wondered what happens when two teams compete to out-fuck-up each other? Flames and Oilers, once Stanley Cup favorites, are now the stars of our utterly messed-up network comedy show. It’s like watching a sitcom where every episode leaves you pontificating upon the very fabric of reality. Spoiler alert: reality is hilarious, and it’s about to get X-rated.

The Alberta Clusterfuck: A Symphony of Struggles

Picture this: the Flames desperately searching for a purpose, the Oilers making ‘victory’ disappear faster than your dignity after a tequila night. It’s like a full-blown symphony of struggles, a sketch show where every game morphs into an R-rated comedy routine. And here we are, right in the middle of this glorious, filthy joke, chuckling away like there’s no tomorrow.

“You’re going to watch this circus, and for a moment, somebody will pull something off that makes you go, ‘Well, look at that?’ But deep down, you know it’s just a distraction from the dumpster fire that’s been burning all along.” – Anonymous pro scout

Financial Fk-Ups vs. Team Turmoil:

Enter Jonathan Huberdeau, caught up in the chaos of chasing dollar signs while pretending to give a damn about the game. It’s the classic tale of grown-up shit – decisions, dilemmas, and a whole lot of hilariously bad choices. Who said being a responsible adult in the NHL wasn’t a total mindfuck?

Sweet Jesus! Is that Darnell Nurse’s music? With his eyes on the green but feet on the ice, raising eyebrows and questions in equal measure. Is it all about the cash, or does he harbor a secret longing for the glory days of unity and championships? In the gritty underworld of professional hockey, where loyalty often hangs by a thread, Nurse’s tale of fiscal temptation and on-ice aspirations paints a riveting, albeit morally ambiguous, portrait of the modern athlete. Will he prioritize the team’s crest over the allure of a fat paycheck, or is he destined to become just another cautionary tale in the annals of NHL financial escapades?

Outdoor Shitshow: A Battle of Bumbling Fools

Get ready for the outdoor extravaganza, where these teams bring their A-game in the realm of accidental debauchery. It’s not just a game; it’s a sideshow of slips, trips, and the occasional triumphant goal that’ll make you question your life choices. Imagine a circus, but with more ice, way edgier clowns, and a whole lot of “oh, shit, did that just happen?” moments.

Redemption, Anyone? A Glimpse of Hilarity

Can redemption find its way through this unapologetic chaos? Well, if laughter is the best medicine, then these teams are the ultimate cure. As we watch their stumbling journey, let’s savor every moment of obscenity-laden hilarity. In the world of hockey, as in life, the best punchlines are the ones that make you gasp for air, both from laughter and sheer disbelief.

So, grab your booze, your smokes, and whatever else gets you through the night because this outdoor embarrassment between the Flames and Oilers is set to be a comedy special that’s not just NSFW; it’s NSFL (Not Safe For Life).

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