Tag Archives: Edmonton Oilers Rumors

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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM36: Oilers @ Blackhawks – 3P2W – Oilers Looking for Another Bjugstad-Type

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 today’s matchup!

Give us a follow on the socials!

Random Pontifications

  • So… The Oilers are back in a playoff spot. Does anybody know the name of the guy who’s responsible for building the roster that’s accomplished this incredible feat? I feel like he deserves some credit.

I ultimately expect Ryan McLeod back at 3C. And while I really admire how James Hamblin has battled his way to the NHL, a bigger, more experienced, ideally right-shot Center who can PK would be an upgrade. Think the 2023-24 version of Nick Bjugstad. – Kurt Leavins, Cult of Hockey

  • There ya go folks, now all you have to do is wait for somebody like Bob Stauffer to start using that Bjugstad comparison and you’ll know who Edmonton’s targeting for their upgrade at 3/4C.
  • I think it’s Nic Dowd out of Washington that they’ll ultimately acquire, but who knows? It might be somebody we’ve not even thought of. I mean, did you see the Gauthier/Drysdale trade coming?
  • Pretty shit deal for James Hamblin eh? Busts his ass for a season only to get replaced via trade.
  • Now, I ask, is moving McLeod back to 3C the smartest idea? I think it’s pretty plain to see that McLeod is very comfortable on Leon’s wing and aside from that, he’s gone through his “Cogliano” phase. Meaning he might’ve just realized where his worth truly lies and has the post impact.
  • So that begs the question, what of Warren Foegele seeing as he’s cooled off considerably? Is it too early to try Rafa Lavoie there? Are the Oilers holding that spot for a guy like Anthony Duclair? Personally, I think they should target Vladdy Tarasenko out of Ottawa for Leon’s wing.
  • Could the Oilers turf McLovin’ in a deal for Tarasenko?
  • In my mind, I envision the Oilers starting next season with Lavoie on their 3rd line and if they found a way to acquire Tarasenko and get him to re-sign they’d have Hyman, Tank, and Lavoie down their right flank and I like the sounds of that.

The Edmonton Oilers announced Monday night that they have recalled defenceman Philip Kemp from the Bakersfield Condors. The 24-year-old right-shot defenceman clocks in at 6’3″ and 212 pounds. – The Oil Rig

  • I figured he’d get a recall this year. I’ve spoken about him before and to my eye what you’re getting with Kemp is a very old-school glue guy. Don’t expect any offense out of him and probably don’t expect a lot of playmaking either. He’ll block shots, clear creases, and keep the other team accountable should they try anything.
  • I like Kemp, he’s incredibly unspectacular. Just goes about his job. Nothin more, nothing less.

The BLH Instagram account is growing like crazy! Three weeks ago when we started to get it back going we were at a shade over 1900 followers and now we’re gunning for 2000. So please, head on over and give us a follow as we’re posting exclusive content over there that won’t be published here or on our Twitter page.

Three Players to Watch for the Bad Guys

  • #16 Jason Dickonson (13g 7a 20pts) – He’s usually Chicago’s third line center but injuries have taken out most of his team’s best players. So he’s up on the first line. I like him because he can skate, shoot, and he’s a pretty responsible two-way player. He’ll play it physical too if the game deems it.
  • #27 Lukas Reichel (3g 5a 8pts) – A speed demon. Reichel’s got the wheels to make any defender look foolish should they give the Czech forward even the slightest sliver of daylight. Production’s down this year but there’s a player here and Chicago is so bad. Watch this young guy, he’s a very intriguing winger.
  • #55 Kevin Korchinski  (2g 6a 8pts) – At 19 years of age, this young man is setting himself up nicely to be one of the Blackhawks defensive linchpins for years to come. Him and Alex Vlasic should have the left side of Chicago’s defense locked up long-term. To me, it looks like he’ll be a good zone exit specialist for Chicago. His playmaking and skating are quite good. We’ll see how he does vs. McDavid and Draisaitl though…

Three Players to Watch for the Good Guys

  • #91 Evander Kane (14g 10a 24pts) – If there’s any game where Kane is going to break out of this slump he’s in, it’s this one. Chicago is icing an AHL lineup. That said, they did beat Calgary the other night with it…
  • #28 Connor Brown 0g 3a 3pts) – I think this is one of those games where you tinker with the lines a bit to get some guys going. Maybe Brown and Kane both get promoted to see if they can spark their games a bit. Although, we’ve seen that Knoblauch is kinda risk averse to that sort of game plan…
  • #2 Evan Bouchard (9g 30a 39pts) – Remember when everybody wanted to trade Bouchard and there were some out there that thought he wouldn’t get the Oilers anything in return?… Good times, eh?

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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM34: Oilers VS Flyers – 3P2W – Where Should the Oilers Upgrade First?

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 today’s matchup!

Give us a follow on the socials!

Random Pontifications

Via Oilersnation:

Ken Holland pulled off a big trade at last year’s deadline when he acquired Mattias Ekholm from the Nashville Predators. Assuming he can make a similar trade again, what is the biggest area of need on the roster in your mind?

  • If McLeod is going to remain on the wing, then a 3rd line centre. If a legit top-pair right D-man, with term, becomes available then I’d look at that as well. – Gregor
  • I think adding a right-shot defenseman would be a solid move. They could also benefit from one more high-end top-nine forward. Either a centre of a winger would work. -Yaremchuk
  • The obvious answer is goaltending but to go outside the box I’ll say a third line centre. – Horrobin
  • Third line center should be a priority regardless of where Ryan McLeod sits in the lineup. I’m of the belief that him and Foegele will be stapled to Draisaitl’s ass for the rest of the season barring injury or some massive slump.
  • If I had to guess, I think Dylan Holloway will get some reps at center to see where he stands. He possesses the necessary tools to thrive there and that’s where he played in junior and college if I recall correctly.
  • That said, the options as I see them look like players that’ll be competing against the Oilers for a wildcard spot. Colton Sissons (NSH), Nick Bjugstad (ARI), and Nic Roy (LVK) would be ideal candidates for Edmonton as they are all right-handed and on expiring contracts.
  • If you were to go for a left-shot center the options expand slightly. Boone Jenner (CHI), Jason Dickinson (CHI), and Sean Monahan (MTL) emerge as possibilities, but to be honest, I don’t really see any of the names mentioned here as realistic targets for the Oilers.
  • So if that’s the case then the club will need to pivot to goaltending and depth at both forward and defense and that’s where I could see a guy like Nic Dowd (WAS) being brought in. I’m kind of curious about a guy like Erik Johnson (BUF). He’d bring that veteran swagger that Ken Holland loves so very much.
  • I mean Pat Maroon and Klim Kostin I’ve spoken about before but those are on my wish list and not so much Edmonton’s. I like their size, physicality, and in the playoffs when the game gets ratcheted up a notch or five, these guys are handy.
  • Watch the Flyers tonight. I think that team is built for the post-season sans a star goalie and an upgrade or two on defense. I love their forward group because it’s quick, it’s skilled, there are goal scorers sprinkled throughout, and there are high-energy bangers on every line.
  • I’m going to be very interested how Matvei Michkov fits in there once he crosses the pond and combine him with Cutter Gauthier… Sweet Jesus. The pendulum has swung in Pennsylvania.

The BLH Instagram account is growing like crazy! Three weeks ago when we started to get it back going we were at a shade over 1900 followers and now we’re gunning for 2000. So please, head on over and give us a follow as we’re posting exclusive content over there that won’t be published here or on our Twitter page.

Three Players to Watch for the Bad Guys

  • #11 Travis Konecny (17g 14a 31pts) – Five points in his last five games. He’s Philly’s hottest scoring player during this 1-4-0 skid. Aside from that, he’s a buzzsaw out there and on every shift he’s letting his opponents know it’s going to be a long game. I like his style for a little guy.
  • #86 Joel Farabee (12g 13a 25pts) – He’s currently lining up alongside rookie Bobby Brink and former Montreal Canadien Ryan Poehling on the Flyers’ 3rd line, but don’t overlook him. He’s a shadow sniper. Meaning opposing teams will forget he’s out there and he’ll come out of the shadows and make them pay.
  • #6 Travis Sanheim  (4g 21a 25pts) – Since the Philly brass committed to him long-term he’s turned a bit of a corner for this team. I remember his name constantly coming up in trade rumors in seasons prior and I think it’s safe to say that we won’t be hearing his name in the rumor mill anymore. He’s finally realized his potential. Watch, now that I’ve said that he’ll have the worst game against McDavid tonight.

Three Players to Watch for the Good Guys

  • #29 Leon Draisaitl (17g 23a 41pts) – He’s got four goals in his last five games and like I said before, he’s starting to heat up. Shocking that his wingers are breaking out too, eh? Weird.
  • #74 Stu Skinner (14-9-1 2.86 GAA 0.893 SV%) – Man, those early season results are making his numbers look like trash. If you dial it down to his last five he’s 3-0-0 with a 1.62 GAA, and a save percentage of 0.943 and those, my friend, are stupendous stats!
  • #73 Vinnie Desharnais (1g 3a 4pts) – Vinnie’s on an expiring contract and I’m very curious as to how much it’s going to cost the Oilers to keep him. Sub $2M? He’s got a bit of leverage considering that the closest guy on the depth chart is Phil Kemp. Max Wanner is a year or two away and Beau Akey I’d say is a year or two away as well IF they aren’t used as trade fodder.

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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM33: Oilers @ Ducks – 3P2W – “…no buyer makes more sense than Edmonton.” Says Insider

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 today’s matchup!

Give us a follow on the socials!

Random Pontifications

If we’re imagining a world where Pittsburgh is both trading Guentzel and retaining salary, no buyer makes more sense than Edmonton. This would be an elite-level upgrade to a team already spilling over with elite forwards, and it would give the Oilers a natural shoot-first winger who could play alongside Leon Draisaitl. It’s an intriguing thought. This is clearly another all-in year for the Oilers, who have found traction after their early-season struggles but will need a shot in the arm in the second half. – Chris Johnston, The Athletic

  • What’s that going to cost Edmonton? Holloway, a couple of prospects and a 1st? But Guentzel is a UFA too… So that might actually bring his price down but maybe not considering the lineup of teams that will want to get in on his services.
  • Happy New Year!

The BLH Instagram account is growing like crazy! Three weeks ago when we started to get it back going we were at a shade over 1900 followers and now we’re gunning for 2000. So please, head on over and give us a follow as we’re posting exclusive content over there that won’t be published here or on our Twitter page.

Three Players to Watch for the Bad Guys

  • #11 Trevor Zegras (2g 2a 4pts) – Four points on the season so far and I’m not hearing the peanut gallery chirping the Broberg selection much these days.
  • #77 Frank Vatrano (16g 9a 25pts) – 118 shots this year so far according to Daily Faceoff! 16 goals to go with it… Not too shabby for a depth winger.
  • #6 Jamie Drysdale (1g 2a 3pts) – Hasn’t played a lot but this kid’s got so much potential it’s gross.

Three Players to Watch for the Good Guys

  • #37 Warren Foegele (5g 9a 14pts) – He’s looked well alongside Leon. I like that his give-a-shit meter never runs out but at the same time I’d like to see him get a pair of hands. If Edmonton doesn’t trade him at the deadline (or sooner), would you be interested in re-signing him and if so, at what cost?
  • #10 Derek Ryan (3g 5a 8pts) – I feel like he’s due here. He’s been busting his ass for a while now with no reward and an opponent like Anaheim should offer a few chances for Edmonton’s bottom-six.
  • #25 Darnell Nurse (5g 7a 12pts) – How he fares going up against the likes of Zegras and McTavish will go a long way into determining the potential outcome of this game. Will we get “calm and composed” Darnell or will we get “ice the puck at all costs” Darnell? I like how he’s playing this year but he’s still at risk for stupid plays with the puck on a nightly basis. It usually just comes down to if the other team can capitalize on them.

The King of the North is here! Click the pic and grab a shirt!

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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM33: Oilers @ Kings – 3P2W – Can Edmonton Crown the Kings?

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 today’s matchup!

Give us a follow on the socials!

Random Pontifications

  • Tonight’s game is going to be a good one. I like this challenge for the Oilers and I feel it’s very similar to the one the Rangers gave them.
  • Prior to that New York game I had the Rangers taking the game easily because they were simply deeper at every level and I reckon LA, while not having as much depth as New York, are a very difficult challenge for Edmonton due to its scoring depth, solid defense, and above average goaltending.
  • I don’t know who’ll be in net for Los Angeles as of the time I’m writing this but I hope it’s Cam Talbot. I like games with good storylines and Talbot vs. the Oilers is a good one considering how badly he wanted out of town when he was traded.
  • Toss in the McLellan chapter too. I didn’t like the McLellan era Oilers much and I like the McLellan era Kings even less but you have to give him some credit. LA was kind of on downswing when they hired him and he’s turned that ship around lickety split.
  • I’m going to predict that Ryan McLeod’s streak comes to an end tonight. Just a hunch but he’s been punching above his weight class for a bit too long and I reckon the Kings will bring him back to Earth.
  • That said, his line should line up well against LA. It’s big, fast, and physical.
  • Los Angeles’ blueline isn’t as strong as it once was. I think the secret to its success is its simplicity. They don’t much around but with that said, they don’t do a lot of blocking either… Shot volume and net front presence could be a key point for Edmonton tonight.
  • Another key to the Oilers success tonight will be containing LA’s attack and hitting them on the counter. The Kings have fantastic scoring depth throughout all four lines and Edmonton needs to suffocate that offense and kill it with a hard counter.
  • The Royal Road best look like the Henday at rush hour or else players like Fiala and Kempe are going to feast all over it.

The BLH Instagram account is growing like crazy! Three weeks ago when we started to get it back going we were at a shade over 1900 followers and now we’re gunning for 2000. So please, head on over and give us a follow as we’re posting exclusive content over there that won’t be published here or on our Twitter page.

Three Players to Watch for the Bad Guys

  • #11 Anze Kopitar (14g 19a 33pts) – The Kings have slowed down slightly in December but Kopitar keeps producing. He’s got 4g and 8a in his last ten games and more recently he’s accrued two goals and four assists in his last five. How this guy continues to put up points at his age really points to how good he really is. I think the Kings had eyes on PL Dubois replacing Kopitar at some point with that trade but at the moment the long-time King has his “replacement” centering the 3rd line…
  • #12 Trevor Moore (17g 9a 26pts) – How in the world does this guy have 17 goals already?… Will he be this year’s Cy Young recipient?
  • #8 Drew Doughty (7g 11a 18pts) – Doughty always manages to find a way to get himself involved vs. the Oilers. He thrives on hunting their young forwards who dare come down his wing and making them pay for that decision. But it’s not only that, I feel like he continues to get his name on the scoresheet against the Oilers and the more important the goal, the more he shows up. He’s clutch in that regard when the silver and black meet the copper and blue.

Three Players to Watch for the Good Guys

  • #97 Connor McDavid (12g 33a 45pts) – He’s still smarting from missing that wide open net vs. San Jose and will be burning red hot to try and score tonight. In 28 reg. season games against LA he’s got 15 goals and 21 assists.
  • #14 Mattias Ekholm (8g 23a 31pts) – He’s got five assists in his last five games and is Edmonton’s leading point producer on their blueline in that time. This evening’s contest will be a great challenge for him because the Kings’ are scoring very well throughout their entire lineup.
  • #91 Evander Kane (13g 10a 23pts) – Only two goals in his last ten games whilst putting up 29 shots in that time. This is how it is with Kane. Holland didn’t trade for him to solidify Edmonton’s two-way effectiveness, he was brought in to upgrade the team toughness, its physicality, swagger, its shot volume, and to add to its goal scoring. With all of that that you’ve got to go through his peaks and valleys. What doesn’t waver though is his in-game “game”. He’s still out there banging and making sure nobody takes liberties against his teammates.

The King of the North is here! Click the pic and grab a shirt!

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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM32: Oilers @ Sharks – 3P2W – We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat

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 today’s matchup!

Give us a follow on the socials!

Random Pontifications

While he admitted in his article that Jordan Eberle is an unlikely fit because he’s playing out his contract of $5.5 million and having a bit of down year, on Twitter, Staples did say he liked Eberle as an option. It was David Perron that really caught his eye. “Perron is the stand-out possibility in this group, as he’s a tough and aggressive player,” Staples said. He added, “Even if he’s not scoring much, he could help Edmonton win as a third or fourth line winger, and also act as insurance in case of injury.” – NHL Trade Talk

  • Edmonton is in need of a top-6 goal scoring RW and one or both of Eberle and Perron would be fantastic additions.
  • I think Edmonton would be sacrificing some size and physicality in those deals, mind you, as players Warren Foegele, Dylan Holloway, Rafa Lavoie, and maybe Connor Brown would need to be included along with premier draft picks and prospects.
  • But if you could go into the playoffs with a RW depth of Hyman, Eberle, Perron, and Gagner, that’d up the optimism amongst the fanbase. However, I have a tough time believing they could get both.
  • Maybe they could sign both in the offseason though. They’re UFAs.

The BLH Instagram account is growing like crazy! Three weeks ago when we started to get it back going we were at a shade over 1900 followers and now we’re gunning for 2000. So please, head on over and give us a follow as we’re posting exclusive content over there that won’t be published here or on our Twitter page.

Three Players to Watch for the Bad Guys

  • #38 Mario Ferraro (17g 26a 43pts) – This guy is definitely on Edmonton’s radar as a potential acquisition. He’s a better version of Kris Russell and an upgrade on Brett Kulak. Only 9pts on the season to date but 60 shots and 100 blocked shots. The fancies are fugly but so is his PDO. The fact that he can log 22+ minutes a night and also be under contract for another two seasons after this at $3.25M is appealing to the Oilers. The question is, with Broberg thriving in Bakersfield right now, is the young Swede’s potential higher than Ferraro’s?
  • #10 Anthony Duclair (7g 6a 13pts) – Duclair has cooled down as of late but that doesn’t make him any less dangerous for the Sharks. His speed and scoring ability is a major threat. I also see him as another potential trade target for the Oilers around the trade deadline. Although things might be changing on that front with the emergence of Ryan McLeod on Draisaitl’s wing…
  • #48 Tomas Hertl (12g 15a 27pts) – Eight goals in his last ten games where his team has only won three times. He’s hard to ignore when he’s on his game and you never know with these Oilers, are they going to take a bottom-feeder like the Sharks serious or will they get lit up? If it’s the latter, Hertl will have a heavy hand in that scenario.

Three Players to Watch for the Good Guys

  • #71 Ryan McLeod (5g 6a 11pts) – Three goals and 1 assist in his last five games. Promoting him to Leon’s flank has proved fruitful for Kris Knoblauch. Personally, I think it’s a better place for him considering he’s not much of a mucker and grinder. Dylan Holloway might be a better 3C until Edmonton finds a proper Scott Laughton-type to put there of until Holloway grows into that role.
  • #93 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (8g 23a 31pts) – Nuge is the club’s hottest player aside from McDavid at the moment tallying up 6pts in his last five games. You’d like to see him pot a few more goals, wouldn’t you? Put your hand up if you think 93-97-18 might be a line for Team Canada at the next World Cup?
  • #29 Leon Draisaitl (14g 21a 35pts) – December’s done and now it’s time for the blitzkreig to begin. Historically Leon starts to light up the league after Christmas. I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that The Chancellor could rack up 60-70pts in the remaining 50 games, you?

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