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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM10: Oilers Vs. Predators- 3P2W – Can Anything Save This Sinking Ship? The Grim Reality of NHL’s Most Hopeless Team

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!

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Random Pontifications

In the heart of NHL’s desolation, the Edmonton Oilers trudge wearily toward yet another battle, their pursuit of hope a mere illusion. Last season’s echoes of greatness have faded into a cacophony of defeat, painting a grim portrait of a team lost in a labyrinth of losses. Even the valiant efforts of Sam Gagner, a lone beacon in the darkness, fail to dispel the pervasive hopelessness that shrouds the Oilers.

Once celebrated for their offensive might, the Oilers now stand as a pitiful spectacle, their defensive frailties laid bare for all to witness. McDavid and Draisaitl, once titans, now resemble mere mortals in the face of relentless onslaughts and a woeful save percentage. The locker room exudes an eerie calm, a facade masking the bitter acceptance that has settled in like a festering wound. Evander Kane’s rallying cries echo hollowly, drowned out by the deafening silence of resignation. The injury to Connor Brown serves as a cruel reminder of the team’s misfortunes, casting a looming shadow over their already shattered spirit.

Raphaël Lavoie’s call-up feels like a desperate attempt to salvage a sinking ship. Despite his AHL success, it’s hard not to see this move as a mere band-aid on a gaping wound. Replacing the ineffective Connor Brown, Lavoie might bring temporary excitement, but can he truly mend the deeply-rooted issues plaguing the team? The third-line gamble seems like a feeble attempt to inject life into a lackluster roster. In a season marred by disappointment, Lavoie’s promotion appears more like a grim reminder of the team’s unraveling than a genuine solution to their woes. The Oilers cling to hope, but in this relentless cycle of despair, even the most optimistic glimmers fade into darkness.

In the gloomy saga of the Edmonton Oilers, defenseman Philip Broberg becomes a casualty of the team’s lack of accountability and vision. Hindered by minimal ice time and an ambiguous role, Broberg’s plight highlights the coaching staff and GM’s failure in fostering his development. The Oilers’ decision to exile him to the AHL reeks of desperation, an admission of their own ineptitude in nurturing young talent. Former player Jason Strudwick’s skepticism mirrors the prevailing sentiment, emphasizing the team’s utter confusion regarding Broberg’s potential. Amidst this murky landscape, Broberg’s demotion echoes the broader organizational failure, epitomizing the Oilers’ dire state of affairs and their glaring inability to harness and cultivate promising players for a team drowning in disappointment.

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 (team)

  • #82 Tommy Novak (5g 2a 7pts) – This guy has burst onto the scene this season and has positioned himself as the Preds no.2 center. Along with wingers Kiefer Sherwood and Luke Evangelista have combined for 17points in Nashville’s last five games. Their fast, physical, and skilled. They have the potential to give Edmonton’s swiss cheese defense and goaltending some trouble.
  • #10 Colton Sissons (5g 1a 6pts) – Now, this is what you want from a 3C. Sissons is very much a throwback player in that he’s going to make life very difficult for the opposition physically. He’s got no qualms getting into the muck and his five goals on the year is a reflection of that high-end work ethic.
  • #59 Roman Josi (2g 4a 7pts) – Josi’s hit his stride here production-wise. He’s on a PPG pace in his last five matches. He’s the kind of defenseman that can dismantle another team from his own end with his elite vision and playmaking ability and with the way the Oilers are playing defensively, he very well could ruin Edmonton’s day on his own. Especially when he’s got an all-star winger in Filip Forsberg sitting on 1 goal for the year…

Three Players to Watch for the Oilers

  • #62 Raphael Lavoie (0g 0a 0pts) – The clamoring from the media and fanbase finally paid off. Now, I’ve always said that Lavoie is a better skating version of Alex Chiasson. Meaning he’s a big guy with an amazing shot but so bloody inconsistent. The other thing is, he’s not a mean player. He’s got the size and he’ll engage from time to time (check out his scrap in the clip below), but he’s not a banger. I don’t know if he’ll get a lot of TOI as the Woodcroft’s got Gagner up on the 2nd line with Nuge and Kane as well ass Foegele is back to the 3rd line with Holloway and McLeod. So, he’ll be lining up with Derek Ryan on the 4th line but on the bright side, he’ll have one of 97, 29, or 93 as his center. i
  • #91 Evander Kane (3g 5a 8pts) – Ever since that comment on HNIC Kane’s been on fire. One could argue he’s been the Oilers’ best player since then. So I bet he’s probably wondering when the rest of his teammates are going to follow suit. A guy like this can only play that sort of style for so long before he realizes his efforts aren’t being appreciated.
  • #93 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2g 6a 8pts) – Two assists in his last five games… He’s slowed down considerably. Maybe having Gagner and Kane on his line will light a fire under his ass.

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)
    • (5-2 WIN)
  • 11/2 vs. Stars – This will be a very tight game. (W)
    • (4-3 Loss)
  • 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, Rumors

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM#: Oilers @ Predators – 3P2W – There’s a McTear in my Beer

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!

Random Pontifications

  • Bob Stauffer said that the Oilers will try to acquire a right-shot center around the deadline and that they’re looking at a RW with size, speed, and grit. So Nic Down and…. I’ll give you five names that might fit the bill,
    • Sam Lafferty (VAN) – We know the Oilers have had interest in this player as recent as this offseason but also going back to last year. Maybe the most likely candidate if the Canucks are out of the playoff picture. UFA in the offseason.
    • Brandon Duhaime (MIN) – Another UFA after this campaign. Had nine goals in 51 games last year but not a lot else.
    • Hayden Hodgson (LA) – The dude that ran Mark Stone during preseason. Stauffer’s brought him up plenty of times in the past, but is he better than Erne? I don’t think so. Great energy guy whose contract is up after this year.
    • AJ Greer (CGY) – The Flames plucked him off waivers. He’ll be UFA this summer. Not sure if this is the guy given he’s more of a bruiser than anything and can’t seem to stick to one club for longer than two years.
    • Taylor Raddysh (CHI) – RFA at season’s end, but I don’t know if the Hawks are going to move him. He’s playing pretty well, is he not? 20 goals and 37 points last year… Chicago would be daft to deal him. He’s the guy you want out of this list though.

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 Predators

  • #9 Filip Forsberg – No goals on the year for the Preds premier twine tickler. You know what that means? The Oilers will do their best to help him out.
  • #22 Tyson Barrie – Another thing the Oilers like to do is give ex-Oilers a couple points when they play each other. Barrie should be good for at least one assist if not a goal and an assist.
  • #77 Luke Evangelista – Keep an eye on this kid. He’s got size, speed, a shot, drives the net, gets in the muck, and is a really dangerous player for where he plays in NSH’s lineup.

Three Players to Watch for the Oilers

  • #29 Leon Draisaitl – He lights up the Preds every time the Oilers play them. He’s a shoe-in for at least two points in my opinion.
  • #14 Mattias Ekholm – Edmonton’s latest Swedish blueline sensation returning to Nashville for the first time to play his former team will be interesting. He’s already playing well under 100% health-wise and I can’t imagine he’ll be any better mentally. I hope he’s has himself a career game but if he disappoints, I won’t be shocked.
  • #28 Connor Brown – This guy has got to get his shit together. I mean, him with McLeod and Holloway should be a very truculent line and I am intrigued at its potential but the unfortunate part about that is that it means the Oilers are back to being a one line team…

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)
    • 10/19 @ Flyers – Their forward group looks entertaining but they’ve got nobody on defense. (W)
    • 10/21 vs. Winnipeg – The Jets are always a tough out. I like their chances. (L)
    • 10/24 @ Wild – Minny isn’t as good as they used to be but still very solid. (W)
    • 10/26 vs. Rangers – I like NY’s defense and goaltending here. (L)
    • 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)
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(3/21/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: “One name I’m intrigued by, provided the Kings wanted to move him, is…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Tyson Barrie (EDM), John Gibson (ANA), P.K. Subban (NJ), and more!

Is Leon Draisaitl’s excellent two-way presence just a mirage? One Edmonton pundit says they may very well be, BLH says not so fast. Read about it here.

A new name in the rumor mill for Oilers fans! Check out who it is here.

Could Tyson Barrie be trade bait for the Oilers? Read about that here.

This is not the kind of news Edmonton Oilers fans will like.

Click the pic and find the NHL94 player from your team!

NHL Rumors and Speculation

Greg Wyshynski (ESPN): Says that there are six teams who MUST nail the upccoming NHL trade deadline,

  • Anaheim Ducks: They should honestly tear this thing down to the concrete and prospects. For me, that would include exploring a Hampus Lindholm trade in the offseason and moving goalie John Gibson either now or in the offseason.
  • Boston Bruins: Jake DeBrusk’s name has been mentioned for a while as trade bait for bigger fish, and he’s a desirable target at just a $3.675 million annual cap hit that runs through next season. He also strikes you as someone with the Tyler Seguin-esque ability to level up his game in a new locale and make whatever deal the Bruins include him in become “The DeBrusk Trade” within two seasons.
  • Carolina Hurricanes: Adding a center would seem paramount. The question is whether that center should be the Buffalo Sabres‘ Eric Staal — a reunion of franchise player and franchise that is seemingly being willed into existence by fans and media lately.
  • Nashville Predators: Obviously, Ekholm is a deadline bounty waiting to happen. The 2019 Jake Muzzin trade between the Kings and Maple Leafs has been held up as a comparable windfall, and that delivered Carl Grundstrom, Sean Durzi and Toronto’s first-round pick in the 2019 draft to Los Angeles.
  • Philadelphia Flyers: Another reason for the defensive letdown is that the Flyers still haven’t replaced Matt Niskanen on their blue line… They could also bring in Manson from the Ducks, but his offense hasn’t been anywhere near consistent in the past three seasons.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs: One name I’m intrigued by, provided the Kings wanted to move him, is Alex Iafallo. A 27-year-old pending unrestricted free agent, he costs $2.425 million against the cap and is as comfortable killing penalties as he is playing in the top six. Plus, Dubas and Kings GM Rob Blake have done some nice business in the Muzzin and Campbell trades before.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Vancouver Canucks have decided to hold off on becoming sellers now that they’ve climbed back into the Scotia North Division playoff race. They want to see how things play out and as a result has slowed things down in the trade market. The Columbus Blue Jackets are another club holding off after battling back into the postseason.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks points out P.K. Subban is having a pretty good season with the New Jersey Devils. Subban has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $9 million. Brooks suggests he’d be a good option for clubs seeking a right-side defenseman if the Devils agreed to pick up half of his cap hit.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports teams have shown an interest in Arizona Coyotes winger Conor Garland. He doesn’t believe it’s a move the Coyotes want to do but perhaps they’d consider it for the right price if it allows them to restock.

NBC Sports: San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson is now on record with the exact direction he’s going to take his hockey club and it’s not going to make star defenceman Erik Karlsson any happier.

  • “For very simple reasons. We were gonna reset,” Wilson said when asked why the Sharks weren’t buyers over the offseason. “That meant giving our younger player the opportunities. That’s the mode that we’re in right now. You want the Patty Marleaus, the Stef Noesens, the Marcus Sorensens, but you want opportunities for our young players to play. That is the mode that we’re in. We wanted to make sure that we replenished our system in the draft and that’s why we used all nine of those picks. We didn’t use those picks to go get players from the outside.”

Ken Campbell (The Hockey News): Had this to say with regards to Edmonton Oilers pending UFA defenseman Tyson Barrie,

  • “It’s pretty clear that if and when Barrie sits down with the Oilers, he’s going to have to adjust his expectations. If he wants to remain in what has turned out to be a great situation and be part of a team on the rise, he’ll likely have to sacrifice both money and term and take a hometown discount for an organization to which he has only one year of service. If not, he’ll sign for better terms somewhere else and be playing for his fourth team in four years.”

Adam Gretz (NBC Sports): Believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Boston Bruins are the most likely landing spots for Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm. 

  • “There is a lot to like about the Jets due to their forwards and goaltending, but the defense is still in need of some extra help. This team is screaming for a player like Ekholm. The North Division is wide open for the taking, and for as big of a lead as Toronto jumped out to it is not invincible out of that group. Somebody from that division is going to reach the semifinals. The Jets have the forwards and goaltending. They need the defense.Toronto is a logical choice given the seemingly “all in” mindset for this season, but given their current struggles they might need to address the goaltending issue before the defense. That is the concern right now.Boston has the salary cap space to make a play for a top defenseman at the trade deadline but given how much their secondary scoring has hurt this season.”

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

(3/21/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: MOCK TRADES!!!

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring some trade proposals courtesy of The Athletic that include players like Jake DeBrusk (BOS), Jeff Skinner (BUF), Anthony Mantha (DET), Jack Eichel (BUF), and more!

Is Leon Draisaitl’s excellent two-way presence just a mirage? One Edmonton pundit says they may very well be, BLH says not so fast. Read about it here.

A new name in the rumor mill for Oilers fans! Check out who it is here.

Could Tyson Barrie be trade bait for the Oilers? Read about that here.

This is not the kind of news Edmonton Oilers fans will like.

Click the pic and find the NHL94 player from your team!

NHL Rumors and Speculation (and Mock Trades)

Harman Dayal of The Athletic (mailbag): Says that the Vancouver Canucks could target some players like Warren Foegele (CAR) or Ryan Graves (COL) in expansion draft trades as their respective teams find a way to complete their protection lists.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey NOW: Wonders if the Penguins might try to pull off a more drastic trade now with Evgeni Malkin on the IR. He also speculates that Pittsburgh might have interest in Luke Glendening and Bobby Ryan (DET), Erik Haula (NSH), Cody Eakin (BUF), or Ryan Dzingel (OTT).

Joe Haggerty of Boston Hockey NOW (mailbag): Is of the belief that the Boston Bruins are in desperate need of some scoring and has thrown out names like Taylor Hall (BUF), Rickard Rackell (ANA), and Kyle Palmieiri (NJ). He warns though, those players may have a buyer beware tag on them.

Shawn Simpson: The Ottawa Senators should be looking to find a Marc Methot-type partner for Thomas Chabot this offseason.

Sportsnet: Chris Johnston said that Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames may not be that active at the trade deadline. The Winnipeg Jets have already made a big move but are a wild card team.

Kevin Bieksa (Sportsnet): Says the Tyson Barrie should do whatever it takes to stay with the Edmonton Oilers,

“When you’re a free agent, you gotta find a team that’s a good fit for you. … You look at it with Barrie, it’s just a good fit. The way he plays, he likes to handle the puck, he likes to be offensive, jump in the play, he’s good on the power play, he’s a right hand shot, which is also important for McDavid and Draisailt. He checks a lot of the boxes, he’s having a lot of success.”

Here are SOME of the promised mock trades courtesy of The Athletic!

What do you think of those proposals? Let us know in the comments below!

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This is how Pavel used to tell you who was #1 back in the day! Click the pic and grab a shirt or a mask!
Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Rumors

(3/20/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: Erik Gudbranson Being Linked to the Oilers?

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Erik Gudbranson (OTT), Barrett Hayton (ARI), Jonathan Quick (LA), and more!

Is Leon Draisaitl’s excellent two-way presence just a mirage? One Edmonton pundit says they may very well be, BLH says not so fast. Read about it here.

A new name in the rumor mill for Oilers fans! Check out who it is here.

Could Tyson Barrie be trade bait for the Oilers? Read about that here.

This is not the kind of news Edmonton Oilers fans will like.

Click the pic and find the NHL94 player from your team!

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Chris Johnston (Sportsnet) says that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be a front-rummer for Nashville Predators d-man Mattias Ekholm.
  • Kevin Weekes (NHL.com) reports that interest is heating up in veteran goaltenders Jonathan Quick (LA), Jonathan Berner (DET), and Devan Dubnyk (SJ).
  • The Fourth Period believes the Colorado Avalanche have been linked to Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno.
    • They’re also saying that the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, and Pittsburgh Penguins are being linked to Detroit Red Wings forward Bobby Ryan.
    • TFP reckons the Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, and Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Columbus Blue Jackets defender David Savard.
    • The Buffalo Sabres are apparently interested in Jake Virtanen (VAN) and the Maple Leafs are looking at Luke Glendening (DET) according to the rumor site.
    • Erik Gudbranson (OTT) is garnering some interest from the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers.
    • The New York Islanders could be looking at Anaheim Ducks winger Rickard Rackell.
  • Shawn Simpson (Sportsnet) says there isn’t much of a trade market for Ottawa Senators forward Ryan Dzingel and suggests that “maybe” the Sens could get a 4th or a 5th round pick for him.
  • Bruce Garrioch (Post Media) has been by Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion that it should be a “very quiet” trade deadline this season.
  • Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic) thinks that the idea of Taylor Hall signing an extension in Buffalo is “out the window”.
    • The Islanders and Maple Leafs are two teams to watch in the Nick Foligno sweepstakes.
  • Mike Johnston (Sportsnet) believes the Leafs, Avalanche, Panthers, Bruins, and Islanders could be potential destinations for Taylor Hall.
  • Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) says some Maple Leafs targets are unavailable until teams figure out if they can sign them to an extension (Kyle Palmieri (NJ), Alex Iafallo (LA))
    • He’s not convinced the Flyers will be “big players” for Predators d-man Mattias Ekholm.
  • The Athletic have added Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljgren and Arizona Coyotes forward Barrett Hayton to their trade bait board.
  • Joe Smith (The Athletic): Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien Brisbois says it’s “realistically unlikely” the Lightning will add a player by this season’s trade deadline. “We literally have zero cap space.”
  • JD Burke (Elite Prospects) is reporting that as many as six teams were prepared to offer Matt Kiersted (UND) and ELC last season. He says nothing is imminent but at least 20 teams are offering a contract this season.
    • The Edmonton Oilers are looking at UND netminder Adam Scheel.
  • Frank Seravalli (TSN) is reporting that the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks are not willing to retain salary in any trades involving defender Mattias Ekholm and forward Rickard Rakell respectively.
  • Bob McKenzie (NBC) is of the belief that Jason Karmanos is the leading contender for the AGM job in Buffalo. “Somebody is going to be hired as AGM before they get to hiring a new head coach.”
    • He also said that the New York Rangers will continue to build towards the future and if there’s a hockey deal out there, GM Jeff Gorton can make one. McKenzie also added that prospect Nils Lundqvist is probably due to join the NYR in the fall.
  • Eric Engels (Sportsnet) has sources telling him that the decision for defensive prospect Jordan Harris to sign with the Montreal Canadiens is in the player’s hands and an announcement could come as soon as this weekend.
  • Darren Dreger (TSN) says early next week it’s expected that Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland will engage in preliminary discussions with UFAs Adam Larsson and Tyson Barrie, as well as, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

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Flames Suck. Click the pic and get a shirt.
This is how Pavel used to tell you who was #1 back in the day! Click the pic and grab a shirt or a mask!