Tag Archives: New York Islanders

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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM29: Oilers @ Islanders – 3P2W – Merzlikins to the Oilers About to Pick Up Steam?

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

“Number one, would you like to do things to make your team better? Absolutely. Now, you have to factor in that you have to find a trading partner. Trading partners you usually find in February, you know, the two to four weeks prior to the trade deadline.” – Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland on his approach to upgrading his roster this season.

  • Holland’s always done most of his business around that time but Jason Gregor is out there making proclamations about how “In the next 50 days Holland needs to make a trade and if they don’t it’ll be inexcusable!”
  • Well, 50 days from now is when? Who can tell me? The first week of February and the trade deadline is on March 8th.
  • So I don’t really get the point about focusing on the next 50 days as if it’s some revelation considering that’s exactly what Holland laid out.
  • However, Gregor does make a solid observation about Edmonton’s schedule. It gets considerably more difficult after Feb.1st. The opponents are better and I count five back-to-backs. Edmonton can’t be going into that stretch relying on Skinner and Pickard.
  • I’d argue they can’t go into those games with any sort of question mark in goal. Meaning the guy they bring in has to be somebody of note. I don’t know if Merzlikins is going to be enough even though there’s some smoke to that fire around the Oilers.
  • I don’t know if Tristan Jarry or Jake Allen would be enough. Are there folks out there that think MacKenzie Blackwood or Marc-Andre Fleury would be enough? John Gibson?
  • Karel Vejmelka? Why would the Coyotes move him if they’ve got the opportunity to have a really good tandem in net for a few years to come at under $5M/yr? On top of that, the Coyotes are competing with the Oilers for that final wildcard spot…
  • And here’s the rub, Gretzky and Chaulk and all the boys down in Bakersfield have absolutely erased any value Edmonton’s prospects had before the season started PLUS if the Oilers don’t make the playoffs, they’re going to need the draft picks.
  • This club has gone 8-2-0 in their last ten and every single blog and media outlet is losing its shit about how the Oilers need this, that, and the first born child of whoever they’re trading with. 
  • They might lose three more here in New York and then ring off another eight or nine game winning streak before the rubber hits the road in February but there still needs to be a bit of patience as other teams are going to fall off and trade opps are going to emerge.
  • Dylan Holloway will be back after Xmas to offer some more forward depth too. Will he be an Oiler after March 8th? Only time will tell on that front… I hope he is. Healthy, he’s the kind of guy you want to go into the post-season with.
  • Here’s what they cannot do under any circumstances, make a panic trade.

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

  • #14 Bo Horvat (12g 18a 30pts) – Sixteen points in his last ten games. He’s not taken any sort of step back since leaving Vancouver. I wonder how much consideration he gets for Team Canada as the next World Cup is approaching?
  • #29 Brock Nelson (15g 12a 27pts) – four goals and three assists in his last half dozen minus one. Nelson is cruising right now.
  • #8 Noah Dobson (5g 27a 32pts) – He has NINE assists in his last five games. He and Bouchard were the big debate at their draft as to who the Oilers should pick and the argument continues today.

Three Players to Watch for the Good Guys

  • #91 Evander Kane (12g 10a 22pts) – Kane’s getting a little push here but I’m not sure if that’s what he or McDavid’s line needs because he’s clearly dealing with some sort of injury. That said, I like Connor’s flanks to be players with size and physicality.
  • #29 Leon Draisaitl (12g 21a 23pts) – He’s getting Nuge back and RNH has 10pts in his last 5 games. So I’m hoping that translates to some points on the board for Der Kaiser. Foegele will offer a bit of blitzkrieg and I’m a fan of that. It’s just unfortunate that he’s got hands of stone.
  • #74 Stu Skinner (11-8-1, 3.04 GAA, 0.886 SV%) – The Islanders forwards are running pretty hot scoring 18 goals in their last five (3-2-0), so Edmonton will need to see some Calder candidate Skinner tonight.

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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM14: Oilers VS Islanders – 3P2W – Woody Gets Knoblauch’d and Super Spy Paul Coffey Is Here to Save the Day

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

In a brilliant strategic move, the Edmonton Oilers decided to part ways with head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson, signaling their commitment to mediocrity with a stellar 3-9-1 start. Because, you know, nothing says “Stanley Cup favorite” like a team that can’t even win half its games.

To fill the void left by the ousted coaching staff, the Oilers have ingeniously recruited Kris Knoblauch from the powerhouse that is the New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Because clearly, nothing says “NHL head-coaching material” like someone making their debut after a stint in the minor leagues.

And to add a touch of prestige, they’ve brought in Hockey Hall of Famer Paul Coffey as an assistant coach, because when your team is already a sinking ship, why not throw in a Hall of Famer to witness the descent into the abyss? Good job, Oilers. Your commitment to chaos is truly commendable.

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)

  • #27 Anders Lee (1g 1a 2pts) – We’re used to see this guys’ name on the scoresheet a bit more that what he’s putting up right now. One goal on 29 shots this year… That’ll sort itself out soon and usually the Oilers are a good team to help with that.
  • #10 Simon Holmstrom (4g 0a 4pts) – The young swede is up on the Isles’ first line with Horvat and Barzal and it’s paying off. In his last five games he has three goals. I remember him being touted as quite the sniper in his draft year.
  • #8 Noah Dobson (4g 8a 12pts) – He leads the Islanders in scoring right now. You fantasy folk might be interested in knowing that he’s got 35 shots on the season to go with 32 blocks and he’s averaging over 24 minutes of TOI.

Three Players to Watch for the Oilers

  • #97 Connor McDavid (2g 8a 10pts) – I don’t think there’s anybody else that everybody is going to be watching considering his junior coach just got hired to replace Woodcroft. I’d imagine that’s a lot of pressure for him but at the same time, good. He gets paid the big bucks for a reason, now start showing us why.
  • #55 Dylan Holloway (1g 0a 1pts) – Hollywood was flying against Seattle. I really liked the effort I saw out of him and I think he’s starting to heat up.
  • #2 Evan Bouchard (3g 9a 12pts) – Noah vs. Evan from their draft year was a big debate and now they’re pacing each other at the NHL level. Who’ll have a better game tonight? I’m going to put my money on Bouch.

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 Preds 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)
    • (5-2 LOSS)
  • 11/6 @ Canucks – I’ll take Edmonton for a third time here, Alex. (W)
    • (6-2 LOSS)
  • 11/9 @ Sharks – I don’t even recognize half the names on SJ’s roster… (W)
    • (3-2 LOSS)
  • 11/11 @ Kraken – I like Seattle’s roster. Well-rounded. (L)
    • (4-1 WIN)

(predictions made 10/11/2023)

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

(3/23/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: “Evgeni Kuznetsov trade possibilities…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Evgeni Kuznetsov (WAS), Dustin Brown (LA), Niklas Hjalmarsson (ARI), 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

Larry Brooks (NY Post) wonders if New Jersey Devils $9M right-shot defender might have some interest from other clubs at this year’s trade deadline or prior,

  • “The Spirit of 76 has one year with a $9 million cap hit remaining on his deal. If the Devils retain half, contenders with needs on the right side of the blue line could do much worse than acquiring Subban.”

Emily Sadler of Sportsnet:  Mattias Ekholm emerging as one of the top defensive trade targets has been established. Now, where could he end up? The Jake Muzzin deal sets the bar but again the where is far from set.

  • Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto seems to be involved in everything but they do need defense and/or goaltending insurance. Ekholm would be especially helpful but a deal would have to be done in the next week or so. A pure rental makes more sense but Ekholm gives Toronto three left-handed anchors for defense.
  • Philadelphia Flyers:  Again, when Matt Niskanen retired, it left a huge void on the defensive corps. At first, the Flyers were able to hide their deficiencies but now they cannot. Giving up 25 goals in the last five games makes a deal more likely. Ekholm’s term helps here at a reasonable rate for Philadelphia. The Flyers have enough prospects to sweeten any deal for the Nashville defenseman.
  • Montreal Canadiens:  Montreal’s roller coaster of a season continues at breakneck speed. Marc Bergevin remains unafraid to pull off another bold move or three. With the Ben Chiarot injury, a spot has opened up. Unfortunately, cap space is an issue as it is for most teams. Montreal possesses a wealth of draft picks — 14 in 2021, and seven in 2022. Does Montreal add Artturi Lehkonen as well?
  • Boston Bruins:  Ekholm is one of those defensemen who can boost scoring a little bit while playing mostly excellent defense in a tougher top-four role. The problem for the Bruins is that teams know Boston has one of the worst prospect pools in the NHL. A player may have to go the other way. Jake DeBrusk is the name bandied about as a possible return for Nashville.
  • Winnipeg Jets:  Winnipeg has the pieces to make a Jake Muzzin like deal according to Murat Ates via Adam Vingan of The Athletic. The problem is that other teams could offer a better package for Ekholm. Cap issues are there as well. However, adjustments can be made for the Nashville defenseman.

J.J. Regan of NBC Sports Washington (mailbag):  A flat salary cap remains for the next few seasons. The Washington Capitals need a center. It was something Washington did not address during the draft or free agency last year. They have a nice core of four centers with the big club but little or nothing else after that. A dollar-in, dollar-out deal to deliver a depth center seems unlikely.

Evgeni Kuznetsov trade possibilities rise a little but not until after the season. During the season makes little sense for the Washington Capitals. As for the expansion draft, stay tuned as Washington will try to steer certain deals to Seattle. A Vegas-like sequel will not happen again.

Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic: The New York Rangers would definitely be interested in Jack Eichel if he becomes available. That would be more of an offseason move, if at all. They will likely be sellers, but do have some assets/draft picks they could move for the right player.

Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, feels the Toronto Maple Leafs are talking trade for a defenseman to fill out their d-core and provide them some more insurance as they head into the playoffs. Candidates include: Nik Hjalmarsson (ARI), Marc Staal (DET), Jari Hakanpaa (ANA), and David Savard (CBJ).

Dennis Bernstein (The Fourth Period) says that that LA Kings are getting interest on veterans Dustin Brown and Jonathan Quick.

  • “One team is an obvious landing spot for Brown – the New York Islanders, who were on the wrong end of a body blow when captain Anders Lee’s season ended with an ACL injury. Brown isn’t Lee, but what he is, is the most affordable and likely gettable player on the market. He’s not the only option for the Islanders (Kyle Palmieri, Mikael Granlund, Taylor Hall), but is having the best season of any options. “
  • The other player who has drawn attention is at the other end of the spectrum, goaltender Jonathan Quick. Though the Los Angeles net has not been handed over to Cal Petersen by Todd McLellan, the younger netminder is clearly the better goaltender. Some say that Quick is done and isn’t close to the Conn Smythe winner he once was and they’re right. “

Jimmy Murphy (Boston Hockey Now) recently reported multiple sources claiming the Bruins are scouting Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard. GM Don Sweeney is also continuing to monitor the situation with Ekholm and St. Louis Blues rearguard Vince Dunn. The Predators and Blues recently scouted the Bruins.

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

(3/23/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors Quick Hits Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Jack Eichel (BUF), Frederik Andersen (TOR), Dylan Strome (CHI), 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

Renaud Lavoie (TVA Sports) is reporting that the ask for Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel is at least four first round draft picks be they players that were once selected in the first round of the NHL draft or are future selections.

David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period) says the LA Kings have spoken to the Toronto Maple Leafs about goalie Jonathan Quick but nothing is imminent on that front. The belief is that Buds netminder Frederik Andersen would go the other way if a trade is finalized.

Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) counters the Quick to Toronto claims by saying that he doesn’t think it’s happening because he believes the Maple Leafs don’t think it’s viable.

  • The Vancouver Canucks have been taking calls on Travis Hamonic, Jordie Benn, Tanner Pearson (before injury), and Brandon Sutter. They’re gauging the market but in wait-and-see mode with their playoff status
  • Things have changed in Columbus as they’ve caught Chicago for the fourth and final playoff spot in their division which probably means David Savard and Nick Foligno might not get dealt. If Columbus stays in it and hold their UFAs, that changes the market.

TSN1200: Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving on his club’s potential trade deadline plans,

“I’m certainly not looking to spend high draft or prospect capital for rental players, but if there’s a way to help our team, that’s what we’ll continue to do. I’m not in a position where I need to be spending those types of assets on a rental.”

Daily Faceoff Podcast: Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell on what his club might be looking for ahead of the trade deadline,

“A right-shot defender would be something I’ve asked around about and another top-nine forward potentially. We’re also looking at all our positions from a depth standpoint.”

Andrew Gross (Newsday) has speculated recently on whether or not the the New York Islanders will pursue New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri before the trade deadline.

Larry Brooks (NY Post) has suggested that the New York Rangers keep Russian winger Pavel Buchnevich at $5.5M AAV for 4-5 years.

John Hoven (Mayor’s Manor) expects the LA Kings to retain Alex Iafallo’s services and sees him staying in LA. To date, not serious contract talks have taken place and nothing is imminent. Most signs point to a deal being announced later down the road.

Kevin Kurz (The Athletic) Patrick Marleau would definitely consider a trade to a contender if the opportunity arises but he’s not actively looking for it. His goal is still to win a Stanley Cup.

The Athletic says a league source has informed them that the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t shopping center Dylan Strome but they are willing to entertain offers for Connor McDavid’s former junior linemate.

Max Bultman (The Athletic) says if healthy, forward Tyler Bertuzzi will have a ton of appeal for buyers at the trade deadline.

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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!