Oilers

[ConnorFutureGM]

What the hell kinda numbers are these. You would never get a second line player for 2 M, let alone a top liner. Hall, RNH and Eberle alone will take more than 15 M. And your starting goalie (I assume that is the number 4 near the bottom) is only 4 M? That's Antti Niemi territory. Oh wait, forgot that's what you were gunning for.

Like it or not, having four big money contracts up front will kill your ability to improve depth at other positions. Which is what you shall see, because having to fill out the rest of your top 6 with 2 million dollar players will not end well. You will not be able to get that caliber of player for the money you offer. And as we have seen in the playoffs, the teams that win are the ones with the most performing depth.

The 2 million players would be utility players like Burrows and Ott or a Dupuis. The 2 million dollar players are the ones who do well in the playoffs. There is also other forms of depth. The Oilers have been doing a great job getting depth players in the draft. If they get a few of these players playing well in ELC or two way AHL contracts, they can have quality cheap depth.

The players who exceed their salary expectations will eventually want raises. The Oilers can trade these players for other prospects to develop and continue building a stronger base of prospects.

[C_worthy]

The 2 million players would be utility players like Burrows and Ott or a Dupuis. The 2 million dollar players are the ones who do well in the playoffs. There is also other forms of depth. The Oilers have been doing a great job getting depth players in the draft. If they get a few of these players playing well in ELC or two way AHL contracts, they can have quality cheap depth.

The players who exceed their salary expectations will eventually want raises. The Oilers can trade these players for other prospects to develop and continue building a stronger base of prospects.

and mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy

[conundrumed]

Anyone else hearing the Butter to Edmonton rumours?

No link, as it is in full rumour phase, as I'm sure you Oilers jokers have heard that one.

Tambellini is laughable, "we'll have to look further into the player and see just how good he is".

If that's anything near truth, he's lost. Spare me the lip service, he's been #1 for what, over a year?

Do you have scouts? Or are you planting the seed that you're uncomfortable drafting a Russian?

That would be fairly stupid, whilst you're dealing with his agent Larionov. One of the most respected NHLers Russia's ever produced.

If you can't make a couple adjustments to your D without sacrificing a bonafide #1 pick, you're pretty much useless.

Goaltending is a bigger issue, imo.

Their d isn't 'AHL' like a couple of years ago.

Taking on Schenn, Subban, and losing a 3 year ELC on a potential 30-40/80-90 player?

I actually hope Tambellini would do that.

It's well documented that Yakupov is #1 and everyone else is at least a stride behind him.

And a Russian really isn't going to care how cold Edmonton gets, it's not a distraction-filled market like most American cities, TO, MTL etc etc etc.

Yakupov was an electrifying player in Sarnia, I'm just wondering if he can electrify the great Edmonton crowd, because that would be something to see. Definitely a player that feeds on the crowd, as many of his interview comments prove.

When comparing Yakupov to Kuznetzov, remember the Caps will let Semin walk, with a better player to replace him with.

Yakupov is a year younger, but already used to the smaller ice and doing NHL camp work in the offseason, same as last year.

Nail probably missed 30 pts this year on guys going, "woe, how did that get there".

He's a step ahead of everyone else in the draft because he's been on a completely different level from most guys he's on the ice with.

If Edmonton is going to do nothing more than stockpile assets, let them.

As long as goaltending continues to provide 1 goal losses, we'll get the last laugh!!

[ConnorFutureGM]

Anyone else hearing the Butter to Edmonton rumours?

No link, as it is in full rumour phase, as I'm sure you Oilers jokers have heard that one.

Tambellini is laughable, "we'll have to look further into the player and see just how good he is".

If that's anything near truth, he's lost. Spare me the lip service, he's been #1 for what, over a year?

Do you have scouts? Or are you planting the seed that you're uncomfortable drafting a Russian?

That would be fairly stupid, whilst you're dealing with his agent Larionov. One of the most respected NHLers Russia's ever produced.

If you can't make a couple adjustments to your D without sacrificing a bonafide #1 pick, you're pretty much useless.

Goaltending is a bigger issue, imo.

Their d isn't 'AHL' like a couple of years ago.

Taking on Schenn, Subban, and losing a 3 year ELC on a potential 30-40/80-90 player?

I actually hope Tambellini would do that.

It's well documented that Yakupov is #1 and everyone else is at least a stride behind him.

And a Russian really isn't going to care how cold Edmonton gets, it's not a distraction-filled market like most American cities, TO, MTL etc etc etc.

Yakupov was an electrifying player in Sarnia, I'm just wondering if he can electrify the great Edmonton crowd, because that would be something to see. Definitely a player that feeds on the crowd, as many of his interview comments prove.

When comparing Yakupov to Kuznetzov, remember the Caps will let Semin walk, with a better player to replace him with.

Yakupov is a year younger, but already used to the smaller ice and doing NHL camp work in the offseason, same as last year.

Nail probably missed 30 pts this year on guys going, "woe, how did that get there".

He's a step ahead of everyone else in the draft because he's been on a completely different level from most guys he's on the ice with.

If Edmonton is going to do nothing more than stockpile assets, let them.

As long as goaltending continues to provide 1 goal losses, we'll get the last laugh!!

- They're giving Sutter a tryout at the World's, seeing if any other coaches get fired. The Oilers are rumoured to be interested in McLellan and Quennville. Quennville seems like he's staying so now it's probably between McLellan, Sutter, Renney, Kruger and maybe some others.

- Tambellini does this every draft. He ain't a shoot first kind of guy, he asks enough questions that he doesn't even need to carry a gun because you'll die of analytical boredom.

- As far as the Russian thing, it seems they're 99% confident that he will stay in North America. Larionov and Tambellini are supposedly good buddies.

- Gagner will likely be trade bait for a defenceman.

- Oilers made their goaltending bed with Dubnyk and Khabibulin. Dubnyk will be the starter next season and they're going to see if he is capable enough to be a starter. Khabibulin will play around 30 games next season bearing any unforseen events.

- The Oilers were not going to trade their 1st for Schenn. He would have been part of another trade. People were generating trade rumours of Subban, Montreal's 3rd overall FOR 1st overall but that's a pipe dream.

- Today on Oilers Now, Bob Stauffer said that there isn't any formal documentation from Russia proving Yakupov's or Grigorenko's age.

No one in Alberta was laughing after this season. You guys missed the playoffs again and the Oilers were a lottery team again. At least the Oilers are getting another potential superstar, what are the Flames getting, Cervenka? Is he the answer to the Flames problems at getting a #1 centre? If he is the best forward Feaster is going to add this off season, Flames aren't going to be any better next season and will probably take a dip in the standings.

[Flame111]

- They're giving Sutter a tryout at the World's, seeing if any other coaches get fired. The Oilers are rumoured to be interested in McLellan and Quennville. Quennville seems like he's staying so now it's probably between McLellan, Sutter, Renney, Kruger and maybe some others.

- As far as the Russian thing, it seems they're 99% confident that he will stay in North America. Larionov and Tambellini are supposedly good buddies.

- Gagner will likely be trade bait for a defenceman.

- Oilers made their goaltending bed with Dubnyk and Khabibulin. Dubnyk will be the starter next season and they're going to see if he is capable enough to be a starter. Khabibulin will play around 30 games next season bearing any unforseen events.

- The Oilers were not going to trade their 1st for Schenn. He would have been part of another trade. People were generating trade rumours of Subban, Montreal's 3rd overall FOR 1st overall but that's a pipe dream.

- Today on Oilers Now, Bob Stauffer said that there isn't any formal documentation from Russia proving Yakupov's or Grigorenko's age.

No one in Alberta was laughing after this season. You guys missed the playoffs again and the Oilers were a lottery team again. At least the Oilers are getting another potential superstar, what are the Flames getting, Cervenka? Is he the answer to the Flames problems at getting a #1 centre? If he is the best forward Feaster is going to add this off season, Flames aren't going to be any better next season and will probably take a dip in the standings.

Sutter would be a mistake for the Oilers - his style of game is absolutely not conducive to the forward ranks the Oilers currently have.

_______________

There is always Russian flight risk, especially long term. Once Yak hits the NHL and discovers he isn't the #1 dominating player anymore his perspective can radically change. More money, his own culture and country awaits him. If the shine has gone off NA living and he doesn't take, he can easily walk out on his ELC deal. Radulov did exactly this and as much as Yak may yak about his commitment to the NHL right now, just like Radulov, he may see things differently after his rookie year and move on.

Nothing could be more devastating to the Oilers. At least Radulov was a 15th overall pick, Yak will be #1 and if he only logs a year or two and walks… Tambo must be tossing and turning at night thinking about it… You are absurd to call the intentions and long term commitment of Yak at this point in time. I am sure he will suit up next year for the Oilers, maybe even the year after but after two years in warm, sunny Edmonton on a ELC contract that requires performance bonuses to even get paid you are naive beyond belief to think he may not go to the KHL to cash in and return to his home country.

Russians have fled the NHL so many times that I am not even going to bother listing them all. What a young man Yak's age says today, may be far different from what he thinks in 2 years. Tambo is looking into the abyss of an entire lost season last year and then NOTHING to even potentially show for it 2 years from now if Yak walks.

If Yak flees to the KHL he will become an elite player worshipped in his own country. You should worry about it, there is no KHL / NHL agreement on players and you should know that.

________________

Dubynk is at best an average Goaltender, if the Oilers are tieing their boat to him they will never go far. G is an issue in Edmonton, another season to wait out Bulin and get him off the books is fine but what then? The Oilers do not have the level of G they need, it is still an area to address. Too bad the Oil Kings Goalie doesn't belong to Edmonton.

________________

Cervenka is nothing more than a prudent move. A good Feaster move. No one in Calgary is carrying him into the city on shield like they did on the first Joker trade with Phx thinking he is the answer to the never-ending Center issues in Calgary. If he works fine, if he busts whatever. One year try-out at the NHL level is all he is getting.

My expectations of Cervenka are very guarded, I'd be happy if he put up 40 points in what will be a traumatic transition year, he doesn't even speak passable english yet.

And really when it comes to Edmonton AND Calgary - we both should have a lot more to talk about on their future for next season AFTER mid July when the bulk of the moves will have been made.

[ConnorFutureGM]

Sutter would be a mistake for the Oilers - his style of game is absolutely not conducive to the forward ranks the Oilers currently have.

_______________

There is always Russian flight risk, especially long term. Once Yak hits the NHL and discovers he isn't the #1 dominating player anymore his perspective can radically change. More money, his own culture and country awaits him. If the shine has gone off NA living and he doesn't take, he can easily walk out on his ELC deal. Radulov did exactly this and as much as Yak may yak about his commitment to the NHL right now, just like Radulov, he may see things differently after his rookie year and move on.

Nothing could be more devastating to the Oilers. At least Radulov was a 15th overall pick, Yak will be #1 and if he only logs a year or two and walks… Tambo must be tossing and turning at night thinking about it… You are absurd to call the intentions and long term commitment of Yak at this point in time. I am sure he will suit up next year for the Oilers, maybe even the year after but after two years in warm, sunny Edmonton on a ELC contract that requires performance bonuses to even get paid you are naive beyond belief to think he may not go to the KHL to cash in and return to his home country.

- You done this on several occasions: you accuse me of something and go on to contradict yourself.

Russians have fled the NHL so many times that I am not even going to bother listing them all. What a young man Yak's age says today, may be far different from what he thinks in 2 years. Tambo is looking into the abyss of an entire lost season last year and then NOTHING to even potentially show for it 2 years from now if Yak walks.

If Yak flees to the KHL he will become an elite player worshipped in his own country. You should worry about it, there is no KHL / NHL agreement on players and you should know that.

________________

Dubynk is at best an average Goaltender, if the Oilers are tieing their boat to him they will never go far. G is an issue in Edmonton, another season to wait out Bulin and get him off the books is fine but what then? The Oilers do not have the level of G they need, it is still an area to address. Too bad the Oil Kings Goalie doesn't belong to Edmonton.

________________

Cervenka is nothing more than a prudent move. A good Feaster move. No one in Calgary is carrying him into the city on shield like they did on the first Joker trade with Phx thinking he is the answer to the never-ending Center issues in Calgary. If he works fine, if he busts whatever. One year try-out at the NHL level is all he is getting.

My expectations of Cervenka are very guarded, I'd be happy if he put up 40 points in what will be a traumatic transition year, he doesn't even speak passable english yet.

And really when it comes to Edmonton AND Calgary - we both should have a lot more to talk about on their future for next season AFTER mid July when the bulk of the moves will have been made.

- Many people think Sutter was squeezing blood out of a rock in Calgary. Sutter did a great job with the complete lack of talent he had to work with.

- You assume way to much from your Iginla dream trades to your notions that Yakupov is just going to up and leave. He obviously has a desire to play in the NHL and this can be seen by him playing two years in the OHL and how he talks about his idol Bure in almost every interview. Unlike the Flames, the Oilers do a good job of scouting and put an emphasis on character. They make sure every player drafted wants to be an Edmonton Oiler.

- Dubnyk had better stats than Irving. We'll see how Dubnyk progresses. Bunz was voted the top netminder of the year in the WHL which was better than Brossoit. The Oil Kings are also the most complete team in the league with an amazing defence. Bunz was left on his own.

- Ask anyone who is not an Oiler or Flames fan: Oilers on way up, Flames on way down.

[Flame111]

- Many people think Sutter was squeezing blood out of a rock in Calgary. Sutter did a great job with the complete lack of talent he had to work with.

- You assume way to much from your Iginla dream trades to your notions that Yakupov is just going to up and leave. He obviously has a desire to play in the NHL and this can be seen by him playing two years in the OHL and how he talks about his idol Bure in almost every interview. Unlike the Flames, the Oilers do a good job of scouting and put an emphasis on character. They make sure every player drafted wants to be an Edmonton Oiler.

- Dubnyk had better stats than Irving. We'll see how Dubnyk progresses. Bunz was voted the top netminder of the year in the WHL which was better than Brossoit. The Oil Kings are also the most complete team in the league with an amazing defence. Bunz was left on his own.

- Ask anyone who is not an Oiler or Flames fan: Oilers on way up, Flames on way down.

Because Tangs, Iginla, Jbo, Kipper, Gio are a complete lack of talent - No one is saying the Flames have the talent up front the Oilers do but keep it real. Sutter will have all those top-end forwards playing a style they will not adjust well too. Sutter will not be a good fit, you'll see.

- Radulov also had a desire to play in the NHL. He was drafted by the Preds and played two seasons for them before up and leaving for the KHL. Several other examples exist. I am sure Yak wants to be an Oiler TODAY, I am sure he gives Tambo assurance after assurance that he is in the for the long haul - blah, blah, blah.

You simply do not know his state of mind 2 years from now. You do not know it and it can not be know, same as when the Preds drafted Radulov. Lets see how Yak feels with a couple years living in balmy Edmonton on a team that just may continue losing. Watch him say F this and up and go to the KHL, just like Radulov did. To deny the possibility of this existing is absurd.

Or is it impossible for an 18 year old kid to change his mind in 2 years when he is 20? By the way, I am not saying or suggesting the Oilers don't draft him #1, all I am saying is the Russian flight risk is a factor. It exists, what is Taylor Hall going to do if he hates Edmonton? If he can't stand losing and the organization.

Fact is Hall CAN'T do anything, he is stuck there until he finishes his ELC. Now Yak, Yak can in the blink of an eye book a flight back to Russia, make more money, return to his own culture and country and enjoy a better climate. - Gasp you say, wrong the average temp in Moscow is warmer than Edmonton, even in Jan.

Yak is not exactly going to cultural hub of North America. How he feels after two years may be way different. Don't tell me otherwise, Edmonton has examples of several players who have wanted out.

[DirtyDeeds]

- Many people think Sutter was squeezing blood out of a rock in Calgary. Sutter did a great job with the complete lack of talent he had to work with.

- You assume way to much from your Iginla dream trades to your notions that Yakupov is just going to up and leave. He obviously has a desire to play in the NHL and this can be seen by him playing two years in the OHL and how he talks about his idol Bure in almost every interview. Unlike the Flames, the Oilers do a good job of scouting and put an emphasis on character. They make sure every player drafted wants to be an Edmonton Oiler.

- Dubnyk had better stats than Irving. We'll see how Dubnyk progresses. Bunz was voted the top netminder of the year in the WHL which was better than Brossoit. The Oil Kings are also the most complete team in the league with an amazing defence. Bunz was left on his own.

- Ask anyone who is not an Oiler or Flames fan: Oilers on way up, Flames on way down.

They have awards for talent. Examples would be the Vesina for goaltenders(Kipper).... Calder, Norris, Con Smythe and so forth.

Do any of your Oilers have claim to any of these awards for "talent"?

Oilers have had " a complete lack of talent" since Bill Ranford won the Con Smythe in 1990.

Maybe you should reconsider calling the Flames having a complete lack of talent when you have no examples on your team to compare with.

But keep your head up, just quit running your mouth. RNH might get lucky this year with Calder, however not sure considering lost time due to his injuries, if it will be enough.

[wally31]

- Many people think Sutter was squeezing blood out of a rock in Calgary. Sutter did a great job with the complete lack of talent he had to work with.

- You assume way to much from your Iginla dream trades to your notions that Yakupov is just going to up and leave. He obviously has a desire to play in the NHL and this can be seen by him playing two years in the OHL and how he talks about his idol Bure in almost every interview. Unlike the Flames, the Oilers do a good job of scouting and put an emphasis on character. They make sure every player drafted wants to be an Edmonton Oiler.

- Dubnyk had better stats than Irving. We'll see how Dubnyk progresses. Bunz was voted the top netminder of the year in the WHL which was better than Brossoit. The Oil Kings are also the most complete team in the league with an amazing defence. Bunz was left on his own.

- Ask anyone who is not an Oiler or Flames fan: Oilers on way up, Flames on way down.

2007 - 6th overall (15 + 21)

2009 - 10th overall

2010- 1st overall

2011- 1st overall

2012- 1st overall

2013- ? Maybe if you get the 2nd overall you scouts will have to actually work? (its a joke. smile)

Its hard to mess up the 1st overall (or top 10 usually) Edmonton did great picking up Eberle at 22. (or something like 22? ) I'll give them credit for that.

Unlike the oilers, we don't draft in the top 10, five out of six years. It's like your proud of failure? Congrats for being in the basement that long!?

Ya your cupboards are full with top end youth, but don't forget the hight from which you fell. The Flames are in transition, and it has been rough, but we haven't filled our bars with fans cheering that we won the draft lottery. Pathetic.

_________________________________

As for the last comment: "They make sure every player drafted wants to be an Edmonton Oiler" - thats because they big name FA don't want to come to that city, or soon after leave.

[ConnorFutureGM]

Because Tangs, Iginla, Jbo, Kipper, Gio are a complete lack of talent - No one is saying the Flames have the talent up front the Oilers do but keep it real. Sutter will have all those top-end forwards playing a style they will not adjust well too. Sutter will not be a good fit, you'll see.

- Radulov also had a desire to play in the NHL. He was drafted by the Preds and played two seasons for them before up and leaving for the KHL. Several other examples exist. I am sure Yak wants to be an Oiler TODAY, I am sure he gives Tambo assurance after assurance that he is in the for the long haul - blah, blah, blah.

You simply do not know his state of mind 2 years from now. You do not know it and it can not be know, same as when the Preds drafted Radulov. Lets see how Yak feels with a couple years living in balmy Edmonton on a team that just may continue losing. Watch him say F this and up and go to the KHL, just like Radulov did. To deny the possibility of this existing is absurd.

Or is it impossible for an 18 year old kid to change his mind in 2 years when he is 20? By the way, I am not saying or suggesting the Oilers don't draft him #1, all I am saying is the Russian flight risk is a factor. It exists, what is Taylor Hall going to do if he hates Edmonton? If he can't stand losing and the organization.

Fact is Hall CAN'T do anything, he is stuck there until he finishes his ELC. Now Yak, Yak can in the blink of an eye book a flight back to Russia, make more money, return to his own culture and country and enjoy a better climate. - Gasp you say, wrong the average temp in Moscow is warmer than Edmonton, even in Jan.

Yak is not exactly going to cultural hub of North America. How he feels after two years may be way different. Don't tell me otherwise, Edmonton has examples of several players who have wanted out.

- Sutter isn't my choice as a coach but he works well with younger players as seen in Calgary.

- You're really trying to put a damper on the Oilers. I'm confident that if the Oilers take Yakupov, he will want to be and to stay an Edmonton Oiler. If they don't take him then they must have their reasons.

- Yakupov isn't from Moscow. T

[ConnorFutureGM]

Because Tangs, Iginla, Jbo, Kipper, Gio are a complete lack of talent - No one is saying the Flames have the talent up front the Oilers do but keep it real. Sutter will have all those top-end forwards playing a style they will not adjust well too. Sutter will not be a good fit, you'll see.

- Radulov also had a desire to play in the NHL. He was drafted by the Preds and played two seasons for them before up and leaving for the KHL. Several other examples exist. I am sure Yak wants to be an Oiler TODAY, I am sure he gives Tambo assurance after assurance that he is in the for the long haul - blah, blah, blah.

You simply do not know his state of mind 2 years from now. You do not know it and it can not be know, same as when the Preds drafted Radulov. Lets see how Yak feels with a couple years living in balmy Edmonton on a team that just may continue losing. Watch him say F this and up and go to the KHL, just like Radulov did. To deny the possibility of this existing is absurd.

Or is it impossible for an 18 year old kid to change his mind in 2 years when he is 20? By the way, I am not saying or suggesting the Oilers don't draft him #1, all I am saying is the Russian flight risk is a factor. It exists, what is Taylor Hall going to do if he hates Edmonton? If he can't stand losing and the organization.

Fact is Hall CAN'T do anything, he is stuck there until he finishes his ELC. Now Yak, Yak can in the blink of an eye book a flight back to Russia, make more money, return to his own culture and country and enjoy a better climate. - Gasp you say, wrong the average temp in Moscow is warmer than Edmonton, even in Jan.

Yak is not exactly going to cultural hub of North America. How he feels after two years may be way different. Don't tell me otherwise, Edmonton has examples of several players who have wanted out.

- Sutter isn't my choice as a coach but he works well with younger players as seen in Calgary.

- You're really trying to put a damper on the Oilers. I'm confident that if the Oilers take Yakupov, he will want to be and to stay an Edmonton Oiler. If they don't take him then they must have their reasons.

- Yakupov isn't from Moscow. The Flames are a team that will have a hard time convincing players to come and stay.

[ConnorFutureGM]

They have awards for talent. Examples would be the Vesina for goaltenders(Kipper).... Calder, Norris, Con Smythe and so forth.

Do any of your Oilers have claim to any of these awards for "talent"?

Oilers have had " a complete lack of talent" since Bill Ranford won the Con Smythe in 1990.

Maybe you should reconsider calling the Flames having a complete lack of talent when you have no examples on your team to compare with.

But keep your head up, just quit running your mouth. RNH might get lucky this year with Calder, however not sure considering lost time due to his injuries, if it will be enough.

Do past awards count as having talent? If the Oilers have Jagr, Theodore and Cheechoo would that consist of having an all-star team?

[ConnorFutureGM]

2007 - 6th overall (15 + 21)

2009 - 10th overall

2010- 1st overall

2011- 1st overall

2012- 1st overall

2013- ? Maybe if you get the 2nd overall you scouts will have to actually work? (its a joke. smile)

Its hard to mess up the 1st overall (or top 10 usually) Edmonton did great picking up Eberle at 22. (or something like 22? ) I'll give them credit for that.

Unlike the oilers, we don't draft in the top 10, five out of six years. It's like your proud of failure? Congrats for being in the basement that long!?

Ya your cupboards are full with top end youth, but don't forget the hight from which you fell. The Flames are in transition, and it has been rough, but we haven't filled our bars with fans cheering that we won the draft lottery. Pathetic.

_________________________________

As for the last comment: "They make sure every player drafted wants to be an Edmonton Oiler" - thats because they big name FA don't want to come to that city, or soon after leave.

It's not hard to make 1st overall picks. It's the later picks that scouts should take credit for. The Flames have a total of 4 players out of 37 who were drafted by the Flames play for them last season.

The Oilers had 19 out of 35.

I would rather take a step back and be bad for a few seasons than be forever medioce with no chance to ever get elite players that you need to win championships. In Edmonton, there is at least hope. In Calgary it's either despair or denial.

[DirtyDeeds]

Do past awards count as having talent? If the Oilers have Jagr, Theodore and Cheechoo would that consist of having an all-star team?

Well you do have this talent for taking what should be a straight forward topic or discussion and turning it into a Troll. I am not sure if you do it on purpose or it is a natural talent but as far as I know you haven't won any awards for it so that is not the type of talent that we are taking about.

I mentioned the awards part because those players who actually have the talent, tend to chalk up the awards. That would be why I made note of your teams lack of awards and why I mentioned you have no basis to judge teams who do have the talent. That would also be why you couldn't properly address those short comings from your side of that discussion.

[ConnorFutureGM]

Well you do have this talent for taking what should be a straight forward topic or discussion and turning it into a Troll. I am not sure if you do it on purpose or it is a natural talent but as far as I know you haven't won any awards for it so that is not the type of talent that we are taking about.

I mentioned the awards part because those players who actually have the talent, tend to chalk up the awards. That would be why I made note of your teams lack of awards and why I mentioned you have no basis to judge teams who do have the talent. That would also be why you couldn't properly address those short comings from your side of that discussion.

The Nuge is nominated for the Calder and Eberle is nominated for the Lady Byng. Looking at the teams currently, I do not believe any Flames were nominated for any awards.

[Crzydrvr]

It's not hard to make 1st overall picks. It's the later picks that scouts should take credit for. The Flames have a total of 4 players out of 37 who were drafted by the Flames play for them last season.

The Oilers had 19 out of 35.

I would rather take a step back and be bad for a few seasons than be forever medioce with no chance to ever get elite players that you need to win championships. In Edmonton, there is at least hope. In Calgary it's either despair or denial.

That's because the core of the team was built off of players who we acquired while they were young. Iginla, Kipper, Glencross....a few years back, the team consisted of Conroy, Regehr and Leopold as well. Gio wasn't even drafted.

Your core of 1st overall picks were all drafted by you. Is that an accomplishment? Sure. Different circumstances warrant different reactions. Boston's core members were once Chara, Thomas, Marc Savard....none of them were drafted by the Bruins. Hell, right now the only "core" members of that team that were legitimately drafted by them are Lucic, Marchand, Bergeron and Krejci (I don't really count Seguin because it was more like Toronto gave him away anyways). Nathan Horton, Dennis Seidenberg, Rich Peverley, Kelly were all drafted by other teams and were acquired through trade. All are major cogs of the Bruins machine.

Many different ways of building a team. Not all of them equate to having to tank for top picks and "hope". Surely even you can't deny that. That Bruins quartet I mentioned earlier....none of them were drafted any higher than mid-second round.

[Flyerfan52]

DGB mentioned the Oilers are scouting Murray @ the WC. He (DGB) said it's important for the Oilers to have players that can form the backbone of TC @ the WC.

[Flame111]

- Sutter isn't my choice as a coach but he works well with younger players as seen in Calgary.

- You're really trying to put a damper on the Oilers. I'm confident that if the Oilers take Yakupov, he will want to be and to stay an Edmonton Oiler. If they don't take him then they must have their reasons.

- Yakupov isn't from Moscow. T

No what I am doing on Yak is the same thing many Oiler fans have also done which is suggest the Oilers trade down in the draft get themselves a good young top 2 D man in the process and draft another NA player.

It is a safer move and removes all flight risk for the KHL. I am not the only person to advocate this kind of move at the draft, many Oiler fans do as well...

[ConnorFutureGM]

That's because the core of the team was built off of players who we acquired while they were young. Iginla, Kipper, Glencross....a few years back, the team consisted of Conroy, Regehr and Leopold as well. Gio wasn't even drafted.

Your core of 1st overall picks were all drafted by you. Is that an accomplishment? Sure. Different circumstances warrant different reactions. Boston's core members were once Chara, Thomas, Marc Savard....none of them were drafted by the Bruins. Hell, right now the only "core" members of that team that were legitimately drafted by them are Lucic, Marchand, Bergeron and Krejci (I don't really count Seguin because it was more like Toronto gave him away anyways). Nathan Horton, Dennis Seidenberg, Rich Peverley, Kelly were all drafted by other teams and were acquired through trade. All are major cogs of the Bruins machine.

Many different ways of building a team. Not all of them equate to having to tank for top picks and "hope". Surely even you can't deny that. That Bruins quartet I mentioned earlier....none of them were drafted any higher than mid-second round.

All of the good teams have key players who they drafted. Teams may be able to supplement and add to the core by trade but no team can solely depend on it.

DGB mentioned the Oilers are scouting Murray @ the WC. He (DGB) said it's important for the Oilers to have players that can form the backbone of TC @ the WC.

Who's DGB?

No what I am doing on Yak is the same thing many Oiler fans have also done which is suggest the Oilers trade down in the draft get themselves a good young top 2 D man in the process and draft another NA player.

It is a safer move and removes all flight risk for the KHL. I am not the only person to advocate this kind of move at the draft, many Oiler fans do as well...

There are also a lot of Russians who play in the NHL. Radulov had to play in the minors, that won't happen to Yakupov.

[Crzydrvr]

All of the good teams have key players who they drafted. Teams may be able to supplement and add to the core by trade but no team can solely depend on it.

But, it does not necessarily take a top draft pick to do it.

The Flames are adding complementary talent to our team. We've got names like Reinhart, Brodie, Wotherspoon, Ramage, Nemisz, Aliu, Bouma, Gaudreau, Arnold, Leach, Byron, Horak, Granlund, Ferland who all have chances to contribute to the team. A number of those players have the ability to become top 6 forwards and Brodie and Wotherspoon have a chance to be top 4 defensemen. Maybe one or more of these guys actually becomes a major impact player and become a part of the core.

What we lack is the core members who will be changing the guard. On that end, Bartschi and anyone of the goalies could become the future of our franchise.

It doesn't take a top 5 pick to give you quality NHL players, it simply takes good drafting and developing. Good players come from all rounds in the draft, the trick is finding them.

[ConnorFutureGM]

But, it does not necessarily take a top draft pick to do it.

The Flames are adding complementary talent to our team. We've got names like Reinhart, Brodie, Wotherspoon, Ramage, Nemisz, Aliu, Bouma, Gaudreau, Arnold, Leach, Byron, Horak, Granlund, Ferland who all have chances to contribute to the team. A number of those players have the ability to become top 6 forwards and Brodie and Wotherspoon have a chance to be top 4 defensemen. Maybe one or more of these guys actually becomes a major impact player and become a part of the core.

What we lack is the core members who will be changing the guard. On that end, Bartschi and anyone of the goalies could become the future of our franchise.

It doesn't take a top 5 pick to give you quality NHL players, it simply takes good drafting and developing. Good players come from all rounds in the draft, the trick is finding them.

I wasn't implying that a team needs top 5 players to succeed, I was implying that they need to be able to draft some of their own talent. Looking at the Flames team this year, I would bet they probably had the least amount of self drafted players that played for them in the league. Even if some of the Flames prospects turn out to be impact players, it's still going to take several years for those players to reach that level. There is no indication that the Flames are on their way to building a contender.

[Crzydrvr]

I wasn't implying that a team needs top 5 players to succeed, I was implying that they need to be able to draft some of their own talent. Looking at the Flames team this year, I would bet they probably had the least amount of self drafted players that played for them in the league. Even if some of the Flames prospects turn out to be impact players, it's still going to take several years for those players to reach that level. There is no indication that the Flames are on their way to building a contender.

The same can be said for the Bruins a few years back, the Ducks during and immediately after the lockout, the Hurricanes during and immediately after the lockout, the Sharks WAY back pre-lockout, the Lightning pre-2002....

There are a lot of factors required to become contenders. However, you are ignoring the main point. The Flames ARE turning it around. Nobody expects the Flames to immediately make a Cup run. But Cup teams are not built overnight. Baby steps, and right now we are in transition.

But seriously, I'm going to repeat this point. NO ONE HERE EXPECTS THE FLAMES TO BECOME A CONTENDER OVERNIGHT. If there are, I apologize to both you and the aforementioned mentally insane. We know it's a long road back. The fans here just happen to believe that it would be preferable to remain competitive rather than having to suck profusely. At least the majority of the board, that is.

[ConnorFutureGM]

The same can be said for the Bruins a few years back, the Ducks during and immediately after the lockout, the Hurricanes during and immediately after the lockout, the Sharks WAY back pre-lockout, the Lightning pre-2002....

There are a lot of factors required to become contenders. However, you are ignoring the main point. The Flames ARE turning it around. Nobody expects the Flames to immediately make a Cup run. But Cup teams are not built overnight. Baby steps, and right now we are in transition.

But seriously, I'm going to repeat this point. NO ONE HERE EXPECTS THE FLAMES TO BECOME A CONTENDER OVERNIGHT. If there are, I apologize to both you and the aforementioned mentally insane. We know it's a long road back. The fans here just happen to believe that it would be preferable to remain competitive rather than having to suck profusely. At least the majority of the board, that is.

You're a draft guy, did you see Feaster's drafting record when he was in Tampa? The only player that actually is a star is Stamkos who was a consensus #1. After that Feaster has a horrible drafting record from 1999 - 2007. The only two names that he drafted that I recognize is Blair Jones and Jay Rosehill. Check it out:

Link to Feaster's picks from 1999 to 2008

Obviously Feaster probably doesn't run the draft but he is in charge of hiring people that do.

[AlbertaHockey]

ConnorFuture whatever your called, you really are a piece of work, ive read your posts all million of them in the Flames boards and many more in the Oilers boards, your big ego gets in the way of reason all the time, why dont you leave the trolling to others, you almost had my respect in here and the Oilers boards but you really are tiresome.

You say Oilers are on the way up and the Flames are on the way down,,, hmmm lets think about that one,, well,, The Oilers can go only go one direction,, and hopefully that is up, which they will do considering all the great draft picks over the past five years,, well I guess you know direction well..

The Flames are going down?? OK, you could be right but im trying to understand how you can determine that when the Flames dont even have a coach right now to base your reasons. The Flames are going through the same humble rebuild as the Oilers, maybe in a different platform worse or better, but how can you tell yet without a coach and being able to put a value on the younger newcomers coming to the team next season?

Finally, Connor, the amount of posts you and Flames111 post in here and over at the Oilers boards I have come to give you a news flash but Flames111 has total domination on backing up facts, comments, and respect in you boards.

Flames111 does not show disrespect and or Troll for that matter in your boards, maybe you should take a lesson from him and see how "healthy rivalry" can be shown..

Troll elsewhere...sick of your immature comments continuously.. .05 for what its worth (and I know its not much).

[The_People1]

You're a draft guy, did you see Feaster's drafting record when he was in Tampa? The only player that actually is a star is Stamkos who was a consensus #1. After that Feaster has a horrible drafting record from 1999 - 2007. The only two names that he drafted that I recognize is Blair Jones and Jay Rosehill. Check it out:

Link to Feaster's picks from 1999 to 2008

Obviously Feaster probably doesn't run the draft but he is in charge of hiring people that do.

For starters, Jay Feaster openly admits that he isn't even a "hockey guy". He's a lawyer who is good with contracts and savy with the media. He does his best to surround himself with hockey experts, like Craig Conroy, to run the show with him.

It has been mentioned in the past that Darryl Sutter influenced the team's draft philosophy by focusing on bigger players and "safe picks." When Jay Feaster took over, he more or less allowed the scouting staff to simply draft the best player available regardless of size. Since then, we've taken chances on small but skilled players like John Gaudreau, Ryan Howse, Markus Granlund, Sven Baertschi, etc.

Jay Feaster may not be responsible for putting together Tod Button and the crew but he at least knew how/when to get out of the way and let professionals do what professionals do.