Roster Moves by the Wings

[kipwinger 8,524]

Speaking of powerhouse teams to got some high draft picks and turned them into competitive teams, how about those Florida Panthers. They're looking awfully dangerous to begin this season. Dale Tallon rules.

[Bill Berzeench 310]

Speaking of powerhouse teams to got some high draft picks and turned them into competitive teams, how about those Florida Panthers. They're looking awfully dangerous to begin this season. Dale Tallon rules.

Their defensemen are absolutely scary. Huge and mobile. Poor man's Victor Hedman x 4 + Ekblad and Campbell.

[kipwinger 8,524]

Their whole team is scary. Tallon knows how to draft, no doubt about it. But I actually think Hedman is overrated, so I'd be wary to calling Ekblad a "poor man's Victor Hedman". Hedman is a decent player, but he was never really recognized as some sort of superstar until the playoffs last year, when he had a strong first couple of rounds, and then got completely exposed in the finals.

Ekblad reminds me of Pietrangelo, or Dougie Hamilton.

Edited October 14, 2015 by kipwinger

[rick zombo 3,739]

Eberle - 25

Hall - 23

Yakupov - 22

Nugent Hopkins - 21

McDavid - 18

Schulz - 25

They are going to get the 1st overall next year, as well.

In 2 to 3 years, this team is going to be a powerhouse.

People have been saying this exact thing for 3 years now.

Their whole team is scary. Tallon knows how to draft, no doubt about it. But I actually think Hedman is overrated, so I'd be wary to calling Ekblad a "poor man's Victor Hedman". Hedman is a decent player, but he was never really recognized as some sort of superstar until the playoffs last year, when he had a strong first couple of rounds, and then got completely exposed in the finals.

Ekblad reminds me of Pietrangelo, or Dougie Hamilton.

He meant Ekblad + Campbell + four other guys that are all "poor man's Hedman's". I think.

Speaking of powerhouse teams to got some high draft picks and turned them into competitive teams, how about those Florida Panthers. They're looking awfully dangerous to begin this season. Dale Tallon rules.

Florida were a hard team to beat last year. Barkov rules. The Panthers will be a playoff team this year. Hopefully not at the expense of our guys.

Edited October 14, 2015 by rick zombo

[kipwinger 8,524]

People have been saying this exact thing for 3 years now.

He meant Ekblad + Campbell + four other guys that are all "poor man's Hedman's". I think.

Aha. I botched that reference.

Either way, I think their defense is pretty decent. Ekblad, Campbell, Gudbranson, Mitchell, Kulikov, are all pretty solid hockey players. I don't know much about their kid Petrovic, but otherwise I think their defense is solidly above average.

Edited October 14, 2015 by kipwinger

[Bill Berzeench 310]

Crazy to think 2 florida teams could be dynamos this year. It doesnt even snow in that state!!

[kipwinger 8,524]

Well, I think it says something about how to build a solid team. Not necessarily a franchise, but a team. The Panthers, just like the Oilers, drafted high a million times in a row. And they pretty much universally brought their high draft picks straight to the NHL (which you should with high picks). But it seems to me there are a couple of big differences.

1. The Oilers don't surround their kids with quality veterans. Having Jagr, Campbell, Mitchell, and even Thornton helps. They set the tone in the weight room, the keep the team on an even keel over a long season, they shine during crunch time, etc. Basically, they're leaders. And they should be. You don't play in this league for 15-20 years if you're not good at something, it's just too hard.

2. They ensure accountability. Nobody in Florida seems to get a raise, get playing time, or even the benefit of the doubt just because they were drafted high. Compare that to Edmonton, where RNH gets a HUGE contract after doing not much of anything, Sam Gagne gets traded despite being consistent and hard working, and David Perron gets traded because he criticizes the young bucks.

I guess that's what happens when you put a fox (or foxes) in charge of the hen house.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Well, I think it says something about how to build a solid team. Not necessarily a franchise, but a team. The Panthers, just like the Oilers, drafted high a million times in a row. And they pretty much universally brought their high draft picks straight to the NHL (which you should with high picks). But it seems to me there are a couple of big differences.

1. The Oilers don't surround their kids with quality veterans. Having Jagr, Campbell, Mitchell, and even Thornton helps. They set the tone in the weight room, the keep the team on an even keel over a long season, they shine during crunch time, etc. Basically, they're leaders. And they should be. You don't play in this league for 15-20 years if you're not good at something, it's just too hard.

2. They ensure accountability. Nobody in Florida seems to get a raise, get playing time, or even the benefit of the doubt just because they were drafted high. Compare that to Edmonton, where RNH gets a HUGE contract after doing not much of anything, Sam Gagne gets traded despite being consistent and hard working, and David Perron gets traded because he criticizes the young bucks.

I guess that's what happens when you put a fox (or foxes) in charge of the hen house.

Also, the Panthers don't just pick the next guy off Craig Button's final rankings list when it's their turn to draft. They sort of draft for need. The year they took Barkov, he was ranked 4th behind McKinnon, Seth Jones and Drouin. They took him 2nd.

[kipwinger 8,524]

Also, the Panthers don't just pick the next guy off Craig Button's final rankings list when it's their turn to draft. They sort of draft for need. The year they took Barkov, he was ranked 4th behind McKinnon, Seth Jones and Drouin. They took him 2nd.

For sure. Tallon is an excellent GM when it comes to drafting. I mean, he gets high picks because his teams suck when he takes them over, but his high picks usually turn out to be pretty good. Lots of teams draft high and blow it.

[rick zombo 3,739]

For sure. Tallon is an excellent GM when it comes to drafting. I mean, he gets high picks because his teams suck when he takes them over, but his high picks usually turn out to be pretty good. Lots of teams draft high and blow it.

Imagine if the Oilers had Seguin and Landeskog vs the Nuge and Hall? That's a different team altogether isn't it? Tallon wouldn't have been afraid to do that.

Edited October 14, 2015 by rick zombo

[kipwinger 8,524]

Imagine if the Oilers had Seguin and Landeskog vs the Nuge and Hall? That's a different team altogether isn't it? Tallon wouldn't have been afraid to do that.

Agreed. But that's what happens when you let Keven Lowe and Craig McTavish run your team.

[Bill Berzeench 310]

I think its the pics from round 2 on that have really delayed the oilers' success. They should have 3 or 4 guys from rounds 2 and 3 maturing by now, but where are they?

[kipwinger 8,524]

I think its the pics from round 2 on that have really delayed the oilers' success. They should have 3 or 4 guys from rounds 2 and 3 maturing by now, but where are they?

Good point. That's why player development is so important. Most top five picks can step right into the NHL. Most 2nd and 3rd rounders can't. They need time.

[kickazz 5,459]

Good point. That's why player development is so important. Most top five picks can step right into the NHL. Most 2nd and 3rd rounders can't. They need time.

Which goes back to the previous points made 2 pages ago by the other members.

I like how this convo worked out.

[MrazekFanBoy 223]

Sorry. I just get irritated when common fans talk about a player's "development" as if they actually know anything about it and/or have a hand in it. Larkin played one playoff series in the AHL. Why the hell would you want to "develop" him any further in the AHL? It's clear to the EYE that he is top talent on our team. Athanasiou, Mantha, and Nosek are all showing signs of this, as well. If you watched the camps, watched the preseason, and watch the Griffs games, you can easily SEE this. So why are we burying them in GR? So we can have a career minus 4th line player playing 3,000 straight games for us? No thanks. Bring up the kids and take the trash out!!!

common fans coming from the guy with 100 posts calm down, AA is a skill player why play him on the 4th line? we don't need another Jurco besides we are stacked with wingers

[joesuffP 1,746]

I sense an alt account

All crazy loud opinions aside I think if AA was given a shot he would run with it and not be sent back down

[HockeytownRules19 902]

Ansar Khan ‏@AnsarKhanMLive 6m6 minutes ago

Blashill said it was maintenance day for Zetterberg and Green. Both playing Friday.

Ansar Khan ‏@AnsarKhanMLive 5m5 minutes ago

Blashill said Helm and DeKeyser possible for Saturday, not Friday.

Ansar Khan ‏@AnsarKhanMLive 6m6 minutes ago

Blashill had no further update on Franzen.

Ansar Khan ‏@AnsarKhanMLive 1m1 minute ago

Blashill said he'll decide who starts in goal Friday vs. Carolina at the morning skate.

[krsmith17 7,191]

Wow, DeKeyser nearing a return already? Great news! I would love to see him in the lineup Saturday night against the Habs. My bet is that his return will be pushed to next Wednesday against the Oilers though...

[kipwinger 8,524]

I agree. No use in rushing him. He's way ahead of schedule on his return, why not play it safe and extend it out. Especial given how well we're playing in his absence.

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

Wow, DeKeyser nearing a return already? Great news! I would love to see him in the lineup Saturday night against the Habs. My bet is that his return will be pushed to next Wednesday against the Oilers though...

Yeah, I thought they originally said 3-4 weeks or something like. Would be huge to have him back.

What are people's feelings on the competition on defence. When DK does come back does Smith or Kindl stay in? There was some bad mouthing for Smith in the last GDT. I didn't watch him very closely during the game - I just noticed one great play Z made to him where Smith skated into a seem for an area pass...

Edit: I just had some memories of the dreaded Q-Smith pairing. Let's keep KIndl in. I'm partly joking, but I do think that pairing looks better.

Edited October 14, 2015 by PavelValerievichDatsyuk

[Bill Berzeench 310]

Yeah, I thought they originally said 3-4 weeks or something like. Would be huge to have him back.

What are people's feelings on the competition on defence. When DK does come back does Smith or Kindl stay in? There was some bad mouthing for Smith in the last GDT. I didn't watch him very closely during the game - I just noticed one great play Z made to him where Smith skated into a seem for an area pass...

Tough call. I'd say Smith Kindl platoon.

Which goes back to the previous points made 2 pages ago by the other members.

I like how this convo worked out.

Discussion is cool like that!

[kipwinger 8,524]

Yeah, I thought they originally said 3-4 weeks or something like. Would be huge to have him back.

What are people's feelings on the competition on defence. When DK does come back does Smith or Kindl stay in? There was some bad mouthing for Smith in the last GDT. I didn't watch him very closely during the game - I just noticed one great play Z made to him where Smith skated into a seem for an area pass...

My thoughts:

Smith had a couple of boneheaded turnovers in the first period, and then settled down for the remainder of the game and was fine. He wasn't noticeable offensively, but that's to be expected. He was pretty strong on the boards and had a few pretty hard hits while pinching off wingers breaking into the zone. Kindl didn't have the early gaffs, and seemed to distribute the puck a little better in the O-zone, but neither where all that bad (or good).

If the plan is to move Quincey to the third pair, then I think it depends on what Blashill wants that pair to be. A little more defensive, physical, and competitive? Smith. A little more offensive? Kindl.

[e_prime 1,936]

Eberle - 25

Hall - 23

Yakupov - 22

Nugent Hopkins - 21

McDavid - 18

Schulz - 25

They are going to get the 1st overall next year, as well.

In 2 to 3 years, this team is going to be a powerhouse.

So because they're young they're destined for greatness. I'm sorry, but It takes more than that.

Even if you're willing to be patient with them, it's already been how long? How many 1st round picks do they have?

Look at that list. ALL FORWARDS with the exception of Schulz.

Their D is porous. They have questionable goaltending, yet again.

Talbot and Nilsson might work out, but going with those guys is anything but a slam-dunk.

The best thing that team did was get Lowe and MacT out of their roles and bring in a good coach and GM.

to build and develop this powerhouse of potential. ...and that's it potential.

They ain't done s*** and they're along way from it.

You said it yourself Bill, they're up for a first AGAIN this year.

Is next year their first round pick leads them to the promised land? Doubtful.

You asked who's screwed up?

Yakupov for sure. Probably Hall as well. Even though he isn't and hasn't been their Captain. Hall has seemingly been shouldering the weight of a lot of responsibility when it comes to that team. They're lucky they have McLellan now to coach these guys up and reinforce positives. I watched bits of last night's game and McLellan was giving Hall positive encouragement after some bad play and the same for Yak after the guy was visibly upset with himself after a bad play lead to a goal. I'm sure it goes deeper than those two though.

The only hope is now that there's some stability with Chiarelli and McLellan some veterans will actually want to play there.

[Bill Berzeench 310]

So because they're young they're destined for greatness. I'm sorry, but It takes more than that.

Even if you're willing to be patient with them, it's already been how long? How many 1st round picks do they have?

Look at that list. ALL FORWARDS with the exception of Schulz.

Their D is porous. They have questionable goaltending, yet again.

Talbot and Nilsson might work out, but going with those guys is anything but a slam-dunk.

The best thing that team did was get Lowe and MacT out of their roles and bring in a good coach and GM.

to build and develop this powerhouse of potential. ...and that's it potential.

They ain't done s*** and they're along way from it.

You said it yourself Bill, they're up for a first AGAIN this year.

Is next year their first round pick leads them to the promised land? Doubtful.

You asked who's screwed up?

Yakupov for sure. Probably Hall as well. Even though he isn't and hasn't been their Captain. Hall has seemingly been shouldering the weight of a lot of responsibility when it comes to that team. They're lucky they have McLellan now to coach these guys up and reinforce positives. I watched bits of last night's game and McLellan was giving Hall positive encouragement after some bad play and the same for Yak after the guy was visibly upset with himself after a bad play lead to a goal. I'm sure it goes deeper than those two though.

The only hope is now that there's some stability with Chiarelli and McLellan some veterans will actually want to play there.

I agree with you. The management change was huge. They need some character guys to come in and lead now.

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

I agree with you. The management change was huge. They need some character guys to come in and lead now.

You mean declining 35 year olds?