It amazes many that the Oilers are in trouble, major trouble. After having the world by the tail with a closet full of first overall picks. The Oilers looked poised to be on their way to the success that the Blackhawks and Penguins had when they rebuilt. It has been anything but that. After struggling the first three years of the rebuild, fans accepted the struggles and chalked it up to gaining experience. The hopes were high for this season, and after coming out of the gate with a disappointing 4-12-2 record the fans (and organizations) patience have run thin. It is amazing to think that the Edmonton Oilers must start a rebuild within a rebuild. Is that even possible?
So what should the Oilers do? There is not a simple answer to this question, but here are some thoughts. It is obvious that something must be done. The first step is the fact that they need experience, and leadership. That is a tough quality to trade for, and will not be found easily. They also need to add grit, work ethic, and stability. It has become evident that stockpiling a group of young super snipers is not the way to build a winner. So that being said its time to break them up. Many people have suggested that Sam Gagner be the first to go. I disagree, and do not believe that he is the problem, and honestly do not believe that he would warrant a quality asset in return. The second Oiler that many have been sent packing is Ales Hemsky. This also would be a change that would not produce a high quality player in return. I do think that he must be considered as part of the package because he is a 2014 unrestricted free agent. They cannot let him just go with no return. Odds are that he will not resign in Edmonton.
Who needs to go? The young superstars that will warrant the biggest return. Taylor Hall, yes the 2010 number one draft pick must go. He is a great player, and has not been bad for the Oilers. Actually he has been amazing. The fact is that he will get the best return value, and he has been injury prone. His career numbers are impressive. 181 games played with 69 goals, 85 assists, and 154 points. Not to shabby. He has played ten games this year netting six goals, and five assists for a total of nine points. The second piece of the trade package should be 2012 first overall draft pick Nail Yakupov. The reasons are a little more clear on why he should go. He has struggled with the coaching staff, and their expectations of him being a good, responsible two way player. His defensive work ethic has showed that he is worried about one thing, goals! His playing style is similar to Alexander Ovechkin. In the right situation, and with the right coach maybe his two way play will improve and flourish. I just don’t see that happening with his current relationship with Oilers coaching staff.
As for the goaltending? It has struggled, and Friday night the Oilers announced that they have signed Ilya Bryzgalov. This will be a quick band aid, but how long will this last. The fact that they have to find a solid goalie for the future does not go away. Is a long-term relationship really something Bryzgalov and the Oilers want. In the past Bryzgalov has made it very clear that he did not want to play in cold northern climates. It is likely that he is a band aid for this year,and the quest for a goalie for the future is in the Oilers trade plans. It should be a serious part of the rebuild process. Good goaltending wins hockey games.
It is now time to change the culture. Out with the offensive minded young guns, and in with a solid mix of snipers such as Jordan Eberle, solid defense, and quality goaltending. Sounds easy, but it won’t be. The next question is, who should the Oilers go after in return for these players. Well here are some ideas. This is pure speculation of some key guys that could possibly be in play. As far as forwards go the few that come to mind are Colorado center Paul Stastny, New York Rangers Ryan Callahan, and Phillys Luke Schenn or even struggling Claude Giroux. On the defensive side, players such as Toronto Maple Leafs Dion Phaneuf, Jets big guy Dustin Byfuglien, and I know this sounds ridiculous but Habs star P.K. Subban. Sounds crazy but just remember what the Oilers would be giving up. In the net, a couple of potential fits would be one of the St. Louis pair Jaroslav Halak or Brian Elliott. Jonas Hiller of Anaheim would also be a good fit, and would probably be the most realistic.
Let the rumors and speculation run wild. The fact is evident that changes in Edmonton must take place, and some of these young superstars must go in return. It should be very interesting, because the torture in Edmonton must stop.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.