etownhockey is now inactive

Due to limited time on my behalf, Etownhockey.com will no longer be updated. The site will remain inactive and we apologize to our followers. However, the website, along with the domain name, is for sale. If you wish to revive the site and make it your own, please get in touch with your offer through the contact page.

When Oilogosphere.com is fully developed we will be posting in the My Oilogosphere members area.

Thank you.



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Pre-Game: Wild- Oct 20th

                                       VS: Minnesota Wild

Renney does a line juggle but faceoffs still a concern.

After a dismal two games, the Oilers are testing new line combination's. Trying to spark the 3rd line and give Paajarvi more ice time, Tom Renney compiled the following:

Pre-Game: Flames Oct 16

                                       VS: Calgary Flames

Fabian Brunnstrom on waivers

Written By: Hongkong Philly

  

Post-Game: Wild: Oct 14th

                                          Game Summary:                                                                  
                                                                 

Oilers:		Minnesota:
2.) Goal: Penner, Assists: Hemsky & Gagner 3.) Goal: Gilbert, Assists: Horcoff		1.) Goal: Miettinen, Assists: Brunnete & Barker
		4.) Goal: Koivu, Assists: Cullen & Miettinen 5.) Goal: Koivu, Assists: Brunnette & Zidlicky 6.) Goal: Cullen, Assists: Koivu

Pre-Game: Wild: Oct 14th

                                       VS:             Minnesota Wild 
 
 
Scratches and Injuries:
Jf Jacques out with back spasms
Strudwick will be a healthy scratch

MacIntyre will sit out 

Oil Kings: New alternate jersey's

The Edmonton Oil Kings unveiled their new 3rd jersey's today. The jersey's take on a new modern look but their gaudy symbol is still intact.

I like the look but I was really hoping for a completely revamped 3rd jersey which saw a new logo. The yellow logo is very dated and looks out of place with the rest of the uniform. I understand this goes back to the original Oil Kings days, but with an alternate jersey they had free range to add something new. Unfortunately this wasn't the case.

The Oil Kings will be sporting the new digs 7:00 pm Friday night when they host the Medicine Hat Tigers. You can also purchase the new uniforms at Rexall Place where you can watch the Kings in style as they go for 6 straight wins.

A Shot to the Flames Groin!

Posted by: Phat Quinn

The Calgary Flames are going through what the Oilers went through last season; the injury bug. They have no future in the next few years, because their star players are on the decline, as the Oilers star players are on the up swing! The Flames don't have any up and coming prospects other then Brodie and Backlund as Sutter continues to trade away their first and second round picks, which isn't helping the Flames future.  I wouldn't be surprised if Sutter traded their first round pick at the deadline for another bad contract, and the Flames still won't make the playoffs. He'll blame the bad year on injuries, and the owners will agree.

Oilers website exaggerating the size of their players

As some of you know, I went to Penticton for the rookie tournament. I visited with some of the players and had some good conversations. I also compared my size with some of the players i met, it's a common occurrence - I want to know how these guys stack up. I stand at an exact height of 6'1 and 3/4" and weigh in at 220 IBS. When I met Paajarvi I was very surprised how small he was, but I was also led to believe by the Oilers media that this was a big kid, but sadly I was hulking over him in size. He was definitely shorter than myself, and obviously lighter in weight. He had small arms and was a pretty skinny kid in general, I remember thinking to myself that this kid needed to bulk up, but at age 19 what do you expect?

Post Game: Panthers- Oct 9th

                                          Game Summary:                                                                  
                                                                 

Oilers:		Florida:
1.) Goal: Penner, Assists: Gilbert & Gagner 2.) Goal: Jones, Assists: Vandermeer 4.) Goal: Horcoff, Assists: Hall & Peckham		3.) Goal: Reasoner, Assists: Bernier 5.) Goal: Reasoner, Assists: Booth & Bernier

Pre-game: Panthers-Oct 10, 2010

                                     
                                                               VS: Florida Panthers
 Matchup(s) of the Night:
1.) Khabibulin VS FLA top 6Khabby proved last game his back is ready, with 42 shots and 0 goals against its going to be hard for any team to score on him. 42 shots is too much though, he's going to need more help from his D. Weiss potted 28 goals last year as a play making centre, Khabby is going to have to watch out for him. Not only can Weiss score he can make plays too. Wiess has two wingers to watch out for, Booth and Frolik. Frolik is more of a play maker with good hands and Booth is shooter with some size. Booth had 3 goals and 1 assist in pre-season.

Season Opener: Oct 7th- Flames

                                      

 
                      VS: Calgary Flames
Scratches and Injuries:

• Jf Jacques out with back spasms 
• Strudwick will be a healthy scratch
• MacIntyre; game time decision 

 Matchup(s) of the Night:1.) Khabibulin VS Bourque -  Bourque absolutely annihilates the Edmonton Oilers. He has 6 goals and 6 assists in 6 games. 666, this kid should play for New Jersey because he is a Devil. He's a good player, but not good enough to average 2 points a game against Edmonton. This year will be a different story as the Oilers have changed their d-core so they are not so pathetic. When #17 is on the ice, be aware defenders.

The Three Headed Monster

Written by: Phat Quinn



   There is going to be major problems for the Oilers if they continue to run a 3 goalie system. Backup goalies are supposed to support the number one goalie while having a healthy competition between each other. If you add another goalie to that mix, that could spell disaster.

Follow Ya Boi

Hongkong Philly now has a twitter, man up and follow him! http://twitter.com/OilOverhaul_HkP

26hrs and Counting: Mayhem Approaches

Written by: Hongkong Philly

 First off, I'd like to congratulate Shawn Horcoff on being captain number 13 in the franchises' history. His play will never match his pay, but what he lacks in pay to play ratio, he makes up with work ethic, dedication, and leadership. Last year you were the whipping boy and you still had nothing but great things to say about playing in Edmonton. I know somebody who decided to trash this city and management and payed for it. Send us a postcard with some chocolate from Hershey #44 - I'll get into that later.

Oilers News: Souray gone, Horcoff Captain, Roster for game 1

The media mongols made one last attempt to spread a rumour and gather some quick hits on their respected sites yesterday. The way I see it, it's easier to deny these trade rumours, because you usually end up correct by doing so. Nope; Souray, Cogliano and a draft pick wasn't traded to Calgary for Sarich and Glencorss.

Shawn Horcoff: The Oilers Captain

Horcoff will indeed be the Oilers captain. He will be wearing the C for the regular season opener vs the Calgary Flames. This has been all but confirmed by management, but having spoke to a couple of people who have ears in the dressing room, the team mates have expressed their desire for Horcoff as captain. The players vote is a damned good indicator, and I have no problem jumping on this with 100% certainty.

That's a wrap: the regular season begins

Finally...

Oilers pre-season has come to an end. Will the real Penner please stand up, and will last years Horcoff please stay seated? It's always difficult to judge the veteran players during pre-season. Some will drag their feet due to a lack of interest, and some will dominate the game when playing against lesser competition.

Pre-game: Flames- Oct 3rd

                                   VS:              

                                      Lines and Injuries:

Since it is the preseason, we will post the lines instead of scratches:

       LW                                      C                                   RW
 Dustin Penner                   Andrew Cogliano                  Jordan Eberle


  Alex Giroux                         Sam Gagner                      Gilbert Brule


 Linus O'Mark                        Colin Fraser                       Ryan Jones


Steve MacIntyre                   Ryan O'Marra                     Ben Ondrus



                            D                                           D
                     Ladislav Smid                          Theo Peckham
    

                  Jason Strudwick                          Tom Gilbert
      

                    Richard Petiot                           Shawn Belle
              


                                                   G
                                          Jeff Deslauriers
                                          Devan Dubnyk

A Look Into The Future: Salary Cap "Situation" 2013-2014

Written By: Hongkong Philly

If you're not excited in Edmonton right now, your locked in a cellar deprived of internet and television. The rebuild is in full effect as the Oilers are investing the future of the franchise into the young bucks. The problem is their contracts all begin this season, and since they are under they're rookie contracts they will end at the same time, in the 2013-2014 season. There are only 2 Oiler contracts that are still valid in 2013-2014:

Post Game Analysis: Oct 1st

              

                                                               Game Summary:                                                                
                                                                 

Oilers:		Calgary:
1.) Goal: MacIntyre, Assists: Peckham & Vande Velde		2.) Goal: Hagman, Assists: Tanguay & Bouwmeester 3.) Goal: Iginla, Assists: Backlund
		4.) Goal: Iginla, Assists: Tanguay & Backlund 5.) Goal: Rheault, Assists: Ivanans  & Staois 6.) Goal: Brodie, Assists: Pardy & Sutter

                                                                  Our Thoughts:  

Pre-game: Flames- Oct 1

Oilers vs Flames

Since it's the preseason, we will post the lines instead of scratches:

Is a Souray "trade" a greater possibility

Gerber and Souray clear waivers. This establishes reliable goaltending for the OKC Barons. On the Souray front, re-entry waivers is likely in the works...but wait, could there be more?

I have a feeling a "trade" is in the developing stages with Souray.

Quick Hits: Oilers this week

Martin Gerber and Sheldon Souray have been placed on waivers. Two players exposed for two different reasons. The Oilers are hoping Gerber will pass waivers unscathed and they're praying for Souray to be plucked.

This month's Snow Bunny

There's more to Chicago then a damn good hockey team. Apparently they aren't short on beautiful women. Say hello to Chicago, Illinois Gwenn (AKA Babycakes):

Post Game: September 29- Coyotes

                                          Game Summary:                                                                 
                                                                 

Oilers:		Phoenix
3.) Goal: Gagner, Assists: Smid & Brule		1.) Goal: Stempniak, Assists: Schlemko & Pyatt 2.) Goal: Turris, Assists: Prucha & Upshall
4.) Goal: Giroux, Assists: Reddox & Plante
5.) Goal: Plante, Assists: O'Marra
		6.) Goal: Upshall, Assists: Prucha

                 

Our Thoughts:  

Pre-Game: September 29th - Phoenix Coyotes

    Phoenix Coyotes

Since it is the preseason, we will post the lines instead of scratches:

       LW                                      C                                   RW
 Magnus Paajarvi                    Sam Gagner                   Ales Hemsky


 Dustin Penner                    Andrew Cogliano                 Gilbert Brule


 Liam Reddox                        Colin Fraser                       Ryan Jones


  Alex Giroux                         Ryan O'Marra                    Colin McDonald



                            D                                           D
                     Ladislav Smid                            Alex Plante
   

                   Taylor Chorney                           Tom Gilbert
     

                    Richard Petiot                           Kurtis Foster
             


                                                   G
                                         Jeff Deslaurier

Matchup(s) of the Night:

Etowns Finest: Oiloverhaul's Hongkong Philly and Phat Quinn

Written By: Hongkong Philly

We at http://www.oiloverhaul.com/ and http://www.etownhockey.com/ have joined forces to create the Miami Heat of the blogging world. Oiloverhaul is composed of two writers, Hongkong Philly, who coincidentally is the better looking of the two, and my best friend; Phat Quinn. We will be focusing our attention on the Edmonton Oilers, and we promise to deliver. So buckle up folks, enjoy the ride and let the dynasty begin. We'll be with you every step of the way............

Log Jam: Roster spots

More jam please

I could almost start this blog off exactly like I did the previous one. Jordan Eberle - get use to hearing the name. Alright, I suppose it isn't necessary as Jordan Eberle is almost a house hold name among hockey fans anyways. He continues to force people to take notice as he played a stellar game tonight with line mates Horcoff and Hall.

Magnus Paajarvi: demanding attention

My Magnus Paajarvi autograph

Magnus Paajarvi - You should probably get use to the name, I suspect you will hear it a lot this season.

Player expectations

I am beginning to wonder what this version of the Oilers will be like. Will it be a good showing or another disappointment in which we must switch gears and cheer for a good draft? First of all, I don't expect the Oilers to make an impact, not even close, but I am debating if they will satisfy the viewers. At this stage, fans have welcomed change and are excited for the new faces coming in. Expectations for the team isn't particularly high, but we are depending on individual players to shine.

Pics from Penticton

Just for your warning, this post is image heavy. Here you will see a few pics from our trip in Penticton, BC. Unfortunately the weather was pretty chilly and we couldn't experience Penticton the way we should have. We did manage to do a bit of hiking, checked out some wineries and obviously attended some games.

Blue Jackets looking to Bolster blue line

Will the recent injury to Kris Russell prompt the Blue Jackets to find a replacement? It's been reported that the 23 year old from Red Deer, Alberta will likely miss 2-4 weeks with a sprained knee. An mri will be conducted today and will give a better indication of what time frame they're working with.

It's no secret that the Columbus Blue Jackets have been trying to bolster their blue line but have come up short thus far. GM Scott Howson tried acquiring Vancouver's Kevin Bieksa and Toronto's Tomas Kaberle to no avail. An offensive defense-men that can man the power play is on the top of their priority list.

Beautiful British Columbia: Penticton

My time in Penticton has come to an end. I met a few people, watched some good hockey and became a wino in the heart of the Okanagan for a few days. I had a good conversation with Oilers head scout Stu Mcgregor, good man who took immediate interest in who I was and what I did for no other reason than him just being a solid guy. I also snagged a few autographs; notably Magnus Paajarvi, whom I met at a pub and joined him for a cup of coffee. The only regret I have is not having Oiler fan gear and a sharpie with me, I resorted to a waitresses pen and Molson Canadian coasters. I felt like a loon approaching a couple of young rookies with a stack of coasters. They looked at their coffees when I approached them, probably thinking I was about to lose my shit on them for not using the coasters or they're just not use to being recognized in public yet.

Oiler prospects shine

After circling the block a few times looking for a parking lot I noticed the line up getting longer and longer at the South Okanagan Events Centre. We made our way to the entrance hoping the line up was for ticket buyers, and not for the tickets in hand customers. It wasn't the case, we would have to get in the back of that atrocious line up and likely miss a good portion of the first period. As the wife and I were about to make the walk, security announced they'd be opening another line - we got in that line and no longer then 5 minutes were we in our seats. Luck was on our side.

A "lowe one" for Cogliano

One for the Ladies

The Oilers, not known for great contracts, "Lowe" balled Andrew Cogliano and came out on top with a 1 year, 1 million dollar deal.

Taylor Hall: Number 4

Quick hit:

Taylor Hall will be donning Kevin Lowe's number 4. Yes, it's just a number and it isn't even retired. So what's the big deal? Well, nobody has worn the number since Kevin Lowe retired here in Edmonton. Many have speculated that Lowe's number would be in the rafters of Rexall Place if he weren't involved in management. However, during the retirement event of Glenn Anderson the Oilers did say they would only retire numbers if and when a player is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Having said that, Kevin Lowe would not be in the rafters of Rexall Place regardless of his position with the franchise.

So is Hall wearing the number 4 even a topic starter?

Winner of NHL 11

The winner of the NHL 11 draw is a.n.a.18

Congratulations! I will be in contact with you shortly and we can arrange a pick up; if you aren't from the area the game will be mailed to you.


Keep following Etownhockey, through out the season as we will be having more draws.

I used a random generator at http://textmechanic.com/Random-Line-Picker.html for the draw, quite a handy tool for this kind of draw. All 40 followers were entered. See below:

the young stars tournament - this coming season - our bitchy fans

I'll be heading to Pentiction this coming week to finally watch the players I'm excited to see this coming season (player roster and schedule here). It should be a hell of an event, these young



ds are going to bring everything they got to this tournament. This is their opportunity to impress, blood and sweat will prevail. I will try my best to absorb everything possible and will be posting updates here at Etownhockey. If there is anything or anybody in particular you want me to keep an eye on, leave a comment.

Your chance to win NHL 11

I have an early copy of NHL 11 for the Xbox 360. I will draw after I receive 50 followers through google friends connect (in the left column, under followers), and if that's not attainable I will draw by September 6th. For your chance to enter, all you need to do is follow Etownhockey.


What's new in NHL 11?

Kovalchuk contract done

2010-11: 6 mil 2011-12: 6 mil 2012-13: 11 mil 2013-14: 11.3 mil 2014-15: 11.3 mil 2015-16: 11.6 mil 2016-17: 11.8 mil 2017-18: 10 mil 2018-19: 7 mil 2019-20: 4 mil 2020-21: 1 mil 2021-22: 1 mil 2022-23: 1 mil 2023-24: 3 mil 2024-25: 4 mil 

Comrie Signs for peanuts, Penner playing centre?

Comrie wanted to be an Oiler, he made that clear; but the Oilers didn't need him. The Penguins snagged Comrie for $500,000 and Comrie will be contending for a Stanley Cup in 2011. A terrific depth pick up by the Pens at a very low hit. We all saw what Comrie can do on a deeper team come playoff time when he was with the Senators. He was a gritty back checking machine who played like a savvy vet.

Gagner trimmed down

http://www.sportsnet.ca/video/36673752001/40310152001/Gagner-back-to-work/

Posted a video I think some might find interesting. If you don't want to watch it, here's the gist of it:

After signing a 2 year 4.55 million dollar contract, Gagner is back in Edmonton and on the ice. Sam has shed 10 Ibs this offseason by working on his speed. Looks like Gags is ready to prove himself this season. He really does need to take that next step as the Oilers really could use a number 1 centre man.

For more news and videos, be sure to check out the forums page under Edmonton Oilers. Your daily newsfeed will be there.

A slap on the wrist

Don't expect Khabibulin's 30 day sentence to prison have any bearing on the 2010-11 season. Well, he won't be spending it in a desert prison living in a tent anyways. Khabibulin's was handed the minimum 30 day sentence, which he quickly appealed. This now puts the sentence at "pending appeal" which may take months. This was smart thinking, as it will buy Khabibulin time and he will attend training camp.

Oilers defense review and where the Leafs come in

 

The Oilers are coming off their worst season in franchise history. Some of the work Tambellini has accomplished this offseason has been a staggering over haul, but mostly on the front end. The forwards are looking promising for the future, but how about the defense?

Kovalchuck contract near

The contract has yet to be released officially, but inside sources believe the contract to be 15 years at 100 million. Kypreos has recently tweeted:

"Last 3 yrs of Luongo's deal ave is 1.2M per. Hossa's 833,000. Ilya last 3 yrs will now ave 2.6M including base of 4M in last 24/25 season"

Deal should be done soon, the NHL has said they approve of this new contract but nothing official, again, has been released. So as that stands, the NHL has really clamped down on these circumventing contracts. Lou Lamorello and the Devils simply had unfortunate timing on this one.

Gags inked; Cogs next?

Sam Gagner finally signs a deal. The 21 year old centre man will earn $2.275 million per season on a 2 year contract. Not a steal for the Oilers, but not robbery on Gagner's part either. The Oilers were looking for a 1 year deal, as stated by Kevin Lowe, but Gagner's side were looking for a longer term - said to be 3 years. They met in the middle and came out with what looks to be a fair deal for both parties.

Fan Blog (Patience a must)

Etownhockey would like to welcome G to the community. He is the first to post an Oilers blog in the forums section and I have displayed it here on the main page. Thanks for supporting Etownhockey G.

Khabibulin found guilty

A Scottsdale, Arizona courtoom today has ruled Nikolai Khabibulin guilty on all three charges related to drunk driving. Charges of extreme driving under the influence, excessive speed and driving under the influence over a blood alcohol level of 0.08. Extreme driving under the influence carries a mandatory 30 day sentence. However, a sentencing decision will be made at a later date.

Khabibulin on trial today

Khabibulin is expected to be on trial as we speak. He was due in court at 1:30 pm/MT. His defense case will argue that police did not have probable cause to test him fro drunk driving. The defence is also expected to present evidence that the field sobriety test initially administered to Khabibulin should not be given to people with back problems.

The Oilers will not comment until the Khabibulin's court ruling is final. Oilers assistant general manager Rick Olczyk, who is a lawyer in his own right, will be in the court room attending. It's only a short time from not that we will finally have the Khabibulin's news reel put to rest.

Signed?

ESPN is reporting that the league has approved Kovalchuk's latest contract. After numerous failed attempts of trying to work the framework of Kovaluchuk's contract to the NHL's liking, it finally appears this summer long news feed is coming to an end. Terms of salary and length of the contract has yet to be released.

ThermaBlades part 2

After the bankruptcy of ThermaBlades, a hockey enthusiast by the name of David Hamm came into play. David was a young entrepreneur who developed a prominent Dell dealership and invested in a handful of other companies.

While David was coaching his 11 year old son's hockey team, he met retired NHL player Morris Lukowich

ThermaBlades part 1

   Therma Blade. Remember that "revolutionary" ice hockey blade that would change the game as we know it? Many investors jumped on board with this new invention, including Wayne Gretzky, and some people that I know personally.

Souray to Caps rumour nixed

Will Souray be moved to Washington? It's unlikely, and I do hate reporting rumours, but this one is showing up on reputable sites. The talk is Washington may be interested in one of Kevin Bieksa or Sheldon Souray.

This rumour was sprung by comments made by

Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Tournament

Penticton, BC will be the host for the Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Tournament. This tournament will feature the pool of talent in the system for each of the respected teams involved. This will be your chance to see your favorite up and coming Oiler live, either online or in person. Tickets go on sale

Thursday's Snow Bunny (August 12th)

    Say hello to Colorado's finest. Stacy works as a glamour, fitness and fashion model and is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist.

A whole lot of cheese coming your way

Everything's "HALL"right with Taylor.

Oilers PPV is a thing of the past. With a new 10 year agreement, Rogers Sportsnet will be the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames official tv broadcaster. Rogers will be unveiling a new

The Saga continues

Where will Kovalchuk find his 10 million per season deal now?
The Ilya Kovalchuk saga will continue. The arbitration hearing today ruled in favour of the NHL. A rejection of Kovalchuk's 17-year, US$102-million contract with the New Jersey Devils was the right call. Although the hammer came down a little late, having seen the likes of Zetterberg, Pronger, Luongo, Franzen see similar circumventing contracts.

The Devils will not be able to afford his services on a shorter contract, and this may leave the LA Kings as his only option. It will likely come down to leaving a bit of money on the table or the KHL he goes.

*On a side note, The Hockey News have made their predictions for the 2010-11 season. They picked the Oilers and Panthers to finish last in their respected conference.

Adam Larsson. Predicted to go 1st overall in 2011 draft. 

Reddox re-signed

As per TSN.ca:

Edmonton, AB (Sports Network) - The Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms with left wing Liam Reddox on a one-year contract.
Reddox collected two assists in nine games for Edmonton last season. He spent most of the campaign with Springfield of the American Hockey League and notched 18 goals with 17 assists for 35 points in 70 games.
The 24-year-old Ontario native has posted five goals and nine helpers in 56 games over parts of the last three seasons with the Oilers.
Edmonton selected Reddox in the fourth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Ever seen a 4 headed monster?

The Oilers picked up yet another Goalie. Martin Gerber has signed a one year contract; salary hasn't yet been released (update: salary believed to be a 2-way contract worth $500,000 in the NHL and $200,000 in the AHL). Gerber will join Nikolai Khabibulin, Jeff Deslaurier and Devan Dubnyk on a long list of Oilers goaltending. Not only will the Oilers have 4 goaltenders, but they

Thursday's Snow Bunny

(Click continue reading, hiding the photos for the ultra sensitive)

As per great request, Elishia is back...

Hanging out with miss liberty

I will be gone this week - I'm heading to NYC tomorrow! You won't be hearing from me, because I'm cheap and roaming charges are a crock (stupid crooked phone companies).

I will be checking out the hot spots, central park, statue of liberty, time's square, broadway, wall street, and someone mentioned yesterday that I was on crack; I hear Harlem is a good place for that...oh and I'm definitely hitting up Tom's Restaurant (the cafe that was in Seinfeld).

Before I go, I will leave one last post - because we can't miss this weeks Snow Bunny now can we? So come back tomorrow.

Brule signed for 2 years

Having just analyzed Gilbert Brule's situation, it comes to no surprise that the Oilers have signed him to a pretty decent, but reasonable, raise.

The Oilers avoid salary arbitration and awarded Brule a 2 year deal worth $1.85 million per year. It's likely the two parties met in the middle with this one. With the recent Canucks signing of Mason Raymond to 5.1 million over two years; it would have lowered Brule's asking price and allowed the Oilers to fast track this signing.

The Oilers should trade Hemsky.

 In all reality, the Oilers are not contending this upcoming season - nor is it likely they will be favorites in two seasons from now either. Ales Hemsky has two years left on his contract and will earn 4.5 million this season and 5 million the following season; he has a cap hit of 4.1 million. (And we say he's underpaid?)

Logically, the Oilers would be best off trading Hemsky while he is still desirable for other teams. He is at the point in his career where he is well into his prime, he will be 27 this upcoming season, he has an affordable cap hit for two more years and the Oilers aren't going

Is Brule worth 2.5 million?

As we wait for Gilbert Brule's arbitration hearing it's easy to think that Brule is going in with all the ammunition he needs. Brule's last year salary of $800,000 is sure to jump up considerably. Do I agree with it? Not at all; but since the arbitration hearing will

Oiler snid bits

Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning continue to make news. It has been a long time since we've heard so much buzz coming from this organization. The lightning snagged two ex-Oilers in Marc-Antoine Pouliot and last years assistant coach Wayne Fleming. Pouliot will add depth to the forwards and Fleming brings 30 years of experience to the Bolts. Pouliot signed a 1 year, 2 way contract. Terms of salary hasn't been released, but I can't see it being much more or less than his 825,000 NHL salary that he was signed to last year.

The fact that the Oilers signed JF Jacques over Pouliot

Thursday's Snow Bunny

(Click on "continue reading", for the ultra sensitive I have hidden the photo's from the main page)

NHL rejects Kovalchuck's contract

Just hours after introducing Ilya Kovalchuck to the press the NHL has rejected Kovalchuck's 17 year, 102 million dollar contract. The NHL ruled that it circumvents the salary cap.

It makes sense to reject such contracts, but at the same time something needs to be written in stone explaining what can and what can not be accepted. Another issue I have are previous contracts which were obviously circumventing the cap. Hossa, Zetterberg and Pronger come to mind.

 I agree with the rejection, but the NHL just keeps proving that they are incredibly inconsistent on their rulings. Be it suspensions or in this case a free agent signing. They need to have clarity and they need to stand by them at all times.

Kovalchuck will appeal, this will be his only opportunity to reach this kind of money.

(see previous post for Kovalchuck's contract details)

Kovalchuck signs (contract details listed) and Gagne traded

A couple of events happened today, a big trade and a huge signing regarding the two biggest fish on the market. Kovalchuck finally signed on the dotted lines making his return to the Devils. Kovalchuck's contract is detailed to be 6 million for the first 2 years, then 5 years at 11.5, 10.5, 8.5, 6.5, 3.5, and finally 750, 550, 550, 550, 550, 550 (source: Star Tribute). An average of 6 million. Next was Simon Gagne being shipped to the Tampa Bay lightning, in return the Flyers received Matt Walker and a 4th round pick for the 2011 draft.
                                                                                   
Let's take a closer look at the Kovalchuck signing. Here we have a

Oilers week in a nutshell

This week proved to be a busy one for the Oilers as they made some minor tweaking within the organization. There was nothing too exciting for fans, but rather some added depth and the rounding off of the coaching staff. This leads us to believe the frame work of the Oilers is now established.

First off, welcome back Steve Smith to the Edmonton Oilers. He was brought on board as part of the coaching staff and will look after the defense. Steve played a lengthy NHL career and won 3 Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers. I know every apathetic fan is already calling out the old boys club is back in full force again, with Kelly Buchberger staying on board as well. However, I like the signing of Smith. He was a tough son-of-a-bitch back in his playing days and should bring that concept to the back end of a team that greatly needs it. Recently he was part of the Chicago Blackhawks championship as a pro scout and did spend the 1997season

WWW.ETOWNHOCKEY.COM

We're making some changes. No longer do you need to remember the ridiculously long www.etownhockey.blogspot.com; we are now simply known as www.etownhockey.com.

If you still use the blogspot url, no worries -- you will be forwarded to the new domain but be sure to bookmark the new url.

Thanks.

(PS: Unfortunately all of our comments have been lost since we brought the site over to the new domain. Nothing is stopping you from adding new comments though...)

This weeks Snow Bunny

 

Say Hello to our first local entry to Raine's Snow Bunnies. Elishia is a 21 year old local beauty with great style. She keeps busy with many hobbies. She's your true Albertan girl who likes Hockey, baseball, football, snowboarding, skateboarding, quading, dirt biking, fishing, hunting and partying.

Elishia has big dreams and hopes to accomplish many of them in the next few years. She's working towards getting herself a big home, a nice ride and a good career.

And her favorite team?

"The Oilers although they didn't do so hot this year." 

Well, we all hope they can turn that around for this coming season.

This is my hockey

This is hockey people. It pisses me off when I hear the whining and sniveling coming from the casual hockey fan about violence in Hockey. I found myself entering a conversation the other day about the re-acquiring of Steve Macintyre. A guy known for his fisticuffs, hard hits and nothing much there after. This conversation between these dimwits started off with them stating that the Oilers screwed up the team by getting rid of Nilsson and O'sullivan and then "replacing" them with guys like Macintyre and Vandermeer. "Goons who have no place in hockey." "It sends the wrong message." "I don't want my kids playing hockey because it's getting too violent."

Well, that's just

Eberle ready for stardom

The Oilers didn't screw this one up, they got it right all along. The development process with Jordan Eberle has been handled incredibly well. The 22nd pick of the 2008 draft is well on his way to NHL stardom.

Already Jordan's resume is a compilation of success at every level. Be it his 216 goals in 60 games as a

Ladies night -- babe of the week

Thursday is ladies night. Every Thursday will be a piece of eye candy for fellow Etowners. Of course, we're always looking for local products...but we're not that picky. So send your pic to etownhockey@hotmail.ca to have your picture featured as the babe of the week.

What we need:

A steamy picture
Your name
Your hobbies
Your ambitions
And the sports teams you cheer for

enjoy

Be sure to check in next week as we have lined up a local product from Red Water, Alberta.

Khabibulin's court case post poned

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin's July 7th court date, for impaired driving and excessive speed, has been put off until July 21st. If convicted, Khabibulin can face a sentence anywhere from 30 days to the maximum 1 year.

It's unkown what the Oilers and Khabibulin's contract details, but one would assume there would be an "out" clause if their goaltender were to be sentenced to prison. Given the quantity of good goaltending available on the free agent market, it may be sweet victory to see the Oilers get out of this bloated contract. It would be another step in the right direction for a proper rebuild.

Oil Change

 As we all know, this off-season has been a busy one for Steve Tambellini. There has been many changes and there have been hints for further changes. However, I think we are close to what we will likely see this fall --  for the exception of Sheldon Souray and his trade request. That may prove to be difficult given his salary cap and past injuries. The Oilers will likely need to take back similar salary and/or sweeten the offer by packaging him up with a guy like Andrew Cogliano.  If the Oilers do indeed deal Cogliano, as rumours keep speculating, expect Mike Comrie to be resigned.

Let's take a look at where we currently stand on the depth chart.

How do you feel about the current line up, and what further changes do you think may occur?

Update: Hall Signing

Hall has signed a 3 year contract worth $900,000 per year along with the possibility of earning $3,750,000 per year when factoring in the bonuses. These are the numbers we predicted earlier today as it is the same numbers we saw with the John Tavares signing last year.

For those concerned about the cap; to my understanding bonuses do not count against the current years cap. However, they will impact the following years total cap limit for that team.

Halladay

Nearly 2 hours from now (12:00 pm mt) Hall and Tambellini will be holding a press conference that will signify a new era in Oilers hockey. Hall is to sign a contract with the Oilers today. A contract that will likely be similar to the one John Tavares signed last year, a three year entry-level contract worth $900,000 per season in salary and guaranteed