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?
Both Tambellini and Lowe have been talking about how Hall can play centre. Maybe the Oilers will finally figure out that Horcoff is a third liner and put Hall with Hemsky and Penner.
ReplyDeleteAnd shouldn't Paajarvi-Svensson be in the lineup, not an extra? You're missing Macintyre.
I think its best for the Oil to split Hemmer and Penner. They both command a double team and can carry a line by themselves. That also takes some pressure off the rookies.
ReplyDeleteHall - Horcoff - Hemmer
Penner - Gagner - Eberle
Paajarvi - Cogliano - Brule
Jones - Fraser - Giroux/Stortini
14th - Jacques
I think the Oil need to move either/both Cogs and Brule and get at least one big body in the middle. I dont they are averaging 6'.
Whitney - Gilbert
Smid - Foster
Vandemeer - Peckham/Strudwick
I would like an upgrade for Smids partner defensively, but this is ok with me
I wouldn't be rushing Hall to a first line centre position yet. Hall playing centre is all speculation now anyways, there was a reason why he was moved to the wing in the juniors, it complimented his power forward qualities. He's an ox coming down the boards. Time will tell, they certainly shouldn't hurry the kid.
ReplyDeletePaajarvi (he dropped the Svensson) will certainly see NHL time this year, I'd be amazed if he's not in the line up at some point. However, the Oilers are really dedicated in having an exciting AHL team this year in Oklahoma City and attract a fan base. So it wouldn't surprise me if he started there.
The Oilers also have a lot of bodies still. Training camp will answer a lot more of our questions, this summer talk is mere speculation at this point in time.
Also, I made the depth chart before the Macintyre signing.
I see where you're coming from regarding Penner and Hemsky playing together. Both need the puck and to control that line, so one of them at any given time isn't going to play at there full potential when they need to share the puck.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I'm all for seeing Hemsky dealt. I don't like Penner being on the 2nd line, and I think Hall and Eberle are in the midst of building some serious chemistry. So sacrificing all that for Hemsky doesn't work for me.
Hemsky has already made hints that he won't be resigning with the Oilers. He has his own agenda and frankly, I don't like his attitude.
I'm also not sold on him carrying a line when playing 5 on 5, I think he carries himself and it starts and ends there. It's been season after season waiting for his break out and hoping he can find chemistry with somebody. Hasn't happened yet, and he's 27 years old.
I will write a blog sometime later regarding Ales Hemsky. But for now, I will leave it at that.