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
on the coaching staff for the Calgary Flames. He's paid his dues and should be able to contribute significantly.

The Oklahoma City Barons filled their coaching positions this past week. Todd Nelson was named head coach and Gerry Fleming returns to the farm club as assistant coach. Todd Nelson served as an NHL assistant the past two seasons for the Atlanta Thrashers while Gerry Fleming was the Springfield Falcons assistant for the past two seasons.

Some more signings -- Ryan O'Marra was the latest and earned a 1 year contract. He is a player who is likely on his last audition, and with the buyout of Robert Nilsson, is really all we have to show for the unforgettable Ryan Smyth trade. O'Marra is a player who has had trouble cracking the AHL team, let alone the NHL. Not a significant signing by the Oilers by any means.

--Gregory Stewart was also signed July 16th to a 1 year contract, a player with size and a crash and bang mentality. A theme the Oilers have really jumped on this off-season.

--Theo Peckham was re-signed on July 15th to a 1 year contract, a big brute of a defense-man that will dabble with the NHL again this season.

--J-F Jacques re-upped with the Oilers earning a year contract, he's likely in the same boat as Ryan O'Marra with his last chance to show he has something to offer. Injuries have kept him out of the line up for much of his professional career. He will need to show the Oilers he can do more than give a big hit here and there, his overall game is really lacking.

--Devan Dubnyk was signed to a 1 year contract July 13th. I'm happy about this signing, he's a young goaltender that really showed some promise near the end of last season. It appears he has leaped Deslaurier on the prospects chart and will likely end up being the back up goaltender once Khabibulin is proven to be healthy and the number one again.

--Shawn Belle signed a 1 year contract July 13th. This is a great signing by the Oilers, a hometown boy who is 25 years old and just entering his good years as a defense-man. He will bring size and strength, a good skill set and his two way ability will give him a good shot at getting some NHL time. Definitely has the potential to be an NHL regular as a 5th or 6th defense-man; but may prove a little more difficult getting that spot with the log jam on the Oilers roster.

--Ben Ondrus signed a 1 year deal July 7th. Another local product, former captain of the Swift Current Broncos and Toronto Marlies, the 28 year old brings leadership and experience to the AHL club.

--Brad Moran signed to a 1 year contract July 7th. A player with good vision and play making skill and should easily be capable of nabbing a point a game with the Barons.

--Alexandre Giroux signed a 1 year contract. An interesting player who has the size and scoring ability to be an NHLer but has never been given a real shot in Washington Capitals organization. Giroux has consistently put up high numbers in the AHL, he scored 50 goals and 53 points in 69 games last year for the Hershey Bears.  Coming to a team that has lacked that offensive punch the last few years, he is hoping to get a good look for an NHL roster spot.

What we see is an organization trying to revive their AHL farm club. A crucial aspect for the organization that will keep the pressure on the Oilers roster. There will be a number of players knocking on the door for playing time with the big club. Something they haven't had for a number of years now, and it really showed a lack of drive in many of the players because of it.

Next up is Gagner, Cogliano and Brule.