The Other Ales

The Oilers haven't had an Ales not named "Hemsky" since the days of Ales Pisa, who departed to New York and subsequently Europe. Steve Tambellini has finally made his mark as a GM by making two seperate big deals on his first trade deadline. Seen above is Ales Kotalik, one of the new additions to the Edmonton Oilers team.

In comparison to today's deals, his acquisition of Dany Sabourin, Ryan Stone, and Steve MacIntyre were minuscule in influence. I was at first impressed that he could pawn off Mathieu Garon for more than the (at the time) market price of a 7th round pick established by Vancouver's acquisition of Jason LaBarbera. Heck, I didn't think Tambellini had the tenacity in him required to pull off some ballsy trades.

Boy was I wrong.

Sure, he didn't go the the extent of the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames, but boy, did Tambellini ever rip off the Los Angeles Kings in his trade deadline "coming out party." Maybe O'Sullivan is of little value to a team stocked full of young talent - maybe. But Justin Williams is a poor replacement for one of the leading shooters on the Los Angeles team. At age 24, he can still get much, much better. The best part is he plays both C and LW. I expect MacTavish to slot him alongside Horcoff and Hemsky. Further yet, the Oilers gave up pending UFA Erik Cole to get O'Sullivan who is signed for two more years at a contract similar to Robert Nilsson's.

It is now also clear why the Oilers didn't bite on Tuomo Ruutu, Vladimir Sobotka, and Miroslav Satan: with Patrick O'Sullivan in play, the others become secondary concerns. It could be possible that Carolina didn't want to give up on Ruutu (I know the Oilers love him) and it's also possible the Bruins didn't want to give up on Sobotka (who was not involved in deadline trade involving Matt Lashoff for Mark Recchi). With all things considered, the Oilers got the best man available from those four choices.

As for Kotalik, we got fair price for him. Early indications are that Kotalik is nothing like the European stereotype of a winger. In fact, he is often seen driving the net. We have to take it with a grain of salt, of course. He probably is a poor comparable for Erik Cole, I don't imagine he throws hits with the same regularity as the departed American winger. But can he create chances on the revamped 2nd line?

It will be interesting to see whether MacTavish keeps Penner on the Cogliano/Pisani line or whether or not he moves Penner up to 2nd line to play with the newly acquired Kotalik. I don't imagine Nilsson in a checking role, but stranger things have happened (see Liam Reddox).

I will be glad if Kotalik can keep playing his net-crashing style in Edmonton and hopefully it translates well from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference. The last experiment (Cole) ended with limited success and hopefully Kotalik will find himself reborn in the Edmonton lineup. He is a rental player as of right now, but if things go right maybe he'll stick around.

Goaltending

One thing I felt that needed to be addressed at the deadline was goaltending and it didn't happen. Maybe the Oilers feel that DesLauriers, Sabourin, or Dubnyk are ready to take over should an injury occur to Dwayne Roloson.

I think this is ill-advised.

In 2005-06 we had Jussi Markkanen bringing in the rear, and he did an amiable job against the Carolina Hurricanes. We can only pray that one of the above have it in them to do the same.

Defense

With the quick recovery of Denis Grebeshkov the Oilers aren't in as dire a situation as would have originally been the case if he hadn't done so. Some may argue the Oilers D-core is too soft and I somewhat agree. But, we do have a couple sandpaper guys waiting in the wings in the form of AHL veteran Bryan Young, top-prospect Theo Peckham, and "give-me-one-more-chance" Mathieu Roy. My hope is that Steve Staios regains his former playoff form.

Trade Deadline - TODAY!!!!!

Boy do I feel bad for anyone with an Erik Cole jersey: no matter what happens today, all signs indicate he won't be back next year in an Oilers uniform.

Some prevalent Cole rumours:

• Boston with interest :Lashoff and Sobotka (pending RFA) in the mix
• Carolina with interest: Ruutu (pending RFA) being offered
  

If there is a team willing to give up exactly the kind of player(s) the Oilers organization is looking for, don't expect them to sit on a potential Cole trade. Whether or not a Cole trade happens depends on a couple of things. If the Oilers plan to make a push for the playoffs, somebody will have to take over that 2nd line RW spot. If the Oilers don't replace Cole, it is a good indication that the Oilers have packed up for the 18 holes already. If the Oilers don't trade him at all, they are set on making a playoff run. I wouldn't blame them, we're so close we can smell it.

Does Penner have trade value?

• Why Penner wouldn't be traded: He has a couple years sitting on his contract. He has a history of not showing up 100%, though his Corsi numbers or other stats of that variety indicate he is not among the worst of the Oilers in on-ice performance (don't quote me, go check with Jonathan Willis and David Staples). That being said, he's not our best either - so why is he on the 1st line? MacT is somewhat justified in demoting him.
  
• Why Penner would be traded: Penner has won it all before as a complementary player to Getzlaf and Perry. He has shown he has that ability to play on a high skill line if given the right line mates. If there is a team with a hole on LW that needs a Penner type player, he could be a commodity. His salary and point production comparables are guys like Scott Hartnell and Ryan Malone (though Hartnell is outperforming him by leaps and bounds in 2008-09). The difference between Hartnell/Malone and Penner is that the Oilers got the unmotivated version. That being said, there is gotta be someone out there who thinks that Penner is a good enough comparable for those two guys - isn't there? Please take him - please?!
  

Who's on the block?

• Robert Nilsson
• Rob Schremp
• If Wayne Gretzky can be traded anyone can be traded ...
  
• Correction, anyone who doesn't have a NTC or NMC ...
  

Reasons why the Oilers would make big move(s):

The Oilers see gaping holes at all positions except RW and move to rectify this by acquiring LW help on the 1st line (long term or temporary fix, who cares), acquiring a bonafide checking C to take the pressure off of Kyle Brodziak and also to get a veteran backup to Roloson. This would be the Mike Peca/Bobby Holik/Marty Reasoner type. It wouldn't hurt to add a veteran energy forward, since we have 3 bruisers playing on the bottom 2 lines (Jacques, Stortini, MacIntyre). This would be the Todd Harvey/Kris Draper/Darcy Tucker type of player. Also, Strudwick is a good depth D-man but questions surround Staios and Smid. Staios - does he still got what it takes to go through a few playoff rounds? Smid - he's been playing like a real defensive D-man, but is he ready for the big show? Acquiring a Derek Morris type may eat away some of that doubt and allow Gilbert to pair back up with Souray.

Reasons why the Oilers wouldn't make a big move:

The Oilers are happy with the team chemistry (or have deluded visions of a chemistry that doesn't exist). They decide to sit on potential trades to improve the team because they don't want to give up on the kids (who underperformed this year). And for some reason, the Oilers are happy to start the playoffs with Strudwick, Stortini, and MacIntyre bringing in the rear, with Reddox on the 1st line.

I shudder at the thought.

This day on Hockeybuzz ...

Eklund is suggesting the Oilers are trying to beat other teams to the punch by pulling a "Chris Pronger" and acquiring and signing Jay Bo long term. I think this is easily disproved:

Jay Bo would only sign long term after being acquired (if acquired) only if the Edmonton Oilers (and the City of Edmonton) can offer him the best possible deal on the market (pending whether he wants to play here at all). If the Oilers could be the team and Edmonton the city to offer that perfect deal - why try to beat other teams to the punch? That's just throwing away prospects and picks for someone who you can throw cash at on the UFA market.

Furhermore, Souray and Visnovsky have not been accounted for. If Jay Bo resigns his salary will be in their ball park or higher. That would effectively be a one way ticket out of town for either one of Gilbert or Grebeskhov or potentially even both, because of the NMC and NTC involved with Souray/Visnovsky. If the Toronto situation is any indication, these contract clauses are really blue balling a lot of potential trades.

Beyond that, would the Oilers really, really do this in the midst of a playoff push? The Panthers themselves are in the thick of their own playoff push. Jay Bo is central to the Panthers and is inconceivably important to their team right now, moreso than Cole (another pending UFA) is to the Oilers right now.

It's the same logic as with the Cole rumours: it's only going to happen if what the trading team gets back is more valuable and accounts for what they give up on the team. You know this. I know this. If not, why pull the trigger on the trade at all?

Eklund says he reports every thing he hears, however improbable the rumour. This cushions him from the blame of reporting something stupid. That's fine though, he wants to be an unbiased observer and listen in on discussion of his trade rumours. But if he's going to put out rumours, he has to have some input on the teams involved, as they do over at the rumour web site The Fourth Period, where editor Pagnotta chimes in on all his rumours.

Good on Pagnotta.

Armchair GM Cap On

So I'm gonna throw away what I think "Tambellini would do" and instead here's what I would do at the trade deadline.

Oilers Lineup Now

Forwards

1. Reddox/Penner Horcoff Hemsky
2. Nilsson Gagner Cole
3. Jacques Cogliano Pisani
4. Reddox/Penner Brodziak Stortini
5. MacIntyre
6. Pouliot
   
7. Moreau*
   

Defense

1. Souray Staios
2. Grebeshkov Gilbert
3. Smid Strudwick
4. Visnovsky**
   

*eye injury
**shoulder injury

Oilers Potential Moves

• Trading Cole
• Trading Nilsson
• Trading Penner (Dustin deserves better, but the truth is he's only a 2nd line player)
  

Let's assume that the Oilers only go through with trading Nilsson. That would leave the Oilers with holes on LW, RW, and on D.

Though I like Mike Knuble, it would be problematic to replace a pending UFA with another pending UFA unless you were convinced that what you gave up would be less valuable than what you got back. If Knuble could be landed for a low draft pick (3rd - 7th), I'd say git er done.

I would also trade for Marty Reasoner and Derek Morris in some capacity. I assume the Oilers have tried to acquire Guerin for a playoff run but going through with that would be akin to trying to cash in Nedved a second time: he's too old - it aint gonna work. Reasoner is worth a low draft pick, I'd say below 4th rounder. Morris would be worth considerably more. Another possibility is Brendan Witt, a veteran D-man.

We'd also have to land a 1st line LW to replace Penner after he is demoted to the 2nd line. Alexander Frolov has been tossed around as a possibility but what possible weakness on the LA Kings team could we actually fill through trade (assuming they would be willing to part with Frolov?). The LA Kings have two main weaknesses: goaltending and defensive forwards. Jarret Stoll is the only guy who truly fills that role on LA and we don't have anyone to offer except Kyle Brodziak, who would do benefit the Oilers more than the Kings. Also, we don't have any goalies to offer besides more rookies and they don't need any of those. The Kings have enough young talent to assume they would take a flyer on Nilsson and Schremp, the common names tossed around in potential trades. What I'm really trying to say is a Frolov trade is probably unlikely, unless LA is going to stock up on more young talent.

Keith Tkachuk is available but you can forget about him - past trade deadlines have already indicated what the Blues think he is worth.

Unfortunately, Ryan Smyth has a NTC or else I'd be on the phone trading him for Penner.

Some rental players out there are Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan. Assuming the Penguins are serious about trying to make the playoffs, these characters are not available. Jordan Staal, if available, would be an interesting pick up but he would not be for the present - he would be for the future. In terms of guys who are going to help us excel in a potential playoff run, picking up Staal would make picking up a guy like Reasoner unnecessary. Unfortunately, the Oilers are not willing to part with certain prospects and a Staal trade is unlikely. Schremp played large parts of his AHL career in Wilkes-Barre and a trade to Pittsburgh in any Staal deal would likely see him involved.

The most likely scenario is that the Oilers acquire a top line player for Hemsky and Horcoff who is a familiar suspect. This narrows the list down to:

• Ray Whitney
  

In this case I would probably agree with this trade. Unless Atlanta changes their mind and decides to trade Ilya Kovalchuk, there's nobody else available I would consider besides Whitney except Alexander Frolov (who we've already ruled out) and Gary Roberts. Yes, Gary Roberts - he's old but unlike Guerin, he's still got pluck.

I would also pick up some goaltending depth. Ottawa would be glad if we took Gerber off their hands. Being an unwanted player in Ottawa he probably wouldn't cost more than a low draft pick. Plus, he's a pending UFA so he won't be a problem next year.

Here's a recap of what the trade deadline would look like if I were Oilers' GM, with the assumption that the Morris trade would be too pricey.

Trades:

To EDM: Mike Knuble (rental) for
To PHI: low draft pick and filler

To EDM: Brendan Witt (rental) for
To NYI: low draft pick and filler

To EDM: Jordan Staal for
To PIT: 2nd round pick, Rob Schremp, Taylor Chorney, Steve Staios (if this trade is not available, get Reasoner)

To EDM: Ray Whitney (worth re-signing) for
To CAR: Robert Nilsson and filler

To EDM: Martin Gerber (rental) and a low draft pick for
To OTT: Marc Antoine Pouliot

Oilers Lineup After Trades

Forwards

1. Whitney Horcoff Hemsky
2. Penner Cogliano Cole
3. Jacques Staal/Reasoner Pisani
4. Reddox Brodziak Knuble
5. Stortini (he's ahead of Big Mac considering he brings more than fighting)
6. Gagner (Gagner would get chewed up and spit out in the playoffs)
   

To Springfield:

• MacIntyre
• Gerber (emergency callup)
  

Defense

1. Souray Gilbert
2. Grebeshkov Smid
3. Strudwick Witt
   

From Sprinfield:

• Peckham

Goal

1. Roloson
2. DesLauriers

Injuries to Moreau and Visnovsky

Bonuses to this new lineup

• Increased speed on the 1st line
• Increased size on the 2nd line
• Two effective checking lines (with or without Knuble, since we still have Big Mac and Stortini)
• Goaltending depth in case of injury to Roloson or DesLauriers
• Veteran presence in the absence of Moreau and Visnovsky (Whitney, Knuble, Witt)

Potential Sticking Points

Why Witt and not Staios?
Answer: I think Smid is already better than "Steady Steve," and he's ready to take the next step. Trading for Witt is not to replace Staios, it's to promote Smid.

Why Knuble and not Stortini or MacIntyre?
Answer: Knuble may be a rental but he's got that veteran leadership that the other two don't bring to the table.

Whitney is not exactly an elite LW player. Why him?
Answer: I agree with you. It's just that nobody else available is worth the price. If Smyth, Kovalchuk, or Frolov were as available as every wanted them to be, we wouldn't be having this dicussion.

Giving up Pouliot for Gerber - are you crazy?
Answer: No. Poo is useless. At least with Gerber, we have insurance for injury. If you recall in 2006, we were lucky to have Markkanen to take over for Roloson when he got injured. If Roloson ever got injured in the playoffs this year, our goaltending tandem would be DesLauriers and Dubnyk. This is not the AHL playoffs, and last time I checked, the Springfield Falcons are not in the running.

Whitney is 37. What makes him better than Guerin?
Answer: Whitney is a fast skater and a LW. Guerin is slow and he's a RW. This is a situation where what you give up is not worth what you get back - as in, what would we be giving up for Guerin? He's the only guy NYI has to offer so you'd expect them to want a lot in return to save their shinking ship of a franchise. GM Rutherford is probably going to keep stocking up on young talented players and start shipping off guys like Whitney, who can still play. Whitney is old but he's still got pluck (like Roberts) and brings the "desire" element missing in Penner.

Trade Predictions and Pure Speculation

The Early Moves:

• Montreal acquires Mathieu Schneider from Atlanta for 2nd round pick and condition 3rd round pick
• Ottawa trades Dean McAmmond and San Jose's 1st round pick to New York Islanders for Mike Comrie and Chris Campoli
• Dallas acquires Steve Begin from Montreal for Doug Janik
• Montreal claims Glen Metropolit off waivers from Philadelphia
  
• Pittsburgh acquires Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangradi from Anaheim for Ryan Whitney
• Edmonton trades Mathieu Garon to Pittsburgh for Dany Sabourin, Ryan Stone, and a 4th round pick
• and so on ...
  

Contenders:

San Jose
What they need: Depth players - they need to do away with guys like Claude Lemieux and get some gritty wingers. Dallas got the jump on this by acquiring Begin. With the kind of assets San Jose has, they can probably dish out for a real role player - maybe a guy like Dan Carcillo, Chris Neil - or even Sean Avery.
What they have to offer: Draft picks and prospects (though they are running low on quality organizational prospects at every position except goal)

Detroit
What they need: Until Holmstrom comes back, I could see Detroit acquiring a big winger just to make the opposition goalie's life a living hell. I could see a guy like Mike Knuble being acquired just for this kind of thing. Also, Detroit has a history of acquiring familiar faces (ex. Osgood) so be wary with Dandenault on the trade block.
What they have to offer: Organizational depth players and prospects - Justin Abdelkader is a future role player on some team; Ville Leino - skill player with loads of potential; Jimmy Howard; and with rumours of Kopecky and Franzen hitting the UFA market this summer, expect the less important players (Hudler, Kopecky) to be available as well; Darren McCarty may make a good role player for a team needing some sandpaper and experience

Boston
What they need: Veteran defense and gritty wingers - rumours of Chris Pronger and Erik Cole are all over the place. There is also the possibility that Boston trades within the conference and acquires guys like Pavel Kubina and Tuomo Ruutu.
What they have to offer: Petteri Nokelainen, PJ Axelsson, Shane Hnidy, Andrew Alberts, Vladimir Sobotka, Matt Hunwick

Washington
What they need: Goaltending depth - they gave up a 2nd round pick last year to get Cristobal Huet. I'd imagine they are willing to give up an equal or lesser amount for someone to back up Jose Theodore, who although he has put together great playoff performances, is still a big question mark. I'd imagine they'd be interested in guys like Huet (again), Khabibulin, Gerber, Roloson (yes, even him) or Kevin Weekes. The Caps may also want to pick up a shutdown D-man and I'd imagine Brendan Witt (post-suspension) or Ken Klee (familiar face) would be of interest to them.
What they have to offer: Michael Nylander, Bryan Pothier, Brent Johnson

Challengers:

Calgary
What they need: Offensive D-man, veteran checking pesence - I'd imagine Calgary is in the market for some familiar faces in Derek Morris and Jordan Leopold. Guys like Kubina are also available - but for what price? I think that the one disadvantage of trading off Nolan for Bertuzzi was a loss of that veteran savvy. Bertuzzi has been around for a while but he is not a playoff proven player, especially not at a checking line level. I'd expect Calgary to pick up a guy like Radek Bonk (if available) or Tyler Arnason. Yes, I know Arnason is not a proven playoff player - but he would fill that checking role.
What they have to offer: Adrian Aucoin, Eric Nystrom, Todd Bertuzzi, Jamie Lundmark

Chicago
What they need: They're pretty well balanced of all the teams I looked at. I would suggest some sandpaper at the bottom two lines, however. Like San Jose, they are a team that could benefit from Sean Avery's presence - at least in the short run.
What they have to offer: Cristobal Huet, Nikolai Khabibulin, Cam Barker, draft picks

New Jersey
What they need: Offensive D-man - Johnny Oduya is doing a heckuva job but I'd imagine they'd be in on Kaberle and Pronger if they are available though New Jersey doesn't traditionally like to make big trades. A couple guys I could imagine playing in Devils silks are Tobias Enstrom and Christian Backman.
What they have to offer: Kevin Weeks, Bobby Holik, Brian Gionta

Buyers:

Columbus
What they need: 1st line C and depth goaltending - I would imagine that if Columbus cannot acquire a guy like Michael Nylander or Nik Antropov, that they would compromise for someone else who is available, maybe the versatile Radek Bonk or maybe former Chicago front-man Tyler Arnason. These second choices are not comparable skill-wise to Nylander and Antropov, but have important backchecking presence.
What they have to offer: Prospects (Sigalet, Mayorov), Jiri Nvotny, Manny Malhotra, Christian Backman

Minnesota
What they need: Scoring and a depth D-man - any team lacking their #1 offensive talent will suffer regardless of available depth. I'd think Minnesota picks up a complementary top 2 line player (Mike Knuble, Bill Guerin) as opposed to a big playoff acquisition (Tkachuk, Frolov). I believe guys like Andrew Ference or Derek Morris will be of interest to them.
What they have to offer: Draft picks and prospects

Montreal
What they need: Gritty winger, playoff presence - Given these needs, I can imagine the speculation around Ryan Smyth, who I believe will not move given his recent statements to the media. Stranger things have happened. I believe Montreal and Detroit are two teams that can help each other. With the acquisition of Metropolit, they have wingers to spare. I think players like Hudler and Franzen will be of interest to Montreal, and players like Halak, Dandenault and Chipchura of interest to Detroit. Perhaps Montreal felt gritty enough when they dealt Steve Begin to Dallas - but I would disagree.
What they have to offer: See above

Buffalo
What they need: Checking presence - I can imagine the return of Mike Peca or the acquisition of guys like Bobby Holik or Radek Bonk, though Holik would be the least likely since he would have to come from New Jersey. Connolly for Peca, perhaps?
What they have to offer: Tim Connolly, Jochen Hecht

Carolina
What they need: Sandpaper - they haven't been the same since Mike Commodore left. I think they could really use a guy like Ruslan Salei. Rumours also abound of a Cole for Ruutu trade. Rutherford has been known to reacquire familiar faces (Tanabe, Cullen) but there is also rumours that the Oilers are unwilling to move Cole (citing a possible playoff run, perhaps).
What they have to offer: Frank Kaberle, Scott Walker, Tuomo Ruutu

Pretenders:

Vancouver
What they need: Team chemistry - though Mats Sundin has gotten a lot better since his first week on the West Coast, I don't believe he has what it takes to cut it against the Western Conference - and neither does his team. The Canucks will get a heckuva performance out of the Sedin twins and Matthias Ohlund (pending UFA status) but the question once again is whether or not they have what it takes to take the next step. I think it's time to get somebody to play with Sundin who's style is comparable to his own. Mike Knuble, Nik Antropov, or maybe even guys like Maxime Talbot. The team needs to gel around its role players: Kesler, Luongo, Ohlund, Bieksa, Mitchell. Despite this leadership core, they have no leadership. I think Vancouver and Edmonton have this in common: with such inconsistency, they are a playoff miracle away from doing something meaningful in the postseason dance.
What they have to offer: Depth at all positions but nothing substantial (those twins are not moving, though expect the Wellwood's and Raymond's to be available)

Edmonton
What they need: 1-2 line scoring, checking line centerman and defensive depth - like every season, the Oilers are in dire need in the offensive department. There are guys available but acquiring them right before they hit UFA is not a good idea for a team on the cusp of the playoffs and a history of having trouble retaining players. If the Oilers stay away from trying to overpay for a rental, they can go after the big fish in the summer. (Spezza, Heatley, Kovalchuk, or UFAs like Madden or Hossa). Reasoner, Holik, Bonk, Avery, and Marchant (familiar face) are available. Also of note would be players like Morris, Ference, and Hainsey. The Oilers pride themselves on developing role players (Moreau, Pisani, Reddox) but they don't have anyone filling other roles such as scoring roles. It's time to deal part of the "kid line" and work on the future. Playoffs or not, it's time to get a scoring threat that will take the attention off of Hemsky. Call it primary or secondary scoring - the Oilers need as much of it as they can get and leave the role player development up to the World of Warcraft. We need skill - NOW.
What they have to offer: Depth at all positions except goaltending - Nilsson, Cogliano, Cole, Moreau, Staios, Gilbert are all players with considerable worth on the trade market

Philadelphia
What they need: A little bit of everything - I think it's time to cast out the underperforming and get a sure bet. A team like Philly needs less of the Lupul's and Upshall's and needs more guys like the Jokinen's and St. Louis's.
What they have to offer: Knuble, Upshall, Lupul, Hatcher

Florida
What they need: Veteran presence - a young team on the cusp of the playoffs and looking like they make it for the first time in a long time. Forget the Bouwmeester rumours, GM Martin will probably ride it out though he will most likely overpay for a rental player. I can see them dishing out for a Tkachuk, Hejduk, or a Antropov type of player.
What they have to offer: Karlis Skrastins, Nick Boynton, and cheap, affordable forwards

New York Rangers
What they need: Balls - they should just pick up Sean Avery now. And while they're at it, they need some bulking to do on defense. You're fooling yourself if you think Wade Redden is going to carry them. Edmonton's calling, Strudwick is available ...
What they have to offer: Dmitri Kalinin, Petr Prucha

Pittsburgh
What they need: Balls - another team that could use a Sean Avery character. But with Sidney Crosby at the center of the universe, it is most likely that the Penguins pick up an offensive guy instead, assuming they think Kunitz will play that role. I would still try to acquire a Carcillo or Neil type of player if I were the Penguins. Without Hossa around, the Penguins will need a different type of team dynamic to go far.
What they have to offer: Pascal Dupuis, Jordan Staal, Ruslan Fedotenko, Miroslav Satan, Petr Sykora

Sellers:

Anaheim
Though Anaheim is close to the others in the playoff chase, their actions as of late have been indicating that they're planning for the long run rather than for the short term. Acquiring Ryan Whitney is probably a "sayonara" to Chris Pronger.

Toronto
Brian Burke is looking to acquire assets for building his team. If the Leafs make it to the postseason dance - good on them. But the truth is that Burke will not be a buyer at the deadline.

Everyone Else
Who's available - Bill Guerin, Martin St. Louis, Chris Neil, Alexander Frolov, Jordan Leopold, Tyler Arnason, Derek Morris, Jason Spezza, Jeff Tambellini, Ian Laperriere, Olli Jokinen, Ron Hainsey, Ken Klee, Michael Tellqvist, Steven Reinprecht
Who's got clauses? - Ryan Smyth, John Michael-Liles, Adam Foote, Milan Hejduk, Adam Foote
Who's not going anywhere? - Ilya Kovalchuk, Bryan Little, Paul Stastny, Joe Sakic, Shane Doan, Kyle Turris, Peter Mueller, Luke Schenn, Trent Hunter, Kyle Okposo

Do you want Cole-slaw with that?

On the right there is Erik Cole recieving an award from Clarkson University for playing at Clarkson University from 1997-2000. Recently an Boston Herald article has surfaced saying that Erik Cole expects to be a Boston Bruin in the immediate future. Since the Clarkson jersey looks pretty close to the Bruins jersey, I felt the picture was needed.

Cole has had a pretty terrible season in Edmonton so far. His numbers in previous seasons could easily be reflective of the piss poor Southeast Division. This year he currently has 22 Points and is on pace for a substandard total of 31. This includes having 9 points in his first 33 games, 12 in the next 11, and a total of 1 point in his last 12 games or 0 points in his last 9. What Cole has done consistently all season is hit. He currently leads the Oilers with 112 hits with Ethan Moreau in 2nd with 96 hits. This is where the dilemna comes in: do we dish out Cole for Sobotka and defenseman Matt Lashoff or keep him around for his physical play come playoff time? Also I believe that Cole will 100% not be an Oiler next season, so do we try to salvage whatever we can out of him before we lose him to free agency?

Personally I think trading Cole hinges on the decision for the Oilers to make that playoff push or not. Trading Cole could ultimately mean that we are not planning to make a push for the cup or the playoffs. Either that or Tambolowe has a preset deal in place for another gritty power forward. I would really hate to see us get into a 1st round playoff matchup with the Calgary Flames having the least physical team in the league, which would probably lead to the Oilers getting bent over and me having to deal with Flames fans for the next 3-4 months. In that case Cole becomes obselete here and trying to salvage the Pronger/Lupul/Pitkanen trades should be ideal for the Oilers organization.

Reasonable Trade Deadline Acquisitions (Updated)

2008-09 Wish List

• Offensive D-Man (To replace Visnovsky AND Grebeshkov)
  
• Defensive D-Man (To fill the void we've had all season)
  
• Checking-line Faceoff Specialist (To fill the void we've had all season)
• Chippy Winger (To fill the void we've had all season)
• Goaltending depth (To backup Roloson for the stretch-run AND playoffs)

Reasonable Trade Deadline Acquisitions (Updated)

1. Derek Morris (PHX) (pending UFA) * (Alberta Connection)
2. Philip Kuba (OTT) (pending UFA) *
3. Jordan Leopold (COL) (pending UFA) *
4. Jason Smith (OTT) * (Former Oiler) (Alberta Connection)
5. Marty Reasoner (ATL) (pending UFA) (Former Oiler)
6. Chris Gratton (TMP) (pending UFA)
7. Mathieu Schneider (ATL) (pending UFA) *
8. Gary Roberts (TMP) (pending UFA)
9. Steve Begin (MTL) (pending UFA)
10. Bobby Holik (NJD) (pending UFA)
11. Marek Malik (TMP) (pending UFA) *

* Guys who have played, or have the ability to play 20+ minutes in a game. This is crucial considering the injuries to Visnovsky and Grebeshkov.

Oilers Tradeable Assets

Among the tradeable assets, the assets are ranked from most tradeable to least tradeable. The list DOES NOT take into account the contribution the player makes to the team, only their relative value to another team. The tradeable assets list also doesn't take into account whether or not the player has huge plans in the organization's future, only that at this moment in time, they are most tradeable. This list does not include core players like Hemsky, Horcoff, Souray, Visnovsky, etc.

Denis Grebeshkov (most valuable asset, contract wise and value wise!)
Sam Gagner *
Andrew Cogliano *
Robert Nilsson *
Ladislav Smid
Rob Schremp
Steve Staios
Dustin Penner
Ethan Moreau **
Marc Pouliot
Ryan O'Marra ***
Zach Stortini

* Now most people will ask me, how can you trade the kids?! They are the future! This is in fact, my own opinion as well - that the future of the Oilers rests on the shoulders of one of these 3. But in reality, the Oilers will not be able to keep all 3. All this list shows is the trade value of Sam Gagner compared to Robert Nilsson.
** " You can't trade Ethan Moreau! He's our Captain! " you say?! I say nay! The fact that the Oilers have traded Wayne Gretzky, Jason Smith, and Doug Weight should say something about the job security for one Ethan Moreau.
*** Ryan O'Marra sucks. Yes, I know it. You know it. But it's all about draft pedigree for some players. The fact that Danny Syvret could fetch Ryan Potulny, and the fact that Gilbert Brule could fetch Raffi Torres - should say something about how tradeable a Ryan O'Marra type player is.

Honorable Mentions

• Trent Hunter (NYI) (he just signed a contract extension, though) (Alberta Connection)
• Yanic Perreault (UFA)
• Chris Neil (OTT) (pending UFA)
• Scott Nichol (NSH) (pending UFA) (Alberta Connection)
• Mark Smith (UFA) (Alberta Connection)
  
• Nikolai Khabibulin (CHI) (pending UFA) (G) (highly unlikely, though possible)
  
• Manny Legace (STL) (doghouse and waiver wire) (pending UFA) (G)
  
• Jeff Woywitka (STL) (pending RFA) (Former Oiler) (Alberta Connection)
• Daniel Tjarngvist (COL) (pending UFA) (Former Oiler)
• Peter Budaj (COL) (pending RFA) (G)
• Andrew Raycroft (COL) (pending UFA) (G)
• Erik Christensen (ATL) (pending RFA) (Alberta Connection)
• Martin Gerber (OTT) (G)

Ideal Trade Deadline Oilers Transactions

1. Acquire a big-minute eating shutdown D-man: Derik Morris (and NO, Strudwick is NOT an option)
2. Acquire an offensive D-man to take Visnovsky's place: Kuba or Leopold will do. Schneider has experience but he is also old as hell.
3. Acquire a faceoff specialist: Marty Reasoner, Chris Gratton, or Yanic Perreault will do fine.
4. Acquire a chippy winger: Steve Begin, Chris Neil, or Scott Nichol (who also plays C) will do fine. (we haven't had one since Raffi Torres - NO, Reddox does NOT count)
5. Acquire a veteran backup for Roloson: Budaj/Legace

Oilers Playoff Lineup (After Acquisitions)

Penner - Horcoff - Hemsky
Nilsson - Gagner - Cole *
Cogliano - Brodziak - Neil/Begin
Moreau - Reasoner/Gratton - Pisani
MacIntyre
Jacques

Souray - Gilbert
Smid - Kuba/Morris/Leopold/Schneider
Staios - Peckham **
Strudwick
Roy
Grebeshkov (4-6 weeks on the IR)
Visnovsky (out for season)

Roloson
Legace/Budaj/Raycroft/Gerber/Khabibulin (here's hoping the Oilers don't go after Cujo the way they went after Nedved a few years back)
DesLauriers
Sabourin

* If the Oilers make the playoffs - that is. If the Oilers are in danger of missing the playoffs, expect Cole to be dealt away.
** Anybody who watched the Oilers play LA Kings will agree about how much better Peckham played than Strudwick did. Anybody who watched the Oilers play all season will agree that Strudwick makes a better forward than D-man.

I belive Begin could be had for Pouliot. Thickoil (Travis) believes Neil could be had for Stortini and a low pick. Guys like Rob Schremp and Ryan O'Marra could be valuable to a team with low farm team depth, so they would make good bait for pending UFA players (plus, we could use more room for signing guys like Petry, Nash, and Eberle). Mathieu Roy may be on the block but he may not fetch many takers - which would lead me to the belief that he may receive one more chance to play in Edmonton.

Both Jacques and Pisani are almost healthy, so that's good news for Oil Country.

2008-09 UFA Wish List

This UFA wish list is in order of most desired to least desired:

• Jay Bouwmeester (D)
• Ilya Kovalchuk (LW)
• Niklas Skrastins (D) (the former NHL ironman)
• Marian Hossa (LW/RW)
• John Madden (C)
• Chris Neil (RW)
• Fredrik Norrena (G)
• Jaromir Jagr (LW/RW)
• Johnny Oduya (D)

Trade Deadline Approaches

Oilers Trade Deadline Acquisition History

1. Depth players instead of superstars (ex. Dick Tarnstrom, Dwayne Roloson, Sergei Samsonov, Petr Nedved, Anson Carter)
2. Pending UFAs / RFAs or signing free agent role players (ex. Rem Murray, German Titov)

Recent Oiler Trade Trends

1. Acquiring local products (ex. Jason Strudwick, Joffrey Lupul, Gilbert Brule, Robert Nilsson)
2. Trying to develop within the system to fill organizational needs over paying a price to acquire superstars (ex. Jeff DesLauriers, Ladislav Smid, Ryan Potulny)
3. Trades involving big names have all come in the off-season (ex. Chris Pronger, Erik Cole, Lubomir Visnovsky)

Conclusions

1. Unless hell freezes over (or Tambellini is GM Christ), the Oilers will not acquire a big name before the trade deadline
2. The Oilers will acquire a depth player for lines 2-4 or defensive depth 4-7
3. The Oilers will not acquire another goaltender (all the available goaltenders are not cap friendly)
4. Possibility of a local product being acquired is high

Reasonable Trade Deadline Acquisitions

1. Trent Hunter
2. Erik Christensen
3. Mike Commodore (unless the BlueJackets are going to make a serious, serious run at the playoffs this year)
4. Doug Weight (I'm sure there is some smoke to this gun)
5. Jonathan Filewich
6. Bryan Little (I know we have a lot of small forwards, but we seem to be collecting them lately in the form of Brule, Potulny, Gagner, etc. but hey, they're currently higher on the depth chart than the Brodziak's and Strudwick's of the team)
7. Jason Smith
8. Johan Franzen (I don't know about you, but he would be a great fit on this team)
9. Steve Begin
10. Chris Neil
11. Nik Antropov (yes, it is possible even with Brian Burke)

Random thoughts and questions on tradeable assets:

1. Do we still have the rights to Mikhnov and Bumagin? I'm sure these skilled players would have some market value to teams like the Maple Laughs, the Rangers or the Red Wings
2. What is a reasonable expectation for what Rob Schremp (Hockey Jesus himself) will fetch on the open market?
3. Who is the most expendable Oiler core player (for the purposes of trading for a skilled LW)? I've heard names like Staios, Gilbert, and Penner tossed around
4. If we only get to pick one to keep - Grebeshkov (RFA) or Cole (UFA) - who would it be?
5. Do we bring in a goalie to replace Roli next year - or resign him to backup DesLauriers who might be given every chance to prove he deserves the #1 job?