Buffalo Run

Kids, pack up because we’re going to BUFFALO!?….

Before getting into the rest of this post I just want to address a growing concern within the comments on the facebook posts and in the comments section. I understand fully that what I am doing is complete fiction. I don’t expect any of these players to truly become Oilers anytime soon but maybe if I luck out I can guess just one. Ha!

So when you’re writing your comment please try to refrain from personal attacks. It really just shows an individual’s lack of vernacular. Write why you think I’m right or wrong and support your theory. I’m always up for a good debate. Thanks guys and gals!

Let’s get to it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_bZJSnDyX0

Today I’m going with Zach Bogosian.

Why would Edmonton want an injury prone player like Zach Bogosian? He’s 6’3″ and 224 lbs of pure hate and that is something the Edmonton Oilers have lacked since… Boy it’s been a long time.. Ummm… Dave Manson? Luke Richardson? Jason Smith? It’s been a long time to be honest. Does Chris Pronger count for his one season?

Now I don’t want you to get confused. I don’t want a goon like Andy Sutton, who was as glorious a goon as one could ask for. I’m looking for that defender than can make plays and perform the role of physical defender who blocks shots. Bogosian is that guy. And lest I forget the arrival of Darnell Nurse. The 24 year old native of Massena, NY, would be an outstanding mentor for Nurse.

Last season he averaged 7.7 hits a game and 3.7 blocks per 60 minutes. So let’s say 2 blocks per game to simplify it. He’s no Kris Russel but he’s not Martin Marincin and that’s the point. He puts up decent offensive numbers for a player of his style but really he’s no nonsense personified. Someone that can take care of his teammates and intimidate the opposition’s skill players as illustrated below:

Why would Buffalo trade Zach Bogosian? He’s injury prone. Bogosian hasn’t played a full season yet in his 8 season career. The most games played was 81 and that was in his 2nd season with the Atlanta Thrashers. Since then his high is 71 a season later and this past year he had 62 games.

Some other reasons they MIGHT be willing to let him go is that the team has a couple of gritty dmen in Mike Weber and Josh Gorges. Not only them but Mark Pysyk is too good for the AHL now, Risto Ristolainen, Nikita Zadorov, Jake McCabe are all waiting for their chance.

The former 3rd overall pick from the 2008 draft just signed a 7 year deal worth $36 million dollars which might be a bit too rich for a player that gets injured as often as he does. Pegula has said that money is no issue but Tim Murray might have a change of heart if the deal is sweet. Not McDavid sweet mind you but something worthwhile to his organization.

When I look at the Buffalo roster, at center they’ve got Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart coming in to join Zemgus Girgensons. On left wing Evander Kane should be ready to go for them and Matt Moulson will be looking for a bounce back season. The right wing has leading scorer Tyler Ennis and Brian Gionta leading the charge. On defence we already talked about Ristolainen, Zadorov, Gorges and Weber. So it’s hard to pick an area of weakness to which the Oilers could help in return for Bogosian. I can’t see them having interest in Ben Scrivens as I don’t think he’s any better than Anders Lindback. It very well would have to be a multi-player deal with an upgrade to Buffalo’s pint-sized right wing and/or an defence.

Do you think some combination of Jultz, Marincin, this year’s #16 overall, and another prospect would get it done? Keeping in mind that Marincin is no better than an AHL defenceman right now. Would the Tim Murray be interested in getting rid of Nikita Zadorov? He’s been a bit of a headache this past season. Brian Gionta is 36 years old now, so one has to wonder how much longer he’ll occupy a top 6 spot with the Sabres. I want to think that they’d like to get bigger on the right wing but what if Yakupov of Eberle were offered to them?

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter (@beerleague heroe). For more shenanigans head on over to my main site!

Thanks for reading! Take Care!