During the last three days, I’ve taken a look at each position and tried to identify the needs and possible solutions to them. We’ve looked at the forwards, the defense, and the goaltending. We’ve moved some players along, and added some actual NHL talent to the Oilers roster. Novel concept I know.
Day Four: Overview:
We’ve learned quite a bit these last three days. We already knew that the Oilers simply aren’t a good hockey team and need some work. The team still has too many non-factors in their bottom six forward unit, and needs to shed a top-six forward to help other areas.
We addressed Edmonton’s third line, and that was about it up front. Why? I know everyone, self included, has ripped the Oilers for not playing a complete game, but one has to think that these top-forwards pick it up after a season in the system. These are super-talented guys, and a competent defense will make a world of difference for them.
The Oilers keep their skill, which I believe can work, and add a solid shut-down line for the third unit.
On defense, we know the team is in desperate need of a top-pairing option. I have them trading for Christian Ehrhoff, but anyone will do in this spot. If that means trading for Brian Campbell, do it, and if it means signing Dion Phaneuf to a big contract, do it.
We also learned that Edmonton is going to have as many as four open spots on the blue-line this summer, with only Ference, Petry and Justin Schultz slated to return. That’s going to give Craig MacTavish a chance to really re-build his blue-line unit this summer.
In identifying holes, we found out the Oilers not only need a top-pairing defender, but need a second pairing guy too. Oh, and we figured out they are going to have to add at least one, and possibly two, NHL goalies this summer one way or another.
The biggest thing that these last three days showed me at least, was that this really isn’t Craig MacTavish’s team yet. I don’t think the fanbase, and I’m guilty of this too, realizes that this is a work in progress, and that Craig can’t turn this thing around in one summer.
We’re going to see as many as eight more new faces in Edmonton next season, and should once again see a busy summer in Edmonton. I’ve got faith in Craig MacTavish, and I’m willing to give him a little more time to mold this thing into his roster. Fact of the matter is, this is still Steve Tambellini’s ugly, ugly mess.
Look, if this team can fix up the defense, things will look much better. MacT is on the search for one now, we know this much from the reports. If he is able to nab a defender or two that is proven and plays at an NHL level, then the Oilers will be in okay shape moving forward.
The overview is quite simple. The Oilers, sadly, are still a work in progress and have some glaring holes. We’ll see a much different looking defense and a changed up bottom six next season is my bet. Certainly this series indicates that. I can’t see MacT wasting anymore time too, and wouldn’t be shocked to see moves come soon. We’ll have to wait and see.
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