Off-Season Targets Series: Overview

Once again, this spring I’ll present the off-season targets series for the Edmonton Oilers, who will be going to market this summer with quite a few holes to fill. Over the next month plus, I’ll be bringing readers a few players each week who are realistic options via free agency or trade who can help this team turn north next fall.

Tonight, we’ll take a look at the overview of the off-season. What does Edmonton need to get done, what does the actual shopping list look like? I’ll also give my best thoughts on Peter Chiarelli and what he might do this summer.

A Change In Philosophy:

Last week completely changed this series. Craig MacTavish, two weeks ago, mentioned that 2015-16 would be another “developmental year” for the Oilers, but just a mere eleven days later, MacTavish found himself out as the GM in Edmonton, as Peter Chiarelli took over the entire Hockey Operations department.

The other thing? Edmonton won the Connor McDavid lottery, meaning the Oilers will obtain a generational talent in June’s entry draft, arguably the best prospect since Sidney Crosby entered the NHL in 2005. Remember, John Tavares, Patrick Kane and Steven Stamkos have all entered the league since then, too. This is a potential game-changing lottery win.

The Oilers didn’t promote Bob Nicholson or hire Peter Chiarelli to stay the course folks, these people were brought in to turn this ship around. Like I mentioned last week, winning is the number one priority in Edmonton right now. The off-season will likely reflect that, Edmonton’s actions will speak towards the present instead of just the future. That’s a big deal, and a massive change in philosophy from the Tambellini and MacTavish years.

The Shopping List:

Some of these things will be adequately filled, others will be left somewhat filled, while some won’t be touched at all. That’s how it’s been in the past, and how it will always be when it comes to setting an independent list.

The Oilers, specifically new GM Peter Chiarelli, understand these holes just as we do this year, however. Chiarelli mentioned during his introductory press conference on Friday that both goaltending and defense were “well documented areas of concern” on this roster.

So, with nine years of no playoffs looming in the background, and a generational talent ascending from the rubble, what does Edmonton need to do to get this train back on the tracks? What’s the summer shopping list for Chia and friends look like?

1.) Acquire a real, proven NHL starting goaltender. No more risks, get it right.

2.) Acquire a real top-pairing defensive option. This will be tough, but guys like Jay Bouwmeester or Brent Seabrook could shake free.

3.) Get a proven, veteran, NHL head coach. I’m talking McLellan, Babcock, etc.

4.) Acquire another real NHL defender, someone in the 3/4/5 mold.

5.) Add a top-nine forward via free agency, ideally a center, but a winger works too.

6.) Draft Connor McDavid.

Only six items, but four of them will likely be difficult. Drafting McDavid is a shoe in, while adding a veteran coach is very likely at this time. The toughest thing will be fixing the defense and adding a top-nine forward to this team. That said, I have much more faith in Nicholson/Chiarelli than I ever did in Lowe/MacTavish.

An Early Prediction:

Usually, after drawing up a shopping list, I can tell you that there will be two or three things left completely untouched. Last year, it was a second line center and a real top-pairing defender. This year, I don’t get that kind of vibe. While the options might not be sexy, I don’t think Edmonton will leave another glaring hole on the roster.

For the top-pairing defender, there will be a ton of guys out there via trade if you are willing to move a valuable asset. Chicago needs to dump cap, making Seabrook an option, while the Blues are going to change the mix, making Bouwmeester an option as well.

Paul Martin isn’t a sexy name, but he’ll be a free agent, while Peter Chiarelli has always liked Dion Phaneuf, who will certainly be traded out of Toronto. Marc-Edouard Vlasic anyone?

There are plenty of 4/5/6 defenders out there too, guys like Andrej Sekera, Jeff Petry, Cody Franson, heck even Adam McQuaid can be a number five defender for this team.

I’ll get into it more in-depth in the coming weeks, but you get the point, the options are there for Edmonton, and this team is a MUCH more appealing option than it was just a week ago. That makes a big difference my friends.

I’m not saying everything will get done this summer, but I don’t think there is one thing you can point to and say it absolutely will not get filled. Not everything will turn out perfect, but the effort is going to be there. It’ll be a fun off-season.

Tomorrow night, I’ll start with the coaching options available to the Oilers as off-season targets, then I’ll get into goaltenders, then defenders, and lastly forwards. By the time we’re done, it’ll be time to call McDavid’s name.

I keep saying it, but buckle up friends, it’s going to be a fun summer. Here’s the shopping list, let’s dig in and look at the options.