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Balance with Flat Cap and CBO

Created by: CD282
Team: 2020-21 Edmonton Oilers
Initial Creation Date: Apr. 3, 2020
Published: Apr. 3, 2020
Salary Cap Mode: Basic
Description
DRAFT:
#20 - RC Seth Jarvis / Dawson Mercer / Mavrik Bourque
#33 - LW Lukas Reichel
#53 - LW Roby Järventie
#82 - RD Michael Benning
Free Agent Signings
RESERVE LISTYEARSCAP HIT
2$800,000
3$700,000
3$700,000
RFAYEARSCAP HIT
1$3,000,000
2$2,250,000
3$1,500,000
2$800,000
UFAYEARSCAP HIT
1$2,750,000
1$1,500,000
1$1,000,000
Trades
1.
EDM
  1. 2020 2nd round pick (DAL)
  2. 2020 2nd round pick (OTT)
Additional Details:
Picks #33 and #53
2.
EDM
    CBO
    3.
    STL
    1. Marody, Cooper
    2. Russell, Kris ($2,000,000 retained)
    Buyouts
    Retained Salary Transactions
    DraftRound 1Round 2Round 3Round 4Round 5Round 6Round 7
    2020
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the OTT
    Logo of the DAL
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    2021
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the PIT
    Logo of the EDM
    2022
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    Logo of the EDM
    ROSTER SIZESALARY CAPCAP HITOVERAGES TooltipBONUSESCAP SPACE
    23$81,500,000$80,999,365$341,534$730,000$500,635
    Left WingCentreRight Wing
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $3,000,000$3,000,000
    LW, RW
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $12,500,000$12,500,000
    C
    UFA - 6
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $3,200,000$3,200,000
    RW
    UFA - 4
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $6,000,000$6,000,000
    LW, C
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $8,500,000$8,500,000
    C, LW
    UFA - 5
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $894,166$894,166 (Performance Bonus$230,000$230K)
    RW
    RFA - 1
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $808,333$808,333
    LW, RW
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the St. Louis Blues
    $5,000,000$5,000,000
    C, RW
    M-NTC
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $1,500,000$1,500,000
    RW, LW
    UFA - 2
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $1,500,000$1,500,000
    LW, RW
    UFA - 1
    $1,000,000$1,000,000
    C
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $2,150,000$2,150,000
    RW
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $875,000$875,000
    LW
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $1,200,000$1,200,000
    LW, C
    UFA - 1
    Left DefenseRight DefenseGoaltender
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $5,600,000$5,600,000
    LD
    UFA - 2
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $2,250,000$2,250,000
    RD
    UFA - 2
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $4,500,000$4,500,000
    G
    M-NTC
    UFA - 2
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $4,167,000$4,167,000
    LD
    UFA - 3
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $863,333$863,333 (Performance Bonus$500,000$500K)
    RD
    RFA - 3
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $850,000$850,000
    LD/RD
    UFA - 2
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $4,166,666$4,166,666
    RD
    UFA - 1
    $2,750,000$2,750,000
    G
    UFA - 1
    Logo of the Edmonton Oilers
    $800,000$800,000
    LD/RD
    UFA - 2

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    Apr. 3, 2020 at 4:59 p.m.
    #1
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    I'd like to create a team with three scoring lines. I feel like RC is a weakness in the organization, so targeting 3 players in the 1st round this summer who have 2C upside to run the 3rd line in the future just makes so much sense. I don't know who will be available at #20, so I just listed the 3 players in order of preference.

    In the meantime, acquiring Bozak gives the team an RC who can hopefully spur some offense on the 3rd line. I see St Louis AGM's giving away Bozak for a pick, but since that is unrealistic and the Blues have an inherent weakness at LHD (and Scandella's $2M cap hit disappears this summer), I sent one of Edmonton's excess LHD back with 50% retained along with a prospect. I think it's more than fair without Marody, but sometimes you have to overpay a little to keep the fans of the other team happy.
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 4:59 p.m.
    #2
    Kafle
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    isn't koivu gonna retire
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 5:01 p.m.
    #3
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    Quoting: kafle22
    isn't koivu gonna retire


    No idea, I haven't talked to him recently. Did you hear something? At any rate, I can replace him with another player pretty easily.
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 5:03 p.m.
    #4
    Kafle
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    Quoting: CD282
    No idea, I haven't talked to him recently. Did you hear something? At any rate, I can replace him with another player pretty easily.


    just replace him with sheanhen
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 5:03 p.m.
    #5
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    Quoting: kafle22
    just replace him with sheanhen


    It's doable, like I said. I prefer Koivu to Sheahan though.
    kafle22 liked this.
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 6:29 p.m.
    #6
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    Quoting: CD282
    I'd like to create a team with three scoring lines. I feel like RC is a weakness in the organization, so targeting 3 players in the 1st round this summer who have 2C upside to run the 3rd line in the future just makes so much sense. I don't know who will be available at #20, so I just listed the 3 players in order of preference.


    The Oilers depth chart also shows some weakness at LW, so I would likely target that position with the two 2nd's I got from Ottawa. I like Lukas Reichel as a replacement for Nuge (depending on the whole cap situation / expansion draft, etc, I'm not sure if there will be enough money to sign RNH) as early as 2021-22. Now I realise that's a pretty aggressive timeline, but he's already playing is a mens league as a 17-year-old (he doesn't turn 18 until mid-May), scoring 12 goals and 24 points in the same league that Stutzle managed 7 goals and 34 points. Plus, having Draisaitl for a linemate and mentor will help immensely.

    Roby Järventie is a pure sniper with one of the best shot-release combinations in the draft and another LW. I see this guy as a left-shot Lavoie, not as big but a better skater. I know that "Finland" is going to raise some red flags with a lot of Oilers fans, but this guy plays a more North American style north-south game, I don't think the transition will be an issue. As an August 2002 birthday he's one of the youngest players in the draft, so I'd leave him in Finland for at least a year, probably two, before coming over to the AHL. He's also in a mens league already, having played the bulk of the season in Mestis (36, 23-15-38 +15), which is a minor pro league similar to Sweden's Allsvenskan. He played 5 games in Liiga this year, scoring 1 goal, and is expected to be in that league when the 2020-21 season begins. I see 1LW upside with this kid, I think he'd be fantastic alongside McDavid.

    Picking Matt Benning's younger brother, RHD Michael, if he's available in the 3rd round seems to be a no-brainer. His scoring in the AJHL this season was very impressive: he matched Makar's draft year totals of 75 points in 54 games. He's off to college next year and should stay for a few years, but he has 2nd pairing upside and likely can run a PP pretty well. It never hurts to have another RHD in the system, especially one that has this much offence.

    What do you guys think?

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    Apr. 3, 2020 at 7:34 p.m.
    #7
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    Quoting: CD282
    The Oilers depth chart also shows some weakness at LW, so I would likely target that position with the two 2nd's I got from Ottawa. I like Lukas Reichel as a replacement for Nuge (depending on the whole cap situation / expansion draft, etc, I'm not sure if there will be enough money to sign RNH) as early as 2021-22. Now I realise that's a pretty aggressive timeline, but he's already playing is a mens league as a 17-year-old (he doesn't turn 18 until mid-May), scoring 12 goals and 24 points in the same league that Stutzle managed 7 goals and 34 points. Plus, having Draisaitl for a linemate and mentor will help immensely.

    Roby Järventie is a pure sniper with one of the best shot-release combinations in the draft and another LW. I see this guy as a left-shot Lavoie, not as big but a better skater. I know that "Finland" is going to raise some red flags with a lot of Oilers fans, but this guy plays a more North American style north-south game, I don't think the transition will be an issue. As an August 2002 birthday he's one of the youngest players in the draft, so I'd leave him in Finland for at least a year, probably two, before coming over to the AHL. He's also in a mens league already, having played the bulk of the season in Mestis (36, 23-15-38 +15), which is a minor pro league similar to Sweden's Allsvenskan. He played 5 games in Liiga this year, scoring 1 goal, and is expected to be in that league when the 2020-21 season begins. I see 1LW upside with this kid, I think he'd be fantastic alongside McDavid.

    Picking Matt Benning's younger brother, RHD Michael, if he's available in the 3rd round seems to be a no-brainer. His scoring in the AJHL this season was very impressive: he matched Makar's draft year totals of 75 points in 54 games. He's off to college next year and should stay for a few years, but he has 2nd pairing upside and likely can run a PP pretty well. It never hurts to have another RHD in the system, especially one that has this much offence.

    What do you guys think?

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    I would be totally going after Jarvis too. As far as the Finn goes, does he speak english, my only question and Benning I would pick, I always like to pick people that have family in or were in the NHL. Good work ethics.
    But yes we totally have left winger and center depth problems, I can really see that when I do the team up. But center should be kind of ok for years. 3rd and 4th line players are easier to find. We need left wingers and or shoot the puck first guys.

    Bozak cost a lot, like with Russell and the 2 million, you really have Bozak for 7 million bucks. I like that other guy you had last time, cant remember his name, but he played for Boston before and he is a UFA

    I totally love Halak and alway did, I would love to have him on the Oilers

    Also I think we should keep the Nygard/Sheahan/Archibald line together next year. Its a cheap and fun to watch 4th line. 3rd line needs tons of work.
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 8:24 p.m.
    #8
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    Quoting: Copenhagen
    I would be totally going after Jarvis too. As far as the Finn goes, does he speak english, my only question and Benning I would pick, I always like to pick people that have family in or were in the NHL. Good work ethics.
    But yes we totally have left winger and center depth problems, I can really see that when I do the team up. But center should be kind of ok for years. 3rd and 4th line players are easier to find. We need left wingers and or shoot the puck first guys.

    Bozak cost a lot, like with Russell and the 2 million, you really have Bozak for 7 million bucks. I like that other guy you had last time, cant remember his name, but he played for Boston before and he is a UFA

    I totally love Halak and alway did, I would love to have him on the Oilers

    Also I think we should keep the Nygard/Sheahan/Archibald line together next year. Its a cheap and fun to watch 4th line. 3rd line needs tons of work.

    They played together for 68 minutes out of the whole season... I doubt you remember this trio specifically.

    http://naturalstattrick.com/linestats.php?fromseason=20192020&thruseason=20192020&stype=2&sit=5v5&score=all&rate=n&team=EDM&vteam=ALL&view=log&loc=B&gpfilt=none&fd=2019-10-02&td=2020-04-04&tgp=2000&strict=incl&p1=8481638&p2=8476326&p3=8475772&p4=0&p5=0
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 8:47 p.m.
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    Apr. 3, 2020 at 8:54 p.m.
    #10
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    Quoting: Copenhagen
    Oilers were 3-1 during that time.....Awesome


    Huh? They were together for significant time in 8 different games... where they were 2-2. If the Oilers had a winning record during those 8 games it wasn't because of this trio.
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 9:09 p.m.
    #11
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    Quoting: CD282
    Huh? They were together for significant time in 8 different games... where they were 2-2. If the Oilers had a winning record during those 8 games it wasn't because of this trio.


    Oilers 5 Sharks 2
    Oilers 1 Kings 5
    Oilers 4 Knights 2
    Oilers 4 Coyotes 3
    Candians 3 Oilers 4
    Oilers 2 Canucks 4
    Oilers 3 Flames 4

    Sorry i just looked at the top 4 games.
    These are the over 5 minutes played together games
    4 wins divided into 7 games is 57%
    37 wins dived into 71 games is 52%
    Better with them together.
    If I am reading the chart you sent me right?
    Apr. 3, 2020 at 9:26 p.m.
    #12
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    Quoting: Copenhagen
    Oilers 5 Sharks 2
    Oilers 1 Kings 5
    Oilers 4 Knights 2
    Oilers 4 Coyotes 3
    Candians 3 Oilers 4
    Oilers 2 Canucks 4
    Oilers 3 Flames 4

    Sorry i just looked at the top 4 games.
    These are the over 5 minutes played together games
    4 wins divided into 7 games is 57%
    37 wins dived into 71 games is 52%
    Better with them together.
    If I am reading the chart you sent me right?


    They are 2 GF, 2 GA. And some of that was luck, as their corsi and xG were below 50%. Improvements can be made.
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    Apr. 3, 2020 at 9:28 p.m.
    #13
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    Quoting: CD282
    They are 2 GF, 2 GA. And some of that was luck, as their corsi and xG were below 50%. Improvements can be made.


    I just look at the wins, like Paul Coffey said, who cares about the score, just win.
    Apr. 5, 2020 at 2:38 p.m.
    #14
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    Quoting: CD282
    What do you guys think?


    If we understand what Edmonton's philosophy will be on draft-day - something Lowetide identified will be forward-heavy in his top-93 - it's important to consider all aspects of what Edmonton's depth charts look like right now. There exists an organizational positional deficiency among left wing scoring forwards and right handed centermen. You're correct in identifying players that could have second-line potential and having them anchor the third line: this would develop Edmonton's depth to levels unheard of since the glory days of the mid-80's.

    My entire draft strategy would come down to whether or not I saw Nugent-Hopkins as a long-term piece in Edmonton. I know the term and AAV aren't as ideal as they could be, but if RNH agreed to the Hayes deal and was an Oiler for life (I think his player-type would allow him the longevity to still produce to the end of his deal, similar to Pavelski?), then I believe finding a right-handed pivot should take precedent over a winger. If names like Mercer or Quinn become available, I think they need to be prioritized despite not filling an immediate need. It's unforgivable to pass up on high talent in a draft, which is a mistake this franchise has made far too often.

    If however, Nuge wants out of Edmonton, then the organization would need to prioritize a LW prospect in the first round. In terms of top-6 talent, Edmonton should be fine with it's dynamic duo down the middle and Yamomoto plus Lavoie on the right wing. Outside of Nugent-Hopkins having converting to the wing, there's not a lot in the system that could play that premier role in a few years and I think it is the greater area of need. Jarvis (if he's productive on his off-hand side), Mysak, Amirov, and any name that falls out of the top-20 would be my priority.

    That being said, I don't make the Reichel pick at #33 unless Nugent-Hopkins is truly set to leave Edmonton, and you've incorrectly identified Jarvis and Mercer as centermen.

    I'd still go with Jarventie with the late second. I don't think him being Finnish matters: if the kid can play, he can play. If what you've said about Jarventie holds merit and he does have #1LW potential due to his skillset and that it might play well off of McDavid, what Edmonton really needs to find with the #20 and #33 picks (as you've identified) are a top-six left wing and a right-handed top-six center that are both destined to anchor the third line.

    RNH - Draisaitl - Yamamoto
    (Jarventie) - McDavid - Lavoie
    [] - McLeod - []

    Using this assumed template of where prospects and players would likely end up, I think Edmonton runs set pairs of players at those picks in order to accommodate the gaps on the third line. In essense:

    If a scoring winger is prioritized at #20 (Jarvis), then I believe Perreault or Foudy would be the player taken at #33. This gives Edmonton a strong side pivot on the third line for every draw and Jarvis is likely capable of playing both wing positions. McLeod offers defensive utility, and depending on the side of the faceoff, you'd run Jarvis - McLeod - Perreault or McLeod - Perreault - Jarvis. If a right-handed center is prioritized at #20 (Bourque), then I'd be shocked if that early second round pick wasn't used on a Nybeck or even Jarvis if he slides (he's still a second rounder on a few projections) and the Oilers would likely run lines in a similar fashion. The whole thing goes to hell if a Holloway, Mercer, or Quinn falls into the Oilers' lap, and I'd prefer if they just went with BFA (best forward available) through the whole draft.

    If Benning is available that late, jump on him immediately. I'd be utterly surprised to see him available past the early third round.

    I like the Bozak trade. I've never been big on Marody as a prospect. Shame he lost so much of last season to injury.

    I don't think Benson nor Bouchard make this roster out of camp, and that Holland is super likely to sign Green to play #3RD. We gave up assets for the guy and got like two games out of him. I think Ennis would take the #3LW spot in Benson's stead.
    CD282 liked this.
    Apr. 5, 2020 at 3:18 p.m.
    #15
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    Quoting: BeterChiarelli
    If we understand what Edmonton's philosophy will be on draft-day - something Lowetide identified will be forward-heavy in his top-93 - it's important to consider all aspects of what Edmonton's depth charts look like right now. There exists an organizational positional deficiency among left wing scoring forwards and right handed centermen. You're correct in identifying players that could have second-line potential and having them anchor the third line: this would develop Edmonton's depth to levels unheard of since the glory days of the mid-80's.

    My entire draft strategy would come down to whether or not I saw Nugent-Hopkins as a long-term piece in Edmonton. I know the term and AAV aren't as ideal as they could be, but if RNH agreed to the Hayes deal and was an Oiler for life (I think his player-type would allow him the longevity to still produce to the end of his deal, similar to Pavelski?), then I believe finding a right-handed pivot should take precedent over a winger. If names like Mercer or Quinn become available, I think they need to be prioritized despite not filling an immediate need. It's unforgivable to pass up on high talent in a draft, which is a mistake this franchise has made far too often.

    If however, Nuge wants out of Edmonton, then the organization would need to prioritize a LW prospect in the first round. In terms of top-6 talent, Edmonton should be fine with it's dynamic duo down the middle and Yamomoto plus Lavoie on the right wing. Outside of Nugent-Hopkins having converting to the wing, there's not a lot in the system that could play that premier role in a few years and I think it is the greater area of need. Jarvis (if he's productive on his off-hand side), Mysak, Amirov, and any name that falls out of the top-20 would be my priority.

    That being said, I don't make the Reichel pick at #33 unless Nugent-Hopkins is truly set to leave Edmonton, and you've incorrectly identified Jarvis and Mercer as centermen.

    I'd still go with Jarventie with the late second. I don't think him being Finnish matters: if the kid can play, he can play. If what you've said about Jarventie holds merit and he does have #1LW potential due to his skillset and that it might play well off of McDavid, what Edmonton really needs to find with the #20 and #33 picks (as you've identified) are a top-six left wing and a right-handed top-six center that are both destined to anchor the third line.

    RNH - Draisaitl - Yamamoto
    (Jarventie) - McDavid - Lavoie
    [] - McLeod - []

    Using this assumed template of where prospects and players would likely end up, I think Edmonton runs set pairs of players at those picks in order to accommodate the gaps on the third line. In essense:

    If a scoring winger is prioritized at #20 (Jarvis), then I believe Perreault or Foudy would be the player taken at #33. This gives Edmonton a strong side pivot on the third line for every draw and Jarvis is likely capable of playing both wing positions. McLeod offers defensive utility, and depending on the side of the faceoff, you'd run Jarvis - McLeod - Perreault or McLeod - Perreault - Jarvis. If a right-handed center is prioritized at #20 (Bourque), then I'd be shocked if that early second round pick wasn't used on a Nybeck or even Jarvis if he slides (he's still a second rounder on a few projections) and the Oilers would likely run lines in a similar fashion. The whole thing goes to hell if a Holloway, Mercer, or Quinn falls into the Oilers' lap, and I'd prefer if they just went with BFA (best forward available) through the whole draft.

    If Benning is available that late, jump on him immediately. I'd be utterly surprised to see him available past the early third round.

    I like the Bozak trade. I've never been big on Marody as a prospect. Shame he lost so much of last season to injury.

    I don't think Benson nor Bouchard make this roster out of camp, and that Holland is super likely to sign Green to play #3RD. We gave up assets for the guy and got like two games out of him. I think Ennis would take the #3LW spot in Benson's stead.


    Good post. I don't watch WHL or QMJHL much, but Steve Kournianos does and says that both Jarvis and Mercer play center and wing. If a bunch of these guys drop to 20 it'll be interesting, but I would definitely take Jarvis before Quinn, and maybe Mercer, too. Irrespective of Nugent-Hopkins's decision whether he's staying or not, I'd still go after Riechel if he's available at 33, he's that good. And we probably won't have a decision from Nuge by the draft anyhow, so I don't think that's relevant.
    Apr. 5, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.
    #16
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    Quoting: CD282
    Good post. I don't watch WHL or QMJHL much, but Steve Kournianos does and says that both Jarvis and Mercer play center and wing. If a bunch of these guys drop to 20 it'll be interesting, but I would definitely take Jarvis before Quinn, and maybe Mercer, too. Irrespective of Nugent-Hopkins's decision whether he's staying or not, I'd still go after Riechel if he's available at 33, he's that good. And we probably won't have a decision from Nuge by the draft anyhow, so I don't think that's relevant.


    For what it's worth, Yamamoto played a bit of center when he was in the WHL too. The issue so much isn't that they can play it at the junior level, but whether or not they can at the professional level. Both Jarvis and Mercer are shoot-first mentalities. You'd absolutely want them on the wing.

    I like Reichel but personally felt it better to optimize the picks available to Edmonton in this draft. If the Oilers think that a better RHC could be had at next year's draft and they instead choose to focus on identifying scoring wingers as their key need, I'm more than open to a draft that features nothing but quality wingers through the first 100 picks.
    Apr. 5, 2020 at 4:52 p.m.
    #17
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    Quoting: BeterChiarelli
    For what it's worth, Yamamoto played a bit of center when he was in the WHL too. The issue so much isn't that they can play it at the junior level, but whether or not they can at the professional level. Both Jarvis and Mercer are shoot-first mentalities. You'd absolutely want them on the wing.

    I like Reichel but personally felt it better to optimize the picks available to Edmonton in this draft. If the Oilers think that a better RHC could be had at next year's draft and they instead choose to focus on identifying scoring wingers as their key need, I'm more than open to a draft that features nothing but quality wingers through the first 100 picks.

    Jarvis is listed as a center by his team and by his league:

    https://whl.ca/players/27984
    https://winterhawks.com/roster/

    As is Dawson Mercer:

    https://sagueneens.com/players/17001

    Yamamoto was not:

    https://whl.ca/players/26884

    I'm not sure why you're arguing this point.
    Apr. 5, 2020 at 4:58 p.m.
    #18
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    Quoting: BeterChiarelli
    For what it's worth, Yamamoto played a bit of center when he was in the WHL too. The issue so much isn't that they can play it at the junior level, but whether or not they can at the professional level. Both Jarvis and Mercer are shoot-first mentalities. You'd absolutely want them on the wing.

    I like Reichel but personally felt it better to optimize the picks available to Edmonton in this draft. If the Oilers think that a better RHC could be had at next year's draft and they instead choose to focus on identifying scoring wingers as their key need, I'm more than open to a draft that features nothing but quality wingers through the first 100 picks.


    So the 3 players I'm targeting in round 1 are RHC, so then I think it's best to target LW with other high picks. RHD could use some talent infusion too, but IMO is less of a priority than the two forward positions mentioned. I wouldn't have a problem with selecting more LHC in later rounds too, as outside McLeod there aren't really any centers in the system deserving of an NHL contract.
    Apr. 5, 2020 at 5:03 p.m.
    #19
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    Quoting: BeterChiarelli
    For what it's worth, Yamamoto played a bit of center when he was in the WHL too. The issue so much isn't that they can play it at the junior level, but whether or not they can at the professional level. Both Jarvis and Mercer are shoot-first mentalities. You'd absolutely want them on the wing.

    I like Reichel but personally felt it better to optimize the picks available to Edmonton in this draft. If the Oilers think that a better RHC could be had at next year's draft and they instead choose to focus on identifying scoring wingers as their key need, I'm more than open to a draft that features nothing but quality wingers through the first 100 picks.


    Also, there are lots of "shoot-first" guys that are successful centers in the NHL. Matthews, MacKinnon, Tavares and Stamkos come to mind. Whether a player has a tendency to shoot the puck rather than pass it is not what determines success at the position.
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    Apr. 5, 2020 at 5:19 p.m.
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    Quoting: CD282
    Jarvis is listed as a center by his team and by his league:

    https://whl.ca/players/27984
    https://winterhawks.com/roster/

    As is Dawson Mercer:

    https://sagueneens.com/players/17001

    Yamamoto was not:

    https://whl.ca/players/26884

    I'm not sure why you're arguing this point.


    I'm arguing the point because I doubt their ability to play down the middle at the professional level. Every scouting service I've looked into has had Mercer and Jarvis listed as wingers. Only now am I seeing that their teams and Central Scouting have them slotted as centermen. The Drummondville player page has Mercer as a RW for what it's worth, but his personal page has him as a center. A lot of scouting reports have both men pegged as wingers at the NHL level too. Could they develop more as centers down the road? Sure, but as they are now, they're more apt for the wing and should be used accordingly. If you want a RHC, look more into Bourque and developing his scoring game.

    Quoting: CD282
    So the 3 players I'm targeting in round 1 are RHC, so then I think it's best to target LW with other high picks. RHD could use some talent infusion too, but IMO is less of a priority than the two forward positions mentioned. I wouldn't have a problem with selecting more LHC in later rounds too, as outside McLeod there aren't really any centers in the system deserving of an NHL contract.


    Would looking towards Russia, Europe, the NCAA, or CHL free agency suffice for adding depth to RHD and LHC? They could use late picks on these guys, but you know they're taking a goaltender in the mid to late rounds. Every team should.

    On that note, I noticed that you signed Niemelainen. I was under the impression the ship had sailed on him when he went back to Finland and that the organization gave up on him as a prospect? Has there been a change in that situation that I missed?
    Apr. 6, 2020 at 9:29 a.m.
    #21
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    Quoting: BeterChiarelli
    On that note, I noticed that you signed Niemelainen. I was under the impression the ship had sailed on him when he went back to Finland and that the organization gave up on him as a prospect? Has there been a change in that situation that I missed?


    I just needed a warm body to fill out the AHL roster. If Bakersfield is going to properly develop talent, they'll need some competent pro's around them. Now, I know that the Condors have signed a bunch of guys to AHL-only contracts, but I haven't kept track of their depth chart so I don't know the extent of the roster.

    Also, Niemeläinen seemingly hasn't progressed one iota since turning pro with Liiga 3 years ago, I'd like to give him a year with Manson to see if there's any potential there. He's only 21, it might be worth a contract to see if there's anything that can be unlocked. McKenzie had him at #38 in his final draft ranking, so maybe there's somethinh there.

    Also, there's this: "Markus Niemelainen may get a contract, he has developed as a defensive defenseman in the last year or so." - https://lowetide.ca/2020/03/21/landslide-2/
    Apr. 6, 2020 at 9:37 a.m.
    #22
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    Quoting: BeterChiarelli
    On that note, I noticed that you signed Niemelainen. I was under the impression the ship had sailed on him when he went back to Finland and that the organization gave up on him as a prospect? Has there been a change in that situation that I missed?


    Here's an interesting read:

    https://lowetide.ca/2016/12/14/no-18-prospect-winter-2016-markus-niemelainen/
    Apr. 6, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
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    I already have enough to worry about with COVID-19 . . . stop suggesting that RNH is going to leave Edmonton!
    Apr. 6, 2020 at 5:16 p.m.
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    Quoting: Db_2984
    I already have enough to worry about with COVID-19 . . . stop suggesting that RNH is going to leave Edmonton!


    I don't think he is, but the Oilers need to add LWers to the depth chart badly in any case.
    Apr. 6, 2020 at 5:17 p.m.
    #25
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    Quoting: BeterChiarelli
    On that note, I noticed that you signed Niemelainen. I was under the impression the ship had sailed on him when he went back to Finland and that the organization gave up on him as a prospect? Has there been a change in that situation that I missed?


    Holland confirmed today that he's in contract talks with both Berglund and Niemeläinen.
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