Simpleton
Joined: Jun. 2017
Posts: 1,365
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Chiarot is a LD, plays a shut-down roll in a physical manner, had a decent playoff run last year, has a manageable contract that expires this summer, and is playing on a team that is suffering a horrendous season. Obviously he is a solid trade candidate and potential target for playoff-bound teams in need of depth at LD.
The Oilers have suffered injuries to key players but could not have wished for much better than they have been able to accomplish through their first 21 regular season games. They are 16-5, their backup goaltender is 12-2, their AHL starting goaltender has posted a .938 SV% through 5 NHL games, so far Cody Ceci has proven to be a capable replacement if not upgrade over Adam Larsson, the team has managed to run 5-1 in a six game stretch that has seen them lose four of their regular defensemen, their special teams are elite, their faceoff percentage is +50%, their two superstars are on pace for 150+ point seasons, they have three players with reasonable chances of scoring 30+ goals, one of those guys could hit 50 goals in 50 games, and McDavid looks on pace to post the best +/- of his career. Edmonton should be a lock for the playoffs, and could make some noise once they get there.
Elliott Freedman did not specifically link the Edmonton Oilers to Ben Chiarot, but given the points above it is not surprising that he would mention Edmonton when asked about playoff teams who might be interested in him. Freedman implied that the Oilers might want to consider Chiarot, and then in a response to a separate question he said that it is possible Montreal could get a 1st round pick should they trade him. Habs fans have misinterpreted that, and it seems many talking heads on TV have as well.
Many Oiler fans see that despite all that has gone well for their team it has to improve quite a bit before it should be considered a strong playoff contender. The Oilers still have difficulty at 5vs5. Their bottom six continue to be outscored, giving away the advantages earned by the top six. Fans have learned from last year's series against Winnipeg. They know that officials will allow opponents run interference, trip, hold, slash, and otherwise impede Edmonton's best players. During the playoffs Edmonton's top six will not be permitted to outscore the problems created by the bottom six, and the excellence of the special teams during the regular season will mean nothing once those officials begin "managing" playoff games. Ben Chiarot is not going to change that, improved depth scoring will.
Bringer_Of_Snow liked this.
And a 1st rounder for Chiarot?
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