Six to Eight Changes... at the least

While Craig MacTavish revealed his hand a few times on some players at today's press conference, the indication is that the GM is thinking in the same line as the fans and prognosticators in that there are at the very least a half dozen new Oilers coming for next season.  Even at six it is probably too few.  But, let’s look at the likely outbound Oilers.

The Draft Lottery 2013

Will Lightning strike again?

Steve Tambellini was right when he said he wouldn't be here again... little did he realize.  The Oilers will look at drafting at either #1, #7, or #8.  The odds of the Oilers winning the lottery is 4.7%.  Tune in for the excitement.  Will the Hockey Gods double down on Copper and Blue?

Going in the right direction

After a long hiatus I'm glad to be back blogging about the Oil. I wasn't going to spending any more time on CBA and anything else in negotiations. I do the Oilers. No transactions to discuss or possible. IN the end it was a long time away.

The Oilers took a positive step forward adding that beast on the blue line Marc Fistric. He is a big body that plays physical and gets nasty. The Oilers don't have enough of it. A local boy coming home is a great story too but the attitude of the other teams coming in will change. I doubt many will think about having a checking challenge with a teammate against Edmonton. Not without paying a price crossing the blue line.

However, the Oilers are a still too small upfront. They need big wingers, size is needed up and down the line up with a physical edge and ability to play. A big center with the same qualities is also missing. This will need to come in time, sooner than later for the Oilers to take the next step and make an impact in the playoffs. The Oilers may have a time to make the playoffs; they do not have a team to compete in the playoffs.

Opening day roster is set. The defense consists of Whitney, Potter, Fistric, J-Schultz, N-Schultz, Smid, and Petry with Peckham not cleared to play. It is unclear if this is injury or inadequate conditioning. The Oilers two goalies will be Dubnyk and Danis as Khabibulin is not cleared to play. The forward group will be Hall, RNH, Eberle, Yakupov, Gagner, Hemsky, Smyth, Horcoff, Hartikainen, Hordicuk, Eager, Belanger, Paajarvi, and Petrell.

With an honest look at the line up.  Potter had better be the odd man out for Fistric.  In all seriousness the quality of player isn't even close.  Judging from twitter Paajarvi and Petrell are odd men out, no argument there.

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A forum poster since 2000. A proud founder and member of the Oilers Army. He contributes to his blog Oilers Republic and to the Oilogosphere. You can follow him on twitter (http://twitter.com/OR_TMC). 

The Summer of Steve? Far from it.

With Theo Peckham and Sam Gagner in his back pocket last week Steve Tambellini signed Nail Yakupov as well today. But, as we approach the end July, Tambellini hasn't made this team any better. A few re-signings, adding a star rookie first overall pick, and adding a high touted prospect are fine and dandy. But, this team is not improved in anyway. No needs have been addresses.

The draft, free agency, signings, and a new coach

Before the signing of Parise and Suter, the Oilers were probably among the best teams in free agency, even with the Smyth signing, the Oilers didn't spend poorly and added a top level talent in Schultz without having to give anything away...  The Oilers finally made a coaching move, at first opinion I wasn't a fan, I wanted a name...  The Oilers did well at the draft table, but was it enough?...  The Oilers re-signings continue.

Coasting

He is smiling because it only took him 3 months to find a new coach for the Oilers.

I have not been sharply critical of Steve Tambellini. While moves are need and required, assets and trading partners are required to make moves work. Luring free agents also depends on some key pieces being in place and the team itself on the obvious upswing. While Tambellini has had a free pass the last few seasons that free ride should have ended with the firing of Tom Renney.

The party starts now

Time to stop looking pretty and time to start acting smart.

The clock is quickly ticking away to the start of the draft and likely the Oilers historic 3rd straight 1st overall pick I think it important that the Oilers try and gain ground and start the building process at the draft table on the draft floor. There are important team issues that can be addressed today and Saturday.

MacT, say it ain't so?

The return of MacT signals the safety that Kevin Lowe and Steve Tambellini have in their positions. While thankfully Craig MacTavish isn't returning as head coach, his addition to the management causes me some concern for the team’s future.

Time to move on without Ryan Smyth

Does Ryan Smyth answer any of the Oilers issues moving forward? I would say he doesn't. A recent blog from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal discusses the latest on Ryan Smyth.

Power Forward Target: Ryan Malone

TheTampa Bay Lightning might be a team looking for a shake up to the roster this off season. They need to make changes mostly on the blue line but may need some cap space to do it. They could get younger and cheaper. One Lighning player to consider is Ryan Malone. The left winger would add a lot of experience and be valuable with his size and gritty play. Malone would be a very useful power forward for the Oilers.