As far as I'm concerned the best way to get this team in order is to gut this team like a fish.
Moreau, Staios, Roloson, Cole, Pisani, Horcoff, Penner, Strudwick, and even Souray if he's willing to waive his NTC.
Gather 10 or more picks in the top 2 rounds of this draft and some lower picks as well. Out of those 10 picks there's bound to be at least a couple of kids that will be NHL ready.
Then in the offseason (with a lower cap) sign a few vets to teach and protect the kids and make a run for Bouwmeester if he is indeed interested at coming back home.
This is a perfect time to do this, a solid draft, a shrinking salary cap, and the team is just a handful of points from being in the penthouse or the outhouse.
In 2-3 years time a number of those picks will be NHL ready along with other guys that we will have promoted in that time like Potulny, Brule, Schremp, Peckham, and Dubnyk. We will maintain our young core but will also add some fresh skill and guys that don't already know the joys of Oilers losing hockey.
I've yet to see a team go all out like that. However IMO it would be a hell of a way to set yourself up for 2-3 years down the line, especially in a strong draft year.
It would obviously take some balls to pull this off, but I think the fans of Edmonton would be down for this if their ticket prices dropped and there was some actual direction to the team. Not to mention the hockey would be more wide open.
2 comments:
When was the last time to anyone's knowledge that an NHL Team that sells out every game lowered their ticket prices? Pretty sure the answer is NEVER. Do the Maple Leafs lower their prices every year or increase them? How bout Colorado when Sakic & Stasny went down killing their season.
I am all for the deadline sell off as I think it wouldn't make them that much worse, this year's Playoffs would be out but guys like Brule and Peckham could come up and contribute and be that much more prepared for next season.
Bit give your head a shake when you suggest any possibility that ticket prices will be lower anytime soon.
If the team salary is lowered why not? It would be a good gesture to the fans.
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