For the first time since the '06-07 season, the Oilers have 8 preseason games lined up. That extra game could be what makes or breaks the Oilers career of a number of players. Nilsson, Schremp, Pouliot, Brule, Jacques, Reddox, Stone, Potulny, the list goes on and on.
The extra game should give the new coaching staff a little more time to digest what they have in certain players and more time to implement their strategies. Also of note, unlike last season there will not be 4 games played in 4 consecutive days, there is a 3 games in 3 days stretch as well as 2 back to backs, but it should make for more well rested players.
Hopefully this time around the new coaching staff won't keep guys around that have no hope in hell of making the big club. It's my opinion that Craig Mactavish often times would keep guys around for far too long instead of focusing solely on guys that are close to making the club and of course getting your veterans sharp for the start of the season.
While 8 games in 12 days is still a hellacious stretch, hopefully the rookies that have no hope in hell of making the club are gone by the 3rd game so that the new coaches can concentrate on the guys that are pushing hard for a spot and for those pushing hard to keep theirs.
I'd like to see these players given between 5 and 6 games to strut their stuff this preseason.....
Schremp, Brule, Pouliot, Nilsson, Jacques, Potulny, Stone, and Peckham. Reddox can also get in some games but unless he's keeping up with the pack, I hope that he's sent packing early on in camp with the understanding that he's one of the first call ups for the bottom 6 if/when injuries happen. This many games should give Quinn and Renney a good feel for these players and give them a legitimate chance to prove that they belong or that they don't.
4 comments:
Hey Bryanbryoil,
Racki here from puttingonthefoil.com. I'm pretty excited about this season, but there is one thing that honestly bothers me. There are so many guys this year fighting for so few spots, and most of these guys (Schremp, Brule, Potulny, MacIntyre, Nilsson etc.) are all waiver eligible. Schremp and Nilsson have been standouts in camp so far and proving that they're willing to fight for their jobs. It'll suck to see them get sent down, especially if they don't clear waivers. I don't think Nilsson will be demoted, but Schremp probably still will, and I'm sure you're disappointed about that, being a fan of his.
Think he'll make it this year? Odds are stacked against him, unfortunately, but that's only speaking of our depth around the 2nd/3rd lines.
Agreed, more specifically Schremp, Pouliot, Brule, Potulny, Stone, Reddox, Jacques, and even Nilsson.
I'd hate to see at least 5 of those guys getting lost for nothing. I am hoping that Schremp makes the club, but would the Oilers have the cojones to send Comrie down if Schremp out performs him? I doubt it. My only hope is that they send Strudwick down and carry 15 forwards until they can move one.
Yah honestly, Comrie is looking more and more like a foolish signing. I was somewhat excited with it, just because it signified that our GM was actually DOING something. However, in hindsight, if Comrie costs someone of equal or better quality a job here, I'll probably be pretty upset. Kind of an odd signing.
I'm of a slightly different opinion on Strudwick though. I like the toughness he brings. But he's definitely far down the depth charts and it'd be hard to justify keeping him over a Peckham, for example, except that Peckham could use a bit more time refining his game in the A.
Agreed Racki, keeping Peckham in the PB is counter productive. He'll be waiver eligible next season so we need to clear a spot for him. The Comrie signing could still turn out alright but they better not lose guys ready to turn the page just so that we can see him bolt next season.
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