Cogliano As a Trading Chip Part 2

I know that this isn't a popular opinion, but it just makes too much sense. At the very least I expect Nilsson to be moved.

Gagner, Cogliano, Nilsson, O'Sullivan, Brule, and Schremp are all similar in stature although Brule plays a much feistier game than the rest of the crew. Nilsson can be replaced by Schremp if need be at a discount, and if not definitely by O'Sullivan. Brule also can slide into a 3rd line checking role (what Cogs was relegated to for the latter half of the season).

Of the bunch Cogliano has probably the 2nd best trade value behind only Gagner. Cogliano is not a very good puck distributor and is terrible on draws. Gagner can score as well as pass, and the same can be said of O'Sullivan. They are our 2 most versatile "smurfs".

Cogliano offers upside and promise before all of his warts are visible in a few years. He still offers the promise of getting better, however sometimes you have to pick your spots and sell early before a players worth depreciates.

Look at Rob Schremp for an example, his trade value has plummeted the last 3 seasons. While Cogs is an NHL proven commodity, I just don't see him ever really being a true star in this league.

He will be a solid NHL player, no doubt, but if we can get a young power forward type in exchange for Cogs, it would be a win for the Oilers. Or as I've said before, use him to take a stab at an elite prospect in this years draft.

This team needs a franchise player, the draft is our best bet to do so. The Oilers organization and their fans have long overvalued their players and prospects, and if the team can learn from its mistakes they might be able to make bold moves while the players values are high instead of waiting for them to fall out of favor and sell them at bargain basement prices.

Cogliano Not Being Used on the PK is a Waste of a Dangerous Weapon

Here you have an extremely fleet footed and hard working young player that could easily give the Oilers a shorthanded breakaway threat but he's nowhere to be found. 3 minutes and 14 seconds has been all that Cogliano has seen on the PK this young season while fellow kid liner Sam Gagner has seen 9 minutes and 19 seconds of PK time. Gagner's hockey sense is superb as is his passing ability, however Cogliano's jets are perfect for situations with additional ice.

A combination of Horcoff and Cogliano could really give the opposition fits. Why not take advantage of Cogliano's wheels and work ethic? Why give Gagner PK time instead of a "secret weapon" like Cogliano? IMO it's because once again our coach is too conservative. Look at Chicago's PK, against us and pretty much anyone, it is dominant because of the offensive approach and speed that they have on display on their PK.

3-4 extra SH goals a year could be the difference between a few points, a few points could be the difference between making and missing the postseason.