How would you feel if Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland could convince TWO former NHL all-stars to join the team for the upcoming season? I think that it would be prudent to give it some thought as it sounds like Holland has put on his hard hat and started “THE GRIND” to overhaul this roster.
So in summary this morning @TSNBobMcKenzie said Ken Holland is flying to Detroit today and does not yet have an agreement in place with Dave Tippett.
— Dustin Nielson (@nielsonTSN1260) May 24, 2019
According to a source of mine, and in addition to the news of Holland going to Detroit this weekend, I’ve been told that the Oilers’ new GM is going to do his damnedest to recruit former Red Wings all-star Pavel Datsyuk.
In addition to that, his is what I was told,
Ken is starting to put his stamp slowly on the team. He wants a fast, quick team. That’s what the Nygard signing is about. Were going to have a busy summer here.
Ken went to Det to talk to Tippett and convince Pavel to come to EDM.
I did mention Ken Holland going to Detroit to possibly convince two former NHL all-stars into possibly joining the Oilers. Well, I think there’s a bearded Swedish fella who once captained the Red Wings but has been on the shelf for some time. I wouldn’t put a ton of hope into that one happening as I think that player is really happy with life at the moment, but the Datsyuk one, I think there’s something to that, for sure.
The Ask for Milan
It’s been previously reported by Elliotte Friedman on a number of occasions that the Oilers could’ve moved Milan Lucic last season but the ask was too high…. I found out what the ask was and you’re going to shit yourself when you read it.
- One first round pick
- One b-grade prospect
- One top-6 forward
Man… Did Peter Chiarelli really love this guy or what?! Apparently, Chia thought Lucic was joking when he went to him to ask for a trade. Once he realized Lucic was serious, he jacked up the price.
I would venture a guess that the price has come down significantly. Maybe a 2nd rounder will do it but I don’t think the Oilers are going to let him go if it means they lose the trade OR if they have to retain salary. They’d most likely ask for something in return if salary retention is part of the deal.
The Return of the Yak!
If you’re into the conspiracy end of things, you might like this. On the same day that the Oilers announced the signing of Swedish speedster Joakim Nygard, the followed two players on their Instagram account, one being the Swede and the other being Bogdan Yakimov. This got the wheels going, so I asked and I was told that the Oilers ARE talking to him. Most of the front office guys that were around when Yakimov was here before are gone. There was friction.
Personally, I’m not too sure about Big Yak. He hasn’t exactly lit up the KHL since he left North America and this year he managed to find a way to play on three different teams… He’s a bigger body and that leads me to suspect that he’s not that fleet of foot and with the team already having Jujhar Khaira and Milan Lucic providing the beef, is adding this 24-year-old Russian tank overkill?
Joakim Nygard
Well, I’m not going to say “I told you so.” But we did mention the Oilers having interest in this guy back in March.
I’m very excited to see this player. I compared him to Andreas Athanasiou in the link above and I really think he could develop into this sort of player and if not that, then a taller version of Todd Marchant. The speed and tenacity is there and I’m absolutely sure that Nygard will be a massive threat on the PK, in the same manner, Michael Grabner has been for the Coyotes, Rangers, and Devils in the past.
The first time he breaks away from the other team’s defense, you’re going to be mouth agape. He’s ridiculously fast and I’d bet you he gives Connor McDavid a run for his money at next year’s fastest skater competition.
The other thing you’re going to like about him is that he has no fear. He LOVES to go to the blue paint. Now, if he can do that AND stay healthy, that remains to be seen.
Possible 2019/20 Forward Lineup
RNH-McDavid-Kassian
Lucic-Draisaitl-Puljujarvi
Nygard-Datsyuk-Chiasson
Yakimov-Khaira-Gagner
Cave
Still pretty big and slow for my liking. If the Oilers could find a way to move out Lucic and replace him with someone faster, maybe a Gus Nyquist? I think that’d help out a ton. On the other hand, do we want Holland re-creating the Red Wings or building something new? For me, I want a bottom-6 that takes pride in their defense and work ethic. I don’t want prima donnas who aren’t willing to play their roles.
What about you? Let us know in the comments below!
