Comments on: Hemsky eyeing return… time for Oil to consider moving someone?

By: Alan-NottsUK

Alan-NottsUK — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:57:47 +0000

I think Omark will be traded, he didn’t seem to buy in to the team plan at the start of the season and is clearly not considered a key part of this team when it’s all healthy.

also I think at least one other forward will be gone at the deadline. And I could also see Hemsky being the one to go regardless of what position we are in, the closer to a play off spot the better value you get on his return as teams would have to overpay to take him off a team pushing for a spot. I said before the season I could see him in Washington at the deadline for Colorado’s 1st round pick +.

The other option would be Gagner, and I think that comes down to how well he performs playing RW, if he starts to look strong there then his value in being able to play both C and RW would make him worth too much to the Oilers in terms of depth.

By: dawgtoy

dawgtoy — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:56:41 +0000

Some tough decisions loom in regards to Hemsky. Management needs to see him stay healthy, and they need to have him commit on paper in regards to signing a new contract. IMO anything short of that Hemsky must be dealt and sooner would be more prudent then later. I’d rather see Hemsky stay, and the bigger ticket item in regards to trade value would be Gagner. He’s a center and still very young with a very reasonable price tag. Omark could help sweeten the deal if necesssary, providing the return is substantial and a RHD. Likely waiting to see how Hemsky is able to SHOULDER the load would be beneficial before making any type of trade. So I vote nobody. Moving Gagner back to center will give us a better indication of his future worth with the team as well. I never liked the decision to put him on the wing either.

By: mrgod2u

mrgod2u — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:07:55 +0000

So far this season I have seen little from Omark to even justify the skill side of the equation at all. I mean we know it’s there, but no points and a -5 +/- is pretty inconsequential. That might go up on a better line but it also might bust up the defensive synergy that our top lines have going. Right now it is selfless play and never give up attitude that is winning us games. Khabbi is also a huge factor, but without our teams relentless puck pressure and sacrificing the body to stop the puck (yay Smid) I don’t think he would have the numbers either.
I actually think that reuniting Hemsky Horcoff and Smyth might be something to try. They do know each others play styles, and that chemistry is something you have to work at when creating a new line. Getting it “pre-established” is a bonus.
Bump Jones down to 3rd line and sit gags for a game see if the attitude is contagious, our 3rd line needs something to jump it up, and the flying mullet might do it.

Much as I hate to say it, Gags and Omark are the clear “odd men out” right now. and might have good trade value to a team that is a lot more desperate to make a change than we are.

By: hemmerlady

hemmerlady — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:31:03 +0000

Racki: As for Jones, I probably didn’t make it very clear…. I meant that Jones in the lineup is better for the team in that he’s a character guy and provides a bit of grit, leadership, and those sorts of intangibles… and affords us the ability to ensure Hartikainen develops properly in the AHL. I would say though that Hartikainen in his place probably is as good or better though, when it comes to stats. But I’d let him develop a bit more to help get the best player we can out of him (he’ll get more ice time in OKC for sure).

I would agree with that, Jonesy contributes a lot as far as attitude, grit, energy, and I think those are super important for the team. I think if he keeps working hard the points will come.

Now Omark vs. Jones.. that’s another argument that I hadn’t gone into as far as who’d be better on line 3. I’m not too impressed with his comments of late though.

Yeah, I think that's a big part of the concern about Omark...the attitude. I think his arrogance exceeds his skill sometimes.

By: Racki

Racki — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:29:56 +0000

Hey Tapdog, I removed your user from here. Try registering again. Make sure to check any spam folders for the email. If it still doesn’t work, use the contact form and maybe we can figure another way to do it.

As for Jones, I probably didn’t make it very clear…. I meant that Jones in the lineup is better for the team in that he’s a character guy and provides a bit of grit, leadership, and those sorts of intangibles… and affords us the ability to ensure Hartikainen develops properly in the AHL.

I would say though that Hartikainen in his place probably is as good or better though, when it comes to stats. But I’d let him develop a bit more to help get the best player we can out of him (he’ll get more ice time in OKC for sure).

Now Omark vs. Jones.. that’s another argument that I hadn’t gone into as far as who’d be better on line 3. I’m not too impressed with his comments of late though.