Comments on: What’s best for Paajarvi?

By: Racki

Racki — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:19:45 +0000

Interesting comment from Renney today. In fairness, the media pressed him about it, but I find it interesting that he didn’t completely shoot down the idea:

From the Edmonton Journal

When asked if Paajarvi was going to the minors soon for a few weeks, Renney laughed. “Five weeks in a row you’ve asked that question,” said Renney. “It’s a fair question. We’re at the point where we have to make a strong decision.”

By: Racki

Racki — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:17:07 +0000

Hey Johnny, great thoughts there. I can get behind a lot of that, actually… especially the Gagner-sentiment. I’m an avid supporter of him, and think he’s starting to show his value now that he’s playing with the Nuge and Eberle. He’s a hard worker.

As far as Paajarvi, I like the idea of sitting Hemsky for a bit to give him a shot. I had a bit of thought that maybe with Hall back, they should try Hall and Paajarvi together (since Gagner has stolen his spot temporarily), but that is doubtful to happen. Today Hall practiced with Horcoff and Hemsky, and Paajarvi drew the short stick again.

I don’t think Paajarvi has been bad, and I wouldn’t say either that Renney is mishandling him. However, I still think the Oilers should send him down to get some confidence in the AHL. It isn’t a punishment, but more for his benefit.. more ice time without adversely affecting the team. But I would have also liked to have seen him with maybe hall and Horcoff to see if playing with a good sniper like Hall could get him going.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:42:58 +0000

My personal choice would be to let Hemsky sit as a healthy scratch for 2-3 games and move Paajarvi up into the top 6 for those games to give him some minutes. You can see his frustration almost every time he finishes a shift. The guy needs some minutes. Frankly, I was a little surprised that he wasn’t in the shootout lineup against the Wild (Nov. 30). That would have been a great game to give him an opportunity instead of Smyth. He played 13 minutes that game and had 6 shots on net — nothing to lose by putting him in the shootout lineup.

He also needs some mentorship. The guy has been away from his home since he was 16 and he needs some support to help him with his confidence. He’ll toil away and eat himself up unless and until he opens up to someone. Anyway, if he doesn’t pan out in the top 6, send him to OKC for a few weeks to let him get some big minutes.

I disagree about trading Gagner or bringing anyone else up from OKC right now. Hall is back soon and there’s no room for anyone else right now. Players peak at different times, so I have no concerns about Gagner, Belanger or Lander. They’ll find their groove as long as they keep their compete level high.

By: Racki

Racki — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:50:50 +0000

While it may not be fun to do, I don’t think you can really give Magnus the choice. Cause any player in their right mind would say no to going down. a) it’s a huge pay cut b) he probably wouldn’t want to look like he’s given up to the coaches, fans or teammates either. Couldn’t see that happening. Gotta make the tough choices as a coach. Just express to him as best as you can that the team (management/coaches) see it as a way to get him more ice time and help him polish his game a bit which playing on line 3 won’t do as well for him.

By: oilinblood

oilinblood — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:02:48 +0000

if i was coach/gm, i would leave this up to magnus himself. like you said racki; magnus hasnt been playing poorly. for most of the year he has played pretty well, with the only issue i have with him is his reactions after taking high sticks etc. if magnus wants to go down to OKC for 5 or 6 games and get to handle the puck alot more than i can see the benefit in that. I wouldnt want him to see it as a demotion though. there is only so much a guy like that can do with 8 minutes along side belanger and jones or petrell. if he chose to go down for a few games we can reward a guy like Harti. the OKC team has come together pretty well after being thumped in game #1.

as for Cornet, i dont think you send Magnus down to bring him up. If Magnus goes down we need an nhl 3rd liner because top 6 is filled. if a top 6 injury happens and we need a call up cornet is an option. This is why Omarra was a call-up. it would be poor management to bring cornet up from OKC -who are # in div- to play 8 minutes on the 3rd line opening.