But one thing I’ll also say about Yakupov’s playoff game… often people forget that players can be playing through injuries at that time of the year.. be over-tired from getting tonnes of minutes, etc. etc, so who knows. I don’t put too much stock in that kind of stuff cause everyone has shit on Euros for not being playoff performers for years and years, and the odd time those players they shit on surprise the hell out of them later. Sedins are a good example of this. Maybe Marian Hossa too, as he has had his ups and downs and always gets called a non-playoff performer but had a huge year with the Pens. You get the picture, anyways. It’s probably a little exaggerated, as he seems like pretty hungry for wins.

Also, btw, his answer to the “who’s better, you or Grigorenko” question was very un-Ovechkin like. Modest. Basically said that Grigo is a very good player and they’re different, and wouldn’t say who he thought was better.

Russians will always get a bad image. But I am not worried about Yakupov. The one other Ovechkin-like thing about him was what Yaku’s captain said about the switch being thrown when he steps on the ice (he becomes a completely different player). Obviously he’s incredibly focused. This is a big plus for his captain to say about him.

So Ovechkin/Bure style of play with Crosby’s drive to improve.

Tambis smug smile in the background… adds salt to the wound. lmao

As for assets to trade. If the line-up next year still has hemmer horc and smyth back and as a line, we draft yakupov, and Harti (who i agree looked good there) gets top 6 ice than Magnus and Omarks days are numbered. I really dont want it to be a situation of Nail or Magnus but Nail is built like Kovalenko, hands like bure, and fire like ovechkin, and a shot like stamkos. I think Magnus loses this battle but i am hoping remodeling Magnus is an option –like Patrice Bergeron. If not, he is likely the most valuable asset, and realistic asset, you can move without hurting the roster.

I know one analyst backed me up yesterday in saying Klefbom Musil and Marincin, in particular those 3, are B level prospects who are legitimate NHL players in the near future. Unfortunately it was Button… but still. Luckily all talk about Suter is saying he is definitely going to UFA for at least 48 hours. He wants big cash, check, and a chance at immortality, check. Potter, Sutton, Barker, Peckham, even whitney all have nice sized contracts that make alot of sense for what they bring. All would be assets that wouldnt get laughed at (hemsky at 5 gets you laughed at) and might help the right team in a trade.

BTW Nail is Left handed and can play either wing.

I will point out once more, and basically echo the sentiments of Hall (who wasnt hiding his distaste) and Eberle AND the normally quiet RNH, That this team better win next year. The organization has to show it believes in winning next season. I do believe we will draft Nail. I also believe that to show Eberle Hall and RNH that we mean business…our top pick in 13 will be traded. Its a statement move that needs to be done and it is, i believe, a strong asset that could get us a big reward. Personally i think we have a big shot at Suter with this line up. Goaltending is what id want that ’13 1stRd used for. Thomas for 2 years would be nice and if done before JUly 1st really helps advertise us to Suter. I wont knock Khabi for this season… but if Khabi is still here its not good advertising.

BTW i agree with most of the tsn panel that the oilers arent in need of Defense prospects. They need a guy like Schultz who is young, capable, and polished… but more elite. Having another prospect to take 3 years learning is not our priority. winning a cup in 2 years should be.

I’m not sure if Yakupov plays the other side, but I know Hemsky won’t, save for on the PP. As far as Eberle, I say don’t mess with a good thing.

I think if we think in pairs, we’ll have 2 fantastic lines.

Yakupov had tremendous success with a shooter in Galchenyuk.. so perhaps Hall and Yakupov together. We already know Nuge and Eberle are golden. Only question is the 3rd player to round them out….

So a thought would be:
Hartikainen Nugent-Hopkins Eberle (I think Harsky looked really good with them)
Hall Gagner Yakupov (still banging the Gagner drum, although I do grow impatient in waiting for him to break out)

Our 3rd line would still be the big expensive line, yes.

Smyth Horcoff Hemsky

And our 4th line would be:
Eager Belanger Jones