Quote:
Originally Posted by Sylvanfan
Ultimately the Oilers can put a lot of this on Kevin Lowe.
He had the 17th pick in the 2003 draft. He traded down to 23 and received additional picks to do so. You could say he passed on a chance to take Getzlaf....he than declined to take Kesler.
Later that year when it was time to trade hold out Mike Comrie he demanded that Comrie and Winters kick in 2 million dollars to the Oilers so he could trade him to Anaheim for a package of Corey Perry and a first round pick. According to Lowe it wasn't enough so Comrie's camp needed to pay him off.
They than proceded to give Andrew Cogliano to the Ducks.
In short Lowe first declined a chance to take Getzlaf, than deferred on Kesler to go after Marc-Andre chicken boy (a guy who got destroyed in the top prospects game and actually was experienced at losing at that point in time). Later on he said no to Cory Perry instead taking Jeff Woywitka.
Kevin Lowe is a gift that keeps on giving. Admittedly many passed on these guys...but Lowe is a bit more direct in doing so.
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Also never forget that in Oiler revisionist draft history the drafted player is also developed by the organization that actually selected him. If the Oilers would have drafted Getzlaf, or Kane, & traded for Perry. Perry would have been the next Robbie Schrempf & Getzlaf the next Pavel Brenda. Patty Kane... he might be in prison.
Their ability to develop is completely dependent on the player being an NHL player before he sees any NHL action.