Quote:
Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy
Well not straight up. More as the "spine" of the deal. The Oilers are in a weak position and the players they are willing (Hemsky) or reluctant (Eberle, Yakupov, Schultz, Gagner) to trade aren't going to get them home on a top 2 defenseman or a top end goalie - they'll have to add to get either. Plus, those items alone aren't, IMO, going to save the season or right the ship.
Teams like Phoenix or Winnipeg with several defenseman might be inclined to entertain a deal with the Oilers, but the asking price is going to be high and neither of those teams are in the same situation as the Oilers - management feeling the heat, fan base getting restless, etc.
A team like Philadelphia who has a GM working to save his job might be a good partner, but to get a package that the Oilers would need to make a difference is going to cost them a lot (a guys like Simmonds or Hartnell would do wonders). A team like Toronto might be worth considering with their injuries and management viewing this as a good chance to strike while the iron is hot - but would they part with Gardiner or Reimer? If so, you'd have to think the price would be considerable or the return would include some baggage (JML).
My point, I suppose, is that the Oilers HAVE to do something. Another top 3 pick is not going to turn things around quickly enough for the fans or to save management. There isn't an answer in the UFA pool (unless you think Phaneuf is the answer - IMO he re-signs with TO). Other teams, aside from Philly, don't have to make a move... especially if it isn't lobsided in their favor.
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Pominville was recently traded for a 1st, 2nd, Matt Hackett (former 3rd rounder), and Johan Larsson (former 2nd rounder). Eberle is realistically worth more.
If Rundblad or Schenn is the "spine" of an Eberle trade then they are getting hosed. I think you are underrating his value.