I know I'm beating a dead horse by this point, but I think the biggest problem Edmonton has is their young players are gifted positions simply because the veterans are so easy to outshine.
Nurse, Marincin, Klefbom, etc.. have to beat out guys like Brad Hunt instead of Ladislav Smid. While Smid is overpaid, he is a bonafide 3rd line defenseman. He's the type of player you want your defence prospects to be better than to earn a spot.
If Wotherspoon, Sieloff, etc... can't beat out Smid for a spot, they are not ready to be in the NHL. I look forward to the day they make Smid expendable. But Edmonton traded him about 2 years before any of their young d prospects are ready to take his place.
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