If and I mean IF Chiarelli takes the job, then 2 future consulting positions will be created for Katz's crew. I am sure Lowe knows the only way he stays around pro hockey in any capacity is to be a token fly on the wall in future big boy meetings.
As others have pointed out. Oilers are in very bad shape right now. I really don't think they are a Taylor Hall trade from contender or even playoff hopeful.
- They have no goalie
- They have no defence (outside rookie Nurse who may not even play next year)
- Their forwards are comfortable in losing. They are stat padders at their finest.
- No one wants to play in Edmonton. Which may change with new Management and the saviour coming to town, but I think anyone with a NTC will take a wait and show me attitude after 10 years of "Oil Change".
- They need an upgrade on coach. Will they find a guy who is pedigree who is willing to ruin his career ala Quinn, Reiney, Eakins, Kruger, etc?
- They are in cap hell. They need to buyout some guys or trade for equally bad guys. Buyout equals less money to lure free agents.
Lots and lots of questions there. Even with McDavid I see them as 4-5 years out. That honestly how long it has been since the Flames started easing slowly into the rebuild waters. After that, who knows? McDavid is the next Gretz, somehow they found their Coffey, Messier, Kurri, Fhur and they are a dynasty who eliminates the Flames every year. Or they turn into ATL 2.0 and have powerful offence and nothing else and spin their tires until McDavid wants out.
I am not hitting panic mode quite yet. Like a kid who cheated their way though the semester, they haven't proven anything other than being lucky. Time will come where they have to actually make bold moves, and not bold #1 overall choices. Big difference.
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