Quote:
Originally Posted by Table 5
I actually think the Oilers did pretty well this draft, as far as the draft is concerned at least. Even if you discount Puljujarvi, their picks outside of the 1st (especially a guy like Benson) seem to have some pretty good potential.
Their smartest move this draft may have been to sit still. From what it sounded like, Chiarelli sniffed out that Columbus wasn't going to take Puljujarvi even if they kept their 3rd pick, and backed out from making any deals. That was pretty shrewd...probably to our detriment.
Obviously when it comes to their current Dman situation though, they did zip, which is a fail in that aspect.
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I think Benson was a bad pick for them. Their top 6/9 should be all but figured out going forward, the last thing they need is another flashy winger. I have nothing against Benson, but the Oilers are the last team that should be picking players like that with 2nd round picks. People might say "well, they can just use Benson as trade bait if he turns out and they can't fit him in." Well, in case any one hasn't noticed, that is easier said than done. Wingers are the least important part of a team and the Oilers are loaded at that position. Other teams won't pay a premium for guys like that unless they are a star and even then not so much (see Phil Kessel).