I would like to think they're in a similar position to Calgary when Sutter was fired as GM with the benefit of having a couple of really good young players. Their lineup today sucks, and have some bad contracts and it will probably take a couple of years to clean up, perhaps the tenure of another GM (ie Feaster).
They are not going to attract free agents, they're in cap jail, and their prospect tank is limited. They probably need to look at the Winnipeg model, spending money on scouting, improve their draft record, and start developing players.
Short term trades are only going to bring players into a poor environment, that they resent. I think players who are traded to Edmonton underperform because they don't want to be there. As a player getting the call you've been traded can't be great regardless of the situation, but being told you're going to Edmonton would suck. I can't imagine you walk into that dressing room, and are excited. Its the exact opposite, your disappointed, and it shows in your play. This is why the Oilers are getting diminishing returns on their trades, players leaving are excited (Strome), players arriving are disappointed. Add NTC and NMC to the pile, and there are very few players who will even accept a trade to Edmonton.
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