[Rumour] Chiarelli meeting with the Oilers. UPD: press conference Friday to announce hiring?

[Flash Walken]

that Husk of a roster is going to be difficult to remake in 2 years.

They have the capacity to turn some wingers into defenders. As Tinordi said in the McDavid thread, they could become the Islanders, but even the Islanders had to acquire 2 x top 4 defenders and they basically had to buy into their entire top 4 defenders.

The Oilers are very much a large boat that's going to take some steady manoeuvring to get turned around because they've been going full-bore-suck for so long. Nikitin, Purcell, Ference to some degree; those aren't problems that take care of themselves.

They've got some things they can use to speed things up, and the multiple 1st round picks this year will help with that, but, they have to come out on top of most of their trades to really speed things up, because compared to Calgary when they started to try to turn their suck-boat around, they don't have the depth already on the roster like Giordano, Wideman and Hudler turned out to be.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Damn it!!!!! Got to wonder if there's some McDavid camp pressure that's finally gotten through to Katz. I know a prospect pulling a Lindros in this day and age is unlikely, but if there was ever a perfect storm that could make it happen it would be a generational talent like McDavid getting drafted by a team with such an epic ineptitude that the Oilers have.

[Coach]

Somehow, Bob will promote Lowe above himself.

All will be well.

[Roof-Daddy]

Man, it's like the perfect storm of luck this off season for the Oilers.


First a solid reputable GM becomes available due to a suspect Boston Bruin decision
Then the improbable McDavid lotto win
Also looks like they may land a decent coach as well, like McClelland
Not to mention it's looking more and more like Lowe and MacT are being neutered

Yikes.

Looks like the Battle of Alberta may actually return over the next few seasons.

[JeanLucPicard]

Good. I Actually want Oilers to get better next season. It would be good to have a meaningful rivalry back on instead of a snoozefest where we just easily win. Hopefully he hits em on the head and makes them a good team.

[CMPunk]

Thank god they're finally doing something. I'd prefer a much more competitive rivalry.

[GreenLantern2814]

God dammit.

[Locke]

For the love of God Peter, dont do it! You're a young man! There are better options!

[savardandjokinen]

Could trade 1st ovr pick

[sureLoss]

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
Confirming Peter Chiarelli in Edmonton meeting with Oilers brass. Bob Nicholson reviewing all aspects of Hockey Ops. Not specific to gm job.

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
Nicholson has to consider every option to improve the Oilers. The experience of Chiarelli as an executive would be very enticing.

[Burke Salad]

My guess is other team's owners demanding through Bettman too give Katz a swift kick in the ace and make changes!

[Buck Murdock]

Lowe promoted to Grand Wizard? What will MacT's new title be?

[CliffFletcher]

With the Canucks in decline, it's looking like the Oilers might resume their place as the Flames' genuine rival.

[V]

It's finally happening!!!

[Flash Walken]

Like when the Flames brought in Feaster.

Bird in the hand for next year when they are terrible. Sacrifice the President and GM to the fanbase, 'promote' Chiarelli to full GM, then he's not associated with any of the previous stink.

It's like the management version of Chicago with Quenville. Bring him in as a 'consultant' knowing he's the guy you want for a few months down the line when you need to cut someone loose.

[flamesfan55]

Good I am tired of seeing the Oilers as bottom dwellers ruining every first overall pick

[Locke]

Originally Posted by flamesfan55

Good I am tired of seeing the Oilers as bottom dwellers ruining every first overall pick

I'm not. I could do it forever.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by CMPunk

Thank god they're finally doing something. I'd prefer a much more competitive rivalry.

This. I was starting to feel like the only one.

[Day Tripper]

McJesus and Chiarelli? The next 10 years could be a great decade for the Oilers, a tough but okay decade for the Flames, and a nightmare for the Canucks.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Burke Salad

My guess is other team's owners demanding through Bettman too give Katz a swift kick in the ace and make changes!

I doubt this. Nicholson saw the same video footage we did of McDavid looking like his dog just got shot when he saw the Oilers get drawn. I'm sure he's going to make every effort possible to avoid a Lindros type of situation and the best way to add credibility is to finally put an end to the KLowne show.

Let's be honest here. Given Nicholson's new position of power if he doesn't make major changes he's simply not half as smart as we thought he was as it's pretty obvious that old boys club has been running the team into the ground.