Shawn Horcoff- 6 More Years

by Jonathan Willis on Jul 16, 2008 6:24 PM MDT

Shawn Horcoff has signed a 6-year, 33-million dollar contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

Needless to say, I'm thrilled about this going forward. As I've noted previously, Horcoff is an in-his-prime, legitimate number one centre, and he contributes nothing but positives in every aspect of the game.

With Horcoff locked up long-term, Sam Gagner has time to mature into the incredible player that he almost certainly will become; the two of them should be one of the top 1-2 punches up the middle for the next half-decade. What to do with Andrew Cogliano can wait until another day, suffice to say that if he isn't viewed as a winger, his future with the Oilers is in some jeopardy. Particularly if Brodziak/Pouliot can be effective in the number 3 slot.

5.5 million cap hit per season really isn't bad for what Horcoff brings to the table; while I doubt he'll be consistently as effective as he was last season, he should be a first-line, 70-point, tough-competition outscorer for at least the next 2-3 years.

The only unfortunate thing, from my perspective, is that the Oilers organization timed this signing to obscure a different negotiation.

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Don't hold out for the extra hundred grand jonathon - we've all seen how that turns out.

by Oilman on Jul 16, 2008 8:56 PM MDT reply actions

by Black Dog on Jul 16, 2008 10:11 PM MDT reply actions

Wow Brownlee is a little thin skinned, huh?

Hooray for the Horcoff signing.

Boo Oilers Nation. I read it for the Brownlee stuff but this whole non linking to everyone who happens to link to them is kind of uncool.

I'm fairly certain Brownlee's playing around. Fairly certain.

Oilers Nation keeps talking about how their new site will have a blog roll; I think it's just a matter of time.

by Jonathan Willis on Jul 16, 2008 10:18 PM MDT reply actions

Good news for Horcoff! Good value and his extension was crucial to the team! I havent heard anyone complain yet except the clown on HF who thought he should be making Gilbert money.

I'm sure Brownlee is kidding around. Does that mean you'll be dual posting?

by Sean on Jul 16, 2008 10:22 PM MDT reply actions

I'm sure Brownlee is kidding around. Does that mean you'll be dual posting?

Depends on if those Bergeron pictures get posted ;)

by Jonathan Willis on Jul 16, 2008 10:34 PM MDT reply actions

Your blog towers over the juvenile fare offered over at Oilers Nation-Brownlee included. You're a much better writer (Robin doesn't seem to understand the new media yet), your tone is much more professional, and your site stands on its own. They're just starved for content and quality ideas. Regardless of your decision, your offerings are uniformly outstanding.

by Bohologo on Jul 17, 2008 1:10 AM MDT reply actions

ditto what bohologo said.

by James on Jul 17, 2008 4:40 AM MDT reply actions

Stay your own brand, Jonathan. If it's about getting a little scratch, you're better off throwing up some Google ads on your site.

My problems with that site as it exists:

1. It started off as a for-profit venture right out of the gate, trying to capture the spirit of Oilogosphere (the dinky Photoshop stuff seems awfully familiar) only to make money from it.

2. Having no blog roll speaks volumes about point #1.

3. The rah-rah cheerleading tone simply bugs me. Plus I think it has something to do with point #1.

Having said that, I wish no ill will of them. Indeed, I think a I know a couple of the guys behind it -- just not my cup of tea.

I just think you're better off on your own, good sir. Keep up with the blog, it's great.

by mike w on Jul 17, 2008 7:28 AM MDT reply actions

Can't argue with Panelled Heat.

To me, C&B is the 1B to Lowetide's 1A. I don't even read OilersNation unless someone links to it. Plus, they don't have RSS feeds. It's only a matter of time before you and Alan are finally hired by the Oil in a Paul DePodesta type role. Might as well keep growing your own brand.

by Marchantfan on Jul 17, 2008 9:51 AM MDT reply actions

Thank you, everybody, for the very kind comments about my site. They mean a lot to me, and the collegial atmosphere of the Oilogosphere is one of its more admirable qualities.

There are a few very compelling things about OilersNation; I've been in occasional contact with them and have had a bit of a glimpse at where they're going, and I find it very exciting.

I haven't been offered any money; the idea of switching over has more to do with increased exposure and excitement at what they're trying to build.

I know for a fact that they want to become more integrated with the Oilogosphere; including a blog roll, so those problems I view as only temporary.

by Jonathan Willis on Jul 17, 2008 10:12 AM MDT reply actions

I say go for it. Increased exposure is a good thing. ON could use a little more substance and you'd provide that and then some.

People who don't like ON can just subscribe to your RSS just like they do now.

by Sean on Jul 17, 2008 10:13 AM MDT reply actions

the idea of switching over has more to do with increased exposure and excitement at what they're trying to build.

Just promise us to think about it for a while. You're already doing all of the work, so what can they bring to the table?

Of course, I have my bias: If the whole goal is a one-stop shop for all things Oil, I'd rather see it done by Oilogosphere bloggers, naturally.

Plus, I'd rather put a pipecleaner down my dink hole than ever have a Hudsons ad on my webpage.

by mike w on Jul 17, 2008 11:05 AM MDT reply actions

Of course, I have my bias: If the whole goal is a one-stop shop for all things Oil, I'd rather see it done by Oilogosphere bloggers, naturally.

Still, I really doubt that the Oilogosphere could produce such a site, because I think such a site requires guys with inside connections and actual media experience; Robin Brownlee has been one of the better MSM guys covering the Oilers for a long time now, and he brings quite a bit of credibility to the table.

I also have trouble seeing the majority of bloggers giving up the advantages of personal control of their sites; I know that's something I've really been thinking hard about.

by Jonathan Willis on Jul 17, 2008 11:20 AM MDT reply actions

I hate to go off topic, but the Horcoff signing sets things up for a very long time (a couple of serious Cup runs are coming up)...

Having Horcoff (Game 7 warrior) in place while Gagner continues to gain experience with soft 2nd line ES minutes is a perfect plan.

Cogliano? Two years of training with Pisani will make him a complete player - it took a few years for Horcoff to become one... Cogliano becoming a shorthanded weapon that can score on any error is the key in the playoffs. He can still step up to a scoring line if injuries warrant - but the team needs him to become a defensive superstar.

Back to the regular program of Oilers Nation - sorry for side tracking.....

by Gord on Jul 17, 2008 11:47 AM MDT reply actions

I hate to go off topic, but the Horcoff signing sets things up for a very long time (a couple of serious Cup runs are coming up)...

Because really, what's the importance of a number 1 centre's contract when blogosphere politics are being discussed ;)

Cogliano? Two years of training with Pisani will make him a complete player - it took a few years for Horcoff to become one... Cogliano becoming a shorthanded weapon that can score on any error is the key in the playoffs. He can still step up to a scoring line if injuries warrant - but the team needs him to become a defensive superstar.

I certainly could see Cogliano in that role; the issue is that I could also see Brodziak/Pouliot in that role. Thus, the question becomes: is Cogliano more valuable as a third line centre, a position that we have several options for, or as trade bait?

I'm afraid that I already know the answer.

by Jonathan Willis on Jul 17, 2008 11:54 AM MDT reply actions

Thus, the question becomes: is Cogliano more valuable as a third line centre, a position that we have several options for, or as trade bait?

Cogliano needs to become our insurance policy this year in case of injuries.

If everyone stays healthy - and if Brodziak / Pouliot grow into the 3rd line centre role - Cogliano's value will shoot through the roof by next summer's draft.

Much as I would hate losing Cogliano, it is Lowe's responsibility to create a valuable trading chip while winning games along the way.

As I posted originally, Horcoff is the key for the next few years - the signing covers a lot of bases...

by Gord on Jul 17, 2008 12:17 PM MDT reply actions

I don't think we need to entertain options on trading Cogliano just yet, though his days as a Centre sure are numbered. That world class speed is impossible to ignore and he's got the NHL release already, a perfect compliment to Gagner and Nilsson's vision and passing abilities. If only one of the three were over 6' we'd have the equivalent of the Anaheim Ducks' Perry, Getzlaf and who-cares-who-else.

The defensive-mindedness is absolutely something that Cogliano must develop this year. I don't see any of the other kids really becoming that two-way player we've already seen from #13, so some on the job training from Fernando and Ethan will surely go a long way. He may never be the powerplay specialist that Gagner or Nilsson have become, but we need some defensive mindedness in our top-6 not named Horcoff to be an effective team.

If we were to remotely consider trading Cogliano as part of a package deal, the only area I forsee that needs strengthening is our goaltending, and if we're giving up a budding talent, not to mention a two-time Gold medal winner, it better be for a top-10 goalie in the league. Maybe someone like Vesa Toskala. Lord knows the Leafs won't be able to win this decade even with his talents in the nets, and they know they screwed up by not drafting him when they had the chance.

Please keep this blog alive. It's become the first option I come to these days because there's always something new to read. Great job!

by doritogrande on Jul 17, 2008 12:35 PM MDT reply actions

I don't think we need to entertain options on trading Cogliano just yet, though his days as a Centre sure are numbered.

I certainly see Cogliano as staying with the team through next season; I do however believe that he will be dealt within three years. I don't see a long-term role for him, unlss it's as a winger, because I think he's got more upside than 3rd-line centre.

by Jonathan Willis on Jul 17, 2008 12:51 PM MDT reply actions

Robin Brownlee has been one of the better MSM guys covering the Oilers for a long time now, and he brings quite a bit of credibility to the table.

Credibility to who? No disrespect to Brownlee, but half of the Oilogosphere seems to be already working in the media anyway. What we're talking about is access, specifically to the Oilers.

I'll admit it's not something I really think to deeply about as an Edmonton Oilers blogger living in Toronto, but as MSM continually makes clear, access isn't everything.

I think a case could me made for an Oilogosphere superblog, but then again, it seems to be already functioning as one already, without the window dressing.

by mike w on Jul 17, 2008 12:54 PM MDT reply actions

Credibility to who? No disrespect to Brownlee, but half of the Oilogosphere seems to be already working in the media anyway. What we're talking about is access, specifically to the Oilers.

Yes, and a very nice job of decoding what I was trying to say despite the exact words I used to say it.

I'll admit it's not something I really think to deeply about as an Edmonton Oilers blogger living in Toronto, but as MSM continually makes clear, access isn't everything.

It is, however, the one area where the Oilogosphere cannot compete with the MSM, at least to date.

I think a case could me made for an Oilogosphere superblog, but then again, it seems to be already functioning as one already, without the window dressing.

Another nice point. The group of blogs really does function in a united fashion, with crosslinking, referencing and the like.

by Jonathan Willis on Jul 17, 2008 1:17 PM MDT reply actions

Jonathan,

If I were you I would take the offer. If it sucks then just leave comments on all our blogs and I for one will be back here the next day like I always am.

by Kyle on Jul 17, 2008 2:18 PM MDT reply actions

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Northwest Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Vancouver Nucks Misconduct	54	34	15	5	73
Colorado Mile High Hockey	56	28	25	3	59
Minnesota Hockey Wilderness	54	25	21	8	58
Calgary Matchsticks and Gasoline	55	25	22	8	58
Edmonton The Copper & Blue	54	21	28	5	47

(updated 2.11.2012 at 1:04 AM MST)

21 - 28 - 5

Streak: Lost 2

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Toronto Pension Plan Puppets	Wed 02/15	8:00 PM MST
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@ Calgary Matchsticks and Gasoline	Tue 02/21	7:00 PM MST

Last 5 Games

@ Detroit Winging It In Motown	Wed 02/08	L 2 - 4
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Chicago Second City Hockey	Thu 02/02	W 8 - 4
Colorado Mile High Hockey	Tue 01/31	W 3 - 2