I am definitely not pioneering here by bringing this topic up. However, it is becoming more and more evident that the organization might not be doing a systematic, well-timed and overall proper job at putting together a "playoffs" roster.

What is the core of 6 and 9 forwards? Who are the "role players" among the forwards? Who are the NHL-caliber substitutes, available within the organization when the core players are injured (and not just AHL "plugs" who are massacred on the ice when called up)? What is the optimal format for our defense? Players for which positions and who exactly must be procured to make the Oilers a contender?

My take is: 1) we lack: a number 1 goaltender and for the next season the Oilers are better to trade or, likely, to buy out Khabibulin and sign Victor Fasth or a player of a similar qualification; 2) we lack a top-4 defenseman (perhaps two): Peckham and Barker are to be "outsourced" with Potter and Whitney further evaluated. Petry, Smid, Sutton, Schultz will need help (Blum, Eckmann-Larsson have been mentioned, but the search for suitable free agents in NHL, SEL, SM-liga and elsewhere and their acquisition is paramount). The criterion: must BOTH like Edmonton and able to play defense in the NHL. That's tough, I know! Finally, 3) a power forward, "Wheeler type": we may have one in Eager for either the 3rd or the 4th lines, but will need another one with more scoring to help us in top 6.

In conclusion, what we have and what we need (IMO):

Hall-RNH-Eberle

"Wheeler-type"(can Paajarvi grow in?)-Gagner-Hemsky

Smyth-Horcoff-Jones/Omark

Petrell-Belanger-Eager (also in the mix: Tyrvainen? Hartikainen?)

Smid-Petry

top 4 to be acquired -Schultz

Sutton-Whitney (Potter? Fedun? Plante? Teubert?)

Also, we might get Ryan Murray, who might play some games at the NHL the next year. The most ready "D" with up to 30 minutes a game in him already.

Fasth (or alike)

Dubnyk

Will the Oilers be able to compete for a deep run in the playoffs in 2012-2013 with this roster?