:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63992486/1068921960.jpg.5.jpg)
Good morning!
Happy hump day. Slow day for sports unless you’re into the FIFA Women’s World Cup or watching the Blue Jays get dummied on an almost-nightly basis. There was probably hurling on yesterday, too.
"I think it's a great opportunity for myself to learn from somebody else who's been in the game for so long." Keith Gretzky on @OilersNow re: Ken Holland & today's confirmation that Gretzky will stay on as #Oilers Assistant GM https://t.co/kCIdWJ3Cpv
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 11, 2019
The Oilers announced they were retaining the services of former-assistant-turned-interim-turned-assistant GM Keith Gretzky, which was received with some fanfare. Decidedly more than I expected, but I am fully willing to admit that I give him less credit for his big hits in Boston than some of the other Oilers outlets. I am fully admitting that all of Carlo, McAvoy, and especially Pastrnak were excellent choices. I also don’t think that a GM should get a pass for mostly bad work prior to it and questionable at best (IMO) work since just because he hit on a couple first rounders and an early second. I mean, it’s good work, but is it enough to undo missing on the other two first round picks in 2015? Or being a heavy co-sign on the Seguin trade? Or his part of some of Peter Chiarelli’s greatest hits here in Edmonton? Not cashing in on the pending UFAs last deadline? Is it enough to move beyond trepidation and nervousness and into excitement?!
For some fans, apparently. For me, I’m not so convinced. Hopefully it is me who is the most wrong.
Just catching up on @Bob_Stauffer's interview with K.Gretzky. KG was adamant that their philosophy was draft "best player available" and not for "need" .
— Woodguy (@Woodguy55) June 11, 2019
That was comforting to hear.
Pretty happy with EDM's drafting under his direction.
Either way, we’ll have more on Gretzky later today. Stay tuned.
The Oilers also re-signed Danish F Patrick Russell yesterday.
The Great had a career season in 2018-19 with 18 goals and 40 points. He also was one of five to make their @NHL debuts this season. #Condorstown pic.twitter.com/6cz1uw9S4v
— Bakersfield Condors (@Condors) June 11, 2019
Outside of the Oilers, the Stanley Cup Finals resume this evening, with St. Louis in Boston to take on the Bruins in a deciding game seven. I won’t be watching.
Much ado was made about the US WNT’s annihilation of Thailand’s WNT at the FIFA WWC, specifically about their celebrations as the game was growing further and further out of hand. I don’t have a problem with it. What say you?
Also #RapsInFour.
Stanley’s Cup
St. Louis GDT (St. Louis Game Time)
Boston Preview (Stanley Cup of Chowder)
NBA Finals
Off day consumables. (RaptorsHQ)
From Us
Oilers re-signed F Patrick Russell to one-year deal. (Copper and Blue)
From Elsewhere
Lowetide touches ‘em all. (Lowetide)
Mid-tier free agent targets. (Oilersnation)
The Oilers might be interested in D Kristian Nakyva. (The Oilers Rig)
For Money
Willis from yesterday, looking at Gagner, Kassian, and Khaira’s ability (or not) to play top-nine minutes for the Oilers next season. (The Athletic)
Kent Wilson looks at the Flames side of trading James Neal. Only interesting because of the brief Lucic mention and a bit of a deeper dive about what Neal is right now. (The Athletic)
Hey, I told you it was slow yesterday.