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Morning, folks.
Rishaug now with an interesting note on 1260. This is not the exact quote but he basically said if Tyson Barrie does return to the #Oilers, there could be a scenario where Ethan Bear is on the table to improve other areas of the team. #LetsGoOilers
— Mohammad Jaber (@Moe_Jaber) July 26, 2021
Stop doing this. Don’t be like this. Ethan Bear is the best D on the team. Trading him, given the perception that he actually isn’t_, essentially guarantees they don’t get commensurate value for a player of his ability, age, and cap hit. It’s a trade they’re guaranteed to lose. Typically, you don’t get better losing trades involving your best players.
Still on #BuyoutWatch before the #NHL's first window closes today at 5pm ET: Braden Holtby (VAN), Martin Jones (SJS), James Neal (EDM).
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 27, 2021
Sounds like #Oilers are still discussing the idea of a Koskinen buyout, though probably unlikely.
So, not only is James Neal a potential buyout candidate, but the Oilers are throwing around the idea of buying out Koskinen, too.
Remember when Bob Nicholson either let Chiarelli sign Koskinen to this deal and/or signed it himself as Chiarelli was being shown the door? In either case, Bob Nicholson is a grifter and the only thing he’s done in Edmonton is get his wife a book deal about the history of a team she was never around. Pretty incredible long con, if you think about it.
A couple of interesting players weren’t tendered qualifying offers by their teams yesterday, and some might be a good fit here in Edmonton:
OK let's run through some of the most interesting players who weren't tendered a qualifying offer and will therefore become UFA
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 26, 2021
Like Pius Suter, a 25 year old who played second line minutes with good two-way results and production rates. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/bgygnpYySo
Or Nick Ritchie, a player who may not be William Nylander but has improved at both ends of the ice in each of the past three seasons. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/HGKr4m1ys3
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 26, 2021
Or Ondrej Kase, whose injury problems have sidetracked what looked to be a very promising career. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/8nXGVR1Eip
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 26, 2021
Of course, after they sign Zach Hyman and Tyson Barrie, they won’t have any room.
PODCAST SZN RETURNS
It’s dark days in Oil Country.
The crew discusses all the recent news surrounding the team ranging from Adam Larsson’s departure, Mike Smith’s return, and the prospect of Zach Hyman signing a 7 to 8 year contract with the club.
Does Edmonton deserve better than Ken Holland? Listen to hear what we think in the latest episode of the Copper & Blue Podcast!
No QO? No Problem (Copper and Blue)
Hot Links: Monday July 26 (Copper and Blue)
OILERS NOTES: Still Waiting To See If James Neal Gets Bought Out (ES)
Ken Holland’s Shopping List (ON)
The Latest On James Neal… (ON)
Edmonton Oilers Reportedly In Trade Talks Involving James Neal As Buyout Deadline Approaches (EJ)
Top Five UFA Goalies: Will Grubauer Stay With Avs Or Help New Team? (SN)
The 50-Man Haircut (LT)
Finding the next Anthony Duclair: 10 non-tendered NHL players worth targeting in free agency (TA)