tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928330948479195824.post5457589481683827864..comments2023-05-16T04:07:54.054-06:00Comments on Edmonton Oilers News - Oilers Jambalaya: 'is there HOPE for tomorrow in Oil Country'? Part 2Brent Huskahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06863953025849925554noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928330948479195824.post-3053848618496151832013-04-30T10:00:18.383-06:002013-04-30T10:00:18.383-06:00I hear what your saying about Valeri and his contr...I hear what your saying about Valeri and his contract in Russia and all however, I am not telling you what you may want to hear but actually how the brain trust works within the Oilers organization. <br /><br />Comparing Valeri to Yakupov is not even a comparable. Yakupov is a 1st OV and contrary to some draft lists for the NHL, I would be shocked if he was drafted before Jones, MacKinnon, Drouin and Barkov. anywhere from #5 spot back is a possibility IMO.<br /><br />In regards to Yakupov not playing in the CHL after being drafted, that is understandable as he was head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. Valeri is not but I would say he will grow more from playing with big men as he is one himself. Stating you WILL not play in the AHL is NOT a team first attitude and that attitude was one Linus Omark had as well. The KHL is a different game and while Valeri is a power forward on wing he has never competed like a power forward in the North American style of game. Telling a team before your drafted where you will only play is not a sign of a team player.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I like Valeri's game a lot, I have been following him for some time. The Oilers want team first players and like to see the humility where a player will follow the suggestion of the development staff. Klefbom preferred to stay in Sweden longer and they were ok with that. What Oscar did not do is 'tell' the Oilers what he would not do. Now, in fairness to Valeri, maybe something has been lost in translation and he is stating the same as Klefbom and if that is the case, I would think the Oilers would be fine with it as well. <br /><br />One thing to note, as far as I can gather, Valeri signed a contract with the KHL for the next 2 seasons. If it was me, I would be fine with that cause he would be more physically mature and in the end would be sitting around Klefbom as far as time waited before coming over to play in Training Camp.<br /><br />Having said all that, the Oilers do need a two-way centermen who has top 6 potential not a winger unless it's this year or next for sure and he can step right in. If it comes down to Monahan and Nischuskin, I am pretty sure they take the center. If Valeri falls that low, which I doubt he will, all I hope is the Oilers don't take a run at Lindholm, I am not high on his ability to translate his game to North America any better then Paajarvi.revingevhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00290475584364998072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1928330948479195824.post-67085716941984621982013-04-29T16:16:37.256-06:002013-04-29T16:16:37.256-06:00Valeri Nischuskin is already in the KHL and makes ...Valeri Nischuskin is already in the KHL and makes total sense for him to stay there if he doesn't make the NHL club. Nobody said much about Yakupov's decision to NOT play in the CHL this past season...which in many fans opinion was probably best for his development anyways.<br /><br />It was unlikely Valeri Nischuskin was going to be available at the seventh spot. Some have him as high as the 3rd best player in this draft. However, with that comment he may very well slip. If he slips to seventh I think the Oilers need to take him. He's that big body player they desperately need and I think Yakupov on the Oilers will eliminate the "Russian factor". Nischuskin on the left wing with Yakupov on the right would be deadly. <br /><br />Besides, stating he doesn't want to play in the AHL is a lot different than saying he won't play in the NHL. This kid could very well play NHL hockey as early as next season and if he isn't NHL ready no harm done staying where he's at. <br /><br />If not Nischuskin at 7th (which is a steal) than Monahan or Lindholm has to be on the Oilers radar. A bigger two way centre is probably the best alternative for the Oil. Raine Snowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05720827427486957055noreply@blogger.com