06/19/12 The Oilers Won't Trade Down

Some believe that the Oilers could trade down at the draft in the hope of adding two or more pieces that better fit their immediate needs. The problem with that scenario is that the draft order and player rankings work against it.

06/15/12 All Signs Point To Trade

Those people hoping for the simple and obvious course at the upcoming NHL Entry Draft may be disappointed by the Oilers. Over the last several days there's been smoke billowing on the horizon, and maybe things aren't as simple as walking up to the podium and selecting Yakupov.

06/07/12 Simple Questions with Complicated Answers

On Wednesday those sneaky Oilers managed to finally make the move that everyone was expecting. Tambellini is back for "multiple years." What about this organization necessitates taking an eon to make a simple decision? This isn't the first time.

06/03/12 Jets Have Defensive Depth to Spare

The organizational strength of the Winnipeg Jets is on defense, and the Winnipeg Sun wondered aloud if a player like Tobias Enstrom could be a trade chip for a top-six forward. Could the Oilers mine their Manitoba neighbors for help on the back end?

05/28/12 Swapping Picks

Back in 2002, the Florida Panthers traded down from number one to number three and got the defenseman they wanted in Jay Bouwmeester. In exchange, they received the option to swap first round picks with Columbus in 2003. Could the Oilers do something similar?

05/13/12 Ryan Murray vs. Jay Bouwmeester

What if the Oilers draft Ryan Murray and he turns into Jay Bouwmeester? Would fans be happy with that choice? Picking Bouwmeester in 2002 meant the Florida Panthers had to pass on Rick Nash, and something similar would happen with Edmonton and Yakupov. Good move?

05/12/12 Ryan Murray vs. Cam Barker

With all the hubbub around Kevin Lowe's comments about Ryan Murray being a (the?) top player, Oilers fans are left wondering if their team will be taking the young defenseman first overall. If so, what are the odds that he'll be a flop like Cam Barker? Let's take a look at both of their Junior careers in the WHL and try to determine the better player, at least before the NHL.