Are the Edmonton Oilers ever going to get any real players?

Question

Jagr signed in Russia cause its warmer. I don't think they can only sign alternative lifestyle players and remain competetive. What do you think?

Answer 1

Jagr signed in Russia because: a) he gets the equivalent of 11,000,000 after taxes per year - cause he won't have to pay any income tax like he would in the NHL - which means he comes out at least 3-4mil ahead of the best NHL contract he was offered, b) he gets a 3 year contract - and due to the terms of the NHL's CBA no teams are offering multi-year contracts to older (35+) players any more and c) it's close to home for him. The fact that he hesitated at in accepting the Russian offer is amazing.

Edmonton should have a better team this year. The key is team chemistry - not star players. The Flames had a team of leftovers when they went the finals a few years ago, but they played their hearts out.(Same thing for Montreal last season)  Since then , Calgary's had way better teams on paper and haven't done nearly as well because their team chemistry has been practically nonexistent.

Answer 2

I agree with Mr. Peabody. just because you go out and buy better players it doesnt mean you will have the better team. case in point: the Rangers.

btw, have you already forgotten about the 2006 season when the Oilers made it to the Cup with Smith, Pronger, Roloson, and Samsonov, when they weren't even expected to make it past Detroit in Rd1?

Answer 3

Warmer in Russia?

Seriously? Thats why you think he left?

Mr. Peabody is correct, I like his answer.

Answer 4

You shoulda posted this 30 years ago. They were about to get some halfway descent players named Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Mark Messier, Andy Moog, Grant Fuhr, Esa Tikkanen, Glenn Anderson, Paul Coffey and well you get the idea

Answer 5

Probably they will not get many because either they do not like the weather or playing in Canada where hockey is everything.

Answer 6

/Not when your GM tries some stupid-*** offer sheets for Vanek and Penner.

Answer 7

The Oilers can't compete even in the era of salary certainty. What was supposed to even out the playing field still leaves teams short in luring top talent to their cities.

I see it in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Nashville, Columbus, to name a few.

Plus, I'd be surprised if the Oilers stay in Edmonton.