Time's Up

From a timing standpoint, last night’s announcement that the Edmonton Oilers had decided to part ways with Director of Amateur Scouting Stu MacGregor and Head Pro Scout Morey Gare caught almost everyone off guard. While no one could have been overly surprised with the decision, most were expecting the hammer to fall following the 2015 Entry Draft and not prior to.

Oilers have an impressive looking trio in Klefbom, Nurse and Schultz

Over the last number of years, the Edmonton Oilers have unjustly taken heat from more than a few so-called experts, for not addressing their blueline at the NHL Entry Draft. However, had any of them taken the time to look back at look at what they actually did, they would have see the complete opposite. While the organization did use their first overall picks from 2010-2012 on Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov, they did add a fair amount of young talent to their D core since the 2010 Draft.

MacTavish played it safe and smart at the NHL Entry Draft

When Craig MacTavish took over as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, he promised fans he would make the necessary "bold moves" to improve the hockey club. In the minds of many, those moves needed to start happening at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Unfortunately for them, the fireworks they were hoping to see never materialized and not a single "bold move" took place.

2013 NHL Entry Draft: Curtis Lazar and the Edmonton Oilers

Much has been made of the Edmonton Oilers and their seventh overall pick at the upcoming 2013 NHL Entry Draft. While general manager Craig MacTavish has made no secret of the Oilers desire to possibly move up and take a run at centre Aleksander, call me Sahsa, Barkov, being able to pull off such a move seems unlikely. Hence, leaving the organization three other options: 1) Make the selection, 2)Move back in the first round and pick up an additional asset, 3) Trade the pick outright for immediate help on the NHL roster

Oilers made the right choice in selecting Yakupov

In the hours leading up to the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, the buzz around the Edmonton Oilers and the first overall selection was surrounding defenceman Ryan Murray. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Everett Silvertips blueliner had suddenly become the front runner as the guy the Oilers would be taking at number one. While it may have just been a smoke screen to try and create interest in a possible trade for the pick, luckily Stu MacGregor and company decided to go the route the majority of fans were hoping and selected Sarina Sting winger Nail Yakupov.

All eyes on Tambellini and the Oilers at the NHL Entry Draft

With the Edmonton Oilers only hours away from making their third consecutive first overall selection at the 2012  NHL Entry Draft, speculation continues to surround the pick. Many are still wondering if Edmonton will keep the pick or trade it. While others debate who they should  take with the pick. Will it be Nail Yakupov or Ryan Murray? The smart money is on Yakupov but at this stage of the game, only General Manager Steve Tambellini and head amateur scout Stu MacGregor know which way they are leaning.