On Friday, reports emerged that the Edmonton Oilers will not trade their No. 1 overall pick for next week’s NHL Entry Draft. Of course, this means that the Oilers will indeed select first for the third straight season.
Fans in Edmonton have obvious reason for optimism. A young core of Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle and say for example, Nail Yakupov, would make any fanbase giddy over the possibilities that lie ahead.
But at what point does landing a top pick year after year, or even a top-five pick, become old?
Right now, a plethora of young offensive talent is enough to distract Oilers fans from the fact that the team has finished in the bottom two in the entire league for three straight years. If they’re back here with the No. 1 pick next June, will you still find it promising?
If they’re still picking in the top-five in 2014, will you still be able to see the bright future ahead?
Right now, I can’t find fault in Oilers fans being excited for next Friday, but I wonder when the expectations go from “let’s pile up the high picks” to “let’s make sure we’re not in this position again next year.”
Now here are some Saturday morning links:
- Trending Topics: In which Edmonton media starts NHL draft disinformation campaign (Puck Daddy).
- Report: 10 or more teams showing interest in Rick Nash (Sports Illustrated). Seven teams have reportedly had “significant” conversations with Columbus, while at least three others have “kicked the tires.” Hence, 7+3=10.
- The Lightning snare Anders Lindback to solve netminding issues (Edmonton Journal). Look, I’m not going to wish ill will on Lindback, and I realize that he is a promising young goalie, but he’s played a grand total of 38 NHL games, so I really hope Tampa isn’t expecting him to solve their issues in the crease.
- Anders Lindback – Steve Yzerman’s Latest Gamble (The Hockey Writers).
- Kings’ Stanley Cup run impacts merchandise, ticket sales (Sporting News).
- KTLA was ready for that Lakers championship parade on Thursday…wait, what? (Puck Daddy). Those L.A. media people just keep finding ways to disrespect the Kings.
- Where do the Devils go from here? (The Hockey Writers).
- 10 more people charged on Vancouver Riot anniversary (CTV).
- Volpatti takes slight pay cut to remain with Canucks (Vancouver Sun).
- Why martin Gelinas is a fantastic fit with new-look Flames (The StarPhoenix).
- Michigan Legislature has approved sale of alcohol at Michigan Stadium for Winter Classic (The Associated Press).
- Therrien ‘deserves’ job, Bouillon says (Montreal Gazette). Gerard Gallant and Clement Jodoin were named assistant coaches by the Canadiens on Friday.
- Are the Sens moving on up in the NHL Draft? (Canoe.ca)
