I still have no faith in this team

Isles would accept if there were no better offers

What do you think?

@uphere
@Timmah007
@RWellington

@datmonkey91
@Zmach
@Drai_By_shooting

Well, that probably has something to do with the fact that you're a Leafs fan.

I really like it but comes down to what happens with smith next year just don’t want to see a three goalie tandem or chance skinner hitting waivers.

Another small issue might be that chara wanted to stay in the east maybe he’s more willing to come out west since it’s only for the tail end of season and playoffs.

That's what I'm thinking. It's just a couple of months and he won't be chasing a Cup on Long Island this spring.

I think by the deadline we'll know more... if Smith struggles and/or gets injured again, there's a decent chance he retires in the summer. Especially if Varlamov and Skinner are in the picture.

As an Oiler fan, I hate this trade, I don't think Holland would hate this trade which scares the sh=t out of me. Personally, I would move heaven and earth for Carter Hart who's recent rumors are that he could be available.

Why do you hate it? It's a little cheaper than what Colorado paid for Kuemper who is arguably less valuable.

Hart is nice but he'd cost way, way more.

I was wanting chara in the offseason but then heard about wanting to stay in the east but who knows I’d love to have him and Russell split that third pairing role if one needs extra time off that’s fine Niemelianen I’d like to see more of too in my opinion he should be a lock for that spot next year. I know most would lean towards broberg but Niemelianen brings a big physical presence broberg brings a lot more of smooth skating mobility we have in Barrie and nurse.

What about Hart makes you prefer him to Varlamov? The biggest plus I can see is that Varlamov has one more season at $5M and Hart has two more at just under $4M, but at this point Varlamov has a much longer track record of success, while Hart basically has the 2019-20 season and a slight bounce back this year(with his "bounceback" numbers being worse/basically the same as Varlamov).

Do you think that Edmonton is the place that Hart can get it turned around?

Could be but I just think this team is more than one or two pieces away. I think with Hyman and Kane added this year there top 6 looks the best that is has in years but that D and goaltending looks awful to me. As a leafs fan I know Barrie and CC too well. They are good as your 5/6 but any higher and they look out of place

The Oilers are 9th place in the Western Conference, 5th in the Pacific Division. They have the 8th best winning percentage in the Conference and 4th best in the Division, just 0.2% behind the 3rd place team. The Oilers have the same number of wins as the Flames, Ducks, and Stars, and one fewer win than the Kings. They have games in hand over all but two teams in front of them, Calgary and Minnesota. Despite that 2-11-2 stretch the Oilers have actually improved their 5vs5 goal differential as the year has progressed, their power play is beginning to score again, and they are 10-2 against Pacific Division rivals and 7-4 against Central division teams. 28 of their remaining 41 games are against Western Conference teams, with half of those being against Pacific Division competition. Heading into the second half of the season, Edmonton has one player on the IR and none in COVID Protocol. I think there is cause for optimism.

However, in the past 10 games the Oilers have been able to gain a bit of ground on only Anaheim and Dallas, but have lost ground to every other team in front of them. They also have to play 41 games in the next 80 days, seemingly a reckless schedule that presents a high degree of probability for exhaustion and injury. The Oilers are notorious for playing poorly in afternoon games, and they have 6 of those in their remaining schedule. They have 5 back-to-back sets, and 4 sets of 3 games in 4 nights. I think there is cause for concern.

When I consider how the Oilers arrived in their current situation, untimely injuries and COVID complications are readily apparent contributors. I think that inconsistency is perhaps a third, and just as critical contributor. I believe that because I also believe the roster has enough talent and skill to get into the playoffs and make some noise, if every player is dialed in and contributing to their potential. To date, that has not happened, and so I do not believe we have seen what this team is capable of. That is both good and bad because it suggests this team could be a lot better, but clearly demonstrates that there is no certainty it will be a lot better.

There is room for improvements within the current group so I think the Oilers want to add to their current roster without taking too much away. It seems obvious that they need a physical, cycle breaking defenseman, and reliable veteran goaltender in particular. I think if you consider the way that recent game in Washington played out, you might agree that perhaps the Oilers also need a heavy, reasonably skilled and physical forward, or two. Adding Varlamov would certainly address concerns with goaltending, he's probably the best of the goaltenders that might be available right now. Having Chara in the lineup would amplify the veteran presence in the dressing room exponentially, and perhaps his on-ice performance will be enough to shore up the Edmonton blue line. I do think Chara is a riskier proposition than Varlamov, and that there might be other options that are at least equally effective on the ice. Still, the Oilers could do a lot worse than adding those two.

Trading that 2022 1st round pick would have to result in a significant improvement to the team's chances of winning now, and for the next couple of years. After all, the conditions of the Duncan Keith trade are such that, if successful, this trade could result in the Oilers foregoing a draft pick until late in the 3rd round this year.

I'm not sure Varlamov is the goalie the Oilers need. I would want younger and better.

I think Hart is the better goalie playing In front of a horrendous team.

They need experience though, not a 23-year-old who has skills but hasn't put together 2 winning seasons in a row. Varlamov is a good bridge to Skinner / Konovalov / Rodrigue, should one of them work out (all are trending in the right direction).

I like going after Varlamov, I think he'd be able to handle a playoff run and perform well too, but I think you can get away with trading two 2nds and koskinen for varly alone. Oilers don't need Chara, they need someone a lot better at their 2 LD spot than him.

Good Points, I just think Harts the better goalie now, it's kind of like a young Price behind Halak, Halak was the more experienced and actually better, but Price was better long term.

Hart may be better now, but (a) it's not definitive, (b) he's unproven in the playoffs and (c) he's going to cost a LOT more to acquire. I really don't think Holland does that just now.

I dont hate it. But id aim higher. Also as you know im not shy to blockbusters with an eye to the future, a better OVERALL team and digging out of the cap issues we have. Thats why i have no problem moving Nurse in a deal. The next 3 years of picks and borderline prospects are all expendable. Even the odd top prospect. I wont move a hall for Larsson but i will toss in an extra pick or prospect to get my guy