French Collection

They will have no legs in the 3rd should be about the Flames.

TNT losing another draw in the offensive zone was a bad start to that whole shift.

Skinner let in 7 goals on 21 shots vs Washington, Oilers need UPL.

I like Tuch and what he brings to the organization. I want to keep him and would have no issue with a $10M AAV. My issue is with the length that he wants. I can easily see his performance declining next year and continuing a downward path. The question is how steep is the decline and whether he can even play 8 more years. A gradual decline for 6-7 years is palatable but a drop to 50% production in year 3 or 4 is a problem. Maximum term elsewhere is 6 years while the Sabres can go 8. Meet in the middle at 7 and cave in on bonuses.

I think another plus is the intangible effect he has on his teammates when he is in the net. I think he brings Eeyore vibes to the team. I agree that you move him ASAP.

True, but until Kesselring shows he can be 2nd pairing Timmins keeps the job. Currently Byram and Power are 2nd pairing skill and pay but they can’t play together well and are not good on the right hand side.

Did you see Skinner last night? That’s the best the Oilers have while making runs to the Cup finals. They could be talked into UPL being a young, improving goalie who needs a change of scenery.

The extra help on breakouts matters. The team seems way more confident with him, not gripping their sticks tight waiting for a UPL softie.

Get rid of the other one so there is no controversy. Some side benefits to this move as well.

I hope we can establish a pecking order by the trade deadline because I feel one of these two has to go. Power’s size and reach are an advantage that he doesn’t use enough. He has been a smidge more physical than in the past but needs a lot of work defensively. He needs to focus on this since he will not be relied upon for offense, except for some spot PP duty. Byram requires an extension if Power is traded, so money will factor into the decision. If he is willing to stay as the 2nd pairing guy on a reasonable wage I would keep him. Your Mrtka arrival makes me wonder who he would be a better fit for, Byram or Power. The idea of twin towers is appealing but I feel like Power could bring more in a trade than Byram. I could get talked into keeping whichever one plays better with Timmins, to form a solid 2nd pairing, while trading the high priced 3rd pairing guy.

I like Byram better. Better skater, more physical and a better shooter. Power has regressed. He may bounce back but his defensive game is really weak. Teams are not afraid to dump it in his corner or stand in front of the net. Some extended time on the 3rd pairing and focusing on PK could be his wake up call. Both of these guys realize they will never be the guy on this team, find your lane and excel in that role.

There are definitely more potential line combos with all these C/W players. IMO, a healthy Norris moves TNT to wing at the end of a game they trail and in OT. When you need to win a draw Tage is not your guy. Faceoffs are not the be all end all but you need the ability to win important ones. They got a huge empty netter last night but they were losing all of the key draws.

That’s where he does his best work. Seriously though, did Johnson p*ss off management when it looked like he may go 4 years in the NCAA and sign anywhere? He is better than Bryson and would probably improve if he practiced, played and was around NHL staff.

Timmins has been better than him.

That is another area where a POHO can step in and be the face and voice of the organization.