There is a boatload of bloggers out there. Here at PKLC we're just a spec on the hockey blogosphere. But we do have some famous friends. I shot a few questions over to my good friend, Kevin Jesus, Global Saskatoon Sports Director, to ask him his views about the Edmonton Oilers.
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With the Oilers finishing dead last a season ago, it seemed like rock bottom, how did you, as a fan, deal with a season that was basically over by november?
The season started with tons of optimism. Two new coaches, a goaltender who had a Stanley Cup under his belt, and some pretty exciting players. In hindsight, Khabibulin's gaffe in the opening game of the season against Calgary should have been a warning sign - it would be a long and gruelling season. In short order it became quite clear the Copper and Blue were going nowhere - injuries and sub-par play turned the year into a nightmare. So while it would have been easy to slip into a depression - my thoughts quickly turned to the future. Short term pain for long term gain... in the salary cap era, you've gotta build through drafting and smart trades - so it's all about looking ahead.
The Oilers picked Taylor Hall 1st overall in the draft this year. Do you think with his arrival, we will see an immediate impact on the club?
My biggest fear is that fans are going to place an unreasonable amount of expectations on this kid. It's his first season so I'm hoping fans aren't expecting 40-goals... remember, look who's surrounding him. It's going to be a long season with tons of growing pains - the key is patience.
A lot of upgrading was done to the team's AHL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons. Do you think the team learned it's lesson from last years injury riddled season and what having depth in the system can do?
Depth is very important and as I said eariler, the key to any successful team in the salary cap era is to build from within the organization. Look at the Anaheim Ducks - they did a tremendous job of building future stars and then filling the holes with smart trades to complete the puzzle
In addition to Hall, the Oilers have a lot of up and coming talent with the likes of Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi. Do you think any vets will be looking over their shoulder at training camp?
Of course the vets should be looking over their shoulder. With the exception of Ales Hemsky (who missed most of last season with injury) none of the guys on that team did much to prove they deserve to stick around. Not to mention that competition is a great thing... if having these young stars will push the older guys, there's no harm in that.
Remember... it was guys playing above their potential that took this team to within one win of sipping champagne from Lord Stanley's Cup.
Finally, you've certainly taken to your adopted homes' WHL team, the Saskatoon Blades. Coming off an impressive 99 point season and second consecutive playoff birth, what do you see for this years squad?
It'll be an interesting season for the Bridge City Bunch. They'll need to name a new captain prior to puck drop on the season - losing Derek Hulak will be tough as he was all heart and a true leader in that locker room.
The team has an influx of 20-year olds so we'll have to keep a close on eye on who sticks around and who'll be packing...
There are a ton of good young players on this team and guys that you'll want to keep a close eye on... Lukas Sutter, Duncan Siemens, Darian Dziurzynski, Brent Benson, Charles Inglis... I fully expect to see this team competing for the East Division crown.
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My thanks goes out to Kevin for taking a bit of time out of his day to answer our questions. You can find him on twitter @GlobalJesus. If you're in the Saskatoon area be sure to catch Kevin on Global News.
- Jaye
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