Oilers 2014 First Rounder in play
With the Oilers’ first-rounder likely to be very good in 2014, what return do you think they’d get if they traded it?
A: Absolutely, the Oilers’ first pick is in play this year for more immediate help. Heck, I’d say all of their picks should be. I know the lifeblood of a team is building through the draft, but I suspect most Oilers fans are tired of draft picks. They want immediate gratification. The 2014 NHL entry draft is not forecast to be a high-end, deep pool in Round 1, with Kootenay Ice forward Sam Reinhart and Barrie Colts captain Aaron Ekblad maybe the Top 2 on most scouting boards. Michael Nylander’s right-wing son William, Kingston Frontenacs defenceman Roland McKeown, Prince Albert Raiders centre Leon Draisaitl (German-born) and OHL centre Sam Bennett are all good, too. But there’s nobody who knocks your socks off. I’m sure the Oilers could dangle their No. 1 for a solid defenceman, but I don’t believe as one fan (Sully) tweeted, they should offer the No. 1 and Jordan Eberle to Nashville for Shea Weber. That would never fly, sorry. The Predators need offence, but there is no way they are moving Weber until rookie Seth Jones is a couple of years along on the blue-line. And whatever team calls on Weber (Edmonton, Philadelphia) would have to give up a very good defenceman, too.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/edmonton-oilers/Edmonton+Oilers+Dallas+Eakins+Nail/9157287/story.html