Oilers Fans Need to Learn a Few Lessons

A large group of Oilers fans need to learn a few lessons. They don't seem to understand how the NHL works in terms of free agent signings and trades. I listen to fans talk, turn on Edmonton sports radio, or read posts on social media and wonder what is wrong with this fan base there are a lot of people in Oil Country where the only adjective to describe them is delusional. When members of a fan base are equaling or even exceeding Leafs fans in delusionality that is a problem. Oilers fans need to realize a few things. The Oilers aren't going to be in on every single trade or free agent acquisitions in the NHL. Just because the fans and maybe the team is interested that doesn't mean the player or other team is. Just because someone is available doesn't mean they are coming to Edmonton because the the team asked them. Just because a move has not been made does not mean the GM is not trying because he probably is. And finally, just because your ludicrous trade suggestion sounds good in your head, and maybe even in your friends heads (if you're lucky) does not mean it's going to happen. Even if it is a rumour or idea Mactavish or the Oilers are seriously considering it has to be a fair deal both ways for the other team.

Let's start at the top with the first one. The Oilers aren't going to be in on every free agent signing or trade. That's just it, no team is in on or close to every single acquisition that happens in the NHL. For various reasons certain teams are just out on certain players. The Oilers included. However, for what ever reason there is a group of fans that seem to think that the Oilers could be in on every trade and free agent signing. They also think that every single trade or signing would upgrade the Oilers. These are the fans that every time a player moves they go "Oh why didn't we get him???? That would have so helped!!" #FireEakins #FireMactavish #FireEveryone." There are two things wrong with people saying this. Number one is a vast majority of the time a player moves it's a mediocre, overrated, or overpaid piece that likely would not of been much of an upgrade for the Oilers, or it was too expensive for the Oilers. The second thing wrong is, if that player would have helped the Oilers as much as you say, then don't you think Mactavish likely at least tried to get the player? Just because you don't hear about a report that the GM tried doesn't mean he didn't. If the player was going to be large upgrade chances are the GM tried, but wasn't able to land him (more on this topic later). If the other team or player wasn't interested in what the Oilers were offering chances are that player was too expensive or the Oilers were just unable to make it work. Just because the Oilers are interested in a signing or trade doesn't mean the player or the other team is.

This is another thing that is quite common in sports. For only one party to be interested in a move isn't unusual and that team either has to make a better offer or move on. Oilers fans in the past have been interested in many players from Shea Weber to Drew Doughty to Sean Couturier, and now I've heard hiring Mike Babcock for coach when he becomes a free agent. Just because you're interested in superstar players doesn't mean that the other team is interested in trading them. Lets look at the price tag for Weber or Doughty if there is even one. If this price tag even exists it's something a long the lines of Eberle, Arcobello, Petry a first round draft pick, and likely one more minor piece. Is it really worth giving up that much for one player? No. And the price tag for Couturier would only be slightly better. Teams are essentially uninterested in trading their stars unless you give up something stupid. As for Mike Babcock or any other good coach who may or may not be available? They have their choice of twenty nine other teams in the league. Many of which are a lot more attractive than Edmonton. Just because Edmonton calls, and even if Edmonton calls first, does not come anywhere close to guaranteeing that coach is coming to Edmonton. Even if Edmonton calls first, believe it or not that coach is allowed to wait for other offers and then decide what he wants to do. Even if a superstar player or coach were available doesn't mean they're going to come to Edmonton.

The availability of a player or coach does not determine that they're coming to Edmonton. Just like I mentioned with Mike Babcock, they have their choice of twenty nine other teams, most of which are a much more attractive location than Edmonton. Why would they come here? Sure, a few good players have been convinced to come here to play but those are in the minority. The Oilers aren't going to land every single available player or coach out there, in fact there's many, many available guys they aren't going to land. Even the good teams don't land every single available guy. That's the way the NHL works. Get used to it. Despite not landing certain players doesn't mean that Craig Mactavish isn't trying either.

For the short time he's been GM Craig Mactavish has made some really good moves. He's filled some holes that needed filling and gotten the Oilers key upgrades at certain positions. Since he's done these upgrades, do you really think he has intentionally neglected the holes on this team? You really think Mactavish isn't working the phones trying to get a centre, a defenseman, or maybe even a goalie? Seeing as it's the job of a GM to upgrade his team I would say that I suspect Mactavish has been busy trying to make it happen. Making an NHL trade happen can be difficult. The fans seem to be filled with solutions for Mactavish to make a trade happen. However, just because the trade sounds good in your head and just because it would help the Oilers doesn't mean that your trade is going to happen.

Oilers fans seem to be filled with trade ideas. A vast majority of these trades are so lop sided in the Oilers favour it isn't even funny. Sean Couturier isn't being dealt to the Oilers for Petry and Arcobello. Not even if you throw a draft pick in there. Ron Hextall would immediately be fired for a deal like that. Neither is Yandle coming here for that price either. If your looking for legitimate talent such as this you have to give up legitimate talent. For either of these players you'd be looking at Eberle, Petry, plus at least a high pick, prospect, or another legitimate player if not more. Realistically, real NHL talent does not get traded for the meager price that Oilers fans are suggesting. Fans are also quick to throw in the first round draft pick for trade bait. Trading the draft pick this year is an extremely bad idea. Even if the Oilers don't pick top three, or even top five this year is a deep talented draft and there is a lot of talent to be found well into the first round and possibly even beyond. This is also why I don't think they should even trade a second or third rounder, there's potential for a lot of talent this year. This year is being compared to the 2003 draft. If you don't know what I'm referring to you can see it here. As you can see that was a phenomenal draft year (a draft in which the Oilers did bad) and there is an extremely good chance for the Oilers to land big talent. Why would you trade away that chance?

In conclusion some Oilers fans need to learn a few things about how the NHL works. Not every available player is going to come to Edmonton and the Oilers aren't going to have a chance at signing every single free agent or be in on every trade. Certain players won't come here and certain trades just aren't going to happen. Even if it does sound like a good trade to you doesn't mean it will work. A trade needs to be fair (unless Mike Gillis is trading goalies) and it needs to work for both sides. A lot of suggestions by the Oilers fans would only work for one side. So calm down and let Mactavish do his job. Because I can assure you that he is very likely trying.


-Darren


What are your thoughts on Oilers fans and their suggestions? Comment below this post or find me on twitter @thwildman111


photo taken from oilersaddict.com