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 Oilers » McLellan Out. Hitchcock In.Pages (4): [ «  <  1  2  3  4  >  »]
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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722800 is a reply to message #722791 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
K.McC#24 is currently offline K.McC#24
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RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:51

K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:41

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:33

I hope that Hitchcock will let Viverios run the PP which I thought was one of the reasons he was brought in. According to Gregor who was just on Lowetides show, he has talked to players and they said he doesn't run the PP which is dumb.

The roster isn't good enough but there are guys on this team that need a boot in the ass as well. Lucic being #1, Kassian, Brodziak, Khaira, Nurse, Benning, Rattie. I might even put Nuge in there as take him away from McDavid and what as he done plus he has only 4 goals.


I'd probably throw LD in that list as well. You can't just haul ass on the ice when you're looking for a feed from Connor on a 2 on 1, and coast/be stationary for most of the rest of the time.


I would agree with you on Leon. With McDavid, he is fantastic. I also think that when he is center his own line, he at time CAN look dominate but he doesn't do it all the time and he doesn't always play with enough structure. The Oilers need McDavid and Leon going all the time.


I'm hoping it comes with maturity for Leon. Maybe become headier as a center in terms of choices in distributing the puck as well. He's one of those guys that you watch and think there is a player in there that could be among the very few of the elite, and you come away many nights thinking there's more there to give.


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722759 is a reply to message #722750 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
K.McC#24 is currently offline K.McC#24
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OilPeg wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:12

Lesterpolyester wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:05

I think he lost the team but that being said he was Coaching the team that he was provided.


You're right, and now Chia's insulation is gone. He's next for sure and when it happens, it won't be soon enough.


Chia's now been given the requisite changes to his complete coaching staff, and the HC position will be evaluated at the end of this season, so I'd expect Chia to be gone at season's end if the team continues to underperform, and they're starting over again in GM as HC.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722764 is a reply to message #722759 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:38

OilPeg wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:12

Lesterpolyester wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:05

I think he lost the team but that being said he was Coaching the team that he was provided.


You're right, and now Chia's insulation is gone. He's next for sure and when it happens, it won't be soon enough.


Chia's now been given the requisite changes to his complete coaching staff, and the HC position will be evaluated at the end of this season, so I'd expect Chia to be gone at season's end if the team continues to underperform, and they're starting over again in GM as HC.


Has he? He was allowed to fire a coach, but the replacement is nothing more than a 60 game training wheels gig. It has all the markings of typical Oilers short term thinking.

Please do not feed the bears. Feeding the bears creates a dependent population unable to survive on their own. Bears.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722775 is a reply to message #722764 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
K.McC#24 is currently offline K.McC#24
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CrusaderPi wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:47

K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:38

OilPeg wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:12

Lesterpolyester wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:05

I think he lost the team but that being said he was Coaching the team that he was provided.


You're right, and now Chia's insulation is gone. He's next for sure and when it happens, it won't be soon enough.


Chia's now been given the requisite changes to his complete coaching staff, and the HC position will be evaluated at the end of this season, so I'd expect Chia to be gone at season's end if the team continues to underperform, and they're starting over again in GM as HC.


Has he? He was allowed to fire a coach, but the replacement is nothing more than a 60 game training wheels gig. It has all the markings of typical Oilers short term thinking.


It might be interesting to hear if TM were truly candid about some of the moves PC made to provide players, but you're never going to hear that from a coach that wants to work for another GM at some point. The kicker might have been TM throwing players under the bus (some warranted) after the weekend, but NEVER admitting that he pretty much lost the game to Calgary. I think he finally lost the players after the Calgary debacle.

The 60 games for Hitch might be Hitchcock reading the tea leaves and recognizing that PC might be gone if the Oilers season ends with the regular season.

I just hope there is a systemic improvement at this point and a response from the players that in turn builds their confidence.


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722777 is a reply to message #722775 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:00

CrusaderPi wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:47

K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:38

OilPeg wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:12

Lesterpolyester wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:05

I think he lost the team but that being said he was Coaching the team that he was provided.


You're right, and now Chia's insulation is gone. He's next for sure and when it happens, it won't be soon enough.


Chia's now been given the requisite changes to his complete coaching staff, and the HC position will be evaluated at the end of this season, so I'd expect Chia to be gone at season's end if the team continues to underperform, and they're starting over again in GM as HC.


Has he? He was allowed to fire a coach, but the replacement is nothing more than a 60 game training wheels gig. It has all the markings of typical Oilers short term thinking.


It might be interesting to hear if TM were truly candid about some of the moves PC made to provide players, but you're never going to hear that from a coach that wants to work for another GM at some point. The kicker might have been TM throwing players under the bus (some warranted) after the weekend, but NEVER admitting that he pretty much lost the game to Calgary. I think he finally lost the players after the Calgary debacle.

The 60 games for Hitch might be Hitchcock reading the tea leaves and recognizing that PC might be gone if the Oilers season ends with the regular season.

I just hope there is a systemic improvement at this point and a response from the players that in turn builds their confidence.


I would love love love if any non-OBC Oilers outsiders was truly candid about their time working for the Oilers. We've gotten many glimpses for jilted ex-players, but it would be truly special to get a suit's view of the past couple of decades.

Please do not feed the bears. Feeding the bears creates a dependent population unable to survive on their own. Bears.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722778 is a reply to message #722777 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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Ha. first youtube comment I saw regarding Chia's presser:

"The trade is one for one."

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you can get a lottery pick.


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722756 is a reply to message #722744 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
philly boy is currently offline philly boy
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WhoreableGuy wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 09:59

philly boy wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 09:52

3. if everyone knows the roster (while underperforming) still isn't good enough, then what point does it make to "salvage" a season, if they're still 2-3 good young pieces away? Or are we simply of the mindset they can't afford to tank anymore, and they need to push for the playoffs regardless, and hope that what they have in the pipeline is good enough? I don't see anything overly encouraging on the farm aside from JP, not overly confident in how Hitch handles younger, developing players.


2 games played for JP, 1 goal and 1 assist. Are you expecting him to score at a higher rate down in the AHL?



Haven't been paying attention to what's going on down there at all. 2 points in 2 games is a good start I suppose. For a 4th overall draft pick who was/is as big and skilled as he is, with that shot he has, I'd like to see him tread at a PPG in the AHL for sure.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722758 is a reply to message #722756 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Magnum is currently offline Magnum
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philly boy wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:32

WhoreableGuy wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 09:59

philly boy wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 09:52

3. if everyone knows the roster (while underperforming) still isn't good enough, then what point does it make to "salvage" a season, if they're still 2-3 good young pieces away? Or are we simply of the mindset they can't afford to tank anymore, and they need to push for the playoffs regardless, and hope that what they have in the pipeline is good enough? I don't see anything overly encouraging on the farm aside from JP, not overly confident in how Hitch handles younger, developing players.


2 games played for JP, 1 goal and 1 assist. Are you expecting him to score at a higher rate down in the AHL?



Haven't been paying attention to what's going on down there at all. 2 points in 2 games is a good start I suppose. For a 4th overall draft pick who was/is as big and skilled as he is, with that shot he has, I'd like to see him tread at a PPG in the AHL for sure.


He should be closer to 2 PPG, if he's got any chance at being an NHL first liner.

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2016/2017 - This Kool-Aid is starting to taste like juice.
2017/2018 - I'm drinking this Kool-Aid, in hopes that it's Drain-O.
2018/2019 - Another round of Drain-O, good sir!

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722765 is a reply to message #722756 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
scotiaoiler is currently offline scotiaoiler
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Well I'm happy Todd is gone. Old school coach that had a plan but not a plan b. Didn't seem interested in developing young talent either. According to former players both Oilers and San Jose he wasn't a good communicater either. This leaves Peter with all the presser on him. That being said, Hitch might have a better plan defensively but isn't he from the same mold as Todd? Old school,hard on the players. I'm guessing this is short term and Q was not ready or willing. Now I'm torn on wanting this to turn around or continue to fall apart so Peter is gone. We are not out of the woods yet. Now that Peter's job is on the line I'm not looking forward to what trades he has up his sleeve. Hopefully at seasons end Nicklson, mact t, klowe and others from this disaster of management will be shown the door and we can get some competent people there. Hey I can dream. I didn't think they get rid of Todd until we were officially eliminated from the playoffs.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722767 is a reply to message #722765 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Magnum is currently offline Magnum
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At least this suggests some degree of accountability.

2015/2016 - This Kool-Aid tastes like McDavid flavoured Drain-O.
2016/2017 - This Kool-Aid is starting to taste like juice.
2017/2018 - I'm drinking this Kool-Aid, in hopes that it's Drain-O.
2018/2019 - Another round of Drain-O, good sir!

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722769 is a reply to message #722756 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WhoreableGuy is currently offline WhoreableGuy
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philly boy wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:32


Haven't been paying attention to what's going on down there at all. 2 points in 2 games is a good start I suppose. For a 4th overall draft pick who was/is as big and skilled as he is, with that shot he has, I'd like to see him tread at a PPG in the AHL for sure.


My bad, I read your post wrong. You said "aside" from JP. Didn't have my morning coffee yet.

"Bah Gawd! Would somebody stop the damn draft!"

- Jim Ross calling the NHL Draft Lotto 2015 as the Oilers win

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722770 is a reply to message #722769 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mike is currently offline Mike
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Is the presser streamed online? Oilers site?

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722774 is a reply to message #722770 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GabbyDugan is currently offline GabbyDugan
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Mike wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:54

Is the presser streamed online? Oilers site?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cLS23TVPqg


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722776 is a reply to message #722770 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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Mike wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 10:54

Is the presser streamed online? Oilers site?

TSN 1260 will have. The Oilers stream everything on YouTube

Please do not feed the bears. Feeding the bears creates a dependent population unable to survive on their own. Bears.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722772 is a reply to message #722722 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 10:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WhoreableGuy is currently offline WhoreableGuy
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Any word if McLellan was fired over Skype? Like while Chia and gang was in the room next door in the hotel?

"Bah Gawd! Would somebody stop the damn draft!"

- Jim Ross calling the NHL Draft Lotto 2015 as the Oilers win

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722779 is a reply to message #722772 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RDOilerfan is currently offline RDOilerfan
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Chia confirmed Hitchcock is here for the rest of the season then they will reevaluate the coach. Makes a little sense to me. If I am the organization, I am not letting Chia hire a long term coach if I am not sure he will be around. On the flip side, if I am a good coach, I am not taking a job where I don't know who might be my boss in 6 months.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722780 is a reply to message #722779 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:12

Chia confirmed Hitchcock is here for the rest of the season then they will reevaluate the coach. Makes a little sense to me. If I am the organization, I am not letting Chia hire a long term coach if I am not sure he will be around. On the flip side, if I am a good coach, I am not taking a job where I don't know who might be my boss in 6 months.

And that's kind of what happened. Chia wasn't allowed to find another long term coach, so he found a guy who is retired and probably doesn't want to sign up for another 3 years of work.

Please do not feed the bears. Feeding the bears creates a dependent population unable to survive on their own. Bears.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722781 is a reply to message #722780 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GabbyDugan is currently offline GabbyDugan
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....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722786 is a reply to message #722781 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RDOilerfan is currently offline RDOilerfan
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GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Plus I do not see a scenario where any coach who Oilers fans would deem good enough is taking the Oilers job during the season when the future of the GM is in question.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722788 is a reply to message #722786 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Prevents Panicky Pete from mangling the roster further between now and the deadline?

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you can get a lottery pick.


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722789 is a reply to message #722788 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RDOilerfan is currently offline RDOilerfan
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CrudeRemarks wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:43

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Prevents Panicky Pete from mangling the roster further between now and the deadline?


In all seriousness, do you actually think that Chia right now has the full reins to make any move he wants? I don't. So you fire the guy right now, then what? I am not advocating he should keep his job. A lot of the Oilers woes are on him so if this team doesn't make the playoffs, he most definitely should be gone in my books and even if they make the playoffs but lose out in the first round, I am not convinced he should have a job. But firing him right now doesn't do anything in my opinion other than please the fans. You don't even have the ability to hire anyone to replace him right now because any quality candidates will be working for another team.

[Updated on: Tue, 20 November 2018 11:49]

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722802 is a reply to message #722789 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:45

CrudeRemarks wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:43

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Prevents Panicky Pete from mangling the roster further between now and the deadline?


In all seriousness, do you actually think that Chia right now has the full reins to make any move he wants? I don't. So you fire the guy right now, then what? I am not advocating he should keep his job. A lot of the Oilers woes are on him so if this team doesn't make the playoffs, he most definitely should be gone in my books and even if they make the playoffs but lose out in the first round, I am not convinced he should have a job. But firing him right now doesn't do anything in my opinion other than please the fans. You don't even have the ability to hire anyone to replace him right now because any quality candidates will be working for another team.


If Oiler management has lost confidence in Chiarelli's ability to manage a hockey team why on earth would he be here another single day?

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you can get a lottery pick.


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722790 is a reply to message #722788 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mike is currently offline Mike
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CrudeRemarks wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 14:43

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Prevents Panicky Pete from mangling the roster further between now and the deadline?



1) Like you say, prevents another "astute" move
2) Allows a new guy time to see what he has and what he needs to do at the trade deadline
3) Give him more time to see what he needs to do in the offseason.

IMO, it's the perfect time to fire the GM - it's a relatively slow time for GMs, so someone can come in with no pressure to do something right away, and gives him plenty of time to properly evaluate (not Tambellini type evaluation)

and 4) It will please the fans.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722792 is a reply to message #722790 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RDOilerfan is currently offline RDOilerfan
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Mike wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:49

CrudeRemarks wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 14:43

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Prevents Panicky Pete from mangling the roster further between now and the deadline?



1) Like you say, prevents another "astute" move
2) Allows a new guy time to see what he has and what he needs to do at the trade deadline
3) Give him more time to see what he needs to do in the offseason.

IMO, it's the perfect time to fire the GM - it's a relatively slow time for GMs, so someone can come in with no pressure to do something right away, and gives him plenty of time to properly evaluate (not Tambellini type evaluation)

and 4) It will please the fans.



Who is available to take over the GM job right now? All the really good assistant GM's just waiting for an opportunity are employed right now and not available. If the GM is getting fired, I want EVERY possible available candidate so they can hopefully pick the absolute best guy. I don't want the organization picking their new GM off the unemployed scrap heap just because.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722793 is a reply to message #722792 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mike is currently offline Mike
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RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 14:54

Who is available to take over the GM job right now? All the really good assistant GM's just waiting for an opportunity are employed right now and not available. If the GM is getting fired, I want EVERY possible available candidate so they can hopefully pick the absolute best guy. I don't want the organization picking their new GM off the unemployed scrap heap just because.


Well that's a different ball of wax altogether. I was just commenting on you saying it wasn't a good time. I think it would be a great time to do it.

If we're talking candidates, well, I'll throw my hat in the ring. Couldn't do any worse.

Are there any good GMs out of work currently?

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722795 is a reply to message #722793 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
smyth260 is currently offline smyth260
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Steve Yzerman left Tampa with odd timing. I'd put my best foot forward for him. Probably not going to happen with his family in Detroit.

Maybe Dean Lombardi? But he isn't without warts.

The Oilers might actually have to have an extensive talent recruitment process to get somebody good. But who does that?

Clean house or bust

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722797 is a reply to message #722795 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
g2k is currently offline g2k
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smyth260 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 12:21


Oilers might actually have to have an extensive talent recruitment process to get somebody good.

So what you are saying is Keith Gretzky will be the next GM

#firebob #screwitjustselltheteam #ownerisacreep

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722804 is a reply to message #722797 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
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g2k wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 12:28

smyth260 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 12:21


Oilers might actually have to have an extensive talent recruitment process to get somebody good.

So what you are saying is Keith Gretzky will be the next GM

Doesn't that move have Oilers written all over it?

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you can get a lottery pick.


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722981 is a reply to message #722795 ]
Thu, 22 November 2018 08:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jay is currently offline Jay
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smyth260 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 12:21

Steve Yzerman left Tampa with odd timing. I'd put my best foot forward for him. Probably not going to happen with his family in Detroit.

Maybe Dean Lombardi? But he isn't without warts.

The Oilers might actually have to have an extensive talent recruitment process to get somebody good. But who does that?

The problem with the guys mentioned here is that they might be good at being a GM in the NHL or whatever but I'm not sure they possess the most important - and really the only - true requirement. Are they willing to stand in and be a puppet for Kevin Lowe and his buddies? Are they willing to make trades and major decisions based on their orde....I mean advise? and take the blame when it inevitably blows up in their faces? Do they have what it takes to accept a massive paycheque at the expense of sewering their credibility around the league? Also how many rings do they have? Do they even know about winning?

"Initiative comes to thems that wait"

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722805 is a reply to message #722790 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrusaderPi is currently offline CrusaderPi
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Mike wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:49

CrudeRemarks wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 14:43

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Prevents Panicky Pete from mangling the roster further between now and the deadline?



1) Like you say, prevents another "astute" move
2) Allows a new guy time to see what he has and what he needs to do at the trade deadline
3) Give him more time to see what he needs to do in the offseason.

IMO, it's the perfect time to fire the GM - it's a relatively slow time for GMs, so someone can come in with no pressure to do something right away, and gives him plenty of time to properly evaluate (not Tambellini type evaluation)

and 4) It will please the fans.

Only if the OBC is given an uber to the airport and banished from town. Why can't we exile people anymore?

Please do not feed the bears. Feeding the bears creates a dependent population unable to survive on their own. Bears.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722796 is a reply to message #722786 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
K.McC#24 is currently offline K.McC#24
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RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Plus I do not see a scenario where any coach who Oilers fans would deem good enough is taking the Oilers job during the season when the future of the GM is in question.


What does any GM do here, given the corner the current GM has painted the team into? All they can do is hope the cap drives up and gives some breathing room going forward. Given that the team has gutted their depth at wing, fired their bullets, and STILL needs a passable 1D who is a threat on the PP. I can't seen them moving depth at center (one of whom still has to play wing any given night) to address issues on D or on wing, or now possibly 1G.

They can't trade picks for salary, because there's no room. They've got some prospects in the organization, but what do you do in terms of personnel, what prospects would anyone deal, what are the cap implications, and what are you going to get? The current GM has poisoned the well for any moves to help other that shuffling deck chairs. He should be fired on the basis of this fact, but any incoming GM is going to be hamstrung unless he's willing to trade a big piece, and really the Oilers are in a corner because the franchise simply cannot afford a trade mistake that creates a hole in the roster and doesn't create an outright benefit elsewhere in the roster.

Unfortunately we're probably at a point where help isn't coming, where they had to get someone in to help the existing roster execute and perform better. The GM should be axed at season's end for anything less than a 2nd round appearance in the playoffs. PC should have a very short leash in terms of what he's allowed to attempt to save his job, but replacing him mid season given the situation probably wouldn't do much good at this point.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722807 is a reply to message #722796 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RDOilerfan is currently offline RDOilerfan
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K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 12:23

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Plus I do not see a scenario where any coach who Oilers fans would deem good enough is taking the Oilers job during the season when the future of the GM is in question.


What does any GM do here, given the corner the current GM has painted the team into? All they can do is hope the cap drives up and gives some breathing room going forward. Given that the team has gutted their depth at wing, fired their bullets, and STILL needs a passable 1D who is a threat on the PP. I can't seen them moving depth at center (one of whom still has to play wing any given night) to address issues on D or on wing, or now possibly 1G.

They can't trade picks for salary, because there's no room. They've got some prospects in the organization, but what do you do in terms of personnel, what prospects would anyone deal, what are the cap implications, and what are you going to get? The current GM has poisoned the well for any moves to help other that shuffling deck chairs. He should be fired on the basis of this fact, but any incoming GM is going to be hamstrung unless he's willing to trade a big piece, and really the Oilers are in a corner because the franchise simply cannot afford a trade mistake that creates a hole in the roster and doesn't create an outright benefit elsewhere in the roster.

Unfortunately we're probably at a point where help isn't coming, where they had to get someone in to help the existing roster execute and perform better. The GM should be axed at season's end for anything less than a 2nd round appearance in the playoffs. PC should have a very short leash in terms of what he's allowed to attempt to save his job, but replacing him mid season given the situation probably wouldn't do much good at this point.



I do not disagree one bit. Chia has put the Oilers in a real tough spot. That is why if the do fire Chia, I want every possible candidate available. Firing him now and bringing in who ever is currently left out there doesn't make sense to me. If as an example (pipe dream I know) Yzerman wants the job, I don't think he takes it mid season. What about Mark Hunter who lost out to Dubas. He has his finger prints all over the Leafs. I don't think he comes mid season. I am sure there are some assistant GM's who could be really good but wouldn't be available until the end of the season.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722808 is a reply to message #722807 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 13:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
PlusOne is currently offline PlusOne
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RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 13:53

K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 12:23

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Plus I do not see a scenario where any coach who Oilers fans would deem good enough is taking the Oilers job during the season when the future of the GM is in question.


What does any GM do here, given the corner the current GM has painted the team into? All they can do is hope the cap drives up and gives some breathing room going forward. Given that the team has gutted their depth at wing, fired their bullets, and STILL needs a passable 1D who is a threat on the PP. I can't seen them moving depth at center (one of whom still has to play wing any given night) to address issues on D or on wing, or now possibly 1G.

They can't trade picks for salary, because there's no room. They've got some prospects in the organization, but what do you do in terms of personnel, what prospects would anyone deal, what are the cap implications, and what are you going to get? The current GM has poisoned the well for any moves to help other that shuffling deck chairs. He should be fired on the basis of this fact, but any incoming GM is going to be hamstrung unless he's willing to trade a big piece, and really the Oilers are in a corner because the franchise simply cannot afford a trade mistake that creates a hole in the roster and doesn't create an outright benefit elsewhere in the roster.

Unfortunately we're probably at a point where help isn't coming, where they had to get someone in to help the existing roster execute and perform better. The GM should be axed at season's end for anything less than a 2nd round appearance in the playoffs. PC should have a very short leash in terms of what he's allowed to attempt to save his job, but replacing him mid season given the situation probably wouldn't do much good at this point.



I do not disagree one bit. Chia has put the Oilers in a real tough spot. That is why if the do fire Chia, I want every possible candidate available. Firing him now and bringing in who ever is currently left out there doesn't make sense to me. If as an example (pipe dream I know) Yzerman wants the job, I don't think he takes it mid season. What about Mark Hunter who lost out to Dubas. He has his finger prints all over the Leafs. I don't think he comes mid season. I am sure there are some assistant GM's who could be really good but wouldn't be available until the end of the season.


I think you could do that, wait until the end of the year and see whats out there, and still turf Chia mid season.
Assign one of our multiple internal head office folks as interim, put the hand cuffs on and ride out the season.
Assuming PC is not allowed much freedom now anyway he is nothing but a lame duck waiting to be fired. Might as well move on from him now.
You mention the pipe dream of Yzerman, perhaps moving on from PC now has a few other top candidates eyeing the job early. Maybe one of the top assistants you mention starts gearing up to apply/be recruited.
Lots can happen midseason, if most are in agreement that PC is a dead man walking then waiting does nothing.

Survivor LX(I) and 67 Champ(i)on


CrusaderPi wrote on Thu, 30 January 2020 12:21

und(i)sputed O.L.F.N Heavybra(i)n Champ(i)on of the Woooooooooooooooooorld. Plus. One.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722810 is a reply to message #722808 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 13:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
K.McC#24 is currently offline K.McC#24
Messages: 2834
Registered: March 2004
Location: ALBERTA
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PlusOne wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 13:09

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 13:53

K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 12:23

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Plus I do not see a scenario where any coach who Oilers fans would deem good enough is taking the Oilers job during the season when the future of the GM is in question.


What does any GM do here, given the corner the current GM has painted the team into? All they can do is hope the cap drives up and gives some breathing room going forward. Given that the team has gutted their depth at wing, fired their bullets, and STILL needs a passable 1D who is a threat on the PP. I can't seen them moving depth at center (one of whom still has to play wing any given night) to address issues on D or on wing, or now possibly 1G.

They can't trade picks for salary, because there's no room. They've got some prospects in the organization, but what do you do in terms of personnel, what prospects would anyone deal, what are the cap implications, and what are you going to get? The current GM has poisoned the well for any moves to help other that shuffling deck chairs. He should be fired on the basis of this fact, but any incoming GM is going to be hamstrung unless he's willing to trade a big piece, and really the Oilers are in a corner because the franchise simply cannot afford a trade mistake that creates a hole in the roster and doesn't create an outright benefit elsewhere in the roster.

Unfortunately we're probably at a point where help isn't coming, where they had to get someone in to help the existing roster execute and perform better. The GM should be axed at season's end for anything less than a 2nd round appearance in the playoffs. PC should have a very short leash in terms of what he's allowed to attempt to save his job, but replacing him mid season given the situation probably wouldn't do much good at this point.



I do not disagree one bit. Chia has put the Oilers in a real tough spot. That is why if the do fire Chia, I want every possible candidate available. Firing him now and bringing in who ever is currently left out there doesn't make sense to me. If as an example (pipe dream I know) Yzerman wants the job, I don't think he takes it mid season. What about Mark Hunter who lost out to Dubas. He has his finger prints all over the Leafs. I don't think he comes mid season. I am sure there are some assistant GM's who could be really good but wouldn't be available until the end of the season.


I think you could do that, wait until the end of the year and see whats out there, and still turf Chia mid season.
Assign one of our multiple internal head office folks as interim, put the hand cuffs on and ride out the season.
Assuming PC is not allowed much freedom now anyway he is nothing but a lame duck waiting to be fired. Might as well move on from him now.
You mention the pipe dream of Yzerman, perhaps moving on from PC now has a few other top candidates eyeing the job early. Maybe one of the top assistants you mention starts gearing up to apply/be recruited.
Lots can happen midseason, if most are in agreement that PC is a dead man walking then waiting does nothing.


Only if you're wanting to promote from within to an interim guy, how many GM's are let go after 1/4 of the season? Otherwise you wait until the season's end until prior to the draft to see who's available, and allow some time time to properly find the guy.....assuming that the Oilers would actually talk to more than one individual.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722811 is a reply to message #722810 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 13:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RDOilerfan is currently offline RDOilerfan
Messages: 3908
Registered: January 2016
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K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 13:16

PlusOne wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 13:09

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 13:53

K.McC#24 wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 12:23

RDOilerfan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:41

GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...


The only thing I would say is what can the organization do mid season? If they fire Chia right now like most people want, what does that do right now? The season is going, rosters are set, most teams don't have cap space to work with, that includes the Oilers. Free agents are all signed, you can't buy out guys and trades just don't happen because most teams can afford it. So other than make fans happy, what does firing Chia right now accomplish?

When it comes to the coach. I don't think Hitchcock is the long term answer and based on what Chia said and everyone else has said, it doesn't sound like it will be. He's signed for the rest of the year, that's it. But based on what has happened, there has been problems with the structure at times, there has been problems with players reverting back to doing bad habits at times and there has been problems with players under performing. As an example, how many times have we seen guys like Caggulia, Benning, Nurse, etc doing the same stupid mistakes they did 2 seasons ago? They should know better by now. So the message isn't getting through to them. Hitchcock is known for being a good structure guy especially defensively. We have seen that the Oilers CAN play good structure, they just don't do it all the time. So if he can tweak these guys a bit to play with more structure, it might help. The big thing is he is a demanding coach which wears on guys hence why he moves around but for short periods of time, you see immediate improvements in his time. Quite frankly, even though the roster has holes in it all thanks to Chia doing a lousy job, there are a lot of guys on this team flat out under performing. So if Hitchcock can come in a give a bunch of guys a boot in the ass, maybe they can get into the playoffs.

Plus I do not see a scenario where any coach who Oilers fans would deem good enough is taking the Oilers job during the season when the future of the GM is in question.


What does any GM do here, given the corner the current GM has painted the team into? All they can do is hope the cap drives up and gives some breathing room going forward. Given that the team has gutted their depth at wing, fired their bullets, and STILL needs a passable 1D who is a threat on the PP. I can't seen them moving depth at center (one of whom still has to play wing any given night) to address issues on D or on wing, or now possibly 1G.

They can't trade picks for salary, because there's no room. They've got some prospects in the organization, but what do you do in terms of personnel, what prospects would anyone deal, what are the cap implications, and what are you going to get? The current GM has poisoned the well for any moves to help other that shuffling deck chairs. He should be fired on the basis of this fact, but any incoming GM is going to be hamstrung unless he's willing to trade a big piece, and really the Oilers are in a corner because the franchise simply cannot afford a trade mistake that creates a hole in the roster and doesn't create an outright benefit elsewhere in the roster.

Unfortunately we're probably at a point where help isn't coming, where they had to get someone in to help the existing roster execute and perform better. The GM should be axed at season's end for anything less than a 2nd round appearance in the playoffs. PC should have a very short leash in terms of what he's allowed to attempt to save his job, but replacing him mid season given the situation probably wouldn't do much good at this point.



I do not disagree one bit. Chia has put the Oilers in a real tough spot. That is why if the do fire Chia, I want every possible candidate available. Firing him now and bringing in who ever is currently left out there doesn't make sense to me. If as an example (pipe dream I know) Yzerman wants the job, I don't think he takes it mid season. What about Mark Hunter who lost out to Dubas. He has his finger prints all over the Leafs. I don't think he comes mid season. I am sure there are some assistant GM's who could be really good but wouldn't be available until the end of the season.


I think you could do that, wait until the end of the year and see whats out there, and still turf Chia mid season.
Assign one of our multiple internal head office folks as interim, put the hand cuffs on and ride out the season.
Assuming PC is not allowed much freedom now anyway he is nothing but a lame duck waiting to be fired. Might as well move on from him now.
You mention the pipe dream of Yzerman, perhaps moving on from PC now has a few other top candidates eyeing the job early. Maybe one of the top assistants you mention starts gearing up to apply/be recruited.
Lots can happen midseason, if most are in agreement that PC is a dead man walking then waiting does nothing.


Only if you're wanting to promote from within to an interim guy, how many GM's are let go after 1/4 of the season? Otherwise you wait until the season's end until prior to the draft to see who's available, and allow some time time to properly find the guy.....assuming that the Oilers would actually talk to more than one individual.

If they want to fire Chia, I won't be upset one bit as the rooster he put together has holes in it big time. But there are lots of guys that I listed who aren't pulling the rope hard enough or on a consistent basis. So what was McLellan not doing to get these guys going? Leon can look dominate but not anywhere near enough. Lucic was on an almost 60 pt pace before xmas but fell off a cliff. Did his game serious just disappear literally at the snap of a finger or is there something else.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722787 is a reply to message #722781 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CrudeRemarks is currently offline CrudeRemarks
Messages: 1703
Registered: November 2010
Location: Edmonton
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GabbyDugan wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25

....Spector chimes in....

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ken-hitchcock-perfect-hi re-oilers-right-now/

..."Hitchcock is not what you’d call a players’ coach. In fact, Ty Rattie — who could never make Hitchcock’s roster in St. Louis — will not be pleased with this move, we’re guessing.

But the answer in Edmonton, as far as the players are concerned, is simple: Play better."...

....after this morning's press conference, Chia has to know he's gone at the end of this season...he's failed at pulling a rabbit out of a hat too many times...

But he sure can put a rabbit into a hat and then pull out a turd.

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you can get a lottery pick.


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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722782 is a reply to message #722722 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rocksteady is currently offline Rocksteady
Messages: 527
Registered: March 2007
No Cups
This is nuts.

Shades of Pat Quinn.

For the record I loved the idea of Quinn coaching the Oilers. The man, the myth, the legend. It became quickly apparent that the game passed him by.

Hitch is the new Pat Quinn.

They fired the wrong man, it was supposed to be Chia first, then McLellan.

[Updated on: Wed, 12 December 2018 09:26]

The very definition of insanity is doing the exact same thing expecting different results.

Generally Disappointed.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722785 is a reply to message #722722 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 11:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ziltoid is currently offline ziltoid
Messages: 150
Registered: January 2011
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I hate how history rhymes. 2009-10, an old retired coach comes in to help lift up a team mixed with young, promising talent and not good enough journeymen. 2018-19, an old retired coach comes in to help lift up a team mixed with young, promising talent and not good enough journeymen. Quinn was out after 1 year, Hitchcock will likely be out after 3/4 of a year. The associate (Renney) took over in 10-11, will we see GG or Yawney take over next year?

TMac being gone is glorious, but aside from better in-game decision-making, I doubt Hitchcock brings anything to the table TMac didn't. Hope I'm wrong, though.

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722812 is a reply to message #722785 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 13:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
K.McC#24 is currently offline K.McC#24
Messages: 2834
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ziltoid wrote on Tue, 20 November 2018 11:38

I hate how history rhymes. 2009-10, an old retired coach comes in to help lift up a team mixed with young, promising talent and not good enough journeymen. 2018-19, an old retired coach comes in to help lift up a team mixed with young, promising talent and not good enough journeymen. Quinn was out after 1 year, Hitchcock will likely be out after 3/4 of a year. The associate (Renney) took over in 10-11, will we see GG or Yawney take over next year?

TMac being gone is glorious, but aside from better in-game decision-making, I doubt Hitchcock brings anything to the table TMac didn't. Hope I'm wrong, though.


That in itself cannot be underestimated in terms of value. TM is the guy who thought it was a good idea to play Lucic and Maroon different times 3 vs 3, who blends the top 3 lines regularly, and who notably in a mystifying manner recently went with Lucic on the 1st line in the 3rd period against Calgary when the lead evaporated and when the team was chasing the game.




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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722798 is a reply to message #722722 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:28 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
smyth260 is currently offline smyth260
Messages: 1081
Registered: November 2007
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I am glad he's out, and I suppose it makes sense to have an interim coach. It would be fantastic to see Quenneville stay unemployed through to summer. Pretty weird that there are two big vacancies and he doesn't fill them, he must just want some time.

That said, this is still late to the game and very predictable. I hate that we have the best player in the world in his 4th season and we have yet another evaluation year. Everybody should have been axed last summer. Now we wait to see if Hitchcock can save Chiarelli's job for another year, or we miss the playoffs. Both are bad outcomes. We simply don't have time to keep evaluating everyone.

Clean house or bust

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 Re: McLellan Out. Hitchcock In. [message #722806 is a reply to message #722722 ]
Tue, 20 November 2018 12:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Skookum Jim is currently offline Skookum Jim
Messages: 4419
Registered: March 2006
Location: Burnaby, BC
4 Cups
Wow.
File this under, doesn't freaking matter.

Chiarelli is the architect of this disaster, this is his standard "one coaching change" allowance, then he's done.

Hitch will be interim, can't see him being any better than Mcclellan, Hitch lost his coaching mojo quite a few years ago.

What happens to Woodcroft? Woody's probably happy to be in Baker right now.

McDAVID! Oh YEAH Baby!!
Tic-Tac-Tao!
Keep on Rockin' in the Free World
P. Chiarelli math.. T. Hall = A. Larsson, Yak= bag o'pucks (OK he got one right...) K. Russell = $4.1 M+NMC, G. Reinhart= M. Barzal + A. Beauvillier, J. Eberle = R. Spooner,

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