If the Oilers cannot come to agreement with Mr. Nedved, would you be interested in getting Mr. Damphouse back to the Oilers as the first line center? They both have very similar stat Petr (19-27-46 and 4.7mil last year) while Damphouse (12-29-41 and 4mil last year). Eventhough Mr. Damphouse is 4 years older, but he used to be an Oiler, and he was the Oilers Captain once (if I am not mistaken). With the Oilers tradition, besides helping out the duties as first line center, Damphouse can tutor the young Oilers coming up. What would be your suggestion?
The rumblings in the press seem to suggest that if Nedved wouldn't be available to us that Lowe might go after Nylander. Wasn't that in Matheson's article?
I think the Oilers should consider all non-Nedved options, given uncertainties about Nedved returning. My only concerns about Damphousse are:
-he's a member of the NHLPA senior ranks, and I haven't seen much NHLPA sympathy for small market teams' operating environment; I'd rather see more Ryan Smyth types who sign below market value contracts
-not especially fast a decade ago, and less so now; cue Dopita and Oates comparisons
-he wanted out of Edmonton once, why would he come back?
-he wanted out of Edmonton once, why would he come back?
I did not know that. Was that the money reason or anything else? If I could recall correctly, he had some problem with the coach (George Burnett). Besides that I do not know if he still has a desire of playing for a Canadian team anymore.
I did not know that. Was that the money reason or anything else? If I could recall correctly, he had some problem with the coach (George Burnett). Besides that I do not know if he still has a desire of playing for a Canadian team anymore.
Actually, at the time I'd heard rumours of something other than money being the key reason.
-not especially fast a decade ago, and less so now; cue Dopita and Oates comparisons
-he wanted out of Edmonton once, why would he come back?
I was thinking these exact same things.
The two counter sides to the issues you list are;
I thought at one point Sather actually had a deal in place for Damphousse ('98?) with Damphousse's blessing.
The other one was regarding the NHLPA thing, if Damphousse was only here for a year I would see it as a positive. He would be a sacrificial lamb in the eyes of the fans and insulate the other players from the wrath directed at the team.
Remember '94 when Ranford went into the labour disbute as the fans favourite and came out of it with a target on his back....ultimately forcing his trade. Right now that target will likely be on Staios' back (as I understand the NHLPA face of the Oilers will likely be Staios) and I actually like the guy. I would hate to see life made difficult for him here because of the CBA.
although I'd much rather have Nedved - and I'd also probably pick Nylander before Vinny - I wouldn't be disapointed if we ended up with Damphouse - although I don't know if he, like others have said, has much left in the tank.
I'd be pumped if we got Lindros - I know it'd be really risky - but look how great he was playing for the Rangers before he was out. If healthy (which we all know is a MASSIVE "if") he could be an elite, top five center in the league.
I'd be pumped if we got Lindros - I know it'd be really risky - but look how great he was playing for the Rangers before he was out. If healthy (which we all know is a MASSIVE "if") he could be an elite, top five center in the league.
Health issues aside, the other concern would be what ramifications there are in the dressing room.
he could be an elite, top five center in the league.
Unfortunately, Bonnie & Carl (or is that Clyde? If not, it SHOULD be) are an elite, top five pain in the ASS. They make wood ticks look like productive members of society.
-he's a member of the NHLPA senior ranks, and I haven't seen much NHLPA sympathy for small market teams' operating environment; I'd rather see more Ryan Smyth types who sign below market value contracts
Bah, I don't think this is an issue. Trevor Linden and Daniel Alfredsson are also NHLPA high-ups, it doesn't stop them from spending responsibly.
Yeah, that's kinda what I was alluding to as well.
OK, you guys lost me. As far as I can see the only reason I'd be nervous about Nedved signing is if he disappeared over the course of the season. Was that the reason with Vinnie as well? Ir not, can you enlighten me (by PM if necessary)
Vinny would be a solid signing I think, he may be running out of gas, but I think he has more than Oates had. Plus he is one of the better interviews in the league IMO. He always seems so honest to me
I thought at one point Sather actually had a deal in place for Damphousse ('98?) with Damphousse's blessing.
I heard that during the trade deadline, Oilers were close to getting Vinny but Mtl ended dealing with the Sharks...Think EDM didn't want to throw in a extra pick....also remember last year or 2 years ago..Van had a trade with SJ but Vinny wanted an extra year in place with Vancouver, seems demanding this guy.
