Any interview I've heard, read, or seen I get the same impression. OEL is a decent person with a good soul. I'd root for him no matter what sweater he wore.
I'd be sad if he leaves. He was a big factor why I became Coyotes fan many years ago. Before Doan's retirement I was sure he would be captain and spend entire career in the desert. I know owners and GMs don't care too much about emotions I do: I don't want to see him in another jersey. I still believe with a new coaching system which fits better to his playing stile he can be the player once he was.
I am conflicted on this one. No question OEL has been awful for the last few years but his precipitous decline coincides with Coach Tocchet’s arrival. Since I can’t imagine he currently has any significant value on the trade market, and no team is going to take on his contract without quid pro quo, is it worth waiting a year to see if he can reset with a new coach? If he does get his game back (confidence is a powerful force) his trade value will be much much higher. If he doesn’t improve he will be a valuable asset in the quest for Shane Wright.
It seems to be the time that the team and OEL part ways for obvious reasons. If the ownership group wants you gone, it is inevitable that will happen. With the team already down to just three D-men with contacts for next season, the Coyotes blueline will have a whole new look. Maybe GMBA can swing a deal for a defenseman to replace OEL… Hamilton and Jones are out there. It’s really too bad about OEL and I’m sure most Coyotes fans wish him well.
I figured this would start coming out. I was really hoping a change in coaching and maybe a loss of thr C would really help OEL refocus and have a return to form. You could see it before he got injured, and after he said that ...I don't know what I'm doing... quote. He was focused and decisive for the most part.
Have to figure, whatever trade happens, the one that's most favorable for the Coyotes will likely involve the yotes retaining salary, and getting some form of picks/prospects back. But I have no idea what the value would be cause those last couple seasons really hurt the value.
Question about NMCs: If a player agrees to waive his NMC to go to one team, does the NMC then continue with the new team even though he agreed to waive it to go there? Let's say a team like Winnipeg actually really wanted OEL but he was unwilling to go there. Could a 3rd team, say Vancouver, get involved where OEL waives his NMC to go to Vancouver only to have them immediately send him to Winnipeg now that he's waived the clause???
The fact is some people are leaders and some are not ... #squarepegroundhole . I have no doubt, without the pressure of wearing the C, #23 will again become a very good NHL Dman, with another team. He is a good egg!
I had wondered last year if the Canucks would consider making Myers part of the return. He's on a hefty contract of his own, but slightly less. And at least he'd give us some size on the back end.
Also, I feel like the veteran entitlement thing in the league is really overblown. OEL has a NMC, but that's the only reason he should get a say. His declining play and failure to even come close to justifying his contract means he should be happy to land anywhere. But alas, NHLers have it different...
If he doesn't end up going, it's going to be interesting to see how things go with Söderström, as OEL's not had a partner who can carry the play in some years. I think any one who tries to acquire him is going put him in an advantageous setup. I'd be interested in hearing the thoughts of whomever is hired on as the next coach should that occur before this potential trade.
I know you have dismissed speculation about it before, Craig, but other teams have stripped players of captaincy while keeping them on the roster. The Sharks did it to Patrick Marleau, who stayed another 8 years. Dustin Brown is still with the Kings having been removed as captain in favor of Anze Kopitar 5 years ago. I know his recent production numbers look bad, but wouldn’t the Coyotes be foolish to send him away without at least giving him the opportunity to skate without the C?
Any interview I've heard, read, or seen I get the same impression. OEL is a decent person with a good soul. I'd root for him no matter what sweater he wore.
I'd be sad if he leaves. He was a big factor why I became Coyotes fan many years ago. Before Doan's retirement I was sure he would be captain and spend entire career in the desert. I know owners and GMs don't care too much about emotions I do: I don't want to see him in another jersey. I still believe with a new coaching system which fits better to his playing stile he can be the player once he was.
This makes me sad, but I understand the biz. Thanks for your always awesome work, Craig.
I am conflicted on this one. No question OEL has been awful for the last few years but his precipitous decline coincides with Coach Tocchet’s arrival. Since I can’t imagine he currently has any significant value on the trade market, and no team is going to take on his contract without quid pro quo, is it worth waiting a year to see if he can reset with a new coach? If he does get his game back (confidence is a powerful force) his trade value will be much much higher. If he doesn’t improve he will be a valuable asset in the quest for Shane Wright.
It seems to be the time that the team and OEL part ways for obvious reasons. If the ownership group wants you gone, it is inevitable that will happen. With the team already down to just three D-men with contacts for next season, the Coyotes blueline will have a whole new look. Maybe GMBA can swing a deal for a defenseman to replace OEL… Hamilton and Jones are out there. It’s really too bad about OEL and I’m sure most Coyotes fans wish him well.
I figured this would start coming out. I was really hoping a change in coaching and maybe a loss of thr C would really help OEL refocus and have a return to form. You could see it before he got injured, and after he said that ...I don't know what I'm doing... quote. He was focused and decisive for the most part.
Have to figure, whatever trade happens, the one that's most favorable for the Coyotes will likely involve the yotes retaining salary, and getting some form of picks/prospects back. But I have no idea what the value would be cause those last couple seasons really hurt the value.
Question about NMCs: If a player agrees to waive his NMC to go to one team, does the NMC then continue with the new team even though he agreed to waive it to go there? Let's say a team like Winnipeg actually really wanted OEL but he was unwilling to go there. Could a 3rd team, say Vancouver, get involved where OEL waives his NMC to go to Vancouver only to have them immediately send him to Winnipeg now that he's waived the clause???
Thanks Craig. Well soon see how determined the desire is for change within the organization. A little quiet so far.
The fact is some people are leaders and some are not ... #squarepegroundhole . I have no doubt, without the pressure of wearing the C, #23 will again become a very good NHL Dman, with another team. He is a good egg!
I had wondered last year if the Canucks would consider making Myers part of the return. He's on a hefty contract of his own, but slightly less. And at least he'd give us some size on the back end.
Also, I feel like the veteran entitlement thing in the league is really overblown. OEL has a NMC, but that's the only reason he should get a say. His declining play and failure to even come close to justifying his contract means he should be happy to land anywhere. But alas, NHLers have it different...
If he doesn't end up going, it's going to be interesting to see how things go with Söderström, as OEL's not had a partner who can carry the play in some years. I think any one who tries to acquire him is going put him in an advantageous setup. I'd be interested in hearing the thoughts of whomever is hired on as the next coach should that occur before this potential trade.
I know you have dismissed speculation about it before, Craig, but other teams have stripped players of captaincy while keeping them on the roster. The Sharks did it to Patrick Marleau, who stayed another 8 years. Dustin Brown is still with the Kings having been removed as captain in favor of Anze Kopitar 5 years ago. I know his recent production numbers look bad, but wouldn’t the Coyotes be foolish to send him away without at least giving him the opportunity to skate without the C?
I’m assuming his value is pretty low. Maybe a cap-dump and a pick? Something like Loui Eriksson and 40th overall?
I'd love to see OEL under a new coach, but I'd can't fault trying to ditch that contract. Very interesting decision forthcoming.
Package Kuemper, Kessel and OEL to Edmonton. Solves most of their problems. Send us a #1, Neal, Koskinen, Yamamoto and one of their young defenseman.