Loose Ends...

There are some players that were here last year that may not be here this coming year, and it won't be because they're traded.

UFAs: Ales Kotalik, Dwayne Roloson, and Jason Strudwick.

There are some players here that were key pieces of last year's puzzle. And unsuccessful puzzle, but a puzzle nonetheless. Ales Kotalik had some pretty decent chemistry with Hemsky last season, especially heading towards the very end; once they seemed to get the hang of each other. A lot of people like to point out the fact that Kotalik apparently had a lot of goals and assists that 'meant nothing' because they were late in a game where we had barely any chance of coming back. Since when is a goal meaningless? If the whole team itself was better than it is possible that perhaps that goal wouldn't have been meaningless. Goals are goals, and on a team that had trouble scoring last year I don't see how the Oilers think it's alright to not even send an offer his way. If we end up letting another guy go because we're chasing a 'big fish' and then coming out with nothing I will not be impressed.

Dwayne Roloson... What to say about Roli... Here's my issue: He will probably want a contract at around the same value as his last contract. I just don't know that he's worth it at his age. Say what you want about the 'lack of miles' on his engine, he's getting up there in age. I don't know that I'm comfortable with Roli as our starter next year, though it seems that the organization has a different idea because rumour is that they've already offered him a contract. I think the money could be better spent elsewhere; there are other options on the market.

About Strudwick: If we sign him as an occasional player I'm fine with it, but god damnit if he takes a starting spot out of camp I'm going to kill someone. End of story.

RFAs: Liam Reddox, Ladislav Smid, and Denis Grebeshkov.

As far as Liam Reddox is concerned I'm not sure if there's a place for him on this team. He is a hard worker, so that's a major plus that he's got going for him, but if we're going to retain him then he has to be comfortable with the role that he fits into: and that most certainly is not a top 6 spot, no matter what MacT thought.

It seems like we don't have much to worry about with Grebeshkov, although the fact that this is going a bit late is a little strange. There was a rumour a while back that we had already signed him to a contract, but clearly this isn't the case, as there weren't any official releases on the matter. It would seem that he's a top priority, but I suppose we'll have to see how it plays out.

If Ladislav Smid is not on the Oilers roster next year I will be splitting my loyalties between the Oilers and whatever team he signs with. That is all.