This is not Steve Tambellini's first year running the Edmonton Oilers.
But with the numerous changes the team made in the off-season, it sure feels like a fresh start.
"I think we're pretty much in Year 1," said the Oilers general manager, a veteran executive who joined the Oilers in 2008 after 17 years in the Vancouver Canucks organization. "We moved salary and a lot of bodies mainly because we have some good young players who are coming into the system and we needed to make room. The players that are coming in, such as Magnus Paajarvi, Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, are kids. I still think of Sam Gagner as a young player and he's going to be more prominent. And guys like Gilbert Brule and Tom Gilbert are still young players. It is a chance for the Oilers to start again."
It sure is.
In fact, I'd go as far as saying the Oilers might be one of the most interesting and exciting teams to follow this season. The Oilers, who boast a passionate fan base, but who have not made the playoffs in five of the past six seasons, will welcome some terrifically-talented young men into the fold. When you look around the NHL and see the success teams such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals have enjoyed (OK, OK, the Caps still haven't won squat, but they are close!) after an infusion of young talent, it is easy to be excited about the Oilers prospects in the next few years.
Start with Hall, the No. 1 pick in the NHL entry draft last June. While Tambellini played coy leading up to the draft, not tipping his hand as to whom he would choose, Hall or Tyler Seguin, it was the two-time memorial Cup MVP he had in his sights all along. Hall is a game-breaker, a dedicated young man who knows how to lead and how to win.
Eberle, like Hall, is mature beyond his years. The most valuable player and top forward at the World Junior Championship last season, Eberle has played 20 games in the American Hockey league over the past two seasons and managed an impressive nine goals and 23 points. He is ready for prime time.
Paajarvi, meanwhile, has spent the past three seasons playing in the Swedish Elite League. He knows what it is like to play against men.
"The expectations, in Taylor's case, will probably be through the roof, but that comes with the territory," Tambellin warned. "One of the questions I asked Taylor during our pre-draft interview was, 'Are you sure that you are ready to be the No. 1 pick in the NHL?' He said, Well, that's what I am.' He's so comfortable. I'm more excited with the fact that when we are a good team, these are the players that will be significant pieces of our success. Whether it's coming out of the gate with them flying on all cylinders, or whether it takes a little time, I'm more excited that I know in time they are going to be great players."
The Oilers may have been tempted to give Eberle a shot last year when his junior season concluded, but they resisted. Instead they sent him for a second tour with Springfield in the AHL.
"My point to people is, it's not so much that he wasn't ready for us, but maybe we were ready for him," Tambellini said. "A lot of people criticized that he went to the American League and played there for the second time, but I think it is so important for players, in most cases, to see how difficult that league is and also to see players their age trying to make a name for themselves, whether they are a scorer or a checker, but also to see guys who have been up and down fighting for NHL spots. Also, it's important they see guys 30 years old that are still hoping one day the Oilers will call them and they'll get their chance in the NHL.
"Magnus might be in a different spot than the other two because he has been playing with men the past two seasons. He has been playing in a pro league, so that may give him a little more maturity."
What is interesting about the Oilers is, while these three kids represent the future, this season's success could be determined by those who are returning. For starters, Gagner is in his fourth year and will be expected to ratchet his game up to the next level. The terrifically talented Ales Hemsky returns after having played just 22 games next season and it will be interesting to see if he can get back to being a solid point producer.
Dustin Penner enjoyed a breakout season last year, although you sometimes get the feeling fans still expect more from the big guy, and he'll have to match or come close to producing the 32 goals and 63 points he put up last year.
Then there's Shawn Horcoff. One of the big reasons why the Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup final in 2005-06. Horcoff was rewarded with a contract that has proven to be debilitating for the organization. He still has five years and $26 million on the books and he'll have to play a whole lot better than he did last year when he managed just 13 goals and 36 points in 77 games. He was minus-29 which tied him for second worst in the NHL.
There are other concerns for the organization. Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin was convicted of impaired driving and could face jail time. Also, veteran defenceman Sheldon Souray has asked to be traded, but thus far Tambellini has not been able to accommodate him. These storylines could prove to be a distraction.
Still, with new coach Tom Renney running the show, there is every chance in the world the kids will be sheltered from everything that does not involve them growing as hockey players. At the end of the day, the Oilers have the potential to be one of the most improved teams in the NHL.
"The one thing I want to create is an environment where the guys enjoy coming to the dressing room every day," Tambellini said. That is a big part of a team being successful. I want them to be loose, but at the same time disciplined. We need to earn respect inside the room and then we'll get the rest from the general public and the media. I think Tom will create an environment where it is a great place for young players to play."
