You can't hide behind team failure.
Sounds like alot of these guys can't take the heat... and it was definitely on in ETown last year and still currently there. I would say the Oiler fans have been very patient over the past decade... time is up... and unfortunately for the current roster, they are going to bear the frustration 10+ years of ineptitude has brought upon this organization.
Talbot was bad last year, Lucic was bad last year... and a few others as well. Edmonton knows hockey and have expressed their frustration with substandard performances. Everyone, including the players, read social media.
Talbot, played well for year 1, outstanding in year 2 and substandard in year 3. I think he and Milan who had the luxury of living in obscurity in places like NYC, Boston and LA.
As an impact NHL player in Canadian markets... you are either a King or a Jester... there is no in between. It is in the down years that you see the true character of these guys. It is not saying either of these players asked for a trade, so I am not passing judgement.
Talbot's decline started with the delivery of his twins. I have a feeling that in could be family commitments that could be influencing this rumor. I wouldn't be surprised if his NT list is comprised of all of the Western teams. I think the wives read more SM that the players and can't take it (See Hoffman/Karlsson as a classic example). Don't underestimate the influence wives have over where UFAs sign or when players demand trades.
Maybe the being a Canadian market is the #1 reason all Canadian markets continue to struggle (does that make sense). Weather, fishbowl effect, social activity (not all), tax rates, etc. Maybe all of these other GMs know they are in an advantageous position when they step to the bargaining table.
I don't know... just seems odd that every terrible GM is part of a Canadian organization.