I’m an Oiler fan. I could write a novel of f*** ups from 2007 to current day. Lmao7 playoff games won since 2014.
This management group wanted Phanuef before buying him out when the world knew he was cooked AND Gaborik was looking at potentially career ending back surgery and going on LTIR.
They brought in Kovalchuk on a 3 year deal despite being out of the league for years and being incompatible with the roster and style of play. Then after creating a shit storm they kept him away from the team, practicing separately and staying home on roadies until reaching a contract termination.
They prematurely paid Cal Peterson $5 mil per year then balked at transitioning him to a starter because Quick wouldn't play ball, ruining his confidence. Then they dealt Quick.
They started the rebuild two years too late and came out of it two years too early, then instead of grooming the high draft pucks to move into the positions they were drafted to fill, they brought in a new batch of veterans to fill the slots and cap space they just cleared out. Offensive were forced to play in the bottom six in grinding roles - which they have failed at and the team suffered due to a lack of quality role players.
They traded the best player they ever drafted in Faber for a 2nd tier scoring winger whose style prevents him from playing with other top players.
Then the Dubois debacle and for some reason they gave a 37 year old Kopitar a two year extension risking a potential 35 year old contract hole for no reason whatsoever. Both of whom are represented by Pat Brisson, Robitaille's close pal since juniors - who has gotten fat on the percentages of Kings players for years now
There is no success to point to, nothing but bad decisions, wasted picks and money, buyout after buyout with zero progress. It's a front office fraternity of former players in charge, not a management group.
That help?
Remember there is a 4 part 4 hour long YouTube series on the Oilers decade of darkness. I’d like to feel sympathy, I really would haha