TSN's Bob McKenzie has come out with his final NHL draft ranking for Fridays draft. Not surprisingly, he's got LW Windsor Spitfire star Taylor Hall ranked at the top of the heap.

Meanwhile, Sportsnet is reporting that Boston GM Peter Chiarelli and Oilers GM Steve Tambellini spoke on Saturday about the potential of trading picks.

The Oilers and Bruins seem to have similar final lists in terms of who they would take as the consensus number one. While neither is showing their hand as to who they've ranked at the top, it sounds as though Hall has edged out Seguin in both teams eyes. The difference here is that the Oilers are leaning much closer to "settling" with Tyler Seguin.

The Oilers really wouldn't be settling, but I use the term to suggest that moreso than Boston, Edmonton would move the required pieces needed to facilitate drafting Seguin and moving up into the first round at the same time.

To do so, would put the Oilers right at the #15 spot, ironically where big and tough defenceman Dylan McIlrath is listed on TSN's rankings. For Edmonton to pick up both Seguin and McIlrath would be a great day for the franchise and fill two needs quickly.

McIlrath by TSN's report is "big, physical, mean and tough defensive defenceman who is the unanimous choice of scouts surveyed by TSN as the “toughest player” in the entire draft. He had 19 fighting majors this season and didn’t lose too many, by all accounts. Say no more."

Tell me that's not what the Oilers need right now. A strong d-man who while not a shoe-in to play this season, won't be that far off knowing he possesses skills that make him a quicker jump than most d-men out of an NHL draft might be. Right in time to protect a number of the young, skilled stars Edmonton has joining the team.

Sportsnet does go on to suggest that the Bruins and Oilers might talk a bigger package than just the 1st and 2nd picks, even including a name like Dustin Penner. I would hope not as without another trade over the weekend to bring in a bonafide NHL'er, the Oilers would be lacking in proven ready players.

The intrigue usually starts with McKenzie's list. This year will be no exception. His twitter feed suggesting this may be the busiest two weeks in the NHL he can remember have many of us really excited.

The Oilers have two things that are making fans get a little nutty in respect to next Fridays draft. Who will the Oilers select first overall? And, who from this current crop of underachieving and in many cases overpaid roster will be traded?

NHL draft day for many is more exciting now than July 1st and the start of free agency. This year, with the Oilers almost all but out of the free agent market, draft day really will be where most of the action for this team takes place.

When I say nutty, I really only mean that I've never heard more discussion on one single topic like I have the NHL draft. The debate over Hall and Seguin, the armchair GM's coming up with new depth charts (I'll admit I do it too) and the possible trade scenarios for names that continue to pop up have Oilers fans in a tizzy trying to guess what might happen with this team.

Without getting too into unrealistic speculation, I thought I'd pop a quick piece together discussing the Top 10 possible trade prospects on the market in the NHL right now. These are the names that will give even more action to an already exciting draft Friday. These are also names that we've heard tossed around by numerous sources in trade speculation. (There's no particular order to my Top 10 by the way)

10. Tomas Kaberle

At this point I'd say it's about 60/40 that Kaberle will be traded on draft day. Toronto has enough offers on the table that Burke could make this deal at anytime during the window of opportunity that is Kaberle's no trade clause. Despite these offers, the reason it hasn't happened yet is Burke is trying to get his Maple Leafs back into the first round in terms of a draft pick.

Burke might be waiting a long time. Due to the fact that Kaberle is only signed for one more season and could bolt in a year for no return means no team wants to invest too much to get him. If I'm these teams, it's hard to tell if Kaberle could be in your long term plans because all he ever says is how he'd like to remain a Leaf.

In many cases, the teams that would need the services of Kaberle have draft picks that are too high into the first round that they'd be willing to move them. Perfect examples are Anaheim, Carolina and Columbus and they aren't likely because someone with one year can only truly be utilized by a team that is actually contending.

I see Buffalo coming out on top as a leading candidate for Kaberle, but the draft pick won't play a crucial role as they won't give up their first and don't have another pick until #68. I could see Drew Stafford going the other way and Toronto could do a whole lot worse than a one for one in that respect. Don't expect the Oilers to even kick tires here.

#9: Sheldon Souray

This is an interesting one simply because of the status of Sheldon's contract. With a no trade clause that doesn't lift until July 1st, Souray could try to make trading him more difficult than he already has.

If one of two things coule happen however, that make it a good bet that Souray gets moved. 1) The Oilers strike a deal with one of the teams that Souray has listed as a potential home for his next two years. Anaheim or San Jose make sense and maybe Anaheim moves its later first round pick for Souray although I doubt it. 2) If Souray realizes that the Oilers can simply wait 5 days and then trade him anywhere they want, he may just accept the trade to get a trade done. Say for example, the Oilers discussed with Anaheim who they would like drafted at #29, with the intention that Anaheim would trade that selection on July 1st to Edmonton, it becomes the same trade just five days later. The Oilers could do this with any team and Souray's leverage is literally wiped out.

Souray has some value, but I expect that when the trade does happen, the same type of reaction that came from the Halak trade will be present here and if the Kaberle action happens prior to the Souray action it might be a good guage on the return for Souray. The Oilers want Souray gone. If they can pick up a couple of prospects for him, they'll do it. Someone is going to get a good defenceman here without having to give up a whole lot.

#8: Mike Ribeiro

With the new self imposed cap in place in Dallas, Ribeiro seems the logical choice and a team like Montreal who just freed up a bit of space moving Halak might have interest in bringing him back.

The likelihood that the Canadiens lose Plekanec to a UFA contract offer is good. The Canadiens seem to pick up skill over size and Ribeiro wouldn't surprise me. I could easily see Andrei Kostitsyn and a 2nd rounder going the other way. If Dallas actually asked Montreal to include Sergei, I'm sure that would be welcomed by the Habs.

#7: Jason Spezza

Despite Murray's claims (and Oilers fans know first hand how prone he is to twisting the truth during trade time), I won't be at all surprised if Spezza gets moved. I think Columbus is the destination and I think Howsen will do what he can to obtain Spezza without giving up the fourth overall selection (which Howson has publicly said he's not trading).

If push comes to shove however and something like Brassard and Klesla don't get it done, the combination of Spezza and Rick Nash may seem too good for Howsen to pass up, I think the 4th overall could happen. I also see the Oilers expressing legit interest in this option for two reasons. 1) If they can get a legit first line center which they belive Spezza is, they consider it despite the cap hit. 2) If they can move out a fair deal of cap space at the same time they do it, this trade becomes even more attractive.

I think this almost a given if the Senators even sniff at Sheldon Souray. The Sens have the space especially if they move Spezza (it becomes $14 million. The Sens have a need for a better than prospect d-man if they lose Volchenkov, Souray fits. Don't bet against how much the Sens also like Andrew Cogliano and might take Riley Nash.

#6: Kris Versteeg

Consider him gone. Chicago has so much work to do to get ready for next years cap issues, that Vertsteeg is the easy favorite to get moved. I see the Phoenix Coyotes as a leader here because they like to snag players on mid to low contracts with mid to high potential. Include Toronto on that list to likely make a push, as well as Tampa Bay. With a new GM and literally only 5 forwards signed for next year Tampa will be active in a few ways.

I wouldn't suggest that the Leafs would normally have a shot here thanks to their lack of draft picks, but with Chicago needing to clear this kind of space and taking literally none back in return, Toronto's 3rd rounder and a prospect could likely get it done if other offers aren't out there.

#5: Jeff Carter

Why the Flyers would want to trade Carter still makes little sense to me, but it seems to be a rumor that doesn't go away since it surfaced. Much like Spezza, if the Oilers thought Carter an option, they'd kick tires and be willing to send a number of prospects over. If Carter was a UFA at the end of this term, that might not be the case for a rebuliding team like Edmonton, however as an RFA Carter won't cost the Oilers what Spezza does... ever.

In a new cap NHL, Carter will get fair money for his skills (of that he has plenty) but he'd receive something more in the area of $5.5-$6 million over a longer term and at that point easily becomes part of a rebuilding Oilers franchise since he's only 25. If Carter doesn't want to stay, the value in trade for him would be high and the compensation on an offer sheet great in terms of draft picks if the Oilers chose not to match. Either way its a no lose as you obtain a great young player long term or a ton of picks to continue a rebuild next year when you have a better indication of what's happening with Penner and Hemsky.

If I'm Tambellini would I trade Andrew Cogliano, Riley Nash, Jeff Deslauriers and the #31 pick over? Yep and in any combination if all of them. Would I consider moving Jordan Eberle for Jeff Carter straight across as some have discussed? I'd take longer to think about it, but I might.

#5: Stephen Weiss

With Dale Tallon coming out and suggesting that he'd be willing to move both Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss, you can almost expect that one if not both are history. Both bring value, both have contracts that aren't overpayments and both have a few years left on their current deals. A team like Edmonton who isn't concerned with players on a one or two year deal might have interest in either or both as they have contracts that offer something to the Oilers until 2013.

Edmonton fans might not want to get too excited about either prospect though as teams that realize both players are value for their money will make offers. For Florida, it becomes which offers are best and Edmonton would have to move pieces back to get rid of player contracts. A lot of what Edmonton would consider moving for these two, Florida might not want and if Florida could obtain a 1st rounder from somebody, that puts Florida in the lead for a proper rebuild with three first round picks in this years draft.

#4. Rights to Ray Whitney

Look for Carolina to trade Whitney's rights for a later round draft pick. Rights don't get traded an awful lot unless there is a big time free agent out there, but there are more than a handful of teams that would be making a pitch for Whitney come July 1st. One of those teams should emerge as a front runner and step up by offering something Carolina can use or a prospect.

I expect that Pittsburg takes the lead early, but teams like Boston, Tampa and Columbus may have something to offer based on what happens after the first few selections in the draft. If it becomes a matter of choice and only a one year deal for Whitney, expect only immediate contenders to be on his list come July 1st.

#3. Rights to Dan Hamhuis

Here's another one of those rights I didn't see getting traded all that often, but the reason I think Hamhuis is an exception to that rule is the somewhat reasonable contract he settles for. Players like Volchenkov will want a big pay day. A couple teams might be in on him, but I think those teams will end up regretting spending so much. Hamhuis on the other hand could exceed the contract to which he signs and the smarter teams go for those players.

I've written it before, but the Oilers really like Hamhuis. When I say really, I'm not exaggerating as Kevin Lowe publicly stated one time that Hamhuis was a serious consideration for the Canadian Olympic team. While Lowe isn't the GM, Tambellini has Olympic experience with Lowe and those two minds are likely not far apart in the debate.

We had quickly heard Robert Nilsson for Hamhuis' rights, but that based on two things, one of which might have slightly changed thanks to Halak deal. First, if Nashville gets Hamhuis signed before the draft, this is a dead issue. Second, the return for Halak was so small, as an RFA, that the return for Hamhuis might be as small if not smaller as a UFA, thus Nashville may take extra time to try and convince Hamhuis to stay knowing they lose very little in the gamble.

#2. Bobby Ryan

I'm of the impression that Anaheim would like to make him a lifelong Duck and ultimately I think the Ducks get Ryan signed on a six or seven year deal. I'm also well aware that Ryan will gather some serious interest from teams not named Anaheim and that the Ducks might wait to see what kind of crazy offer is given by a team in terms of an RFA offer sheet.

Obviously if it goes the offer route, one of the teams with the most interest (Toronto) is out. They don't have the picks to make the required RFA offer. Any team with a valued defenceman as a bargaining chip is also out if Scott Neidermayer returns for another season.

If it goes down at the draft however, Burke does like Bobby Ryan a lot and would likely move a boat load to get him including Kaberle, Grabovski, and Nazem Kadri. Tough to tell if Anaheim calls that fair return, but the Ducks have made some interesting moves in the past and it's hard to tell if they are rebuilding or consider themselves a contender.

#1. Patrick Sharp

As mentioned before, Chicago has cap issues. Cap issues so large that unless they are willing to stick Huet in the minors or can find a home for Brian Campbell, they'll be moving pieces they don't want to move.

Patrick Sharp may be one of those pieces. He has great value around the NHL and can fetch a return of two or three decent draft picks. He has a good salary for the results he produces and he's now a player with Stanley Cup experience.

Chicago should do whatever they can not to move him. If it means losing Toews, Kane, Keith or Seabrook however, Sharp is the odd man out and some team, (it would be terrfic if it were the Oilers) will be getting a tremendous player. Look for Florida, Tampa or Columbus to have interest. All have high enough draft picks to peak Chicago's interest and all have cap and roster space to make Sharp fit.

The title here is somewhat of a rhetorical question. It's highly unlikely that the thought of shopping the first overall pick in this years draft would be something Tambellini considers.

But, from an article today by Darren Dreger on TSN's website, while Tambellini may not be shopping the 1st overall NHL entry draft pick, nor is he sure what it would take to convince him to accept a deal for the 1st overall pick, he is doing his job and answering his phone.

This news may make some fans a tad nervous. It shouldn't. The likelihood that the Oilers would move that pick is slim to none. More likely, is that these comments by the Oilers GM are a way to get action stirred up for Tambellini to see what's out there.

Even in the event that the Oilers were to draft Seguin after swinging some kind of deal with the Bruins, I think it's important to the Oilers organization that they still draft first overall and they intend to do it.

The goal here is for Steve Tambellini to have a long book of options or offers to consider before making his selection. If something is out there that is simply too good to pass up, he'd better have it ready to go well in advance so that pulling the trigger is quick and painless.

Dreger reports that Nathan Horton and Steven Weiss are up for grabs in Florida. It's no secret the Oilers like what Nathan Horton brings and have shown some interest in the big forward before. Florida also drafts third overall. Would Nathan Horton and the 3rd overall pick be out of the question for the 1st?

Would I do it? Probably not. After all Seguin and Hall are projected to be superstars. Horton is good, but not that good.

What if Florida took some aging contracts back in the deal and gave us pieces we needed in areas of our depth we lacked? More attractive, but still probably not.

However; if after all the talk between Talon and Tambellini finally produced a trade proposal too good to ignore and I still could draft at #3, who knows. At #3 the Oilers get a franchise d-man to build the blueline around or, in some kind of miracle, Florida drafts Hall and Boston doesn't want Seguin at #2 because they're deep at center and draft a defenceman. In that case its possible the Oilers could still get Seguin at #3.

While Horton and Seguin for the first overall is an amazing what if (even though incredibly unlikely), the point here is weird things like this are often known to happen on draft day. If Tambellini didn't explore every option, he could never put together something beyond the obvious. If he didn't at least listen to what's being offered, he'd not be doing his job.

As Tambellini says, he can't imagine what it would take to convince him to move that pick. The likelihood is, very little if anything could do it. But GM's have been known to do some crazy things on draft day and if they start to, Tambellini better be prepared.

A lot of discussion on radio shows, blogs and with fans of the Edmonton Oilers involves what it might take Edmonton to get the 2nd overall pick from the Boston Bruins.

Some are suggesting that if the Oilers do in fact draft Taylor Hall, that the B's might turn around and offer up that 2nd overall pick instead of taking Seguin, who may or may not help them as much as ready to contribute NHL players.

There is a better than slim chance, that by the time Tyler Seguin is ready to fully make a difference in the NHL, the Bruins will have closed that winning window of opportunity.

I suppose there is some sense to this argument. The Bruins feel they have a short time frame in which to compete for the Stanley Cup. If Seguin is left to be drafted after Edmonton makes its pick, and the Bruins feel they can get a kings ransom from a team who'd like to draft Seguin, they could possibly pick up a fantastic pro or two who would pay immediate dividends and get them over the hump.

The problem for the Oilers when it comes to kings ransom, they are among the poorer of the kingdoms rulers. Most of the choices avaible to Boston if this ever becomes a reality are better than what the Oilers could offer.

Think about if from Chiarelli's perspective. Would Florida trade Nathan Horton or Weiss and the 3rd for #2 overall? Would Chicago move Marian Hossa to clear cap space and take a fantastic prospect at the same time? Might the Devils be willing to move Langenbrunner plus to grab Seguin? These are just a few examples and I might bet that while some would merit argument, that most could be answered with a big fat yes.

With that in mind, how could the Oilers compete? Instead, what might make more sense is targeting a 3rd-8th overall selection. Some of the teams drafting in those positions, namely teams like Florida, Atlanta and Columbus, are teams that are in somewhat of a win sooner than later mode.

Its not so much that these teams are close to being contenders. It's more that with the fickle fan base and the security of some of the GM job positions within those franchises, there is a much more likely possibility of convincing one of those GM's that what you can offer to help them now, is worth their high, but not #2 overall draft selection.

There is argument that no draftee beyond Taylor Hall will play in the NHL right away. The teams that need the help now, might prefer an NHL ready player who improves their team more than a prospect they have to wait two years on when their fans or owner have in that time given up or said "bye-bye".

For the Oilers, the reality is, while it would be great to draft both Hall and Seguin, the real need of this team is one strong center and one franchise defenceman. Drafting 3rd-6th is likely to get you that d-man in Fowler, Gudbranson or Gormley, so there is no need to push for #2 when #4 or #5 will do.

What Could Happen in a Dreamer's World

Picture that the Oilers might want or be ok with drafting Seguin. That Edmonton can then convince Boston to give up Wheeler or Sturm or some other very respectable and valued NHL player in exchange for leaving Hall to be drafted by the Bruins.

Package what you obtain from Boston in that conversation with one or more of the players Edmonton has available. Could Wheeler/Sturm, Souray, Cogliano and prospects like Riley Nash and the 31st overall draft pick, get you the 4th overall in Columbus? If not and you offered to take back a not so valued contract from their books to make the added cap expense feasible, would the Jackets or more importantly Scott Howsen, then think this kind of improvement puts his team in the playoffs? It might.

If you can't convince the Jackets, talk to the Panthers. If you can't convince the Panther's, talk to the Islanders. Placing your bets on the odds of one in four teams saying yes instead of only Boston is much much greater -- and you still get your high end draft choice defenceman this team really needs.

Obviously a few other NHL teams wil have something to say about it. Rumors are Spezza for the 4th overall which from my view kind of makes sense for both of those teams.

They key here, is that while it's not like Edmonton is the only team that would be interested in moving up in the draft; one can also realize, a lot more has to be offered to pluck #2 or #3 than it does number #4-#7. When Wheeler, Souray, Cogliano, Nash and the #31 pick might not get you #2 or #3, it might get you number #5 or # 6 if you take some salary back. I'd sure be pleased if I'm Tamebllini with drafting at one of those spots.

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I got a quick hit from a source today that thinks the Edmonton Oilers and the Nashville Predators might be talking trade. The Oilers are in a position to move a few players for little to no return. In some cases getting anything is a bonus considering a buyout is an alternative, but not a pleasant one.

Robert Nilsson is one of those players. The Edmonton Oilers are rumored to be trying to find a home for the skilled forward or looking at possibly buying out his contract. If Edmonton doesn't intend to use Nilsson, not adding to a strapped salary cap would be best.

Nashville has some interest in giving Nilsson a shot. Last year, it was rumored that the Oilers might move Nilsson to the Preds for Jordin Tootoo. The Preds then backed away and signed Tootoo to an extension.

Nashville meanwhile is trying to negotiate with defenceman Dan Hamhuis. So far, nothing has happened there and if Nashville does have any interest, Robert Nilsson might come back for Hamhuis' rights. Nashville is better to get something instead of nothing come July 1st and the Oilers and Predators have some recent trade history.

The Oilers have a hard-on for Hamhuis and would love the chance to sign him before others have an opportunity on July 1st when Hamhuis becomes a UFA. Since the Oilers are wondering what exactly to do with Nilsson, even if Hamhuis doesn't sign with Edmonton, the Oilers have effectively shipped out a bit of salary without huring their cap situation.

Expect the Predators to continue efforts to get Hamhuis signed. Should they not, watch at the draft for some possible Oilers and Preds action if the Preds can't do better than a 2nd or 3rd rounder for Hamhuis' rights in trade.

Edmonton fans know well the cost of winning. They even know well the cost of almost winning.

Back in the glory days of the Edmonton Oilers, the Oil won so much that the pieces detrimental to creating that winning record became simply too expensive to keep. As a result, the team that was once so good, eventually became the 30th place team we know today.

It started with trading Wayne Gretzky and it ended with Chris Pronger, all along the way trading big names for unfair value coming back.

The Edmonton Oilers

When the Oilers took themselves to the Stanley Cup finals in 2006, even though they didn't win it all, it became clear that players that contributed to the Oilers getting that far were due for raises -- significant ones.

Names like Dwayne Roloson and Fernando Pisani received big time contracts and players like Shawn Horcoff got huge inflated contracts down the road thanks to their assistance during a winning time for an otherwise not so winning team.

Players like Jaroslav Spacek got a raise in another city and one of the most hated Oilers in history, Chris Pronger decided among other reasons that he was too under appreciated after taking his team to the finals to stay and play for the big fat contract he'd signed.

Chicago Blackhawks

The cost of winning is now something Chicago will have to face. Just mere days after the Blackhawks took home the Stanley Cup, how much so became extremely clear today.

A team that was already facing cap issues is now really in a troubled situation as it's been reported by the Globe and Mail, that Chicago is now faced with exceeding the 2010/2011 salary cap by more than $4 million dollars.

Because of the Blackhawks win and the star players on that team being rewarded with healthy entry level and performance bonuses (ie. a $1.3 million dollar bonus to Jonathan Towes for winning the Conn Smythe), Chicago is in a world of hurt and GM Stan Bowman admittedly has some serious work ahead of him.

As the Globe and Mail explains, here’s how the CBA and salary “excess” is dealt with:

“To the extent a Club’s Averaged Club Salary exceeds its Upper Limit as a result of: (i) Exhibit 5 Individual ‘A’ Performance Bonuses and ‘B’ Performance Bonuses paid by the Club that may be earned by Players in the Entry Level System and (ii) Performance Bonuses that may be earned by Players pursuant to Section 50.2(b)(i)(C) above, then the Club's Upper Limit for the next League Year shall be reduced by an amount equal to such excess.”

That $4-million (or whatever the number ends up being), in other words, is coming off next year's cap for the Blackhawks who already have to deal with being over the cap by about $800,000 (according to capgeek.com). This is all without noting the status of players like UFA's John Madden and Nick Boynton and/or RFA's like Andrew Ladd, Ben Eager, Antti Niemi, and Niklas Hjalmarsson.

When it comes to their superstar core, Chicago is in good shape. They're not forced to deal with losing the likes of Kane, Toews, Hossa, Keith, or Seabrook to offer sheets or UFA bidding wars, as everyone that can be considered the face of that franchise during this recent run and subsequent runs to follow are long term Blackhawks.

Antti Niemi might be the closest key component not on the books and due a raise thanks to his being the goalie to take them to Lord Stanley's Cup (that's always rewarded), but that's about it.

That said, the Blackhawks will have to lose either a great deal of their depth (something very underrated and significant in their cup victory) or will have to try and convince some NHL teams to take on some of their bigger cap hit problems, which won't be easy to do.

They'll likely start with Cristobal Huet. Huet has turned out to be a glaring error and a contract that still requires $5.6 million per year for the next two years -- terrible when you consider he hardly played throughout the playoffs and has yet to establish himself as a starting goaltender. Chicago might look to the minors or a buy-out, but it seems unlikely considering the cost.

Even if Chicago were able to dump Huet's contract, it would only solve the cap overages, not assist in getting those key RFA and UFA's back in the Blackhawk fold for 2010/2011. More moves would have to come and since Huet's contract is about as moveable as Shawn Horcoff's, maybe less so, Huet isn't a strong bet for solving Chicago's problems -- not that they won't try.

Another option would be to trade high priced defenceman Brian Campbell. He was key to the Blackhawk turn around upon his arrival and still has a lot to offer a team needing an offensive veteran blueliner. The issue is that $7 million plus over the next six seasons due Campbell. It's simply too much for 90% of NHL teams to absorb and by todays standards a gross overpayment even though Campbell brings a lot to the table.

Might Edmonton consider Campbell for Souray? Maybe. But, even the Oilers, who would be happy to get a star defencemen for a disgruntled star defenceman would think twice, maybe three times about taking on that kind of money.

The more likely scenario, is that the Blackhawks start moving some depth with value and trading RFA's for picks or low priced prospects.

Kris Versteeg is an obvious choice. Toronto is rumored to have interest as I'm sure other teams will, but I might suggest the Oilers consider Versteeg as he's a very well rounded winger with tremendous upside. Given more of a break-out opportunity on a team not quite as stacked as Chicago, Versteeg could become a 25-30 goal scorer. He gives you powerplay and short-handed ice time, he can score big goals at big times and he's young enough to be a part of a rebuilding franchise. In Edmonton's case, he'd be a natural to switch back and forth with MPS as the 2nd/3rd line wingers behind Dustin Penner; giving MPS time to establish himself as an NHL'er.

Might Chicago move a $3 million plus Kris Versteeg for a $2 million Robert Nilsson or Ethan Moreau? They might.

Some will mock at that idea, especially Chicago fans because Versteeg offers so much more than either Nilsson or Moreau do, but consider that Chicago wouldn't make these trades if they had other choices and you quickly realize the Blackhawks won't be getting value for any of these players. They are almost 100% salary dumps.

If Chicago really struggles to find suitors, Dustin Byfuglien and Patrick Sharp would be the cats meow in terms of scoring on an opportunity if one were there for an NHL team.

Byfuglien seems more likely than Sharp considering he's due for a raise after next season and if his play remains anywhere near what he showed in the post season, there is no way Chicago can afford him. Perhaps they do some forward thinking and make a move now considering his value is at an all time high. Byfuglien would likely gather you an assortment of decent prospects and/or picks. For Chicago that would be important since they can't take on any additional money.

Finally, if the Hawks are in real cap trouble, they see what's out there for Patrick Sharp. If I'm the Oilers, I make every pitch outside of the drafts and prospects core that Edmonton has built up like Eberle, Gagner, MPS and our first overall in 2010. Players like Penner and Hemsky can't be included thanks to their salary, so it leaves other longer term prospects and picks. Perhaps the right package offer would be too hard for Chicago to ignore.

Obviously 28 other teams will want to put something together to steal some talent from the defending Stanely Cup champions. Columbus needs to make the playoffs and might be willing to move the 4th overall pick to do it. Would Sharp and Byfuglien help them get there? Likely. Would Chicago do that kind of trade? Doubt it, but it's one a few type of similar offers Chicago might receive. If I'm Tambellini, I at least throw something out there.

If Chicago considers it, we know for sure, that's the cost of winning and the choices were few and far between.

13 days and counting. When I say counting, I'm being literal too, since there are many people I know actually counting haw many sleeps until June 25th and the Oilers drafting first overall for the first time in franchise history. In that respect, it's like a little kid at Christmas.

One has to hope those kids won't be disappointed if the Oilers don't pick #1, since many are suggesting it's about a 50/50 shot that the Oilers and Bruins do a deal involving the first overall selection.

I'm of the belief that in the end the Oilers will keep the first pick and with it draft Taylor Hall. More news continues to flow that Hall is just as excited and ready to play center as he would be wing (where people feel he naturally fits). Add to it that Hall is a big game, big situation type player and it's a much less of a lose situation for Edmonton to pick him first.

I'm also of the belief that Oilers GM Steve Tambellini and Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli will talk some twenty plus times between now and the draft to see if they can come to a mix of the right ingredients to make a move.

I figure it will take a lot of quick short, "are we close yet?" type calls between the two GM's before one just finally says "yep, we have a deal" or "nope, we're just gonna draft our guy". Those conversations will likely involve how much is too little from Chiarelli's offering standpoint and how much is too much from Tambellini's asking position.

Rumors started with a name like Blake Wheeler and went as high as a name like Milan Lucic. Some suggest the Oilers shouldn't expect a valid roster player since the discrepancy between Seguin and Hall isn't that big, while others suggest the Oilers can get a great player since it's obvious the Bruins want Hall.

I'm of the belief that Wheeler is too little. That the Oilers who could use a 20 goal guy (which Wheeler likely is) would view it as a start, but wouldn't hold their breath that Wheeler is part of an Oiler future.

Wheeler has a history of choosing when and who to play for. As an RFA this season, he means little to Boston in the big picture and he may be in one door and out another too quickly for the Oilers to capitalize on a deal like that.

I like Wheeler and many aspects of what he'd bring. He has size and he's young and he'd fit well in a second or third line role on the Oilers at right wing during a rebuild. But the only way I do that deal, is if the Oilers could manage shipping salary like that of O'Sullivan along with the 1st and 31st overall pick in 2010 to the Bruins in exchange for Wheeler, the 2nd and the 15th overall picks. All this has to be contingent of course on talking to Wheeler and ensuring he'd want to play in Edmonton.

In terms of an Oilers asking price, I think Milan Lucic is too much. While he offers the same size and offensive type numbers Wheeler does, the Bruins are much more keen on Lucic. He's got grit, he's a natural leader by example and he's been invested in for three more years (heavily I might add at a cap hit of over $4 million per season).

Because his salary is hefty, the Oilers would again have to send salary back to Boston, which if their asking Boston to move Lucic isn't enough, might be the straw the breaks the camels back in terms of what they'd be giving up and taking just to flop picks.

I think to have Lucic involved would be something like Lucic, 2nd rounder in 2011 and the 2nd overall in 2010 to Edmonton for the 2010 1st overall, Robert Nilsson and Ethan Moreau. I wouldn't do that trade if I'm Boston, so I don't know how it would happen without creating more cap issues for the Oilers than it does good.

Somewhere in the middle would be what I'd like to see as a fan.

Contingent on Boston signing UFA Johnny Boychuk to a reasonable three year deal (which is a big if, because Boychuk can test free agency after the draft), I'd ask for Boychuk along with the 2nd and 15th overall pic in 2010 for the Oilers 1st and 31st overall in 2010 along with Andrew Cogliano.

It's a steep price for Boston, but might raise some eyebrows. It's a great move for Edmonton, who fills a need on defence with a young high upside prospect (Boychuk played the 2nd most blueline minutes to Chara) and moves Edmonton up into the first round with their second selection. The Oilers could then try to turn that pick along with a player to a team like Columbus for the 4th overall. Edmonton gives up a young prospect in Cogliano, but giving up only Cogliano who unfortunately isn't finding a viable home lately with the Oilers is liveable to fill a bigger need on defense with a young and improving contract.

While Boston might resist at first giving up Boychuk, the fact that they signed Seidenberg and committed over $19.5 million to six defencemen in this coming season tells me they'd be alright without Boychuk if it meant winning now, which is what Boston is trying to do.

Of course as the title of this article suggests, this could be too much or too little depending on which side of the fence you sit.

Just last year the talk of the NHL entry draft was who the New York Islanders would take as their first overall selection. Going back even as far as two years before that particular draft, John Tavares was positioned as the consensus easy choice.

A Brief History

One year prior to Tavares actually being drafted, Tavares was the talk of the rookie crop. Just shy age wise of entering the draft with most of his teammates, it was a newsworthy item that Tavares and his supporters were trying to bend a few rules to make him draft eligible before his age would technically allow him to be drafted.

He was good enough at that time to be considered a top draft selection and he watched as players he knew quite well got to enter the NHL while he, just a little too young, had to wait another full year. At the time, Tavares' age was big news.

As his new junior league season started, Tavares was still leading the pack coming into the draft. Unfortunately for Tavares, who stayed about the same in terms of his talent level, his status quo play made room for players like defenceman Victor Hedman from Sweden and forward Matt Duchene (who eventually went third overall that year). Each gained ground in the debate about who really should go first overall and each player had their supporters.

For the New York Islanders, drafting first overall was a huge deal. The city and the team needed something to get the fans involved. The speculation and buzz surrounding John Tavares did just that and Islander fans flocked out like they hadn't in years, all excited about what adding a franchise player like John Tavares could do for their team and hockey on Long Island.

The problem? No one knew for sure that Islanders GM Garth Snow - who in the past was known for what some might call odd choices - was actually going to take Tavares. Many in the know and experts who made up countless mock drafts believed Tavares to be the guy, but few could give a definitive guarantee. By the time of the draft, many couldn't actually decide if Snow had settled on his choice or not and quite a few predicted Snow to go a different direction.

Of course, back on Long Island the team and the city patiently waited and created an atmosphere like Islander fans hadn't seen in a very very long time. Tavares signs were everywhere, jersey's had been purchased, and the arena was full of fans just waiting for the Islanders to announce John Tavares as the newest member of their professional hockey club.

Fast Forward to Today

The Edmonton Oilers sent an email to fans letting them know they'd be holding a draft party at Rexall Place. For $5, fans could come watch as the Oil make for the first time in franchise history, the number one selection at this years draft.

Is it me, or does the less than one year old situation with the Islanders bare far too much resemblence to the current situation of the Edmonton Oilers?

Last year, experts were suggesting that had Taylor Hall been available at the draft, he'd have gone extremely high. Some scouts even went so far as to say they'd have drafted him over John Tavares. Obviously Hall wasn't and he didn't, but scouts back then knew Hall was something special.

Taylor Hall spent all of last year as the guy who'd be the next big thing in the following years draft. He stayed his offensively amazing self, but as the season wore on, this Tyler Seguin kid kind of came out of nowhere and created an argument that people shouldn't be so fast to just mail home Taylor Hall's selection at first overall.

Much like Garth Snow and how he stayed away from giving any indication as to whom the Islanders would draft, Steve Tambellini and the Oilers have everyone guessing. Many still believe Hall to be the guy, but noone knows for sure thinking Seguin is the guy the Oilers want.

Meanwhile, thanks to todays invitation, they'll be some 15,000 plus fans in attendance at this years draft party wanting the Oilers to draft Taylor Hall. Why wouldn't they? They watched Hall dominate at the World Juniors and they've seen very little of Seguin.

It was believed after last years draft took place, that Garth Snow and the Islanders had always known they'd be selecting John Tavares. People were unsure, but eventually everyone got the player they expected to get. With how many similarities between the way this years draft and last years draft are shaping up, should we believe Edmonton's draft year may turn out the same way?

Perhaps the Oilers have always known since winning the draft lottery that Hall is their guy and perhaps this silence over who they are going to take is just for intrigue. If Hall isn't that guy, why on earth would the Oilers invite an entire arena full of people to watch Edmonton draft the player very few fans of the Oilers want?

Seguin has every right to be considered a possibility at number one, just like Hedman and Duchene the year before. Seguin has made a strong case that he's the better prospect. I won't be surprised if the Oilers think so too. Even still, Hall is the consensus choice among scouts.

My advice to this franchise? Don't be surprised if the fans you've invited to fill Rexall Place don't agree with you when you select Tyler Seguin. The only prospect a lot of these fans know is Taylor Hall. He impressed them, they want him and your about to tell 15,000 strong they aren't getting him if you draft Tyler and not Taylor.

I don't pretend to know who I'd take if I was the Oilers. I guess what I'm saying here, is if the Oilers don't know yet either and the fans want Hall, inviting everyone to Rexall just makes little sense.

Likely I'm over thinking things and this is just another way to fill a stadium and produce extra revenue. I just wonder, if it's not that simple, if there's hidden meaning here.