Edmonton Oilers General Manager Peter Chiarelli is expected to make some moves at the NHL Entry Draft in a few weeks. Should his job status be judged on those actions?
For the Edmonton Oilers and their General Manager running the ship Peter Chiarelli, these next couple of weeks is the calm before the storm. What will probably transpire at the NHL Entry Draft at Dallas in a few weeks will be an indicator to the fanbase if this team is trending in the right direction.
All the speculation of proposed trades, signings or farfetched scenarios will be probably thrown to the side if nothing major happens before or after the draft. That seems to be the worry that the fanbase has now at this very moment.
All they have seen or heard the past few days is their beloved Edmonton Oilers acquiring young prospects or resigning young talent for their minor league team. Everybody is in the assumption that Peter Chiarelli is sitting around just waiting for a deal to fall on his lap. Especially if that deal catapults the Oilers into playoff contention next year.
Should he be judged right now?
The fact of the matter is that Chiarelli has done all he’s can so far in the offseason by revamping the coaching staff and stocking up on young talent. The heavy lifting hasn’t begun yet for him, so the criticisms that he hasn’t done anything is ludicrous for now.
At this moment we don’t know what to expect from him, especially what he’ll do with the Oilers draft pick. All the criticisms that Peter Chiarelli has endured over the years could be warranted in some aspects, and one of them is going to be in the draft. It will be a turning point for this General Manager and the Edmonton Oilers if nothing significant happens at the draft.
If he trades the pick and captures a quality player in a win-now scenario, could that help this team right away? Or is drafting a young player who can be ready in the next few years be worth it in the long run.
All eyes will be on Peter Chiarelli; the question is will that affect his decision in the next few weeks?