A case for Martin Havlat

Martin Havlat is one of the NHL's premier players...when healthy. He has consistently produced at a point-per-game clip, even with the poor, poor linemates he's been forced to play with in the past.

I think he's the ideal option for the Oilers to pick up, either now or later on in the season. At a $6 million hit, he does create potential cap problems, and I'd say he's one of the top-3 oft-injured players in the league (along with Moreau and Coliacovo). But with only one year left on his contract, and the high-talent play that he brings, I think the reward outweighs the risk when it comes to Havlat.

He's a smooth-skating puck wizard who can score 40 goals in an 82-game season. One of the biggest reasons the Oilers should grab him is because he's a LW, and a prime choice to take that 1st line spot beside Horcoff and Hemsky. He would bring a serious shooting threat to the powerplay, and help spread around the depth on the other lines.

I know his bones seem to be made of eggshells, but whether Lowe wants to risk it now, or wishes to use him to stock up for the playoffs, Havlat is an ideal fit for the Oilers. And I'm sure the Hawks are dying to get rid of him. Hell, I'd say he could be had for a 3rd/4th round pick. I just hope we grab him before he becomes too hot for the Hawks to let go of.

Havlat Horcoff Hemsky
Penner Gagner Cole
Nilsson Cogliano Pisani
Moreau Brodziak Pouliot