Oilers GM speaks to the media

Oilers GM Lozinski made himself available to the media Thursday morning to discuss a wide variety of subjects.

How do you feel about the changes made to your roster?

" We have made a TOTAL overhaul to this team. We have replaced guys like Kunitz, Sedin and Perry with Malkin, Nash, Stewart, Schneider and Saad. We felt that last season would be a good season to shed some cap and gain youth. We were maxed out cap wise, and did not want to be in a position where we were trading stars for less then fair market value, with the cap going down this season. We have managed to put a very competitive team together, and still have 6 million dollars in cap space. Next year will be a big year for this league, with a ton of quality free agents, and we are now in a position where we can sign a top 6 guy."

Any regrets from last season?

" As with most GM's, this is my first league as a GM. I have learned so much in the past 2 years, and definitley made some mistakes. My biggest regret last season was the John Toews trade with Boston. We received a 1st round pick, a verbal agreement that GM Arcesi would pull his offer for Malkin and Marian Hossa for him. Players like Toews are guys that dont come around very often. I was frustrated and made a trade with my emotions, that will NEVER happen again."

How do you feel about your team this season?

"I am very comftorable with this team going into the season. The one thing we boast this year that we were not able to the last couple years is depth. We have a ton of depth. Last season, we were playing AHL guys on our 4th line because we simply didnt have anyone else. Not this year. We have a plethora of quality guys that we can call up and play if need be. The one thing i am still looking to add is a 2nd line centre."

Which players are you most excited about?

"I am really excited about 3 guys, Malkin, Tlusty and Nash. Those 3 guys playing together should put up a ton of points this season. I would be scared to be playing against them. Cory Schenider is also a guy looking to have a big year"

How do you feel about your teams youth?

" Another thing about this team that we now have is high quality youth. Guys like Oscar Klefbom, Brandan Saad, Mark Psysk, Austin Watson and Brett Ritchie among others is something to look forward to "

What is this teams goal for the season?

" As with 29 other teams in this league, our goal is always the Stanley Cup. We play in a very tough confrence with teams like St. Louis Colorado, and Phoenix being the powerhouses. I am amazed with the job that GM Peralta has done to his team, i definitley think they are going to be a dark horse this season. We are lucky that we have 3 or 4 teams that are rebuilding in our confrence. "

GM Lozinski would like to reiterate that he is in the market for a 2nd line centre

Tlusty- Malkin- Nash

Saad- Boyle- Stewart

Torres- Fedotenko- Ruutu

Penner- Smithson- Dwyer

Wisnewski- Smid

Petry- Hainsey

Spurgeon- Schultz

Schenider

Oilers trade block:

Ben Eager

Teemu Hartikainen

Antti Mietinen

Lennart Petrell

Chris Thorburn

Zack Miskovic

Danny Taylor