** Video of press conference at the bottom of the post **
- David Pagnotta: “This availability is not going to satisfy anybody” — MacTavish.
- Edmonton Oilers: “The accountability on the players to execute on the ice has to improve… our execution on the ice at critical moments.” – MacT
- John Shannon: “Accountability has to be on the players.. it’s been the same message for 2 years”. MacT
- Craig Custance: “MacTavish said the focus has been to bring in more competitive players: “We’re seeing evidence of that in Oklahoma City.””
- John Shannon: “MacTavish :”The players are holding themselves accountable” … “I don’t think we should root out the core group””
- Arpon Basu: ‘Craig MacTavish says the Oilers plan is not going to change, thereby confirming there is indeed a plan.”
- David Pagnotta: “MacTavish acknowledges he’s been trying to make trades, but hasn’t found one that makes sense.”
- Craig Custance: On why they haven’t added a center: “We’re not in a position to pay the asset ask for a positional bias right now.”
- Craig Custance: On ownership: “I would characterize the owner as upset. He’s like a lot of our fans, times ten.”
- Craig Custance: “I’m actually okay with everything MacTavish is saying right now.”
- Pierre LeBrun: “MacT says owner is upset. But Oil GM preaches patience, says not looking to trade young core guys. He might be right, but tough sell on fans”
- Edmonton Oilers: MacTavish: “What I think I have now is a group capable of growth. They’re still developing and it’s taking time for them to become dominant.”
- Craig Custance: MacTavish: “What I think I have now is a group that’s capable of growth. What I think I inherited was a group on the demise.”
- Stephen Whyno: MacTavish: “I know we’re all getting close to reaching our choke point, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to punt out our 3 best players.”
- Jason Gregor: MacTavish: “Make no mistake coaching is under scrutiny. I don’t think making a change now is needed.”
- Craig Custance: “MacT says the core group doesn’t exhibit the urgency needed for success. To me, that’s a byproduct of long-term deals early in careers.”
- David Staples: “MacTavish says drafting has to get better. So are they changing long-time scouting staff or not? How about pro scouts?”
- Stephen Whyno: “MacTavish saying Oilers are not in position to spend assets to “prop up” this team is as close to embrace the tank as an NHL GM can get.”
- Stephen Whyno: ‘MacTavish animated responding to @SportsnetSpec. Said he had nothing to do with prior management, pumped his own tires as GM.”
- John Shannon: “Message from Edmonton…Work in Progress…trying to get better…Players are accountable.”
