Oilers GM ponders changes to coaching staff, dealing top draft pick

The Edmonton Oilers general managersays he is focused on next seasonwhich may openwitha different coaching staff.

"They're under close scrutinization," Peter Chiarelli said Wednesday In his first public comments since the Oilers season ended four days ago.

"I have to look real close at it. I have to dig deep. I can't say with certainty, but on the surface you'd think, yes, I'd have to make some changes."

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But fans hoping fordrastic moves on the ice may be disappointed.

"There are things that we have to address immediately," Chiarelli said. "I'm not ruling out a trade either, but by no means are we going to dismantle this team.

"I expect this team to be in the playoffs this year and that's what we're going to strive for."

Chiarellispoke about young players not meeting expectations, but said they willimprove next year.

The GM is looking towardthe NHL draft lottery on April 23, where the Oilers have a five-per-cent chance of winning the top pick.

Anything less he's open to trading, he said.

"I would put that pick in play. It would have to make sense," he said. "There's a whole cluster of [defencemen]that I like."

"If we win the lottery or we're in the top three, I'd have to rethink that."

The draft itself takesplace in Dallas on June 22.

Chiarelli also talked about winger MilanLucic.In his second season with the Oilers,Lucic finished with 10 goals and24 assists for 34 points,16 fewerthan his previous season.Chiarelli expects him tobounce back next year.

"I'm confident he can get back to where the expectations lie for him," Chiarelli said. "Where are those expectations? He's got toobviously produce more. I actually like his skating this year."

Fans worried that Chiarelli could trade awaycentreRyanNugent-Hopkins can rest easy.

Asked ifthe 24-year-old willbe part of the team's core next year, Chiarelli said, "Yeah, I would say that."

Travis.mcewan@cbc.ca

@Travismcewancbc