News:Gilbert Brule has been cut by his Swiss league team, reports NBCSports.com.
Analysis: Oh boy -- who's going to take a chance on a guy cut from the Swiss league? Maybe his 15 minutes of fame ended after picking up a hitchhiking Bono last year.
News:Gilbert Brule did not receive a qualifying offer from the Coyotes, Sarah McLellan of azcentral.com reports.
Analysis:Gilbert Brule will now become an unrestricted free agent come July 1st. Last season, Brule recorded 19 points in 33 regular season games and three in 12 playoff games.
News:Gilbert Brule was the only Phoenix skater to find nylon in Saturday's 2-1 Game 5 loss to Chicago. It's the first playoff point of his NHL career.
Analysis: He has yet to demonstrate the kind of offensive prowess that would lead us to recommend him to you. He had just 14 points in an injury-shortened campaign.
News:Gilbert Brule (head) is a game-time decision for Saturday's game against Columbus, Dave Vest reports.
Analysis:Gilbert Brule has not played since February 21st and is unlikely to see more than 10-12 minutes of ice time if he plays.
News:Gilbert Brule (head) is the closest of all the injured Coyotes to returning, but coach Dave Tippett said he won't return Thursday against Calgary.
Analysis: The Coyotes are slowly starting to get healthy again, which makes their 11-0-1 rampage through the month of February all the more impressive. Gilbert Brule's next opportunity to return is March 3 at home against Columbus.
News:Gilbert Brule (head) has worked out for the past two days, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Though the Coyotes have not provided specifics about Gilbert Brule's injury, the widespread belief was that he had sustained a concussion. That Brule is back on the ice less than a week after the injury occurred is a great sign that his injury isn't as serious as it was initially perceived to be.
News:Gilbert Brule (unspecified issue) will not play Thursday against the Flames, the Tuscon Citizen reports.
Analysis:Gilbert Brule was injured late in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Kings. "Hopefully, it's not a long-term thing (and) he can get back in the lineup because he's been a pretty good player for us," coach Dave Tippett said of Brule. "He's been a little spark plug." Brule has notched seven points in 17 games since joining the Coyotes.
News:Gilbert Brule was credited with two assists in Phoenix's 3-0 whitewashing of the fading Blackhawks on Saturday. He finished the contest with a plus-2 rating.
Analysis: With 13 games in the books in his abbreviated season, he has three markers and four helpers. Those points are basically found money for the Coyotes, since he was claimed off the waiver wire, but he's still a marginal fantasy player in most reasonably deep leagues.
News:Gilbert Brule scored his third goal in seven games with Phoenix in a 3-2 win over Ottawa on Tuesday.
Analysis: There's little doubt that Gilbert Brule has been a surprising source of offense for the Coyotes since being picked up off waivers. With four points in seven games, it may not be a bad idea to pick him up and see if he can continue his inspired play after the All-Star break.
News:Gilbert Brule had another goal in Thursday's shootout loss to the Red Wings.
Analysis: In a small sample with the Coyotes, Gilbert Brule is showing some signs that he may work out with his new team. He has three points in his last three games.
News:Gilbert Brule tallied a goal and an assist during Monday's 6-1 win over the Avalanche.
Analysis:Gilbert Brule is off to a nice start in Phoenix since being claimed off waivers from Edmonton on Jan. 10. Any player who can light an offensive spark under the Coyotes is a welcome sight in the desert, though take a wait-and-see approach when considering Brule for fantasy purposes as he carves out his role with his new team.
News: The Coyotes claimed Gilbert Brule off re-entry waivers Tuesday, Coyotes.NHL.com reports.
Analysis:Gilbert Brule hasn't made an NHL appearance this year and has just 18 points (eight goals) in 27 AHL showings, so he's unlikely to make a fantasy impact for Phoenix.
News:Gilbert Brule was recalled from Oklahoma City of the AHL on Monday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis:Gilbert Brule was one of several reserves called up as the Oilers are suffering through a rash of injuries at this point in time. Brule has to clear re-entry waivers before joining Edmonton, but that shouldn't be much of a problem.
News:Gilbert Brule has been placed on waivers to send him to AHL Oklahoma, Jeff Marek of SportsNet reports.
Analysis:Gilbert Brule has been seeing a sports psychologist this offseason and apparently the Oilers didn't feel he was ready to play for the big club. He is in the last year of a two-year, $1.85 million deal.
News:Gilbert Brule has been seeing a sports psychologist quite often this off-season, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis:Gilbert Brule is trying to find answers as to why his play has deteriorated over the past couple of seasons. He believes part of those reasons are because he thinks to much about "what he should have done" after games. A sports psychologist has worked for other players, perhaps it can him to.
Brule's Health Scuttles Trade Between Oil and Kings
News: Brule (head) was part of a potential deal that would have seen him head to the Kings in exchange for Ryan Smyth but the Kings balked at the last second because of concerns about his health, reports TSN.ca.
Analysis: It gets even worse for the former first-rounder because even if he'd gone to L.A., he would have been bought out of his contract and been a free man. Ouch. Brule had a brilliant junior career but was rushed to the NHL far too soon by an over-eager Columbus team and the damage done to his psyche and career was significant. His once prodigious offense has disappeared and he has struggled to carve a niche as a third- and fourth-liner.
News: Brule picked up a pair of hitchhikers while driving in Vancouver on Tuesday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: We normally wouldn't recommend picking up a hitchhiker, but when that person is U2 frontman Bono we will make an exception. While traveling to a park to walk his dog, Brule passed the lead singer and after realizing exactly who it was, turned around and went back. Sure enough Bono and his assistant were looking for a ride after they got caught in a rain storm. As a thank you for the assist, Bono gave Brule and his girlfriend back stage passes to his show in Edmonton. Things like this just never happen to me.
News: Brule (undisclosed injury) will not play Tuesday against the Canucks, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis: Brule left Saturday's game after the first period with an injury that is still undisclosed. Consider him day-to-day.
News: Brule (undisclosed) did not skate with the team Monday, the team's official Twitter reports.
Analysis: There's no official word yet on what's troubling Brule, but consider him questionable for Tuesday's game against the Canucks.
News: Brule left the game Saturday night after the first period with an undisclosed injury, according to the Oilers web site.
Analysis: Brule was said not to be feeling well, so whether or not it is related to his concussion is not yet known. Either way, this could be the last game that Brule plays this season.
News: Brule (concussion) will be in the Oilers' lineup Thursday against the Wild, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Brule, who last played March 13, checks in with nine pints and 39 PIMs in 39 games to date with the Oilers this season, so his return shouldn't cause a huge ripple in fantasy circles.
News: Brule (concussion) practiced with the team Monday, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Brule is not expected to play Tuesday versus Minnesota, but will join the team on their two-game road trip and hopes to play in the back end.
News: Brule is out indefinitely with a concussion, 630 CHED's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: Brule had his bell rung this past Sunday, so it sounds like he'll be out for a few more days, at the very least.
News: Brule may have suffered a concussion during the game Sunday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule put a big hit on the Penguins' Kris Letang where their two helmets collided. After the game he was feeling "fuzzy," which does sound an awful lot like he gave himself a concussion.
News: Brule (illness) is expected to return to the lineup Friday versus Detroit, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: The season ending injury to Sam Gagner has opened up a spot in the lineup for Brule.
News: Brule (flu) will once again be scratched for the game Tuesday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule is once again battling the flu and will sit this game out, but may be able to play Wednesday in Washington.
News: Brule (illness) skated with his teammates Monday, the Oilers' official site reports.
Analysis: Consider Brule day-to-day heading into Tuesday's game against the Flyers.
News: Brule may have suffered a relapse of his illness, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule missed a considerable amount of time due to an illness and now he is out of the lineup once again. The Oilers haven't stated if the illnesses are related or when Brule may return to the lineup.
News: Brule (undisclosed) won't play against Colorado on Saturday, Oilers Radio Network's Dan Tencer reports.
Analysis: No word on what the issue is, but those normally relying on him should pull him for Saturday's contest.
News: Brule (illness) is expected to be activated before the game Sunday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: If so, this would be Brule's first game since Jan. 6. Brule has been healthy for some time now, but the Oilers were unwilling to tinker with their roster while the team was enjoying some success.
News: Brule (illness) won't be activated off the IR in time for the game Tuesday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule is skating hard and ready to play but the Oilers don't want to tinker with the lineup right now.
News: Brule (illness) is likely to come off the IR on Saturday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: There is even an outside chance that Brule could play Wednesday but Saturday seems to be the odds on favorite. Brule has been out since Jan. 6 because of an ankle and than a stomach virus. He finally passed his fitness test Wednesday but still needs some practice time before the Oilers activate him off the IR.
News: Brule (upper body/ankle) practiced Monday, but isn't expected to play against the Stars on Tuesday, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Analysis: Brule last played on Jan. 6, but it now appears as though his return is around the corner. With just eight points in 34 games thus far though, his fantasy impact has been limited.
News: Brule (flu) could be sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule has been in and out of the lineup for what seems like the entire season. His value to the team and your fantasy lineup is pretty limited at this point.
News: Brule (flu) will not return to the lineup Wednesday versus Los Angeles, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule is undergoing blood tests to find out exactly what the illness is that he is dealing with. He has not played since Jan. 6 and there is no timetable for his return.
News: Brule missed practice Monday with the flu, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule is also recovering from an ankle injury but all signs point to him being available to play Wednesday. The question is, "Will the Oilers play him even if he is healthy?" as he hasn't exactly been lighting up the scoreboard.
News: Brule (ankle) practiced with the team Wednesday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule also underwent tests for a damaged spleen when he was out, but that turned out to be a false alarm. Brule will still need another couple of practices before he gets back in the lineup.
News: Coach Tom Renney says Brule now has an ankle injury and will miss at least the rest of the Oilers' road trip, according to Dan Tencer of 630 CHED.
Analysis: Brule last played January 6, but based on the team's schedule and this latest bit of news, he's out until at least the 18th of the month (three more games on the trip), and possibly more.
News: Brule (abdomen, chest) won't play versus Vancouver on Friday, according to the Edmonton Journal
Analysis: Brule suffered the injury while playing against the Islanders on Thursday. This is not expected to be a significant injury as the Oilers are hoping Brule will return to the lineup shortly.
News: Brule has a bruised abdomen, according to head coach Tom Renney, and is day-to-day, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: The Oilers take on the Canucks on Friday night, so it appears as if there's a decent chance that Brule -- who has a very disappointing eight points in 34 games this season -- will miss the contest.
News: Brule (illness) will return to action Thursday, according to the Oilers' official website.
Analysis: Brule will join his teammates for Thursday's game against Colorado after missing the last four games due to the flu. He is expected to replace Linus Omark in the Oilers' lineup.
News: The Oilers have placed Brule (illness) on injured reserve retroactive to December 20, Dan Tencer of 630 CHED reports.
Analysis: Brule has already been out the minimum seven days, so he will be able to return to the ice once he is back in good health.
News: Brule (illness) is expected to return to the ice Tuesday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule was told to stay away from the team because they were afraid he would pass his virus on to the other players, but he is back skating and is probable to play Tuesday.
News: Brule (illness) will not play Thursday, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Analysis: Brule has still not recovered from the flu and the team does not want to take the chance that he could infect the rest of the team. He should re-join the team after the holiday break.
News: Brule (illness) may not go on the road with the team on their upcoming two-game road trip, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule is not feeling well and the Oilers believe it may be beneficial to keep him away from the rest of the team rather than risk him infecting additional players.
News: Brule will go back to playing wing Thursday versus Columbus, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule had a one-game tryout at center that didn't pan out; he will play with Andrew Cogliano and Dustin Penner. The Oilers are trying anything they can think of to get Brule going, but so far nothing has worked, including benching him.
News: Brule will sit on the bench Friday versus Phoenix, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule has gone seven games without a point and this seems to be a message being sent across his bow. Coach Tom Renney has used this ploy before with different players with limited results. We'll see what happens this time around.
News: Brule (undisclosed) didn't practice Friday, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Analysis: Brule states that this was just a precautionary measure and that he should play Sunday.
News: The Oilers have re-signed center Gilbert Brule. Brule, who had 17 goals and 20 assists in 65 games with the Oilers last season, agreed to terms Tuesday on a two-year contract. "Gilbert made a big step last year in his development," general manager Steve Tambellini said in a statement. "We are excited to have him here in Edmonton and look forward to his continued contribution to the team.
Analysis: Brule was acquired from Columbus for Raffi Torres in July 2008. In 222 career NHL games, Brule has 31 goals and 41 assists. Brule has definitely fallen short of expectations after being taken sixth overall in the 2005 draft, but last year he did show some promise and might develop a little more under first-year coach Tom Renney. Brule is still nothing more than a late-round Fantasy flier in larger formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Gilbert Brule is done for the season with a sprained ankle. That makes him the eighth Oiler who had his season shut down prematurely. "It's been kind of amazing, really, the type of adverse things that have happened to this group of athletes this year, losing bodies like that," head coach Pat Quinn said. "But Gilbert, at the end of the season, will be able to know that he's made some progress, and hopefully that will continue." With a career-high 17 goals, Brule was second in team scoring when he crashed into the net in Dallas, ending his year. "Obviously I'm really disappointed. I had some goals that I wanted to reach and it's not going to happen anymore," Brule said. "It's tough. I really wanted to finish strong, get some goals, get some points and some wins for our team."
Analysis: Brule did enough in the 65 games that he did play to really elevate his stock. "You like to see kids who are making some progress continue that," Quinn said. "He's had a respectable season, way beyond expectations, I think, in terms of production. And he was improving in other areas of the game that will help him be a valuable member of our team. That's the disappointing part, that it won't continue." Perhaps we can't write Brule off as a first-round bust just yet. Still, he is going to be a low-end Fantasy flier on Draft Day 2010.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule (ankle) missed Saturday's shootout loss to the Coyotes.
Analysis: Considering Brule was on crutches after hurting his ankle on Friday, he might be out for little while. You're better off avoiding him in Fantasy Week 25 (April 5-11) unless we get some concrete news about his status before Monday's lineup deadline.
News: Edmonton C Gilbert Brule sustained a right ankle sprain in the first period of Friday's loss to the Stars and didn't return. He was on crutches after the game.
Analysis: With only 16 goals and 20 assists on the season, Brule is not a viable Fantasy option.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule scored a goal during Monday's game against the Hurricanes. Brule gave Edmonton a 2-1 lead in the first as his 12th goal eluded Cam Ward. It was Brule's third goal in eight games.
Analysis: Brule missed most of January as he battled the flu for the fourth time this season. Brule was at his best earlier in the season, but he really began to tail off as soon as he replaced Ales Hemsky on the team's top line in late November. Brule has shown he can play in Pat Quinn's system, but he remains a low-end Fantasy flier until he scores on a more consistent basis.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Blues after missing seven games with the flu. He had no points and a minus-1 rating in 13:46 of ice time.
Analysis: Brule has missed quite some time in 2009-10 because of a few different bouts with the flu. Hopefully, he can put this nonsense behind him and get back to work. Brule has shown he can be a viable scoring option under coach Pat Quinn, but he still has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: The Edmonton Journal reports that Oilers C Gilbert Brule (flu) will return to action Thursday vs. St. Louis.
Analysis: Brule is having a great season by his standards so far, with a career-high 24 points in 41 games. Those kind of numbers make him just a low-end Fantasy option, however.
News: The Oilers' official Twitter feed reports that C Gilbert Brule (flu) might return to action on Tuesday vs. Chicago.
Analysis: Brule is having a great season by his standards so far, with a career-high 24 points in 41 games. Those kind of numbers make him just a low-end Fantasy option when healthy though, so only owners in deeper leagues should be worrying about his status
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule (flu) was not active on Friday against the Stars. He has been out for six games.
Analysis: Brule just can't seem to overcome his latest bout with the flu. He has had trouble fighting off the flu in 2009-10 and the Oilers have started to look into his health issues. Brule is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule (flu) did not play on Wednesday against the Canucks. He has missed the last five games.
Analysis: Brule has missed a lot of time in 2009-10 on a few occasions with the flu. He really needs to boost his immune system, so he doesn't have to deal with these issues anymore. Brule is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule (flu) did not play on Monday against the Avalanche. He has missed the last four games.
Analysis: Brule did not accompany Edmonton on their two-game road trip, so Wednesday against Vancouver might be his first shot at returning to action. Brule is having his best season as a pro, but he has been disappointing since moving to the top line after Ales Hemsky got injured in late November. Brule has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule remained sidelined with the flu Saturday in a loss to the Sharks. He has now missed three straight games.
Analysis: Brule is having his best season as a pro, but he has been disappointing since moving to the top line after Ales Hemsky got injured in late November. He also can't seem to shake the flu this season. Brule has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule missed a second straight game on Thursday against the Penguins because of the flu. He is day to day.
Analysis: Brule has come down with the flu four times during the 2009-10 season. Edmonton is doing further tests to see why Brule is so prone to getting sick, but maybe he just needs to boost his immune system. Brule is having his best season as a pro, but he has been disappointing since moving to the top line after Ales Hemsky got injured in late November. Brule has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule missed Tuesday's game vs. Edmonton because of the flu. Brule has now had the flu four times this season.
Analysis: Brule had a rough December, but the 22-year-old still has plenty of time to turn things around. Maybe next year he'll learn to get a flu shot. He remains just a low-end Fantasy start until he becomes a regular offensive threat.
News: The Oilers' official Twitter feed reports that C Gilbert Brule will miss Tuesday's game vs. Edmonton because of the flu. Brule has now had the flu four times this season.
Analysis: Brule had a rough December, but the 22-year-old still has plenty of time to turn things around. Maybe next year he'll learn to get a flu shot. He remains just a low-end Fantasy start until he becomes a regular offensive threat.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Wednesday against the Maple Leafs. Brule opened the scoring with 53 seconds left in the first period for his 10th goal and first score since Dec. 11.
Analysis: Brule is by far having his worst month of the season with only six points in 13 December games. He showed a lot of promise early in 2009-10 and then again when he replaced Ales Hemksy on the top line in November. Unfortunately, he has faded in and out with his production. Brule is a low-end Fantasy start until he becomes a regular offensive threat.
News:Dustin Penner had a goal and three assists, Gilbert Brule scored twice, and the Oilers won their fifth consecutive road game, beating the St. Louis Blues 5-3 on Friday. Ty Conklin made his second straight start in place of a healthy Chris Mason and had his shutout streak stopped at 1:33.55 when Brule scored with 11 seconds left in the second period. Brule got his second goal at the 8:31 mark of the third period. He added an assist and finished at plus-4. "It's tough to get down three goals," Brule said. "But I think when I got that one late in the second it gave us a big boost. I think we were coming out of it the last seven minutes of the second and all of the third. I don't think they can handle our approach."
Analysis: Brule has three goals and four assists in seven games since moving to the team's top line in place of Ales Hemsky, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Brule, a former first-round pick, is having a breakout season under coach Pat Quinn. The fact he is going to see steady scoring chances the rest of the season is huge. Still, Brule is a low-end Fantasy start until he becomes a multi-goal threat on a regular basis.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Oilers C Gilbert Brule will move to the first line to fill in for injured Ales Hemsky, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Brule scored a goal and tallied an assist on Saturday against the Canucks in his first game with the top unit.
Analysis: Brule, second on the team with six goals, is one of Edmonton's hardest working forwards. The former 2005 first-round pick has been slow to develop and it was one of the reasons Columbus let him go. But Pat Quinn seems to be getting the most out of Brule and this promotion could take him to the next level in Fantasy. Keep tabs on Brule, but he could be worth adding in larger formats.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Avalanche. Brule tied the game at 2 just 21 seconds into the second period as he surprised Peter Budaj on a slap shot. It was his sixth goal and second in five games.
Analysis: Brule has cooled off after a hot start to the season, so his numbers are a bit inflated. Still, he hasn't totally fallen off the table and it seems coach Pat Quinn is getting the most out of the former first-round pick. Consider Brule a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule returned to the lineup Sunday against the Canucks after missing three games with flu. He had no points in 13:27 of ice time.
Analysis: Brule saw a three-game point streak (three goals, two assists) end on Sunday, but the good news is that he is finally back on the ice. Brule has played well in the first few weeks and is starting to look like a former first-round pick. We are not sure if he can keep up this pace for the remainder of the season, so consider Brule a low-end Fantasy option until further notice.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule (flu), D Steve Staios (concussion) and C Ryan Stone (leg) all remained out Saturday in a loss to the Flames.
Analysis: Brule is the only Fantasy-viable member of this group and should be back from his illness soon. Feel free to start him in Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 26-Nov. 1), but continue to ignore the other two.
News: Edmonton C Gilbert Brule missed his second straight game on Thursday against Columbus due to the flu. He remains questionable for the team's next game at Calgary on Saturday.
Analysis: Brule has four goals and seven points in his first seven games, so it's a shame that the flu has kept him out of the past two. This stretch is about the only time Brule has looked like a former first-round pick. Don't forget he was the sixth overall selection in the 2005 draft. Perhaps the coaching of Pat Quinn is bringing out the best in Brule, who is merely a rising Fantasy prospect when healthy. Monitor his status this weekend before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 26-Nov. 1).
News: Oilers forward Gilbert Brule, who had two goals in the previous game against Minnesota, was a late scratch because of the flu Monday against the Canucks.
Analysis: The flu is about the only thing slowing Brule down these days. He has four goals and seven points in his first seven games. This stretch is about the only time Brule has looked like a former first-round pick. Don't forget he was the sixth overall selection in the 2005 draft. Perhaps the coaching of Pat Quinn is bringing out the best in Brule, who is merely a rising Fantasy prospect when healthy.
News: Edmonton C Gilbert Brule notched his third goal of the season on Friday night in a 5-2 win over the Wild. Brule scored in the 2nd period to make it 3-1 Oilers. To ice the game late in the 3rd period, Brule scored his second goal of the game and fourth of the season to give the game its final score.
Analysis: Brule is doing well this season with seven points after seven games. He has five of those points in his last three contests with three goals and two assists over that span. Brule, the sixth pick in the 2005 draft, has a career high of nine goals back in 2006-07 with Columbus and is trying to make sure he isn't a complete NHL bust. So far, so good. He is only owned in 8 percent of Fantasy leagues at the moment and if he can sustain his hot start, might be worth adding in some deeper formats.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule scored his second goal of the season in Monday's win over the Predators.
Analysis: Brule, the sixth pick in the 2005 draft, has a career high of nine goals back in 2006-07 with Columbus and is trying to make sure he isn't a complete NHL bust. Only worry about him in the deepest of leagues for now.
News: The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman Ladislav Smid to a two-year contract on Wednesday, and agreed to one-year, two-way deals with forwards Gilbert Brule and Ryan Stone.
Analysis: Brule, 22, split last season between the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League and the Oilers. He had two goals and one assist in 11 games for Edmonton, and 13 goals with 11 assists in 39 games for Springfield. Brule was the sixth pick in the 2005 draft by Columbus, but he has fallen way short of those expectations. He is merely a long-term Fantasy keeper until he finds his niche in the NHL.
News: The Oilers have sent C Gilbert Brule and LW Liam Reddox down to Springfield of the AHL.
Analysis: Brule scored in back-to-back games earlier this month, but then went four games with no points before this move. He has never lived up to his first-round expectations and, along with Reddox, remains a non-factor in Fantasy play.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule scored in a second straight game Tuesday as Edmonton defeated the Capitals 5-2. He also assisted in the win.
Analysis: Brule didn't have one score this season until this latest goal spurt, and the former 2005 first-round pick is looking much like a bust at this stage in his career. Until he can get on track, he has little to no Fantasy value.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule scored his first goal of the season during Sunday's 2-1 win against the Blues. Ryan Potulny sprung Brule on a breakaway with a long pass and Brule beat Manny Legace with a deke to tie the game at 1.
Analysis: Brule hasn't had much success in his young NHL career and the former 2005 first-round pick is looking much like a bust at this stage in his career. Until he can get on track, he has little to no Fantasy value.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Oilers RW Gilbert Brule's promotion to the first line, in the absence of Ales Hemsky, was short-lived Wednesday against the Canucks. He played eight shifts, was minus-2 and spent most of the third period on the bench.
Analysis: Brule hasn't had much success in his young NHL career and the former 2005 first-round pick is looking much like a bust at this stage in his career. Until he can get on track, he has little to no Fantasy value.
News: The Edmonton Oilers have recalled C Gilbert Brule from the Springfield Falcons of the AHL.
Analysis: Brule was with Edmonton for most of the previous two seasons, but he's only managed two NHL games in 2008-09. The soon-to-be 22-year-old (Jan. 1) is an OK prospect, but shouldn't be owned in seasonal leagues just yet.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Oilers C Gilbert Brule was assigned to AHL Springfield Saturday, where he will begin serving the four-game suspension he was handed before his NHL call-up.
Analysis: Brule didn't have a point in the two games he played this season with Edmonton. Brule was the Blue Jackets' first-round pick and sixth overall selection in the 2005 draft. He wasn't much of an offensive factor in his first few seasons with Columbus, so they sent him packing to Edmonton. He was having a nice run this season in the AHL, but until Brule reaches his full potential, he remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: RW Gilbert Brule made his regular-season debut with the Oilers during Saturday's game against the Sharks, playing on the fourth line with Jason Strudwick and Liam Reddox. He didn't have a point in 8:41 of ice time.
Analysis: Brule was the Blue Jackets' first-round pick and sixth overall selection in the 2005 draft. He wasn't much of an offensive factor in his first few seasons with Columbus, so they sent him packing to Edmonton. He was having a nice run this season in the AHL, but until Brule reaches his full potential, he remains just a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Oilers have sent C Gilbert Brule, D Taylor Chorney and D Theo Peckham to the Springfield Falcons of the AHL.
Analysis: The 21-year-old Brule had one goal and eight assists in 61 games a year ago while trying to find himself in his second year in the NHL. He has been a disappointment so far in his young NHL career, and can be ignored in most formats. Chorney and Peckham are just organizational depth.
News: In need of veteran players, the Columbus Blue Jackets acquired LW Raffi Torres from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for promising center Gilbert Brule on Tuesday. The trade was confirmed by both teams shortly before the noon deadline for free-agent signings.
Analysis: The 26-year-old Torres played just 32 games last year for the Oilers after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a game in December. He has 67 goals and 59 assists in 307 career games. He might well miss the start of the season and should probably be ignored in the majority of drafts this summer. The 21-year-old Brule had one goal and eight assists in 61 games a year ago while trying to find himself in his second year in the NHL. He has been a disappointment so far in his young NHL career, but maybe a move to Canada will do his career some good. Keep hold of him in all dynasty formats, but don't reach for him until the late rounds in drafts, if at all.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled center Gilbert Brule from the Syracuse Crunch, the club's American Hockey League affiliate, on Wednesday. Brule is expected to join the club in time for Thursday’s road game against the Nashville Predators.
Analysis: The 21-year-old Brule has played in 31 games with the Blue Jackets this season, scoring one goal and three assists for four points with 10 penalty minutes and a plus-1 plus/minus rating. Since being assigned to the Crunch on January 1, he has collected four goals, four assists and 16 penalty minutes in 12 AHL contests. Brule's Fantasy value remains limited to the deepest of leagues.
News: The Blue Jackets optioned third-year center Gilbert Brule to Syracuse (AHL) on Tuesday. The Edmonton native scored one goal and had three assists in 31 games this season. He also had a plus-1 rating.
Analysis: Brule was struggling to make the most of his playing time with Columbus and hasn't really been a productive NHL players. He had a pretty awful season as a sophomore and he might soon be losing his prospect status. Ignore him in Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Gilbert Brule scored his first goal of the season Wednesday at the Kings. Brule made it 2-0 at 3:31 of the second on a rebound of Sergei Fedorov's 50-foot slap shot.
Analysis: Brule's Fantasy value remains limited to the deepest of leagues until he starts to string together some points in consecutive games.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports veteran Michael Peca (groin), who has yet to make his regular season debut, was skating with Gilbert Brule and Dan Fritsche in practice on Monday.
Analysis: This might be the third line combination for Wednesday's game against the Coyotes. Brule's Fantasy value remains limited to the deepest of leagues unless he gets onto one of the top two scoring lines.
News: Gilbert Brule, Fredrik Modin and Sergei Fedorov each had a goal and an assist and Fredrik Norrena stopped 29 shots to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a 3-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Friday night.
Analysis: Brule got his first goal since Jan. 6 when he lit the lamp Friday. He is not having a good season by any stretch of the imagination and is not a recommended Fantasy option at this time.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports coach Ken Hitchcock mixed up his lines with the return of Nikolai Zherdev from a severe chest cold. Nikolai Zherdev joined Sergei Fedorov and Fredrik Modin on the top scoring line. Dan Fritsche is centering the second line with Rick Nash and David Vyborny.
Analysis: The third line consists of Anson Carter-Jason Chimera-Alexander Svitov and the checking line is made up of Gilbert Brule-Manny Malhotra-Jody Shelley. Brule has bounced back and forth between lines this season and once again has little value in weekly Fantasy leagues.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports Rick Nash will be skate with Gilbert Brule and Fredrik Modin, as coach Ken Hitchcock has decided to move Sergei Fedorov to a line with Alexander Svitov and David Vyborny. "I think Freddy and I complement each other and maybe we’ll open up more room for Bru to operate," Nash said.
Analysis: A promotion to a scoring line with Modin and Nash makes Brule an intriguing player in larger Fantasy leagues. Monitor the progress of this line in Tuesday's game against the Coyotes.
News: General manager Doug MacLean told the Columbus Dispatch that Gilbert Brule will not be sent back to his junior team in Vancouver of the WHL so they can have a better chance at the Memorial Cup. "It’s total (nonsense)," MacLean said. "I have not had one discussion with the Vancouver Giants, Gilbert Brule or with Gilbert Brule’s agent. It’s totally false. It’s not going to happen."
Analysis: Brule has gone through long stretches where he has looked lost in the NHL and he has the worst plus-minus rating (minus-20) on the Blue Jackets. He still is a solid long-term keeper prospect in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Gilbert Brule had a goal and assist in Saturday's game at San Jose, ending a 14-game scoreless stretch for the talented young center.
Analysis: Despite the nice game, Brule remains useful only in the largest of Fantasy leagues and long-term dynasty pools at this point.
News: Gilbert Brule has gone scoreless over the past 12 games with a minus-5 rating, last posting points on Dec. 9 against the Blues.
Analysis: Brule has struggled overall, posting just three goals and six points in 35 games. He remains useful only in the largest of Fantasy leagues and in long-term keeper formats.
News: Brule scored a goal in Saturday's game at Edmonton and saw 11:44 of ice time with two shots on goal. Coach Ken Hitchcock said that sees Brule as a top-six forward for the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: Brule might start receiving more playing time and responsibilities on the power play thanks to the arriving of Hitchcock. Monitor his progress and if he starts to perform more consistently, use him as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy center.
News: C Gilbert Brule was a healthy scratch for his third straight game in Sunday's game at Chicago.
Analysis: Keep Brule reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can get out of the doghouse and get some regular ice time again.
News: Blue Jackets rookie C Gilbert Brule played his most minutes of the season in Saturday's 5-0 loss to Minnesota, drawing 10 minutes, 53 seconds. He started on the Jackets' No. 4 line, but spent most of the game bouncing between the No. 2 and No. 3 lines. His highlight of the night was a crunching hit on Minnesota's Pavol Demitra at center ice.
Analysis: Brule is going to have to work for his playing time, but seems to be making headway early in the season. He currently is owned in 26 percent of leagues, but he shouldn't be starting for anybody's team until his playing time increases even more. Keep an eye on Brule as a sleeper prospect this season.
News: C Gilbert Brule, mentioned as a Calder Trophy candidate before the season, was a healthy scratch Monday against Phoenix. Brule played only 2 1/2 minutes in Saturday's win over Chicago. He could rejoin the lineup soon, though, if forward Dan Fritsche's shoulder injury is serious.
Analysis: Don't give up on Brule just yet, as he still has the potential to be a nice sleeper in Fantasy Hockey. It just might take him a few weeks to get back in coach Gerard Gallant's good graces. Frische has a bad shoulder history too.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports Gilbert Brule has been demoted to the team's fourth line after a disappointing and scoreless preseason.
Analysis: Don't give up on Brule just yet, as he still has the potential to be a nice sleeper in Fantasy Hockey. It just might take him a few weeks to get back in coach Gerard Gallant's good graces.
News: Gilbert Brule (broken leg, sternum) was activated from injured reserved and assigned to Vancouver of the WHL.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets felt it best to return the youngster to his junior team for the time being. He should be an outstanding option in the future, but the time is not now.
News: Gilbert Brule, who has had a sternum injury and broken right leg this season, is battling back to health and could be ready as soon as mid-January.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets will have a decision to make whether to return him to his junior team when healthy to save a season on his contract or not. It is likely he will be returned and come back in 2006-07. He is a nice keeper league prospect, but avoid him in all other formats.
News: Youngster Gilbert Brule is expected to miss at least six weeks due to a fractured sternum.
Analysis: Brule was wiped out by a clean check on Oct. 7 by Calgary's Roman Hamrlik. He is only worth a roster spot in keeper leagues.
News: Gilbert Brule has a sternal clavicular strain and his return date is unclear.
Analysis: Brule should be reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: The Blue Jackets have locked up Brule to a three-year contract. The rookie led the team in scoring during the preseason with five points in six games.
Analysis: The 18-year-old earned a roster spot with the big club, but should only be considered in keeper leagues at this point.
