Starting lineup

Isn’t Marleau to slow for McDavid?

Sure wouldn’t have the wheels our beloved Maroon had when he scored 27 beside him eh?

Kassian is good fit had speed, grit, strong forecheck and decent hands basically what McD linemate needs to succeed and 2.5M is too much he is still getting his payday from Canes buyout.

Also highly doubt they trade a RD then carry 3 extra forwards and only 6 D on roster

Marleau still has wheels, he’s got the experience to add to that line. I just don’t see Kassian as a top line guy.
As for Defence, Benning hasn’t impressed me! Oilers have a lot of quality defence prospects that are ready to make the jump to the NHL.

I think Marleau would fit better on 2nd line, Kassian isn't top line guy and neither is Marleau anymore .

Draisaitl-McD-Kassian
Marleau-RNH-Neal

That looks like a stronger top 6 to me unless Nygard instantly shows top 6 before even playing a game in NA

Benning plays pretty well when he gets a decent partner and has 200+ games NHL experience over I can't see them trading him without another NHL proven guy on the roster. Persson and Bouchard might work out but they don't have the experience and can't see Holland gambling like that