I agree Edmonton is in better shape than people think. While Manning would be better than some of our D we just have no room for him unless you want to take Daley or Ericsson off our hands.

I'd rather have Benning than start Jones. Let him play in the AHL.

Mantha is out, sign Gravel or Peterson takes his place.

Need better backup, likely a vet. JP would be claimed on waivers. Zinger is a big over payment on a guy that's proven it once. Brod doesn't play full time now

This team misses again

For my money Edmonton should be better than it is with the players it has, but the coaching, management, and culture are holding it back like whoa. Until they're ready to change all of that then upgrading a winger here or there isn't going to make much of a difference. Basically, it's going to be really interesting to see what GM they eventually hire because it's going to be a real indication of their commitment to change and improvement or lack thereof.

I do agree that Lucic is best deployed on the fourth line, but my god, that contract is horrifying and he would be the most overpaid fourth line winger in the history of ever. I think the best thing that could possibly be done there is do whatever it takes to move him (unlikely with that NMC) or wait a couple of seasons and buy him out.

The UFAs you want to bring in are good calls, but I doubt you could get Connolly away from the Caps for that price, but you've left a bit of wiggle room in your budget so that could potentially be massaged a bit.

I also think you've made an error with your third line - Brodziak has barely been competent at anchoring the fourth line, so why on earth would you move him up to the third? I think you'd benefit hugely by bringing in vet with a stellar locker room presence to center that line, maybe rock an A, help shift the culture, and assist in developing the play and work ethic of the younger guys on the team. The Leafs brought Marleau in to serve the role of veteran anchor and the Sharks are crediting the amazing improvement of their third line wingers to Thornton in a very similar situation; I think that Edmonton would benefit hugely by bringing someone like Brian Boyle in to anchor like that.

I think the only way your getting rid of Lucics contract is when Seattle comes into play give him a first round pick and prospect and your still probably retaining some of he’s salary

Dzingle should be a primary target 4 ED.
Also a vet backup.
Well done..-~