Quoting: PLDGEY
Do you think this is bad for the oilers? cap relief, serviceable D to hold a spot while your young D mature, depth C RFA and a pick.
I think its an unnecessary exchange.
1. Edmonton doesn't need Reilly, they have an overabundance of NHL, and NHL ready left-handed defenders.
2. Kris Russell has trade value by virtue of the fact that he is still a versatile and serviceable depth defender with a real dollar salary of $1,500,000 and a contract that expires at the end of the next season. His cap hit and his 15-team trade list are the only complicating factors, and there are a number of ways Holland can overcome those two issues without bundling him with Puljujarvi.
3. The offer doesn't match the asking price Holland has openly shared. Most people think he isn't going to get that return, and his intention may be just that. There is no pressure to make a trade, it doesn't hurt the Oilers if JP isn't playing in the NHL. Moreover, its quite possible that Puljujarvi realizes his best opportunity for returning is with Edmonton.