The players on the starting lineup should stay no matter what: The dynamite line should
stay, along with the bottom line of Haas, Archibald, and Neal (not like Neal is going anywhere anyway). McDavid is also untouchable. Defense sees Nurse and Bear sticking together, along with Bouchard and Jones making the lineup full time.
The scratched players most likely play, but could be moved if a can't miss deal slaps Holland in the face. The top of this list includes Klefbom, who shouldn't be moved unless we get a major asset in return, and Puljujarvi, who should be signed and playing for this roster this year IMO. We also have Koskinen here, which could have trade value but will most likely staying in Edmonton for his full contract. The rest are players that I believe could have a shot at playing on the main roster this year, but are not locks. I don't see them being moved, but they aren't untouchable.
IR is players I would like to be moved if possible, but not 100% necessary. The big highlight here is Larsson, who I think could be moved for a major piece in net or on McDavid's wing. Sheahan, Ennis, and Athanasiou are all players that could be resigned, but most likely are not unless there are no other options. I like the first two, but again I think there are better options on the market. For the latter, I think he is moved for another piece and is too expensive for a third line winger unless other contracts are moved out. Finally, I think one of Kassian or Chiasson should be moved out. They are too similar to have both players play the same position for their higher salaries.
LTIR is players that must be gone no matter what. K. Russell need to go, and i think there is a fit out there for him, which would allow Jones to play. I think Benning is too expensive to be a 3rd pair guy, so he can be moved so Bouchard gets a spot. We should not be looking to Smith again, that is a nightmare situation. Khaira needs to be moved because we have enough grit, he is just excess. Either that, or we are paying him over a mil to be a 13th forward. Not a fan.
For sake of argument I will resign all players that could come back that are FAs to about what they should be worth.
I like Kassian and he's done well in Edmonton, his toughness is a needed element but that contract was a mistake, the Oilers have so many easily replaceable players taking up cap space that could be better used to sign a much needed winger in free agency.
Pretty well done IMO. I'd love to see Ennis back with the team as 3LW, but if not I could see Neal slot in there, with Nygard/Benson as 4LW. Personally I'd love to trade for a LW that can mesh with Connor, maybe Johnsson or Hoffman. 3C is definitely something Holland will have to acquire, via trade or FA. I wouldn't mind seeing Haula or Turris (if traded for Neal). Assuming Jesse signs, I'd love to see a JP - Yamo - Kass - Arch down the right side. As for defense, I agree Russell has to be moved by next year. As much as I like Benning, his 2M-plus salary might be steep as a 3rd pairing D, and him leaving would give Bouchard a chance to shine. All in all, should be an interesting offseason!
Well done! The only thing I’d like to add is I don’t see Benning as a 100% must go, I’d say he’d be good to keep around if Larsson is traded, and even more so if Russel is as well. Otherwise is leaves a gaping hole on that right flank
Well done! The only thing I’d like to add is I don’t see Benning as a 100% must go, I’d say he’d be good to keep around if Larsson is traded, and even more so if Russel is as well. Otherwise is leaves a gaping hole on that right flank
I think that he has to go mainly because I don't see him as a top 4 option, and Bouchard should be playing on the bottom pair. If Larsson goes, I'm assuming someone like Barrie, Pietrangelo, Demelo, etc. is coming in for the 2nd pair. There's a lot of major picks for that spot on the market that would be better than Benning being there, and I think he would go a long way in acquiring a 3rd line center or Goalie.
Why keep Haas?
Also, Edmonton still needs more size and grit. And I think it would be good to add someone(s) like Brassard, Haula, and find another goalie.