I'd read somewhere that it's possible that Klefbom might not be back because of his injury. Probably better to hang onto Jones if you can, and sign the other UFA Dmen after expansion.

Can I ask why you think they should trade Bear? Personally that Barrie contract scares me. He had one good year and I'm worried that he will be on a steady decline and he'll be 35 when the contract is over and I'm worried he will bury Bouchard. I feel like Bouchard is ready to step in and be just as good or will be soon. Just my opinion

I pick Barrie and trade Bear because we are in win now mode. In my opinion, we don't have room for 2 sub 6'0 players on our back end. They're both not great skaters, and good passers, I choose Barrie because he can make up for his defensive shortcomings with offence. Bear on the other hand does not. He's a solid player and I'm sure he'll get better, but we don't have the time right now, plus Bouchard needs playing time.

The Oilers are also missing draft picks from the Athanasiou trade. Would be a good way to recoup some picks and gain some cap to sign Barrie.

I think we protect: McDavid, Puljujarvi, Nuge, Draisaitl, Benson, Marody, Yamamoto, Nurse, Bear, Larsson***. So regardless I think Jones is gone, I'd keep the other 3 dmen in front of Jones. You're right about Klefbom though. I really hope he comes back but his health is the most important thing.

Assuming Klefbom goes on LTIR, I'd go after Oleksiak or Martinez on 1-2 year deals at less than 3.5M. There's not a lot of top 4 LHD out there so I'm not sure signing one in FA this offseason is the right answer.