buying out OEL this offseason would be crushing long term. Have to at least wait until 2024 or better 2025.

I was gonna say something like "maybe retaining some cash and moving him for pennies on the dollar" but then I looked at his contract $ and term again. Yikes!! I have no idea what they should do

If Pearson is still recovering from surgery he can’t be bought out

Buying out OEL is fine with me. They can probably find a replacement player who is more physical and a defensive defenseman for the difference of his buyout. They sorely need that vs a player like OEL.

Every buyout year besides the last year, has a two year period with a cap hit above 4m, even if bought out with two years left. The other years have a cap hit much less. If they buy him out this coming offseason, the first year cap hit is under $200k. Then a big cap increase to manage two years at 2.3m, then two above 4 and four more years around 2m. That part stings but unless they can move him while only retaining 2.5-3m, then I'd buy him out.