Donskoi would be my primary free agent target. His career numbers are similar to Chiasson’s, prior to this past season. He’s younger, and faster, and he is an immediate offensive upgrade over Rattie, Rieder, Khaira, and Lucic. Donskoi should add at least 10 more goals to team offence, probably more, and he is decent insurance against Puljujarvi struggling again.
Pirri could be an inexpensive add on the left side. He brings good scoring potential, and if supported by skilled and defensively responsible linemates, he could finally play a full season in the NHL. He is also an offensive upgrade over most of Edmonton's current forwards, and he has the potential to add 15-20 more goals to total team scoring.
I’d like to see Marody and Benson on the third line, with Puljujarvi. Benson may eventually play his way onto the top six, but that is going to take some time. Marody looked good early in this past season, and could be ready for full-time duty. By the end of the next season, those two could be the drivers of a third scoring line. If things don't work out with JP, the other two have demonstrated success with Curry, and with Yamamoto.
Khaira should bump Lucic out of the regular rotation, and Cave should go the same to Brodziak. Chiasson probably could play higher, and likely will at times.
Caleb Jones is already an upgrade over Russell, and has better puck moving ability than Benning and Nurse. He’s played the right side for most of the past season, so he should be able to replace Russell. I’d gamble on Persson, over Benning, because he’s been a successful puck-mover and point produced in the Swedish Elite League... and Edmonton needs to improve its transition game. Lagesson probably stays in Bakersfield rather than having limited time in Edmonton. Berglund and Bear may also be ready to push for NHL spots sooner than later. Of course Bouchard is in the mix as well. I think management will want to see those guys develop quickly, as Larsson may become expendable as he edges closer to the final season under his current contract.
Goaltending could be the biggest challenge. Koskinen did put together some strings of great play, and perhaps he’s simply not going to have success playing long stretches. Mrazek seems a pretty good UFA candidate to play 30-35 games and provide good performance doing so.
Trading Russell frees cap space and opens a spot for a younger guy. He’d have to agree to the trade destination, if it is not on the list he must provide after this season. Florida is as good a bet as any, and is a team that might see benefit in having Russell’s character and leadership. Salary would probably have to be retained and the return may be disappointing.
Benning might fetch a good return. Rumour has it that the Leafs were interested, and a deal involving Brown was discussed. If that trade were to happen, perhaps Edmonton does not sign Donskoi. Or perhaps there’s another trade out there. Apparently the Rangers have interest, but I am going to suggest the Islanders. Why not ask for Bellows? He’s struggled this year, but has very good potential. NYI probably hold him in high regard, so maybe this doesn’t work. After all, that trade moves a proven bottom pair RDH, with some potential to develop further, for a former first round pick that projects to be a future first, or second, line power forward at the NHL level. If a deal can’t be made, there is no immediate need to trade Benning. In my scenario Edmonton would have more than enough cap space to keep him.
Detroit cuts a bit of salary, acquires a decent, young RHD, and gets an opportunity to see if Dudke has a NHL future or not. Chicago gave up on Norell, but he has some tools that might help Detroit if he returns from Sweden.
Bellows is a 1st round prospect with some top 6 potential. Why would NYI trade him for a bottom 4 defenseman? Especially when Lee and Nelson are UFA. Not close on that one.
Donskoi and pirri would be good additions though. Pirri will probably want more like 1.5 for a couple years.
I think you're betting too much too soon on rookie defenders.
- Jones showed this year he wasn't ready for top-4 minutes in the NHL. He'll get there, but going into this summer betting on him playing these minutes is not a good idea. I think you'll need to bring in a player via UFA or trade for a rental (Faulk / Spurgeon / Pietrangelo / Green).
- Persson is NOT a better bet than Benning, who has proven over 3 seasons that he is an above average 3RD. He has scored 20-25 points per 82 and maintained positive goal share numbers in each season. Until Persson outplays him, you're better off keeping him. Alternatively, put Jones in the 3RD spot paired with Sekera.
Otherwise, not too shabby. I think you should spend closer to the cap if it gets you an upgrade at 2RD (Hainsey / Stralman), otherwise spend the money on another forward (Dzingel / Ferland / Connolly).
I personally think the next GM will come in with a sharp knife and we'll see a LOT of roster turnover. I would take the patient approach that you have for fear of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Bellows is a 1st round prospect with some top 6 potential. Why would NYI trade him for a bottom 4 defenseman? Especially when Lee and Nelson are UFA. Not close on that one.
LOL, and people say that Puljujarvi has no value. Here's a guy who had a terrible rookie pro year (68, 11-6-17 -17) in the AHL and is 2 years from the NHL AT BEST. He's far behind Edmonton's 2nd round pick from the same draft (63, 14-48-62 +20 in the same league) and they play the same position.
Benning is a proven NHL right-shot defender, he scores 20-25 points per 82 and has had a positive 5v5 goal share in each of his 3 seasons in the league. He's currently +11 on a team that's -43, he's just 24 and signed to a good contract.
Bellows in not going to get you Benning this summer, friend.
Fair enough. As described in my explanation, opposing teams are reputed to have interest in Benning. I made the suggestion simply because I am intrigued with Bellows, and what he might become. Having clarified that, I don't see Edmonton's new GM having the stomach to risk so much on a "maybe". Edmonton doesn't need to move Benning and likely won't unless they get a return that immediately improves their club. Since my livelihood isn't dependent on what I suggest on Capfriendly.com, I'm interested in the gamble. Although, in hind sight, I should have suggested more in return from the Islanders.
Benning will likely continue to be a serviceable 3rd-pair NHL defenseman; Bellows may, or may not, develop into a player kind of like JVR was at his best. Benning can contribute now, and likely for at least 5-6 more years; Bellows may provide solid contributions within 2-3 years, or he may never develop into the player he was projected to become when he was drafted. The proposal is probably an over-pay on the part of the Oilers, but if the Islanders don't want, or need, a player like Benning then it doesn't really matter.
McDavid, Connor
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