Off-season gameplan

Team: 2021-22 Edmonton Oilers

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 15, 2021

Published: Jun. 15, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Draft: I understand why ppl want a goalie but if history has shown anything the best option is to wait until after the first round.

Expansion draft is Caleb Jones

Also it’s crucial oilers resign Nuge and Larsson

Off-season needs: Goalie, Lhd defenceman, 3C, a top 6 left winger, maybe another player to boost the bottom 6.

Options for Goalie: Smith returning, Mrazek, Korpisalo or Merzlikins in a trade, Jarry, Ullmark
I think the Oilers should bring Smith back but not as the starter, one good year doesn’t make up for past struggles. I would suggest if Kassian gets moved to Pittsburgh if they’re ready to move on from Jarry, otherwise Mrazek in free agency. Ullmark or Korpisalo if salary is sent back.

LHD options, depends largely on if Klefboom will be ready in January, if he is I think we just stand pat, resign Koekook and possibly Kulikov. If he isn’t goi my to be back now there’s a hole to fill and I think Nurse eats up enough minutes and Koekook played well enough that we could wait for next year when Broberg would be ready. But one idea I like is a trade with Columbus of Laine for Kassian a first and Bouchard and then resign Barrie. Doesn’t improve the lhd but our defence is essentially the same we ended the season and a big problem for us was scoring goals which laine would immediately address. Not interested in Hamilton or Jones they’ll cost to much and Barrie can do much of the same, not as good defensively but already fits with the team.

Top 6 LW: I mentioned Laine and another option is Hall but neither seem likely. I would like Saad more then Hyman. But the most likely options I see are Tatar or Coleman. Tatar is my preferred option as he’s a proven scorer and a one or two year deal will fit well.

Bottom 6: Goodrow has been kicked around and I like him and Coleman but I think they’ll both cost to much. For centre Bonino is near the top and his wife is from Edmonton so there’s a connection but I think he stays in Minnesota. Derek Ryan or Luke Glendening both good options. One of them can battle with McLeod and Turris for the 3c and 4c spots. Some other options at forward that I feel deserve more attention are Galchenyuk or Brock McGinn, Warren Foegle too

Chiasson I see wanting to much money, I wouldn’t mind Simmonds to replace him but think simmonds retires or stays in Toronto. Ennis fell out of favour doubt he is resigned, Kulikov could be resigned for depth, Smith will be if he wants back. Nuge and Larsson back. Yams not sure on money but probably a bridge deal. Didn’t resign Barrie because I feel Bouchard is ready so unless he is gonna sign for less I’m not interested. Bought out Neal and Koskinen.

This is my realistic take on what I think could happen and if it did I would be fairly happy. While I don’t think this roster is a cup contender I definitely think they’re a good playoff team.