Big trade with the Islanders

Team: 2021-22 Edmonton Oilers

Initial Creation Date: Dec. 15, 2021

Published: Dec. 15, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

In a thread regarding Varlamov to the Oilers I posed the question of whether or not a swap could be made around Bailey and Kassian: the Islanders fans were contemplating buying him out over the summer. Kassian's buyout is cheaper for them year-over-year and Bailey in my eyes can justify his name as a middle six forward more than Zack can. I see it as a curious case of both players being on the outside looking in on their current clubs and having an opportunity to reinvent themselves with their new teams. The proposed deals were Varlamov with $1.5M retained for the 2022 1st, Rasanen, and Turris and Bailey for Kassian, a B-prospect, and a 4th round pick. The optics of Rasanen and another live body didn't sit well with me (trying to envision the Isles' side of this) so I swapped the pair of lesser prospects for Lavoie in post.

Granted, the Oilers don't have a stellar historical record of trading with the Islanders so lord, be with me on this deal.

I'm fond of this Buffalo deal: I think Eakin is a player the Oilers could desperately use in their bottom six and that Koskinen could find a home in Buffalo as a man to tandem with UPL for two seasons. I think both sides win here.

In an effort to upgrade the ass end of the roster, I think Benson and Koekkoek may be subject to waivers. I'd rather get assets for them, even if they are small returns. The Coyotes are basically a step shy from holding public tryouts, so I think there's an opportunity to recoup a midround pick and bolster the Condors' roster.

Long-term sustainability comes in the form of trading Barrie to Seattle at the draft for their 3rd and a smaller piece, by burying or dumping Smith, and a heavy injection of ELC's. Bourgault, Broberg, Holloway, Samorukov, and Skinner are all in the NHL full-time next season. It'll be close but I think it fits.

Thoughts?

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