Not re-signing Kane

Team: 2022-23 Edmonton Oilers

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 7, 2022

Published: Apr. 8, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I love what Kane has brought to this team, but if he's going to cost ~$5M going forward, I'd rather use that money elsewhere. He'll be 31 in August and we've seen a plethora of power forwards decline precipitously at - or shortly after - 30.

I wouldn't be surprised if Bourgault makes the team out of camp next fall, I'm penciling him in here to see how it looks. He's the best goal scorer of his draft by NHLe currently, and I think Dawson Mercer is a good comp for him. Bourgault has been better in the Q than Mercer was, and Mercer is in the NHL this season and has played well. So I don't think this is a stretch.

Trades:
Seattle - 3rd line forechecker for 3rd pairing defenseman.
Dallas - replacement for Klingberg who likely isn't signing in Dallas. Barrie has better stats this year (and historically) than Klingberg and nobody here would have batted an eye if Klingberg got traded for a 1st as a rental, so I think this is actually an underpay for Barrie.
Philadelphia - bringing back the Broad Street Bullies theme in Philadelphia. People will scream about value, but its Philadelphia. They gave up a 1st for Ristolainen and then signed him to a big contract. As fat as I can see, the only thing Ristolainen brings is physicality, so Kassian would be a great fit.

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