First I want to say that the likelihood that Ken Holland can pull all this off is extremely low. But I don't think it's impossible. Let's get into it.
First let's tackle the Evander Kane mess. There have been reports that the NHL may reinstate the contract that was previously terminated with San Jose, which would make Kane Sharks property for 3 years at 7 million. It's clear that both parties (SJ and Kane) don't want that to last for very long. So, a trade might be made that would send Kane to EDM at a reduced salary. In this case they would take back a lower draft pick, idk how much leverage is here for EDM, which would have the Oilers paying 4 million of Kane's contract per year. The return would be some combination of picks or players, ill let the reader decide what you think the return is for SJ, but ultimately it comes down to the Oilers getting Kane for 4 mil and inconsequential pieces out the door.
Next we can get into the Gibson and Barrie trades. There are rumors that Barrie is getting traded to either Seattle or Montreal this offseason, and I think Seattle makes the most sense considering their low 2nd rounders in play. The Oilers would then flip the Barrie return package + their 1st round pick and Jesse Puljujarvi (+ maybe even the rights to Konovalev?) over to Anaheim for John Gibson. As it stands, the Oilers NEED a starting goalie. Mike Smith is likely to retire, Skinner is guaranteed the backup, and there are no good starting options available to the Oilers in FA except maybe Campbell or Husso. Gibson's name has been in the trade market for a while now, and I think the Oilers will do everything they can to get this done. Maybe I need to add more to the trade, let me know.
Foegele for Hakanpaa is another trade where I feel the Oilers need a RD on the 3rd pair that is relatively cheap and can play good defensely. I feel as though Dallas may want to get a little tougher after the Calgary series, so this might be an equal trade for both sides.
Finally I have Kassian to Buffalo. Total shot in the dark but Buffalo has some young guys that they are bringing in, and they have the cap space to afford a player like Kassian to protect them while also putting up some points from time to time.
Lines:
1st line is basically the same as in the playoffs with Kane and McDavid together. I have Hyman as the RW as the TWF for the line.
2nd line keeps Draisaitl (Passer) and Yamamoto (Grinder) together, while putting Kuzmenko there to be the sniper. I think there's a very good chance Kuzmenko chooses to play with one of the best passers in the game if he can.
3rd line has RNH joined by Holloway and either McLeod or Ryan. I think that its a legitimate toss up who ends up playing where, as Holloway can play all three positions, McLeod and Ryan both play C/RW, and RNH plays LW/C. Mix and match as you see fit, but i think McLeod might get the nod here as the younger player to get the job over Ryan.
4th Line: Vets that can play defense. I personally signed Simon and Gagner, resigned Archibald, and kept Ryan and Shore for these roles. 4th line players are a toss up, so you the reader can go ahead and select which 5 guys you would prefer, but these are the ones I went with.
1st Pair: Keeps Nurse and Ceci together. Not a ton to say here other than I think if Nurse is 100% he plays a lot better, and Ceci played well in the playoffs.
2nd Pair: Keeps Keith and Bouchard together. Again not a lot to say here, other than that Bouchard will be one year older and improved as a player.
3rd Pair: I think you keep Kulak (number floating around is 2 mil) if possible. He was probably our best defender in the playoffs and hes not that expensive. Next to him is Hakanpaa, and you will get a shutdown defensive pair. Niemelainen can be the 7th D and also play that role quite well.
Goalies you get the big fish in Gibson to take over the crease and have this team take the next step forward. Skinner is also the young gun in the backup role that can play 20 -25 starts and get more NHL experience.
Overall I would call this an upgrade over the 21-22 Oilers. FWD is about even, Defense likely is improved slightly with the hakanpaa addition and growth from Bouchard. Goaltending is greatly improved.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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