Hopefully Campbell makes our defense look better

Team: 2022-23 Edmonton Oilers

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 31, 2022

Published: Jul. 31, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Oilers are in a win-now mode and should do everything it takes to get there. Draft picks and prospects really do not mean a whole lot right now unless they are going to be on the team in the next 1-2 years.
-First thing that should be on Hollands agenda is getting Yam signed. I think a longer term contract is the best way to go but that does make it more expensive. A 4-5 year deal could look at an AAV from anywhere to 3.5-4.5 million. a shorter 2 year deal could land him around that 3million AAV which might be more useful to the us as we are fighting for cap space.

- Next up should be finding a home for Jesse Puljujarvi. Montreal or Arizona would be two destinations that make sense. I chose Arizona because the Canadiens are trying to clear some cap space to get Kirby Dach resigned and Oilers wont be very keen on retaining any salary. Oilers need a return that doesnt cost a whole lot Salary wise and then a pick that they can flip to help elsewhere.

- Next is the defense. I think the right side is fine how it is besides a depth guy to play during injuries, but we need to add another depth guy on the left as well who can play if Broberg needs a break or isnt panning out into what we need this year. A guy like Calvin de Haan would fit great as he is a solid defensive guy and has the ability to play both sides of the blueline. Another guy is Kris Russel who would be a better option considering he has been here the last few years and is the shot-blocking king.

- Mcleod is obviously another guy who needs to return but since he has no arbitration rights Kenny can take his time to sign him. A 975K AAV, 2 year deal makes sense and could really pay off in spades for the Oilers.

- A lot of people really want Barrie and Foegele traded but Ive come to realise that their value is higher to us while their on the team then their trade returns would be. I also think we could get a big bounce back season from Foegele, especially playing a whole year under Woodcroft.

- I would absolutely love Patrick Kane as long as the return isnt unreasonable. A package consisting of Holloway, a first rounder, and maybe Foegele would be ideal. Considering Patty Kane is not resigning in Chicago more than likely Chicago would accept this deal as its a pretty good return for them going to lose him for nothing. On the Oilers side I would not give anything more as we will not be able to resign him beyond this season.

- Finally the Oilers should trade that second for a young top six defensman but I just dont know how to make that work as we already are tight with the cap and our top 6 is basically filled out unless we are getting rid of Tyson Barrie. A Barrie- Broberg pairing in my opinion sets both players up for failure. Broberg is playing his first serious NHL minutes while Barrie does not have a great defensive side to his game. Trading the second and Barrie for a 3rd pairing defensively sound d-man to play with Broberg may be the best route.

- Oilers can replace the hole left on the right wing side by puljujarvi with signing a guy from FA with their newly aquired cap space. Some options are Kessel, rodrigues, and sprong. I chose Kessel because he is a veteran and holland like older players. He posted the most points by the available RWs and could see Edmonton as an oppertunity to win another cup before he retires.

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