Joined: May 2022
Posts: 8,566
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The Oilers made it to the Conference finals on the backs of McDavid and Draisaitl and an overall stellar performance by Smith. Doing this trade probably allows them to repeat that or at least make it to the second round, but that's how the roster is constructed. I think they should do it, if they got Gavrikov instead I don't think they would have a better chance. Their defense still needs work. Karlsson can play heavy minutes though, so maybe that helps other guys simplify their game, and focus on defense.