You probably can't afford Halak and Grabner unless the cap is closer to 82m because you haven't accounted for the healthy scratches, but I think you're more just focused on the D. I am also hoping we keep close to the same roster. The reason I think it is a good thing is because Sekera and Russell provide their trade lists in the summer 2019. If Russell opens up his trade list early, then great lets trade him. Regarding Sekera though, I would prefer him to regain his form over the 18/19 season, so that he actually has positive trade value for us when he provides his trade list. I also don't think we use Bear as a number 7 D. Let him develop by playing 25min a night in the AHL running the top power play unit.

I also think none of Nurse Larsson Klefbom and Benning have reached their full potential yet. So 18/19 season we see how those 4 develop. Summer 19 we trade Sekera and Russell. Summer 19 training camp we evaluate Jones and Bear making the jump to the NHL. If everything goes well we would be looking at:
Nurse Larsson shutdown pair
Klefbom Bear pucking moving pair
Jones Benning 3rd line pair
Possibly switch Benning and Bear.

If things don't pan out with any of the D by the end of summer 2019, thats when we sacrifice draft picks/prospects to make moves to position ourselves as serious contenders.

oilers probably don't have choice but to bring back same dman as last year. after this year most can't be traded for their contract value.