Edmonton would be making off like bandits if Vegas accepted that trade and both RFAs signed for $3,250,000. Adding Theodore would solidify the defensive core for years, swapping Caggiula for Tuch adds icing to the cake. Oilers just need to make sure they can re-sign or replace the goaltenders and forwards with contracts that expire at the end of this season, and try to keep the cumulative salary increase to something like $3,000,000. Its possible. I can see the Oilers re-upping JP on a bridge deal (if he doesn't sign a long-term value deal), and Rieder moving out if a prospect like Hebig, or Marody, makes a strong impression in the minors this season. Either of those guys may be able to hold their own on the 3rd or 4th line RW in the 20/21 season, and both might push for the 4C spot the following season.

There could be a fair amount of cap room in two seasons. Russell would likely be a buy-out candidate by the 20/21 season, and Sekera might still be on LTIR (unfortunate for any athlete). There's also an expansion draft to consider, and Klefbom may have to be left unprotected in order to protect other assets. Its always possible that the team can find a way to keep him, but if he is lost then at least Jones, Samorukov, Lagesson all have potential to be playing in the NHL by then.

Another consideration, Nuge and Yamamoto have expiring contracts the following year, but the cap is always increasing and Yamamoto could be bridged in order to re-negotiate with him after Lucic comes off the books. If Bouchard develops as projected, that d-core looks really good, this scenario may allow the team to contend for quite a long time.

I'd give more stars, but I doubt Vegas would make the trade and I have an irrational and emotional attachment to Kassian.

wheres ty rattie

AHL

You forgot to put Lucic in the Vegas deal. If you are going to give them that pile of trash for 2 of their better D men you mize well go all the way

Ok, clearly you don't know what you're talking about. First, I'm only acquiring ONE defenseman from Vegas, and second I'm not sending a "pile of trash". Caggiula isn't as good as Tuch (who is a RW, BTW) but more versatile, Bear and Maksimov are very good prospects + I'm sending a 1st round pick.

Bear projects to be a good puck-moving 3-4 d-man. Maksimov is not a sure thing, but does have potential to become an extremely rare example of a late Oiler draft pick that actually can have a solid NHL career. He’s been quite strong in the OHL. The 1st round pick is for 2019, a draft class rumoured to be very deep with quality centers. With the trade, that pick would likely be no later than the 16-22 range... not far off from the spot NYI picked Barzal. It’s a good package, far from being garbage.

Theodore may be a central piece in a Vegas proposal to Ottawa, which is one of the reasons I don’t think they’d bite on Edmonton’s offer.