Two stars because you kept Talbot

Why buyout russ? Hes actually been decent

The Forward depth is much improved. The Arizona trade is unlikely; the Coyotes gave up a lot to get Gally and I doubt they’d be willing to jettison him after one season. Also, your model has them resting salary, with would be unappealing for a cash-strapped team.

You have done nothing to improve the depth on the back end. This will likely result in more of the same - substandard defensive coverage and a poor transition game. Bouchard will undoubtably help in this regard, but hes 19 and very green.. Sekera is likely not coming back. Or, if he does, he almost certainly will not be an impact player like he was three seasons ago. With no Sekera we’re left with Davidson, who doesn’t bring much to the table from a puck/moving perspective.

The Oilers goaltending has been inconsistent so far in 2018-19. Talbot, in particular, has been... not good. You’re bringing him back. I don’t support this in any way - would much rather see Lehner or Mrazyk.

The buyout will cost the team 3.6M in 2019-20, which is rather crippling. Trade Russell and retain salary.

I'd be shocked if that got you Galchenyuk with 1.8 retained.

cant afford him

he has one year left its just to balance the cap hit

nope, lockout year wont matter

In this scenario is he testing the free agent market? If so then ok. Otherwise, he isn;t resigning with either Arizona or Edmonton?

what?