Too many years left on Lucic’s contract for that to work

Not sure, I don't see how 1-1.4M for 4 years is much worse then 2M x2 Brassard or 2.5M and 1.5M Orpik. Especially to the right teams like OTT, NYR, NJD, CAR who won't be near cap

When you can retain a contract it can only be retained twice with each team only being able to retain 50% each time.

Lucic has $6m contract

Oilers Trades to Team A 50% Retained, Team A new cap hit $3m

Team A Trades Lucic to Team B retained 50%, Team Bs cap hit 1.5m

After that you can no longer retain Lucic' contract

Breakdown of new AAVs

Oilers: 3m
Team A: 1.5m
Team B: 1.5m

Thats exactly what I suggest above then Team B buyouts Lucic for the values

If i am correct the values you put in the comment section is the value the team would be actually paying (Which does not change btw) the player still gets full value for his contract but the teams AAV per season even if the steps above i posted would never be below 1.5m/y

Players do not get full value if bought out, players under 26 get 1/3 value and players over get 2/3 value. Teams buyout players to reduce AAV and save cap space

In the case of a retained contract being bought out each team would pay the percent they retain of the original salary. So Year 1 of Lucic's buyout is 3.6M, Oilers retained 50% therefore they pay 1.8M and take 1.8M caphit. Other teams pay 25% which is 900K and caphit of 900k