Simpleton
Joined: Jun. 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 502
Dzingle would probably be a better add than Ferland, he offers more speed and skill. I understand your rationale for going with Ferland, and I think his addition could give the Oilers some options with a player like Khaira as the trade deadline approaches. Adding Ferland would certainly provide some shelter for Benson, who may eventually surpass Ferland as the future 2nd line LW.
Adding Donskoi would be a great move. His presence immediately gives the coach options, should Puljujarvi struggle again and should Yamamoto not provide a viable alternative. Edmonton needs more scoring depth up front and Donskoi should be an immediate upgrade over Rattie, Rieder, Khaira, and Lucic. His career stats are similar to those of Alex Chiasson, prior to this past season, so perhaps he too can experience a career year in Edmonton. On the mention of Chiasson, I would consider re-signing him if he will accept a reasonable salary and term. Something like $1,500,000 x 1-2 would be okay in my books.
The left wing is interesting, especially if Marody becomes the 3C instead of Khaira. Ferland would be an immediate upgrade in offensive production. Only Nugent-Hopkins and Draisaitl would be better offensive options on the left side. Barring the NHL, or NHLPA triggering collective bargaining in September 2019, and the parties agreeing to allow another compliance buy-out, Lucic’s contract pretty much guarantees he’ll retire and Oiler. So if Marody sticks with the team Edmonton would have a lot of grit on the left side, with Lucic, Khaira, and Ferland in the line-up. Benson is not going to replace either Nugent-Hopkins or Draisaitl on the top line. He should not play on the fourth line, and will likely surpass Ferland at some point in the next two seasons. In my mind, Khaira could become trade fodder if Edmonton signs Ferland and Marody and Benson make the club next season. That’s not because he doesn’t have value for the club, it’s simply because Edmonton is unlikely able to move Lucic and there is nothing to be gained by buying him out.
I would play Caleb Jones ahead of Matt Benning. Jones is already an offensive upgrade over Russell, and he can skate with Nurse and is better puck mover. Edmonton has a lot of right-handed prospects who might push next season. Bear should be close, and Bouchard is obviously a future foundational piece. Filip Berglund is purported to play a similar game as Larsson, but with perhaps more offensive potential, Persson is a veteran of the SEL. If Khaira is tradeable, a package that includes Benning might look pretty attractive to opposing GMs at the trade deadline.
Goaltending is going to be questionable, and I think the Oilers are better-off looking for a guy like Mrazek through free agency. They have some promising young prospects, and do not want to block the likes of Starret, Skinner, Wells, and eventually Hawkey and Rodrigue.