Joined: Jun. 2016
Posts: 3,300
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Just under 10M in capspace.
1 backup: (1-1.5M)
If you can lure McElhinney to Edmonton, do it. Shouldn't cost too much and he's a proven backup. ~1-1.5M should do it
Forwards:
You really need NHL proven depth. Everything below the 1st line is questionable at best.
1st Line: I like Kassian on the top line w/ Drai and McDavid. He's a complimentary piece that's cheap.
2nd Line: Go after 1 of Donskoi/Connolly, type player. Won't break the bank but they aren't top line talent. Edmonton already has that.
3rd Line: As a Nashville fan, i'd be interesting in a Puljujarvi swap for 1 on Jarnkrok or Sissons. This would give Edmonton a versatile 30ish point forward that plays up and down the lineup and Nashville gets a potential upgrade (if Puljujarvi ever puts it together and doesn't flame out like Yakupov). Could also go for a Connor Brown related trade since that shouldn't cost too much.
4th line: Boyle would give you a good 4th line C and won't cost much. But w/ the inclusion of a UFA on the 2nd line and Puljujarvi or traded for player the 4th line can be filled w/ the other players sliding down.
Defense:
1 of Bear/Jones needs to be given a shot. Let Bouchard have 1 more year to develop unless he just demands it through great play.