I would think Bear would be in as a defender.

ya, he probably would.. I just forgot to sign him I guess

To add to this, i don't think Benning, Larsson, and Klefbom will be in EDM 3 years from now. Ken Holland has continued what Chiarelli was doing in drafting a new future D, just doesn't make sense for these guys to be here in a couple years when Broberg, Samorukov, Day, Lagesson, Mantha, will all be ready in addition to Bouchard, Bear, and Jones when they'll be the new D core.

i agree with dumping benning and larsson but I think they try to hold onto Klefbom. he's still a pretty young Dman and he produces, I feel like Edmonton holds on to him, but I could be wrong

Only a few of those guys will make it. There's still a place for Klefbom and Larsson. Benning might be traded for a forward next summer.

Schenn is 29 on day 1 of that deal. 7.75 to take a 2C/2LW to 35 seems like an immediate overpay that will get worse with time. Especially when you already have RNH to do the same job on the same contract for the same duration and the same age.

Man, you're betting BIG on Nygard. Not a great idea IMO - how many guys come out of Europe at 27 years old? I would think Benson and Lavoie have a better shot than Nygard does when you're projecting 2 years down the road. Also, what about Samorukov?

Re-signing Gagner 2 more times is just irresponsible.

That defence is still a dumpster fire and the goaltending is suspect as can be. Edmonton has one path out of this mess, smart drafting and player development. You already have some of the pieces, you need to draft and develop another 4-6 players. 2 higher end wingers, a 3rd line centre and 2 or 3 defenceman are paramount for this team to become a contender. McDavid can't carry an entire team.