Team: 2020-21 Edmonton Oilers

Initial Creation Date: Dec. 26, 2019

Published: Dec. 26, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I saw an AGM on here suggest their plan to help try and fix the Oilers. Thought I would try and do this on my own.

1: Bad Contracts
Over 5 million comes off of the books from Gagner and Manning this summer. Don't give a bulk of that to Kassian. He's a top 9 winger at best.

2: Murray Trade
This can be done in the summer. This trade is dependent on 2 things and that is if Broberg/Jones is ready to step into 2nd/3rd pairing minutes and the amount of confidence in Koskinen. Having (possibly) your answer in net is well worth downgrading at 2nd pair LD for a temporary amount of time.

3: Keep Larsson (Until at least trade deadline 2021)
Bear isn't ready to be on a top pairing, Benning is a bottom 4 defenseman, Bouchard won't be ready for that role either. Although Larsson isn't the best, keeping him will be beneficial for the Oilers.

D pairings for next year:
Klefbom - Larsson
Russell - Bear
Broberg/Jones - Benning/Bouchard

4: Toronto Trade
The Leafs expressed interest in Khaira and he'd provide some grit to their lineup. He's swapped with Moore and Benson is swapped with Bracco. Bracco hasn't been given a shot in the NHL yet; putting him with McDavid could work wonders. If not, throw Kassian or Chiasson back in there.

5: Ottawa Trade
Use Puljujarvi to get your 3rd line center. Depth scoring is so important in this league and Edmonton has been lacking in it for years.

6: The Lineup and Future
Stack the 2nd line and put speedy wingers with McDavid. Bottom six includes both offense and some grit as well.
As for the future, if Larsson wants to leave, then let him. This will allow Bear or Bouchard to step into his role without being rushed.
Once Broberg develops, the D pairs can be this:
Klefbom - Bouchard
Broberg - Bear
Jones - Benning
Keeping Lavoie and Yamamoto in juniors/the minors is important so they're not rushed as well.

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