The Canucks trade itself seems fine, but I think both teams will have to wait and see how the offseason goes. Maybe the Canucks sign a defenseman, maybe the Oilers find a better forward to trade for.

Thanks for the input! Hard to imagine who the Canucks would sign (given their cap situation) or that the Oilers would find a better fit to send Russell out (given his clause). However, it's the kind of hockey trade that can make sense regardless of when it occurs.

Love the Stars deal. I just think EDM would want a small add like a pick or B- prospect.

canucks cant do that trade no cap. we need picks not more players.

Maybe in actuality, but I also thought the same might be true of the Stars. If both sides view it as needing a bit more from their side, likely means its at least close.

Canucks can't make the trade where they free up 375k in cap space (4.375mil out; 4mil in) because of cap? I believe you've misread or misunderstood the suggestion.

i think we have better ways to create cap space in my opinion but not a bad tarde.

Ah, well that's fair enough. I'd say my suggestion could easily be in conjunction with those other cap saving moves, but I can understand that Russell isn't exactly the most exciting possibility (to say the least).

This does make sense for the Canucks if they feel they can’t re-sign Tanev.

Russel is not as good as Tanev but he fills a similar role eg defensive specialist who blocks shots and gets injured. So dropping Sutter and Tanev and adding russel saves the Canucks closer to 5 million in cap.

Canucks Right side would look pretty weak tho: Myers, Russel, Stetcher/rafferty. It depends what other moves they make as well

deals like this just dont make sense. even if Fitz doesnt have the foresight to realize that in 6 years from now, the devils are probably gonna need an extra mil in cap space, that alone wouldt be worth a 3rd rounder. On top of that buyouts still involve an exchange or real dollars. I don't know how you can look ownership in the eye and say 'hey I legitimately just bought a 3rd round draft pick for 6 million dollars of your money. please make arrangements to get the funds together.'

Well, I think the Canucks' RD will look weak no matter what they do this offseason (no offense meant, ofc). Their strengths will be their forward depth, Hughes and their goaltending if they bring back Markstrom. Russell can fill in and not get completely caved though he certainly won't drive positive results.

Fair counter. I guess that deal is more a general consideration for any team around the league- particularly one that's cash rich. This is a difficult matter with the current financial situation, but in general I don't think it's completely unreasonable given the minor commitment in cap per year. Perhaps a higher pick down the line or a prospect alongside the 3rd gets it done. I stand by the premise but will concede the specifics of the deal would take more finesse and a more money-rich team that isn't in dire straits cap-wise (Montreal maybe). Worst case, the overall set of deals still works even if Edmonton just buys out Neal and shaves some dollars off each deal they signed.

I think it’s a close to fair swap. I’d want Edmonton to add a conditional pick based on AA’s production, but that might be greedy

A bit, but I can't fault ya for trying! I'd only consider it on a pretty strict condition like AA has to score less than 10 goals or something.

I read in some report that owners to due covid are less willing to buyout so if thats the case, why would New Jersey buyout neal?

As I conceded earlier, that's intended as more of a placeholder deal for that kind of a trade. However, it was made without much consideration for how COVID will impact team owners' willingness to buyout players. It might work for a team that's on the verge of meeting the cap floor and feels their roster is filled out sufficiently. As they'd still need to hit the cap floor, maybe they'd consider that as a top-up where they could add an asset for money. Of course, that's largely team dependent and likely works better with a cash rich team that isn't trying to compete in the near-term.