I do hope Barrie has a good year but he’s got a ton to prove in my opinion to earn an extension over larsson. We can replace barries role internally we can’t with larsson. I hate the concept that has caused the oilers sooo many issues over the years and over address a need. Puck moving d are important but that in no way means don’t still need DEFENSIVE players. I love russell just got extended expect larsson will be before trade deadline. Good to keep a mix of guys for different situations.

They did this to expose Kris Russell at the expansion draft

Resigning Larsson before FA next year would be pointless. You are basically signing the contract for Seattle.

Holland could also decide not to sign Barrie next year, instead opting for a top four defensive d-man in the $4MM range and put the extra $2MM towards either a 1B goalie or upgrade a forward? With Larson’s back history, I don’t see him being re-signed this year. If the Oilers are not in the playoffs by the trade deadline, I see Holland trading Larsson for a pick and or prospect. With Russell re-signed and being exposed in the expansion draft, Holland now has more flexibility with Larsson. I’m sure he’d like to get an asset or two for Larsson and not let him walk to free agency...