Joined: Mar. 2017
Posts: 23,767
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Great list of questions, BTW. Here's my take.
1. Is Klefbom going to be able to play?
I think it's 50/50 at this point. He has opted for surgery (finally) but hasn't been able to schedule it due to COVID (he's in Sweden, the surgeon is in the USA). I doubt he'll be 100% for training camp, but he might return partway through the season.
2. Is Holloway NHL ready? 25 points in 14 games in NCAA.
I think he will be in the NHL out of training camp next year. He's mature physically and plays a sound defensive game - the two things that typically hold high scoring 19-year-olds out of the league.
3. Is it worth it to buyout James Neal? Given that Edmonton has an abundance of dead cap space should they add more with a Neal buyout. It’ll be another $1.9 m for 4 more years.
I don't think so, I don't think the Oilers need the cap space urgently - most of their core pieces are already signed for next year. Nuge maybe gets a $1M raise, but then you have Bouchard replacing a $4M RHD (either Barrie or Larsson) so money saved there. There is no cap crunch next summer, no reason to buyout Neal at all. He's still a useful bottom-6 guy who can play net-front on the PP.
4. What will it cost to get Seattle to take Neal?
A 1st plus. Of course Holland should ask the question, but I don't think he should make that deal. Again, there is no cap crunch next summer.
5. What is the best UFA G solution?
Edmonton should be looking for a guy who can split the starts with Koskinen, he produced very good results last year when splitting starts with Smith. I like cheaper options like Ullmark, Driedger and Raanta.
6. Would Georgiev be a solid option or is it too reminiscent of the Talbot trade?
No. There's no need to trade for a meh goalie when there are reasonably priced (and better) options on the UFA market.
7. Should they bring back Adam Larsson? I’m a fan but not everyone is. Is he worth 6 years at $6 m per? That’s likely what it’ll cost.
The contract ask is WAY off, it should be more like $3M x 3. I'm not sure I'd pay it though, I'll wait to see more out of Larsson this year before making that call. I think the Oilers need a guy with his skillset, but has he lost a step? They may be better off shopping the UFA market to get a shutdown guy on a short-term deal. Gudbranson? Savard? I think Samorukov will ultimately win the shutdown role in Edmonton.
8. Does Broberg make the team? He’s been injured this season so it might set back his development. Maybe the AHL for a year potentially.
No, I don't think he makes the team out of camp. I think they'll slow-play him, give him a full season in the AHL along with a cup of coffee if he's playing really well, but I don't see him on the NHL club for the season.
9. What is Kahun’s next deal look like? He’s not putting up tons of points so far.
It's too soon to know, but at this point he's looking at another 1-year deal in the $1M range. Can he keep a top-6 roster spot with Holloway and RNH on the roster - let alone with Savoie pushing up in a year or 2? I don't think he gets term for this reason.