The Oilers are better off trading for Ekholm this year and not paying Seattle to take whomever they decide to take. For what it's worth, my current protected list in that scenario would be:

7F: McDavid / Draisaitl / RNH / Puljujarvi / Kahun / Yamamoto / (filler)
3D: Nurse / Ekholm / Bear
1G: Stalock

Carey Price should never be an Edmonton Oiler. He's far too expensive and Montreal will never ask for a fair deal for him.

Archibald better be on the protected.

That Carey Price deal is reckless and for a poor goalie.

For absolutely what reason? He's a fourth-line PK specialist. We can put Haas into that role and he comes with the benefit of being able to win faceoffs. Archibald is overpaid by at least $500k and he's easily replaceable.

He's the driver of his line and is tenacious and physical. It would be hard to find another he's what is making the 3rd line successful right now. who would you protect kassian?
Haas is expansion exempt and only wins 39% of faceoffs.

I'm working on an AGM where I'm acquiring and protecting Eric Staal with that extra slot.

In a real-world scenario and if Edmonton doesn't acquire a #3C before the deadline, yes, Kassian's the name I protect if I'm Ken Holland. I've just signed him to a new deal and he brings that same physicality. That #3RW spot is Kassian's. Archibald is only there right now because of an injury.

kassian has been a ghost I would not protect him and he wont get taken either.

Great, but Holland clearly has a loyalty to the player. Archibald isn't much of a factor in a typical NHL game either. I suspect in this model, Seattle takes one of Lagesson or Skinner.

Eric Staal is a free agent after this year no protection needed.

Nashville declines

I'm extending him upon acquiring him fwiw.



What is your assessment for an Ekholm trade? Like what is is the Preds should be looking for? I'm willing to add Benson to that same package, but not a lot more. Is your expectation realistic? Just curious.

Yeremchuk is right: Price with 50% retained for Neal is something Edmonton should consider but probably reject. Anything more than that and its an easy no.

Ekholm imo will get a 1st which you have. I could see them asking for a young Defenseman like Jones which hopefully shows more promise here than his brother did which now he’s a stud. I think it will take a prospect like Benson or McLeod preferably