We'll keep Hughes and our pick

The idea is to let UPL and Konov compete for the backup role while letting Wallsy get as much NA pro experience as possible with Tokarski there in case

What should they do with all that cap space 🤔

Hmm

I don't think there's gonna be much interest in trading up in this draft.

Detroit’s is a massive overpay. Who would they realistically want at 4 that’s leaps and bounds better than 5? Did Power fall?

Devils aren't trading Hughes or trading up in draft.

Wings pass, not close to anything they want to do

Trading James Neal + for Kyle Okposo makes absolutely no sense for the Oilers. A buyout of Neal's contract would have much more team friendly implications than a buyout of Okposo's, in terms of both real savings and cap space.

Realistically, if Holland is going to trade Kassian he will likely want a return of any of (1) an upgrade of their middle/bottom six forwards, (2) a 3C, or (3) perhaps an opportunity to acquire a good young goaltender under team control for a while. I think Konovalov is not available. He just signed his contract and immediately surpassed Rodrigue, and perhaps Skinner, on the Oiler depth chart for goaltenders.

"Realistically" are you adding in a first round pick because otherwise no one is going to give you any of that for Kassian. He's a cap dump.

I respect your right to be wrong.

Yeah when you're proposing something that goes against common perception then you're going to have to do better than that lame dismissal. Kassian provides little to no value on a 3,2 million a year salary in a flat cap world for two more years. He's a cap dump.

There are very few players in the NHL who can be considered legitimate heavyweight tough guys and have the skills to play top six when necessary. Kassian has demonstrated success playing with the linemates like the Sedin twins and McDavid, he's also been a decent middle and bottom six guy, he's killed penalties, provided netfront presence, can be a very effective forechecker, can keep the opposition honest, and he tends to show well in the playoffs. He may be overpaid, but perhaps not as overpaid as many people think. You may not like him, or feel he has no value, and if you do then you are mistaken.