Justifications behind each move:

Caleb Jones to Seattle: I don't see Edmonton making a move to significantly give up some piece to have Seattle take either Neal or Koskinen for free, I think the pick can be used a lot more creatively in terms of using it to not only dump a player, but also bring one in. Let Caleb Jones go as he doesn't really fit that well with the core.

Buyout Kyle Turris: Self explanatory. Turris struggled in Edmonton and McLeod stepped up at the 3C. One year left on the deal, it's practically a write off.

Buyout James Neal: Edmonton does have a fair amount of dead cap from retaining Lucic's contract and buying out Sekera and Turris, however, this is a move that just needs to be done. Neal's nearly 6 million dollars is going to take up far too much cap and with my proposed plan, wouldn't even have a spot on the team for that money. I think you just take the hit here and try to win now to impress Draisaitl/McDavid.

Bringing Nuge Back: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a key staple to the Oilers left wing, which is definitely one of the team's biggest weak points. The Oilers know how deadly the Nuge-Draisaitl-Yamamoto line was in 2019-20 and potentially re-uniting this line could have Nugent-Hopkins be at a significantly good value. It's risky though with how he played in 2020-21, but risks have to be taken to satisfy the young core.

Kailer Yamamoto Bridge Deal: Self-explanatory. Stepped down massively from 19-20 and probably wants to prove himself.

Re-signing Mike Smith: Self-explanatory. Played solid for Edmonton and will come back as a mentor/backup, however, can start if need be due to injury.

Trading for Joonas Korpisalo: Columbus is going to trade one of their young goalies and I think Korpisalo will be the one let go. Columbus can eat the remaining year of Koskinen's contract in order to attain a 1st round pick, which will give them four 1st round picks in a draft where you could potentially find gems in the later parts of the draft. With Columbus picking Yegor Chinakhov last year despite the criticism, he has ended up as one of their most talented prospects in the pool, and the Blue Jackets scouting team shows they're willing to take risks on lesser-known guys. Edmonton gets their goalie of the future on a sign and trade.

Blake Coleman Signing: This is imo a must-sign for Edmonton. Coleman matches the speed of McDavid, has put up 20 goals twice and was on pace to do it again for a third time in a full 82 game season, is extremely responsible defensively and with Tampa's cap crunch, may not be able to extend him. With McDavid, I could see Coleman potting 30 goals and with some added defensive responsibility and forechecking abilities, he is the perfect fit for Edmonton on the left side.

Ryan Dzingel Signing: This is a more low-key signing, but I feel could be a big one. McLeod showed promise at the 3C spot, and I think to allow McLeod to hit an offensive stride, he'll need more than just Kassian on his wing. This is where Dzingel comes in. Very similar build to Coleman in that Dzingel has speed and has the tools to finish for a 15-20 goal season. Maybe you end up seeing Dzingel play with McDavid and have Coleman slot in with McLeod. Either way, Edmonton needs some skill in their depth and Dzingel accomplishes this for cheap.

X-Factors for Success:

1. Bouchard needs to be able to slot into Barrie's position. Barrie provided some stellar offense from the back end, but struggled when it came to defensive play. Bouchard will be given top four minutes and 1st PP time to really show why they picked him 10th overall in 2018.

2. Klefbom needs to be at a top 4 level. Klefbom sat out the entire season with injury and if he doesn't show up on the left side, Edmonton will be forced to run Russell and Lagesson on the left, or force Broberg into the lineup early. Klefbom needs to be able to be that stop gap guy for the likes of Broberg.

3. Korpisalo needs to give the Oilers chances to win games. Korpisalo struggled on a terrible Columbus team, however, has showed elite potential in net in years past. The pressure will be on, but the question is, will Korpisalo melt or strive under it.

Solid one! Seems pretty realistic.

Personally not too sold on Korpisalo. Don't see much evidence that he's that much of an upgrade over Koski to justify giving up a first.

Generally you payed the guys more than I, and most on the site apparantly, seem to expect they'll get. The fact that there's still so much cap space left still makes me quite optimistic not gonna lie

I dont think the oilers should do this trade but IMO last season was definitely enough evidence that Korpi CAN be better than Koski, but the question is will he actually play that well

I like it! Smart move leaving some cap space for Nurses raise next year but I would see if you could get some D help for a year. Putting lots of faith into Lagesson, Bouch and Bear with only Russell to come in and help. Maybe bring Koekkoek back?

If we’re adding a first to the Columbus deal it’s for Elvis not Korpisalo