Simpleton
Joined: Jun. 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 502
Barrie delivered as promised, but I think its time for him to move on. I also think Holland is trying to find someone willing to take on Koskinen's contract, and if a deal doesn't materialize then the big Finn is the primary buyout candidate in Edmonton.
Both Holland and Tippett love their veterans. Russell will hang around, and Turris will probably be given an opportunity to redeem himself. Both could easily be paced on waivers and assigned to Bakersfield in order to bury most of their salaries. Its possible one, or both, might be claimed by other teams, and I think that would be a good thing for the Oilers. Klefbom will not be ready to return until mid-season, at the earliest. That is going to help save some cap space that could go toward a decent fill-in, I'd prefer Koekkeok over Russell. I don't think RNH signs that contract, nor do I think Kuemper should be Holland's primary target if he is able to rid himself of Koskinen. The market for goaltenders is flush this year, in both free agency and via trade.
Benson should get a solid opportunity at 3LW. If Ennis is brought back, he should provide depth in case Benson struggles or there are injuries. Yamamoto doesn't have arbitration rights, and his past season was a bit of a disappointment. It would not surprise me to see Holland offer a bridge deal with a salary under $2,000,000 per and Yamamoto spend time on the third line, at least early in the season.
It would be fantastic to bring in Getzlaf, and maybe he signs if that is the most attractive offer he receives and he can be convinced that the Oilers are taking a serious run next season. Coleman would also be a great addition, but I think he's likely to be a target for a number of GMs. Given he is currently playing for a perennial cup contender, and living in a subtropical tax haven, the Oilers are going to have to make a really strong pitch in order to convince Coleman to move to Edmonton. Of course, there comes a price point at which Holland may as well switch from targeting a player like Coleman and start aiming a bit higher, and at a player like Brandon Saad. That switch could also trigger a shift away from negotiating with RNH, and a shift toward finding a less expensive option.