I have zero issues with our defence. Barrie returning is awesome as the Oilers have the NHL's best PP and Barrie finished FIRST in scoring by NHL defenseman. Bear leaving is a bit of a sting but it is necessary to bring in Foegele for the third line, we need depth scoring badly. Ceci had a great year last year in Pittsburgh and he isn't Adam Larsson but he is also almost 1m per season cheaper and brings more experience than Larsson did. The Keith acquisition is the greatest thing ever as you cannot deny what he is going to bring to the team both on and off the ice. Nurse continues to get even better. Russell is so adverse in what he brings to the lineup. Bouchard is going to be a beast in the NHL and will for sure win the Norris in his career at some point.

Nurse is the bright spot on the blue line. Keith is washed up. Barrie will get the points willl continue to be spotty defensively. Ceci I feel like will struggle since he played poorly in the playoffs. Bouchard willl become a great d-man soon, but I'm still skeptical if it's this year. Kris Russell is Kris Russell.

They could surprise us, but it's unlikely.

I expect Barrie to build on last season and be even better. He is not as big of a liability as most Oilers fans make him out to be. Keith i expect to come to camp in as good of shape as Mike Smith. They are neighbours in the Okanogan (Which is why he picked Edmonton) and has a chip on his shoulder and feels he has something to prove that he still has his game.