Don't see Seattle moving Soucy.

I don't think 7x3 is an option on Kane.

As things stand at this moment, the Oilers have over $10,000,000 in cap space, and over $4,100,000 in additional cap space that will probably be available once Klefbom goes back on LTIR. Holland can spend 10% over the salary cap during the summer, as long as the Oilers are cap compliant when the regular season begins.

Edmonton needs a starting goaltender and, as of this morning, Darcy Kuemper and Jack Campbell are the two potential UFAs that might fit that need. Toronto has exclusive negotiating rights for Campbell until July 13, so Kuemper is really the only sure option at this point. Expect him to cost at least $6,000,000 over 6 seasons.

Holland would like to bring Evander Kane back, but his grievance will not be settled until some time past the opening few days of free agency. Edmonton has to address its need of a top-6 forward and can't really afford to sit idle when the top UFAs hit the market.

The rumor is that Puljujarvi wants to be a top 6 forward. If that rumor is accurate, a $2,000,000 qualifying probably won't be accepted. In that case, the Oilers have three options: (1) negotiate terms that are acceptable to both parties; (2) head to arbitration and hope for a favorable ruling; and (3) trade JP. I suspect Holland has been underwhelmed by offers he may have received for Puljujarvi. Unfortunately, its unlikely there will be more attractive offers as the summer progresses. There is risk to both parties, if this situation leads to arbitration. That process will require the Oilers to explain why the player is not worth the contract terms they seek, and they have to describe that rational in front of the player and his agent. Even worse, an arbitrator's ruling is binding, so if the process gets to that point the Oilers could be forced to pay Puljujarvi more then they want, and they won't be able to trade him until the next season concludes. Puljujarvi will need to play for a team that has made clear its position he is not worth his salary. take all of this into consideration and it seems the best outcome is to either negotiate a contract both parties can live with, or sell extremely low on Jesse Puljujarvi.

IMO, Holland should have qualifying offers for Yamamoto, Puljujarvi, and McLeod, and a solid contract offer for Brett Kulak ready to go, but Darcy Kuemper needs to be at the top of his list of priorities. The second item on his list of priorities should be 3 - 4 alternatives to Evander Kane. He needs to monitor Jack Campbell's situation, since he is the next best option to Kuemper, unless Semyond Varlamov has had a change of heart and Lou Lamoriello is willing to move him for a reasonable price. Finally, Holland should continue speaking with Evander Kane's agent, since the player might be forced to accept another short-term deal and a heavily discounted salary.

Of course, should Duncan Keith decide to retire, the scenario changes and become more favorable for Uncle Kenny.

Seattle passes. Enjoy the space from Keith's retirement!