I don't think Kassian (one of my favourite players) is worth that much. Also, a Russell buyout is ill-advised; it would create a buyout cap hit of $3.6MM in 2020-21 which would be very difficult to deal with. Surely you could trade him for a 5th round pick somewhere? He's a good defenseman when playing on his natural side, moves the puck well and defends well, capable of 30+ points in a season. This past year he played mostly on his off-side - still defends well there but doesn't move the puck with the same ability. Also: he ALWAYS steps up his game in the playoffs.

https://capfriendly.com/players/kris-russell

thats the lockout year doesnt matter

Hey, guess what:

Letestu is underpaid.
Perron is underpaid.
Green is underpaid.
Stroke is underpaid.
Caggiula is underpaid.
Nurse is underpaid.
Brossoit is underpaid.

Then next year you have to resign Puljujarvi and Talbot. What are you going to do the ? Underpay them also?

IF the lockout happens, yes - I forgot that was CBA year. But I'd STILL rather have a 5th rounder!

Some of that is true. But a lot of their values depend on what sort of season they put together this year - not all of them are going to break out, you know. If signing contracts today, I would say only Letestu is seriously underpaid, and his production can be replaced fairly easily. (Most of it is PP points, I'm confident that another right-handed shooter could duplicate his success.)

i dont see why u think a 4th line centre is underpaid at 1.2M. id say thats almost overpaying considering matt cullen who is a better player, got 1M

I don't think he's worth more than that TO THE OILERS, but I think someone might pay him more. He scored 16 goals / 35 points last year, and was usually out on the ice at critical times for critical faceoffs. He's the kind of guy coaches love to have around, so that might be worth $2MM to somebody. If so, let him go - most of his production came on the PP, where Strome or Slepyshev could probably duplicate his results if given the at bats. He's not a great 5x5 player, I believe Gambardella will be the better 4C option 12 months from now.

Bottom line: the Oilers should probably let him walk after this season. I imagine Jokinen will be more valuable this year, and if they can get him signed for similar money they should do it.