This team would be way better off if they can con a team into taking Russell's contract next year instead of trading Sekera.

I doubt they can get rid of Russel with that contract but would be nice. I think by the end of the season nurse and Benning could be top 4 d-men. There young yet and will only get better. And then Russel a third line pair. He will play less minutes but a good veteran fit with Bear coming up.

Your RFA signings are spot-on, unless one of these guys breaks out beyond expectations. If Maroon and Letestu duplicate last year's success those contracts are probably fair but more than I think the Oilers can afford. It might be better to let Maroon go (I hate to say it, because he's one of my favorites) and re-sign Jokinen to another 1-year deal instead.

In point-of-fact, I don't think Letestu will duplicate last season. If you look at his production, it was mostly from the PP taking feeds from McDavid and Draisaitl, he did very poorly at 5x5. I'm pretty sure at least some of that 5x4 time will be given to Strome, Puljujarvi and Slepyshev, meaning much less prime ice time for Letestu. I don't think he'll command a $2M salary next summer, even on a short-term deal.

If he does insist on that kind of money, it might be best to bring up Gambardella for 4C duty. He's an excellent 5x5 player and can play 4x5 too.