I wasn't expecting to day drink today, but then again I also wasn't expecting to hear news about Kris Russell being offered an extension either. Funny how the world works.

This was the original report

Hearing that the #LetsGoOilers are working towards an extension with 33 y/o LD Kris Russell.

He's in Year 4/4 of $4M Cap Hit Deal. With an extension, he would meet #Oilers requirement for a D to expose in expansion.

-9P in 55GPhttps://t.co/OGeMCl5Pro

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) October 21, 2020

And before anyone goes off suggesting this isn't a valid source, Elliotte Friedman himself replied stating it sounds like a one year deal.

I have a few thoughts on this. The first one is AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

The second is slightly more articulate.

Kris Russell is not a good defenceman. He is constantly near the bottom of the team in terms of possession players. His "work ethic and willingness to put his body on the line" comes from the fact that when he is on the ice, the puck always happens to be in his own end.

Russell might be one of the few PK specialists in the League. On the PK he can block shots and fire the puck down the ice without having to worry about hitting the stick of one of his teammates. That is where Russell's skillset ends.

While I may detest everything that Russell brings to this team, I was beginning to accept that he would finish out his contract in Edmonton. With Oscar Klefbom gone, the left side is looking weak for the Oilers. Tippett may want to keep a guy like Russell purely due to the familiarity. Not a decision I agree with, but one I can respect to a degree.

There is one reason why Edmonton may be doing this, and it involves bringing in the Seattle Blogger to explain.

takes Oilers cap off... puts Kraken hat on

Hey everyone, Sean Maloughney, blogger for the Seattle Kraken here!

Next summer the Expansion Draft for the Seattle Kraken will occur. Part of the rules of the expansion draft dictate that each team must expose at least one defenceman who fits the following requirements:

1) Is under contract for the 21/22 season
2) Played 40+ games in the 20/21 season or 70+ games from the 19/20 and 20/21 season combined

With Oscar Klefbom's status unknown, the Oilers may need to have another defenseman signed past this next season.

Takes Kraken hat off, puts Oilers hat on

Thanks for that Sean.

I will update this blog once the $ amount has been revealed and I look forward to responding with a calm and level tone.

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