That contract will look bad in a year or two
- Reveen

Really? I think Markstrom will be a solid starter for 4-5 years and I don't think 6M per is too bad for a top 20 NHL goalie.

Really? I think Markstrom will be a solid starter for 4-5 years and I don't think 6M per is too bad for a top 20 NHL goalie.
- RonPielep

It's not horrendous, but his quality depends largely on what stats you value when assessing goalies. Some show him as a consistently average quality, others show him as a top-end goalie. I'm willing to count him among the top-10 goalies last year easily, but I never like the idea of big money AND term to goalies. They're too volatile.

Really? I think Markstrom will be a solid starter for 4-5 years and I don't think 6M per is too bad for a top 20 NHL goalie.
- RonPielep

Overrated

It's not horrendous, but his quality depends largely on what stats you value when assessing goalies. Some show him as a consistently average quality, others show him as a top-end goalie. I'm willing to count him among the top-10 goalies last year easily, but I never like the idea of big money AND term to goalies. They're too volatile.
- MaximumBone

bingo

It's not horrendous, but his quality depends largely on what stats you value when assessing goalies. Some show him as a consistently average quality, others show him as a top-end goalie. I'm willing to count him among the top-10 goalies last year easily, but I never like the idea of big money AND term to goalies. They're too volatile.
- MaximumBone

I think Markstrom has been very consistent over the last few years, especially as far as goalies go.

Holtby will be the Kraken netminder. That is pretty much settled.

I think Markstrom has been very consistent over the last few years, especially as far as goalies go.
- RonPielep

I dont think he's 6x6 consistent. I think the Canucks did better with Holtby

I dont think he's 6x6 consistent. I think the Canucks did better with Holtby
- Reveen

Holtby, there's your example of volatile goaltending.

Is Holland fired yet?

Is Holland fired yet?
- wreckage

My source has him bringing back Mike Smith. Handshake deal has been in place for a while.

As it is, the forward group might be close to done.

Nuge- McDavid- Kassian*
____- Draisaitl- Yamamoto
Ennis- Turris- Puljujarvi
Nygard- Khaira- Archibald
Neal**- Haas- Chiasson*

I really hope not, we still need at least one legit top 6 winger. How much cap space do the Oilers have left with the signing's of Turris and Ennis?

I seriously doubt that Kassian would get claimed if placed on waivers, but there are much better players available for the top 6 for similar $$. Khaira is another player that has disappointed and disappeared over the past 2 seasons. Can he be be sent down if he is placed on/clears waivers?

Although I think Jones is close to being ready to step into the top 4 (Russell should be bottom pairing LD), would Erik Gustafsson be a better option for LD in the top 4 this season while Klefbom is out? What would he cost?

As it is, the forward group might be close to done.

Nuge- McDavid- Kassian*
____- Draisaitl- Yamamoto
Ennis- Turris- Puljujarvi
Nygard- Khaira- Archibald
Neal**- Haas- Chiasson*

I really hope not, we still need at least one legit top 6 winger. How much cap space do the Oilers have left with the signing's of Turris and Ennis?

I seriously doubt that Kassian would get claimed if placed on waivers, but there are much better players available for the top 6 for similar $$. Khaira is another player that has disappointed and disappeared over the past 2 seasons. Can he be be sent down if he is placed on/clears waivers?

Although I think Jones is close to being ready to step into the top 4 (Russell should be bottom pairing LD), would Erik Gustafsson be a better option for LD in the top 4 this season while Klefbom is out? What would he cost?
- dumpnchase

Dump Khaira
Trade Chiasson
Trade Kassian
Buyout Neal
Pick up Tyler Johnson off waivers to play RW with McDavid

Holtby, there's your example of volatile goaltending.
- RonPielep

There is rumblings the Oil are after Korpisalo.

Dump Khaira
Trade Chiasson
Trade Kassian
Buyout Neal
Pick up Tyler Johnson off waivers to play RW with McDavid
- Lemmewinks

We need to move Russell for the Yotes for Raanta

I think Turris is a great signing for you guys. I was hoping that the Jets would have signed him.

As much as I'd love Kahun to fill out the top-6, Holland has said he's done with the forward signings. Aside from the obvious goalie hole, he's said he's seeking a Dman. Barrie doesn't strike me as a good fit without another Dman with some defensive chops coming, as well and that would require a cap saving trade of (likely) Chiasson.

Whether Barrie comes in or not, it strikes me as wise for Holland to pursue a veteran defensive D to help mentor and take on some burden of Klefbom's absence. Looking around the league, Hainsey stands out as a really solid bet and Andy Greene doesn't seem that far behind. If the preference is going younger, Koekkoek represents good value and, after Merrill went for 925k, should be cheap.

While not fulfilling the defensive requirement, Del Zotto could be a nice fit as a more vocal presence in the room while playing on a softer minute 3rd pairing w/ Bouchard.

This is beyond the realm of reasonable; you've been warned!

I wonder if Vegas considers a Klefbom for Schmidt swap to help with immediate cap space and longer term cap savings. Frees up 1.8mil in actual cap space and gives them a like 4.17mil in LTIRable cap to put towards Pietro.

Obviously this would assume they're comfortable with a.) Klefbom's injury situation (possible arthritis) and b.) Schmidt allowing a trade (10-team NTC), but it strikes me as an interesting work around for them in their current predicament. Gives us:

Schmidt- Larsson
Nurse- Bear
Jones- Bouchard
Russell

And would hypothetically give them:

McNabb- Pietro
Theodore- Mart/Klef
Hague- Holden(?)
Dahlstrom

This would leave us in a position where we would NEED to clear Chiasson's cap or buyout Neal (by adding someone going to arbitration to open a 2nd window), but those are already things I'd like to do anyway. Something around Kassian for Connor Brown gives us the arbitration window for the Neal buyout and a defensive presence for McDavid.

Nuge- Draisaitl- Yamamoto
Ennis- McDavid- C Brown
Benson- Turris- Puljujarvi
Archibald- Haas- Chiasson
Nygard, Khaira

My source has him bringing back Mike Smith. Handshake deal has been in place for a while.
- DrunkenCanuck

Sources, lol