Potential Edmonton Oilers buyout candidates
Daniel-Nugent Bowman of The Athletic: A few candidates present themselves including Milan Lucic, Kris Russell, and Andrej Sekera — among others.
The problem with most of Edmonton’s candidates is long-term pain. There is little market for these players, honestly.
Unfortunately, players like Lucic, Brandon Manning, and Andrej Sekera are not worth the headaches of a buyout. Holding onto these players for a year would not be any worse.
Kris Russell could find a small niche in the trade market even. Edmonton would retain salary but it is better than the alternative.
From Milan Lucic to Nikita Zaitsev…
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal: Rumors swirl around Milan Lucic and Nikita Zaitsev among others.
Zaitsev makes little sense on the surface simply because there are current players on the roster who are better. Also, those players are cheaper.
Milan Lucic getting traded for a James Neal makes more sense than Loui Eriksson almost. Almost. Also, it is nice that Jesse Puljujarvi is skating again after hip surgery. Now, there is the inevitable wait.
Even more on Nikita Zaitsev
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: No matter how things are spiced up, Nikita Zaitsev heads off to somewhere other than Edmonton more than likely. The insistence of some writers makes it seem like the Oilers are desperate for something they are not.
Edmonton media feel like it is Toronto being Toronto — as far as the media. Unfortunately, it is hard to believe given what some teams will move sometimes. Milan Lucic becomes a glaring example.
Ken Holland needs a goalie. Semyon Varlamov or someone else?
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Ken Holland searches for a viable goalie to help Mikko Koskinen. One of the names came up was Semyon Varlamov who will be on the market. Who can provide that ability to push Koskinen in the net?
Varlamov expects to see a cut in pay along with Mike Smith. Petr Mrazek and Robin Lehner are goalies who would see raises along with Curtis McElhinney.
Semyon Varlamov is intriguing though as his penalty kill save percentage is one of the best in the league the past several seasons.
