[Flickered Flame]

From Seravalli:

The question is: What’s next for Edmonton after Hyman? They have a hole to fill on the right side of their defense in the wake of Adam Larsson’s departure to Seattle. It’s certainly possible that Tyson Barrie returns to the Y-E-G after leading all defensemen in scoring last season.

But I’m wondering if the Oilers are a sneaky dark horse candidate for Dougie Hamilton. He makes so much sense. Not only can he produce similar to Barrie on the power play, but he would bring an even-strength dynamic to Edmonton’s blue line that the Oilers do not have.

If there is a will, there is a way to make it work cap-wise. The Oilers will almost surely be buying out the contract of James Neal in short order. There are rumblings of interest in Zack Kassian that could further increase cap space. Not entirely sold that Ethan Bear will be in Edmonton for the long haul. Further goaltending clarity, with Mike Smith closing in on a new two-year, $4 million deal, would help. The Oilers could also buyout Mikko Koskinen for $3 million in cap savings this season, going with an inexpensive Smith and Alex Stalock tandem for a total of $4.285 million (including Koskinen’s dead cap space hit).

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/seraval...-freeze-lifts/