However, the Oilers wouldn’t be wise to pull the trigger now. When it all comes down to it, the team should wait until after the expansion draft. If they don’t, the Oilers will land themselves in a sticky situation regarding the expansion draft.
First off, the Oilers plan on taking the 7-3-1 route. Their plan is likely to protect Leon Draisaitl, Patrick Maroon, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle, Zack Kassian, Jujhar Khaira and Mark Letestu on the forward lines. Also, Edmonton will likely protect Andrej Sekera, Oscar Klefbom and Adam Larsson as the three defencemen. The Oilers will protect Cam Talbot, leaving Laurent Brossoit exposed.