Edmonton Oilers Rumors: Other Teams Looking at Russell

The Edmonton Oilers may face some competition while trying to re-sign Kris Russell, as per reports.

According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, who was on Oilers Now Tuesday, Russell is definitely worth at least $4 million, and teams like Calgary and Vancouver may compete with the Oilers to pay him more. Spector also mentioned that Toronto is interested in the 30-year-old blueliner.

“I’ve been hearing Toronto is interested in Russell as well because he’s the kind of guy that can play for (Toronto head coach Mike) Babcock,” Spector said. “Listen, we all watched him in the playoffs. Corsi be damned and all this other stuff. Everyone listening to this show saw his values with their own two eyes all through last season and the playoffs. So did everyone else in the NHL.”

Edmonton Oilers

Russell had an outstanding season with the Oilers and helped strengthen their defence. A late 2016 offseason signing, he became a versatile blueliner who fit well on the top-four. Taking his effective skating, on-ice awareness and fearless shot-blocking, Russell proved to be an all-around player for the Oilers.

Russell, who will hit the free-agent market July 1, has reportedly started brief talks with the Oilers. A deal likely won’t get done until after the expansion draft, or else the Oilers will have to change their means of protection. This, in turn, could lead them to lose an important piece they could have protected with the 7-3-1 plan.

What Happens Next?

Edmonton needs to consider their options. Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver all are apparently considering Russell, and would likely be willing to offer longer term/salary. While money shouldn’t be an issue for the Oilers, they have to consider the term. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl signing extensions this offseason, and with the Oilers in the hunt for more pieces, they can’t keep Russell around for so long with such a high salary.

Additionally, Russell is getting older, and keeping him around for years on end will limit the Oilers’ options, and possibly hurt them if his play deteriorates over time. There are also similar options, such as Karl Alzner, on the market. However, Russell has proven his worth to the Oilers organization. Plus, with Andrej Sekera injured, the Oilers may be comforted by having a versatile, familiar blueliner like Russell fill that void.

Edmonton could also look into signing Cody Franson. He is a right-handed defenceman who is still young and on the rise, and could provide more depth on defence. This way, Russell can keep his current role on the left side, and Franson could add more right-side depth.

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The Oilers have many otpions to consider, but they may have to work hard to outbid other teams and hang onto a player who completely turned his game around in one season.