How Can The Edmonton Oilers Clear Cap Space This Summer?

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EDMONTON, AB – MARCH 14: Andrej Sekera #2 of the Edmonton Oilers skates during the game against the San Jose Sharks on March 14, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrej Sekera /

The Options

First, I believe the Edmonton Oilers will have to decide to move one of Kris Russel or Andrej Sekera EVEN IF the team has to retain cap to make it happen. The team has been 6-1-2 since Sekera has returned to the lineup so if he continues to look solid for the last 16 games of the season, Russel might be the one to go.

Now, I love Russel and everything he emulates as a hockey player, but 4 million is just too much for this team to stomach right now. And I believe Caleb Jones will be ready to take on a full-time 3rd pairing spot on the left side next season.

Considering Russel will only have two years remaining after this summer, I think the Oilers should be able to move him without having to retain, and might even be able to get an asset in return from the right team. But if they do have to maintain, it’s only on the books for two years.

Next, I would be looking to move Matt Benning. There were reportedly a few deals that came close at the trade deadline but ultimately fell apart. However, after this summer Benning is only going to have one-year remaining, making him a much easier asset to move.

At the deadline, we saw Buffalo move Nathan Beaulieu, who plays in a very similar role as Benning and has a slightly higher cap hit at 2,400,000. But since Beaulieu only had one year remaining on his contract before becoming an RFA he was easier to move since teams felt less committed to the asset.

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