For the Oilers to be in any of the major goaltending free agents, a deal for Koskinen would likely have to be found. May be tough at 4.5 to move him, but just don't see them spending 5 or 6 on FA a goalie without moving him.

Don't see Athanasiou being qualified, and Benning is a major question mark as well at this point. Caleb Jones is developing nicely and can play either side. May be given increased role with Klefbom potentially out.

Keep in mind, any player the Oilers sign long term, or trade for, could cause them protection issues in the expansion draft. If they go get a 3C right now, could cost them Jones down the road. Not a reason not to try and improve team, but something that needs to be weighed.

As for improving the D through trade (OEL as example) it does make some sense to use a prospect defenceman to try and move the dial now on the blue-line. Oil are not in a position to just sit tight and wait for teenagers to become top 4 D. Their D needs to be better now.

A flat cap and expansion are barriers to improving right away, but I suspect Holland will try and get creative, especially with the Klefbom situation.