[RE-SIGNED] Russell to EDM

[The Black Panther]

If this is above his previous $3.1M as expected, I'm wondering if they would have been better off throwing a 5th round pick to Vegas to get Schlemko instead. His $2.1M cap hit probably would have offered better value. Just an idea that popped to my head when reading these. But let's see what the cap hit and maybe more importantly, term, ends up being.

If its over 3 SMH too

[Rato]

Most Dmen today who can skate and chew gum get $4M.

Maybe you're right but I think that with four years this can become pretty bad down the stretch.

[The Black Panther]

I think you're serious?

But I wonder why.

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Yikes indeed.

Me too.

[Axeman33]

If its over 3 SMH too

He's not going to take less money than he made last year. That's simply not how it works, especially when you perform at or above your previous contracts value which any Oilers fan who actually took the time to watch the games, will tell you.

[ericdaoust]

which any Oilers fan who actually took the time to watch the games, will tell you.

Really? Do you know them all personally?

[Rylant]

If it's only $4M for 4 years, I have no issues with that at all. Most Dmen today who can skate and chew gum get $4M. He's a top 4 Dman on that team and was a big part of their defensive turn around this year.

To me, if those numbers pan out, I'd consider that a good deal for both sides.

I know that your an Oiler fan Axe. There is no question, his ability to block shots is world class. I think I watched most Oilers games last year, and his transition game is just SO bad. He is slow. Yes, he will block a ton of shots. Personally, I think his "Bad" may outweigh his "Good".

Rylant

[SeaDawg]

I thought Russell was very good for the Oilers last year. I mean, in addition to his obvious strengths (blocking shots, penalty killing), he plays some tough, hard minutes against the other team's best players. He was a very solid, defense-first player for us. I know his game has some big holes, but with Klefbom and Larsson as the top pairing, we need a veteran dman who can help this young team. As we all know, dmen are extremely hard to acquire via trade and the free agent market is crap (outside of Shattenkirk who will command a fortune and won't want to play in Edmonton anyway, cause he wants to be the #1 option). There are many dmen I'd prefer over Russell, but considering what is available, he is the best option for us. Many teams have to overpay at times to get what they can (supply and demand).

If we make the playoffs again, I will be happier having Russell playing on our second pairing compared to Benning, Gryba, etc.

[Axeman33]

I know that your an Oiler fan Axe. There is no question, his ability to block shots is world class. I think I watched most Oilers games last year, and his transition game is just SO bad. He is slow. Yes, he will block a ton of shots. Personally, I think his "Bad" may outweigh his "Good".

Rylant

I am an Oilers fan, but I am also an Oilers fan who isn't afraid to call out management when they make moves I don't like. This I don't mind at all. It would cost them at least this much, if not more, to find another UFA Dman who can play effeciently in their top 4 like Russell proved he could do last year.

I am fine with it. The rest of you don't have to like it. Carry on with the rest of your day.

[Mr. Guru]

he [Russell] plays some tough, hard minutes against the other team's best players.

but with Klefbom and Larsson as the top pairing

Does the top pairing not play against the oppositions best?

[SeaDawg]

Does the top pairing not play against the oppositions best?

yes, of course. But Russell also played well against other team's best players. His battles in the playoffs against Getzlaf and Thornton these past playoffs were impressive.

Obviously we throw Klefbom and Larsson out there as much as possible, but when we had to put Russell out against the other teams best players, he more than held is own in the defensive zone.

I guess all I am saying is that he wasn't a liability in the defensive zone, and we can't say that for many of the dmen we have had in the past.

[lucafen4]

Isn't Russell at 4x4 (potentially) better than Alzner a 5x5?

[Mr. Guru]

yes, of course. But Russell also played well against other team's best players. His battles in the playoffs against Getzlaf and Thornton these past playoffs were impressive.

Obviously we throw Klefbom and Larsson out there as much as possible, but when we had to put Russell out against the other teams best players, he more than held is own in the defensive zone.

I guess all I am saying is that he wasn't a liability in the defensive zone, and we can't say that for many of the dmen we have had in the past.

Nice.

I guess we'll see how it works out.

[rataylor22]

If it's only $4M for 4 years, I have no issues with that at all. Most Dmen today who can skate and chew gum get $4M. He's a top 4 Dman on that team and was a big part of their defensive turn around this year.

To me, if those numbers pan out, I'd consider that a good deal for both sides.

Erm

[Shift Disturber]

He blocks a lot of shots because he spends a lot of time in his own zone. He was no different than when he played for the Flames. I love this signing!

[rataylor22]

Interesting signing, they didn't trade Eberle specifically to give them cap space for Russell, did they ?

Yuh