Ken Holland confirms buy outs, free agent signings and his offseason plans

Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland met with the media today to talk about last night's expansion draft, tomorrow's entry draft and his options heading into free agency. Usually one to keep his plans to himself, Holland actually opened up quite a bit today and shared some details.

Specifically, Holland talked about signing Zach Hyman, how negotiations with Adam Larsson fell apart, how ongoing negotiations with Tyson Barrie are going and his plans for pending RFAs Juhjar Khaira and Dominik Kahun.

Holland on Hyman:

"Zach Hyman has to make a decision. He's got by next Wednesday. If all of a sudden we get the information that he'd like to sign with us, then I talk to Toronto, to Kyle, to ask what's the cost. I think we're a long way away from that."

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Holland on Larsson negotiations:

"I thought we were very close to a deal a month ago. As time went by, I was told that Adam really wanted to be sure of his decision and wanted to know what his options were. Then I made 3, 4, 5 different offers through June/July."

"We looked at what the marketplace was for the type of player he is and the recent contracts — there were 10-12 — I made an offer in March, talked through April, and sometime in April we were told they wanted to shut it down until the end of the season."

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On Tyson Barrie:

"I am in communication with (Tyson Barrie). I had an offer on the table for Adam Larsson. Our expectations are that Evan Bouchard will be an everyday player, so maybe he can take some of that. I need to do something on defence."

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On potential buyouts:

"No trades on the books. Potential buyouts. Probably we'll do one."

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On pending RFAs Khaira and Kahun:

"Probably will not offer qualifying offers."

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Suffice it to say, there's a lot going on at the moment for Holland and the Oilers.

More thoughts from the veteran GM on his offseason plans:

"I do know that between now and training camp, I need to make an addition or two on the back end. The bottom part of the forward roster on one-year deals, I told many of them I won't be re-signing them."

"Bottom part of the roster/forwards are going to be lower salary players. So what would be successful? Obviously, if I can fill out our defence and the bottom half of our forward spot... a top-six winger."

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