Oilers will lose big to the Kraken at the expansion draft

Sporstnet’s Rory Boylen tells it like it is for the Edmonton Oilers ahead of this summer’s expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken. 

A lot of factors are in play for Oilers general manager Ken Holland and tough choices will have to be made. 

The Oilers already have to deal with the fact that top defenseman Oscar Klefbom remains unsure about his future on the ice. When asked if doctors confirmed that he would definitely be able to play again after his shoulder surgery, Klefbom might play again, but he might never play again… Losing Klefbom would be a huge blow for the Oilers as he averaged 25:25 of ice time last season and quarterbacked the best NHL power play in 40 years. If he can return, it would certainly affect Tyson Barrie’s decision to explore the free market this summer. 

But it will also have an impact on which players Holland decides to protect ahead of the draft. And Klefbom is aware he may not be protected thanks to his injury. 

“Obviously, I want to be here. My whole NHL career has been here in Edmonton, and I love the city, the organization, and the guys here. But it’s business. I understand Kenny is in a tough situation when it comes to protecting players for the Expansion Draft.

“But there’s nothing I can (do about that). I’m going to do everything in my power to be ready when the puck drops. Whether it’s Seattle or in Edmonton, that’s not up to me.”

Holland already has a lot of his plate with the focus on re-signing key UFAs Adam Larsson, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Barrie. Here is how Boyle explains it: 

“If Nugent-Hopkins re-signs the Oilers will have to be a 7-3-1 team or else they’d be leaving Jesse Puljujarvi or Kailer Yamamoto unprotected. Leaving him unsigned would give Edmonton flexibility to protect more defensemen, but that brings big risk Nugent-Hopkins doesn’t return.

If the Oilers take the most likely course and do use the 7-3-1 protection method, the decision on Klefbom looms large. Darnell Nurse will take up one slot and Ethan Bear could fill another. But if Larsson or Barrie re-signs, and Klefbom takes up a slot, suddenly Bear is the one who gets left unprotected.”

Heartbreaking decisions for Holland, wouldn’t you say? 

Who will be exposed to the Kraken?!