Both players are essential to that locker room, are leaders and helped rebuild the pathetic culture we've had here.
Posters act like they are old farts that can't play. Both of those guys are 29 and still have a lot of hockey left in them. It will be easy to move either one of these guys when the time comes.
We'll see.
Lucic looked slow as ever and if you take away the shiny new toy syndrome Oiler fans had, it was a disappointing year for 6M. There were some great moments - the SJ game, the NSH hit on Watson, fighting against Engelland - and there were also some really bad moments - complete loss of scoring at 5v5, the entire Anaheim series sans game 6, dragging McDavid down when on a line together after the first month and a half.
Russell meanwhile had a strong end to his season in the last 4 games against Anaheim, but it really remains to be seen what a shot blocker being paid 4M will be worth when he can't put up a consistent breakout or any offense on the board as he ages and his body breaks down. Hasn't been healthy in the last few years for the whole season.
The leadership angle only goes so far. When I think of who was leading this Edmonton team, I think of Connor McDavid, Oscar Klefbom, Adam Larsson, Cam Talbot and at times, Leon Draisaitl. Hell, Maroon fought Chara.
Lucic + Russell are two veterans who are taking roles on the team at this point. I hope Lucic rebounds and scores at 5v5 without needing McDavid to carry him on the PP. I hope Russell finds an offensive uptick and moves the puck with aplomb. If they both decline, Russell will be harder to move than people think (other D-men of his style get bought out or stuck) and Lucic will be borderline immovable unless we retain.