Jones/Lagesson-Persson.
Benning is not 1M better than Persson.
Russell is also not 3M+ better than Jones and Lagesson
While I agree with this I think we need to take stock of where we are.
We are in the middle of a tight playoff race. The only reason you clear out cap space is to improve the team.
I'm not sure if clearing cap space and bringing in a forward or whatever will help the team that much more than just having a rock solid bottom pairing.
Russell is not 3mill better than those guys in a bottom pairing role but he still is considerably better than Jones and instrumental in covering for Jones when they play together.
Benning is more expendable but also is noticeably better than Jones.
Laggesson is still an unknown unfortunately.
Persson would be my pick based on his solid play with Klefbom but he hasn't played with anyone else much and I don't know how he would look with another rookie.
In short the best pairing is obviously Russell and Benning to round out our 6 guys. Best chance of winning. I don't think the cap savings/deadline pickup would cover the spread and improve the team.
Before we go making any deadline forward moves I think bringing up Benson would make the most sense. Yamamoto has made such a big impact that route should at least be tried.
In the offseason you trade one or both of Russell/Benning to bring in someone else since we "have" to make some room for waiver non eligible defense. Right now we can enjoy the depth.
The only way I see moving Russell right now is if someone like Pageau is available and able to sign long term.