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.
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.