Holland tried to sign B.Conolly, Nyqvist, Donskoi, allt had been great forward aqustions. They rejected dollars, or didn´t want to be here - no one really knows. Even tried Brassard at late in the summer. His backups were Granlund, Jurco (This most be a Holland special), Archibald. I think these are players that can make it out well in bottom 6, and after new year - when Jurco feels ready - maybe even jump into top 6 for some tries. It could turn out bad, it can bloom. It´s an excting player anyway. Signed an OK goalie, so Edmonton as a fall back goalie if Kosko just falls of the earth. Or two goalies that can be the best versions of themself in 40 games each. (Maybe Skinner gets a nod for some games?). Nygård is a good player, that will play for the team - we will se if he cements himself in 3rd line, or can stay as a top 6:er (Will just pushing the limit for 2nd line). WIth Haas I know absolutley nothing, a complete wildcard, but the Swiss has been very good for a while, and why shouldn¨t Haas been a part of that? Maybe he can grow to a future 3 C?
But I like the fact that Hollnad want to fill in gaps with veterans who know the game, maybe isn´t flashiest - but they can together put together an atmosphere of rutine and experience in the lockerroom that newcomers come in and learn from. No rookie has a freeway, they has to compete and be better to take a rosterspot. There are no longer complete voids in the lineup.
He dumped Lucic - for a maybe useful player with shorter term, and is butout-able. That was a beauty!
Neal has even played before with Connor. So much win at once in that trade for Oilers.
Holland had done a great job, didn´t quit when there was dark times, and others had giving up (MacT, Chiarelli)
He even realesed MacTavish, and put NIcholson down a pinhole. Great work.
We will se the rest of it. Oilers is one of the thoughest teams to be a GM for. Many No trade clausaul against the team, few RFA want to sign here. But I think edmonton will have a nice season. No rookies will be given a spot. They had to see, learn and put in the work.
But even if MacTavish was not good, he actually drafted Nurse and Draisaitl. The Edmonton drafting become immediately better with him.