Couldn’t we in theory have OEL as our 3rd pair left defensemen? That’s pretty much exactly what you are looking for I would think.
Yes, OEL helps, but I am saying there has been a constant of "We need the top guys to perform better, and we need better D".
Our issue in every playoff has been depth scoring (except the year we played the best — 2022 and the year we exited the first round).
OEL helps to address puck movement and so does Tanev to an extent.
I don't know that OEL is better than Rielly on the PP, we shall see, a point shot doesn't solve everything.
For the most part, the D moves were good, I just am pointing out that Hakanpaa is redundant with Benoit, and he helps in some areas and hurts in others.
We have an expensive 7th and 8th D and an expensive 13th forward, as well as a questionable #6 with a bad knee.
I have also said this signing is not a big deal, just not 100% sure it will end up being a good one, and now Benoit is not needed.