For the most part we are going to stay the course with the young guys, but I want to add some size and defensive capabilities while parting with some vets to increase draft capital That can be flipped easily. This helps accelerate a rebuild with veterans under 30 (barely in one case) who are statistically sound on teams who are in sell mode. Big Daddy Gravykov signs an extension to stay, but could be moved for some big assets if needed.
Jackets obviously need defense and there is a significant need at Center. They need big, strong, defensively minded players at all positions. But we are not going big name hunting.
Starting with a ménage à trois between Columbus, San Jose, and Colorado:
Columbus sends Nyquist (50% retained - $2,750,000) and Winnipeg's 4th to San Jose who retain the next 50% ($1,375,000) to Colorado.
San Jose send Columbus Nico Sturm.
Colorado sends their 2023 first to Columbus and their 2025 conditional second/third + 2023 fifth to San Jose. Condition activates if Colorado makes it to the final round.
Nico Sturm throughout his career has been strong on the faceoff dot, starts 70% of his shifts in the defensive zone, and has a positive plus/minus while doing so. He is currently tied for most goals on San Jose with 5. He's also a big boy at 6'3" - 206 lbs. He should be completely fine taking over Voracek's spot in front of the net on PP and it would make more sense. At 28 he will not be in San Jose's long term plans for this rebuild they're about to start.
San Jose gets the 2025 second/third rounder and this years 5th for their third line Center and 625K to help facilitate other moves. I hear they are in sell mode and everyone not named Hertl is available. I hope they get a serious haul out of someone dumb enough to take on Erik Karlsson's contract. (*cough* in comes Kyle Dubas)
Colorado gets Gustav Nyquist. A healthy veteran capable of 40 to 50 points in the middle 6 that can play PP and PK. Getting him as a rental at $1,375,000 to try and repeat is a luxury most GM's would love. Giving up the 32nd overall first rounder and a second 3 drafts away won't hurt. TBH any contender would work here, but Colorado has enough cap space to handle the trade easily and have some leftover if they want another depth piece.
Second Trade:
Voracek to any contender for half price. For their first rounder, of course.
Detroit is currently 2nd in the Atlantic and has the cap to add one of my favorite players. A proven assist man who can put 60 points up in a season, Detroit can bolster their Top 6 wings to take a run at the Atlantic division playoffs.
Columbus gets another 1st rounder to potentially flip for a #1 center or a D-Man. I would prefer to take a big defenseman prospect off their hands, but i doubt Yzerman makes one available.
Third Trade:
Murphy Comes Home.
Dublin, Ohio native Conner Murphy comes home to start next to Werenski and shoot commercials with Sean Kuraly and Jack Roslovic.
Columbus sends 2023 second rounder, 2023 3rd round sweetener from Calgary, and Jake Bean to Chicago for Connor Murphy. Columbus now has a plethora of capable RHD's.
Two late firsts in this draft could pick up two great prospects at the draft or give Jarmo the ammunition needed to go hunting for the #1 Center. With nearly $6 million in cap space and extra assets in hand, I imagine Jarmo could make something happen. Unfortunately, Jim Nill smart enough to not trade away Roope Hintz.
Trades
1.
CBJ
2023 1st round pick (COL)
2023 5th round pick (COL)
2025 2nd round pick (COL)
Additional Details:
2nd rounder conditional if Colorado reached the Finals. Read description for details on the three way trade with San Jose.
Whoof. Teams just throwing around 2023 1st round picks like they're candy! Colorado sending those snacks out and not getting a center would be the bogey-est of all bogeys.
You aren't getting Sturm and if Colorado is paying that much they would just acquire Sturm and be better off.
You aren't getting a pick from Detroit for Vorachek, especially a first. That pick is likely a top 10 pick. I like Vorachek too but just not the right fit.
I bet of Chicago wants to deal Murphy they will get a first round pick since in your scenario teams are just throwing them around.
Detroit is riding a nice wave with all the changes this summer, but most likely still sits on the outside looking in. At best, Detroit fights to sneak into a wild card spot.
SY has stated he is looking to add picks this season, and is not shelling any out (obviously the right deal could change that).
In saying that, I like the player, but the fit isn’t there with what the Wings are doing.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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