If Jeannot misses all of the playoffs then maybe bridge him with a raise. Too up in the air. Don't think you want to hand him 6+ years with so little to go on from his time this season. Why give up all that for Jeannot and then only give him a short term deal some may say? No clue. It's too up in the air to tell which way it will go.
Colton should make more than Paul as he's a year younger and I think has more offensive potential. If he can develop his shot off the rush and ability to get to the middle of the ice, you could definitely hit 30 goals. His one timer is pretty lethal even though there is plenty of room for improvement.
Hopefully Eyssimont won't drive up the market for himself this playoffs and we can bring him back for a few years cheap and let him develop. I think if he gets a chance, he could develop into a fair top 6 player. If he can improve his shot, that would help his game go along way. He already plays a lot like Hagel does. I think he's more skilled than Colton is, minus the slap shot, and he could become a pretty good top 9+ scorer. Really hope we keep this kid around.
Hard to tell if you bring back 2/3 of the school bus. A lot of people have been calling for Bellemare and Perry's head this season saying they are too old and slow or don't contribute enough. While it would be nice to have better options for the bottom 6 that are younger faster and contribute more offensively, I don't think it would be the end of the world to bring them back. Keep that line together as much as you can. The team will have to change it's game. They will have to play the way they always have, grinding, high energy, crash the net, defensive. They can continue to be used as specialists and won't log more than 10 minutes a night. But the familiarity and stability might be something you want to keep since a lot of new guys will be stepping into bigger roles, Raddysh, Fluery, Jeannot, Eyssimont. Worst case you send them to the minors to make room for Ryfors, Balcers, ABB, Carlile, Koepke, Fortier, whoever will get a look next year. Unlikely you'll lose any of them to waivers if they are playing bad enough to be sent down to make room for a call up. Still all up in the air though.
Fluery definitely should get a shot next year and I don't think you bother going after a 3LD unless the cap goes up more than 1 mil. No money to spare and by signing a better 3LD you lose what little wiggle room we already have in the bottom 6 up front. He's earned a regular shot if you ask me. Myers could also get another look next year and Carlile too. With the 7 we already have, I think it would be fine to head into the season as is.
Studenic is an Eyssimont type player who has cleared waivers a couple times. RFA and young so who knows what Dallas' plans are. I really like his game and he would be a cheap acquire even if we have to move another late draft pick or a dead end prospect.
Move Seabrook to accrue at the deadline. Not sure what the price is but If I was a rebuilding team I would take Seabrook for a pick no matter what round it is.
Lot's to consider but not a lot of options to work with. I will reassess after the playoffs.
Thanks for reading, and as always feel free to leave any comments or questions.
Nice of Colton to decide to never make any money and give up his entire prime
I have no idea how the actual extension talks are going between his agent and Julien. If he wants to take a bridge deal, good for him, I wouldn't be against it. Everyone in Tampa thinks he will make less than 4 million regardless of years. He has his flashes of being offensively dangerous, but I think giving him anything north of 4 mill would be a mistake. As he is right now, I don't see him as anything more than a middle 6 forward at best. He can score don't get me wrong, but I think he lacks the offensive creativity and vision for that to be his playstyle. He's a hardnose player who flourishes in that role. 8 years may be too long for him at that hit sure. But giving him anything more than 3.5, while Jeannot will get a raise seriously hinders our flexibility and bottom 6 options. Everyone will be saying we have an AHL 4th line in October
I have no idea how the actual extension talks are going between his agent and Julien. If he wants to take a bridge deal, good for him, I wouldn't be against it. Everyone in Tampa thinks he will make less than 4 million regardless of years. He has his flashes of being offensively dangerous, but I think giving him anything north of 4 mill would be a mistake. As he is right now, I don't see him as anything more than a middle 6 forward at best. He can score don't get me wrong, but I think he lacks the offensive creativity and vision for that to be his playstyle. He's a hardnose player who flourishes in that role. 8 years may be too long for him at that hit sure. But giving him anything more than 3.5, while Jeannot will get a raise seriously hinders our flexibility and bottom 6 options. Everyone will be saying we have an AHL 4th line in October
My issue is the term. I can't see a guy who has made barely any money signing a max term deal to age like 34 for that low aav.
My issue is the term. I can't see a guy who has made barely any money signing a max term deal to age like 34 for that low aav.
3x3 makes sense imo
I see your point and agree with you actually. Look at Nick Paul though. Similar situation with their need to get paid, but the difference is experience maybe?. I think It does make more sense for Colton to go short term because while he is 26, this is only his 3rd season. Paul is a year older but this is his 7th season. It's probably a matter of one's belief in potential. Colton hasn't played as long so maybe he thinks he still can have a major breakout and cash in. Paul has maybe come to learn how hard it truly is to breakout and be a consistent scorer and opted for security rather than a payday. You make a great point though, I'm going to change his contract.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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