Joined: Jun. 2017
Posts: 368
Likes: 24
Seems more like a deal for WSH then for PIT. Having won the Cup, you're renting 3 players that might work while giving up 3 players that do ... and to a rival. Granted WSH is going to stink a bit this year.
Rowney got it done for limited time during the regular season, but then played super well in the Playoffs. For less then half the cost I'd stick with Rowney at 4th center and add a potential replacement that can also play wing at around a million and have 2 players for the cost of Beagle. I like Beagle a lot, but don't think he adds so much that we should limit our depth to pay his $1.75m when we have a capable 4th at league min. I think Rowney is more likely to resign, and likely under a million.
Cole cost less, rocks in the playoffs, is the most physical defensemen we have, amazing shot blocker, and actually might resign for less then $4m, where Carlson is going to want Schultz money, and as a UFA will likely get it and more. He'd be the THIRD best right handed Dman on the team, so his play would be limited, especially on the PP, which means he doesn't get to do what he does best and isn't provide you what makes him so attractive to get. Unless you have a deal in place to move Letang and resign Carlson there doesn't seem to be a point to getting him, and not at the cost of Cole,
Hornqvist provides net front, is our leading checker, scores @ 0.5 pts a game consistently through the regular season and playoffs, he's a heart and soul kind of guy, and again there's a better chance of resigning him (at a somewhat reasonable deal because he likes where he's at) than Eller, who is just OK at $3.5m. I like Eller, but would rather fill 3C for more than just this season, especially when time is limited on Crosby/Malkin and so many teams are improving.
And at seasons end you're looking for new players for these spots. UFAs are expensive. Trading for RFA that can contribute would be my plan, even if that means moving picks and prospects and Sheary, Hagelin, and a Maatta to open cap space and entice teams to give em up.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
CapFriendly
CapFriendly