The tides turn in Columbus' favor. After getting an outdoor game, now the hockey Gods gift them with a lottery win. JD and Co. goes with the young, rising-star, hometown hires. Vogelhuber has his team leading the AHL Eastern conference, and Nash just got named Team Canada GM for Worlds.
After drafting Celebrini, Rick's first order of business should be to find Laine a new home. He has so much talent but is too fragile both physically and mentally to be a positive asset to this team. I do care about the person and don't mean to be harsh, but ultimately the NHL is about winning. SEA feels like the perfect fit as a team struggling to break through and needing top-line scoring power.
Vancouver re-signs Petey to a huge deal and subsequently opts to move on from Miller while his contract is still valuable in order to save some cap space and compete long term with Petterson. CBJ would definitely be taking a risk on how that deal ages, but for the immediate future, Miller would provide a high impact 100pt 1C to play with Gaudreau, and another fiery leader to set a positive example for the youngsters.
With Tarasov's play and Elvis' volatility both on and off ice, I'd also try to make a simple move to get him out the door. Let Tarasov take the reins next year with a veteran backup behind him. I'm high on Greaves and Ivanov too and think at least one of them will be an NHL goaltender in a few years.
Provorov is held onto for the time being, but if the team isn't in playoff position at the TDL he will be dealt, along with Kuraly, and potentially Gudbranson and Danforth.
From a team construction standpoint, the forward group feels pretty good. I love having the big forwards - Jenner and Voronkov - on the wing where they can be in on the forecheck more often. It's great having them play in the middle when needed, but they are both more effective as players on the wing.
The defense still needs improved. That could happen organically with Jiricek taking a big step forward, and Mateychuk hopefully as well. As currently constructed, Werenski is a slightly above average No.1, Provorov is an average 3-4, Severson is an average 3-4, and Gudbranson is a good 5-6. Basically, they really need Jiricek to grow into being a good No. 2 sooner rather than later. The Severson contract really hinders the blue line, and I don't think it's really movable at this point, so this team is likely rolling with what they have back there.
Canucks pass. I like Johnson but him coming off a down season and major injury, what could very easily end up being a 2nd and 3rd round pick (if I’m reading the condition right), and a meh RHD is not enough for a 100 point center
Seattle's a good target for Laine, but not Eberle. He just signed an extension with a full NTC. I'd go for Yanni Gourde instead.
Nash and Vogelhuber are both probably the future, but not yet. Bring in veterans for both jobs now with eyes on promotions, a la Sakic to President and MacFarland to GM in Colorado.
Don't see either New Jersey or Vancouver biting on those.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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