Note: I rushed the bottom 6 lines and scratches, can replace anyone with a speedy cheap FA (like another Tyler Ennis), change up the lines, etc
So I've been seeing a lot of trade where Kapanen gets dealt for a defensemen. This defensemen usually has 1.5 years on his deal, at which point he will probably leave again as a UFA. Here's why this is different. First, Nurse is young. He can be a leaf for a long time. Second, Nurse would be a RFA after his contract expires, not a UFA. He's similar to Kapanen in terms of contract and skill, with one exception. Nurse contract expires next year, not this year like Kapanen. When we resign Nurse, we will have cap room from Marleau coming off the books!
The Zaitsev trade was complicated. I didn't want to keep him in the top 4, and didn't want him to take playing time away from Liljegren. So I dealt him. It cost us a pick because I didn't want to retain salary and his deal is big. Maybe it won't cost us a 2nd, and if it doesn't I won't complain. But if it comes to it I'm willing to pay it.
I signed Nick Jensen, I think he's a solid top 4 right hand shot.
Notice how Connor Brown still has a roster spot. I'm in the boat that his 2.1 mil is too much to keep on the books for the role he plays. Right now I see now clear better alternatives to overtake him on the roster, as Trevor Moore already has a spot. If we get close to the cap or sign someone to compete with Brown for cheaper, I'm all for trading him for like a 3rd or something like that.
So lets evaluate this team. The top 6 Forwards still look insane. The bottom six is shaky, its in need of a transition specialist to get the puck up the ice. Can acquire through cheap FA (like Ennis) or in a Brown trade.
The defense looks far better than any year past. Jensen has been carrying Kronwall and Dekeyser on Detroit's top pairing, he could thrive beside Dermott. Nurse slots in beside Rielly, and that makes for a great top pairing. Puck movers, defensive responsibility, its got it all. Bottom pair features two puck movers who have question marks in their own zone so I'm open to suggestions to improve this pair.
Goalies stay the same, Freddie and Sparks
Cap wise we sit right below the cap, but if we needed more room (like if Matthews and Marner deals are higher than I project) we can trade Brown to clear room. I only have two scratches because we don't need another Holl (from this year, he plays a bigger role in my projections) taking up 700k in cap room.
The more I think about it, the more I love this team. The only question is, would the Oilers trade Nurse for Kapanen? They need a winger. Oilers fans listening please weigh in, I want to know if this is a legitimate possibility.
Leafs fans, this is far better than any trade I've seen for Muzzin, Pietroangelo, Parayko (love the player, hate that it would cost us Willie), etc, because it isn't a one year thing. Nurse can resign after this deal and be a key contributor for years to come in addition to this season.
Nurse is not going to be moved, so to convince Edmonton you're going to have to blow them away. Kapanen a minor pick and C prospect isn't going to do it. Especially because Kapanen didn't do much until the team was stacked
Nurse is not going to be moved, so to convince Edmonton you're going to have to blow them away. Kapanen a minor pick and C prospect isn't going to do it. Especially because Kapanen didn't do much until the team was stacked
Fair argument on Kapanen only playing well around others, but I do think he's developed to be good individually as well. Even if not, he's performed outstanding with great C's, and if he moves to EDM he will be playing with McDavid....
Nurse is not going to be moved, so to convince Edmonton you're going to have to blow them away. Kapanen a minor pick and C prospect isn't going to do it. Especially because Kapanen didn't do much until the team was stacked
Pretend you are Chiarelli, what would the leafs have to trade for Nurse? Kapanen plus what?
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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