I think you forgot to make 2-3 moves that would make it worthwhile for Tavares to come join MTL...money isn't what will drive his decision.

Five stars my friend, I think you just won the Tavares lottery. I also think you presented trades that both MIN and PIT would do, very good job. BTW with the core you are keeping I think Tavares will think of this as a playoff team with a chance to go far into the playoffs.

I don't think this puts MTL over the top. You forgot to add Zadina to your RW. That will make it look better but I don't think the depth is there on this team to make a run. You do have $5 mil in cap space left though (it is going up to $80 mil)

Although adding Tavares would be great, Habs aint going anywhere unless Weber and Price aren't playing healthy. If they do, they can make the playoffs with this team but not beat the better teams once there though.

Totally agree that money isn't the issue. Which moves do you think are missing? Personally I'm still nervous on missing some scoring and D mobility. This roster is definitely banking on a couple players regaining some of their old touch, or youngsters having a breakout year : (

Thanks! Definitely taking some gambles on payers, but I think that hopefully everyone will be playing in better positions depth wise -especially at center!

Oh yeah I completely forgot to factor in the draft pick! With the extra money, be it 3, 5 or whatever would you add scoring, d, something else? I might lean toward a scoring winger -I think Spoul could surprise people; I really liked him in Detroit, and he adds some mobility too

If I'm Tavares, and I'm certainly not, I'm looking around the league and considering teams that have significant depth at defense (including at least 2 studs), potent scoring (including at least 2 young studs), and above average goaltending. Once those boxes are checked, salary cap implications over the next 3-5 years will be the next big consideration.

Have to think he will look long and hard at a team like NSH. TB also comes to mind, given how strong Yzerman is at the helm. Teams will have most of the summer to offload excess salary to make things jive with $10-12M for Tavares' salary.