I would try to trade for a guy like Skinner or Patches for the second line.

Why is Montour on the 3rd pairing?

Patches for Larson and Jones?

If cogs is still playing too 6 minutes this season they’ll be in trouble.

I have my own system for defence and how I understand them. I dont rank them 1st pairing or 2nd or 3rd.. for me thats crap. With this defence the pairings would get roughly the same amount of minutes each. While Montour would be playing less regularly, he would get more PP opportunity and thats how the lines are going to get the same amount of ice time each. Thats how I like it ranked and not 1,2,3. Also.. defence is always playing with offence and while you have 2 rookies on 3rd line (and 3rd pairing is likely playing with them mostly) with veteran presence in Perry who is getting slower but still has good hands you can use some speedy defender to be able to maximize the effect of that line. Trying to always count offence in getting defence pairings perfectly balanced and vice versa. Combining skill, speed, defence and toughness (sometimes) on one line. Im not understanding defence and offence as two separate things but one connected and I try to get that connection as best as possible. Maybe thats crap way of thinking but I personally do it like it is here.

Both 2nd and 3rd line would get same amount of ice time. Its about chemistry.

Unless Steel is really ready, I’d prefer he start in the AHL this year to continue his development. WHL to NHL for a somewhat smaller guy may be a leap. Ritchie only had half a season in AHL, and it seems like his development has flatlined ever since he moved up.

I like the first line, but I really don’t think Cogs is a top 6 anything. Love his effort, but the guy can’t shoot

I don't hate it. Looks good on paper at least.



Agreed. Skinner would be my preference. We need more speed in this team. Having said that, I don't think this team competes for the cup. Therefore, we're probably better off keeping our prospects and picks.

Thank goodness Kesler is on LTIR for half a season or cap wouldn't work. A trade for Patches or Skinner seems unlikely just for. cap reasons.

I think the RFA deals you have are a bit high. At least Montours is. He wont make more than Lindholm. Not a chance. If they get him on term if will be around 4-4.5 around 4-5 years. If they Bridge Montour will get around 3-3.75 for 2 years IMO. Kase at that price and term is a bit more reasonable but I imagine BM goes with a bridge for Kase because of his injuries. My guess would be 2-3 years at around 2-2.5 which is similar to what Palmieri got when he got his bridge deal with inflation.