The Return for Strome might be a little light. Not sure how good of a prospect Gorton and his scouting staff believe Steen to be. Maybe instead of the 2021 4th round pick (BOS), include the 2021 3rd round pick from Ottawa. If Strome keeps putting up the scoring numbers at the same pace until the trade deadline, he'll be worth a 1st round pick. But Gorton might like the Steen, a 2nd round pick, and a high 3rd round pick from Ottawa, just as much. I suppose Lindholm could also be a throw in as incentive to take Millers contract to offset adding Strome's contract to get BOS under the cap.

I don't think you're getting back any picks for Backes: a capdump is a capdump

BTW he has a 23 team no trade list: I'm sure he has on it. Oopsies...

That's a no for the Strome deal from me. Rather keep him and try to get a 1st at the deadline. If not, they can definitely get a better prospect at the TDL.

Kinda crazy that i would look at a Strome deadline deal and think, a 2 and a 4 might be too light of a return. But its close to being too light. I think if they unload him for picks he can get a 2 and a conditional 2/3 that upgrades to a 1 if they make the cup final/win cup etc. But he could come crashing down by February and not be worth as much. But I find that unlikely with him glued to Panarin's hip and just reaping his amazeball skills.

Backes not waiving for Ottawa. Maybe in the offseason with a guaranteed buyout but not in season.

Crazy that he’s able to determine that considering how useless he is and his lack of production

I’ll take a first if it comes but this is a good deal as well. Steen is a good future top 9 forward and a good Jesper Fast replacement. Lindholm could try to be a piece this year and next and we could try to squeeze whatever juice is still left in Kevan Miller lemon’s. As for the picks, we can place conditions on it that would determine the 2nd becoming a first if Boston wins cup and the 4 becoming a 3rd if they re-sign him or make it to the finals?

You give players NTCs, you pay the price. ??‍♂️ Teams give them out like candy. It’s ridiculous.

Preach.

I mean its one thing for a Bergeron or Krejci or Pasta or Chara to ask for and receive one (as they will be boston for life... and these deals were while they were youngish at least). But if a player like Backes asks for one on a long term deal at the age of 31+, that is a deal that you do not give a NMC or NTC for... Too many of them, but they should at least be reasonable

YES, but then they want more money if no NTC/NMC. So you would have given Backes + 1.5million$ more caphit/ year for his contract in Boston? = 7.5 million $ without NTC ---> No...
So it means Backes will choose other teams = rip UFA value for Boston for free...(getting a solid UFA = huge bonus for any team)
I'm not happy about Johnson/Gourde NTC, so i know these things but you have to give the player some insurance if he takes the team friendly deal as UFA.
Maybe he wanted 6 years for 6.x million $= 36-40 million $. So if you weigh these stuff, which one you choose at the moment of the signing!!! not 3 years later... everybody is smart 3 years later, than the exact moment of the UFA period... He looked like a solid player back then... he regressed pretty fast... though life... but all other contracts are pretty good in land, so i wouldn't be that mad if i were you...