I know that there are many doomsayers who contend that Boston will have to pay a first to get rid of Backes, but they are wrong. Without going into boring arithmetic detail, the Backes contract is not the millstone round Boston's neck that Patrick Marleau's was around Toronto's, primarily because the Bruins aren't in the same monetary situation that the Maple Leafs were. Boston might pay a fourth to relieve that pressure, but not more; they certainly wouldn't include a much-sought-after RhD prospect like Axel Andersson in the deal, too.

Teams will be lining up to pay Dylan DeMelo Nick Jensen money, or more. including all three California teams and Las Vegas.

Your team (shown) lacks a #1C. Quinton Byfield will be a godsend for you.