Quoting: Canucks33
1) The Ferland situation is really out of everyone's hands. Whatever's best for him will happen, but there's no way of knowing anything either way. I think Dhaliwal reported that Ferland's absence wasn't concussion related, so there's that. Could have just been out of shape given that he just had a baby earlier this year.
2) At the trade deadline Benning said he expects MacEwan to be a strong contender for a roster spot next year, which makes us even more crowded at forward. I would personally like to see him get some reps at center next year to groom him as a Beagle replacement on the 4th line.
3) I think Detroit is still the best bet for a Demko/Eriksson trade given that they need a young goalie. Since re-signing Markstrom seems to be a priority, moving Demko is a good option as you said. I've seen Detroit fans agree to many trades on here with that structure, so hopefully something similar can get done.
4) I doubt Baertschi terminates his contract and walks away from guaranteed money. I think he actually earns more playing in the AHL since there's no escrow. I'd say he sticks it out for another year in the minors and then earns his way up from a PTO after that. I don't think its worth it to give up an asset to move him since he only has one year left.
5) It seems as though Rathbone will be signed, which is interesting in terms of where he will play next year if there's no AHL season to start. Would the Canucks be forced to keep him on the roster or would they loan him to a European team?
6) DeMelo would be a good fit as it seems like Tanev is the odd man out from our 3 FAs since Benning seems intent on keeping Toffoli. Personally, I think Toffoli should be the one to walk and its not particularly close.
Thanks for the feedback!
1) Agreed. Like I said the best case scenario for all parties involved would be that Ferly's back at 100% for next year, but we'll have to wait and see about his health.
2) Agreed. MacEwen should be able to win that 4C spot sometime next year. I just think it's promising that he could be a sort of multi-tool forward for different lines and situations.
3) I think both DET and OTT could be good matches for this type of deal; rebuilding teams with cap space looking for a long-term goalie upgrade. The only question mark is how much each of them values Demko's potential.
4) I agree Baertschi walking away from 2.4M isn't as likely, especially if his plan is to just sign in Europe after. But it just depends on where his head is at long term. If he still has NHL ambitions and wants to bet on himself then I think his better long term play would be to terminate with VAN, sign a one year prove-it deal with another NHL team next season near league minimum and earn an extension somewhere after that. In that sense he'd only be walking away from $1.65M for one year, and would be way better positioned to earn himself a raise again on a new deal than if he played the year in the AHL or Europe and tried to get a PTO for 2021/22.
5) If the AHL doesn't operate then my guess is there'll be a lot of younger guys signing European contracts with NHL opt-out clauses, including Rathbone. But given the Canucks need at the position I do think there's a chance for at least one of the prospects to win a 3rd pair spot.
6) Agreed. They won't be able to afford Toffoli and their bigger need is the blueline. Tanev is past his prime, so I say go with a younger, cheaper guy.
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