He really seems to think Ladd is going on LTIR. It must be somewhat realistic.

No way Ho-Sang makes the team.

Would they really bury Komarov though, doesn't seem likely.

You think they’d rather give up more assets to trade another contract than save $$ by burying komarov?

He's superfluous at this stage and we need to start playing young guys like Bellows, Wahlstrom and hopefully Ho-Sang. Besides taking a roster spot from those guys, they're also all cheaper than him. If burying him to get under the cap is what has to be done, I'd imagine they'd have to do it. Bring him back of up the young guys are flopping or there's an injury.

Another option could be burying Boychuk, keeping Komarov on the roster and running Sebastian Aho as the 7th D. He should be in the lineup right now imo, but for some reason we always pick the old, immoblie late-30 somethings over the ripe, developed prospects, so he'll probably start the season as a reserve. Honestly, he's waiver eligible anyways, so unless they lose him by trying to slip him through (not out of the question, again), what I just described is probably the more likely scenario

#FreeHoSang

I'm not saying it wouldn't be the move to make just that Lou and Trotz seem pretty loyal to the vets so to me it just doesn't seem likely, who knows though maybe they will if they get desperate enough idk.

Lou/trotz are loyal to vets but they really don’t have a choice. They need the cap space.

The cost to move Boychuk should be met. I think teams are holding out for a our 2021 1st. But with those extra 2nd rounders, I'd argue the first is now expendable. Still put Ladd on LTIR but use the JB space saved to sign Hoffman to a 1-2 year deal at $6-6.5m

It's either him or Boychuk, they'll be forced to make a choice. Or Barzal I guess. He's only been in the league 3 years, not really worthy of their loyalty yet.

Thought they might of bought out Leddy, it's a pretty manageable buyout and they have the defensive depth to replace him.

Not after trading Toews. Trotz has publicly supported Leddy and said the Isles would not be trading him. He is a favorite of the staff

They should have bought out Leddy because he clearly isn’t a fit in this system. I don’t understand why he’s a favorite of the staff considering he’s been below replacement level the past two seasons

Barzal for parise (3 mill retained)

15 years of NHL experience vs. a measly 3. I'll let you decide

Barzal is lucky this is his 3rd year. If Lou/trotz joined before 17-18, barzal would still be in BPT learning how to “play the right way”

That's the conclusion I'm coming to as well. Maybe Staple has a bit more information regarding the physical he needs to pass than we do.

Regarding Ho Sang, I don't think he will either. But I'd like to see him have another go at it.