Assumes a healthy roster beyond Klefbom and Koekkoek. RNH extended at either $50M/7y or $60M/8y, Staal at $3.5M/1y. The goal here is to make the most of a seven-game series against the Leafs. Reaching the second round and not getting bowled over is a realistic target that sets next year's club up for the conference or cup finals. Getting to the divisional final and pushing a game 7 gives them a snowball's chance, but I believe this is ultimately a season where the club learns a bit and takes a giant step forward.
Verbage suggests Klefbom isn't going to be ready for the onset of next season and may not even come back at a top-4 calibre. Regardless of the league's decision regarding his expansion eligibility, I don't think Edmonton should look to protect him. Protection list as of today:
7F: McDavid, Draisaitl, RNH, Yamamoto, Puljujarvi, Kahun, and Staal
3D: Nurse, Ekholm, Bear
1G: Koskinen
Seattle's only genuine options, especially if Klefbom is ineligible or won't be ready for the onset of next season, are Archibald, Khaira, Lagesson, Kassian, and Skinner if he continues to have a damn fine year in Bakersfield. Minor chance Stalock can be lumped into that category. I think picking UFAs is silly and Edmonton isn't exposing any key RFAs here. My guess is there are better defensemen for Seattle to consider than Lagesson, more NHL-ready goaltenders than Skinner, and more proven netminders than Stalock. Boils down to whether or not Seattle wants a 4th-line player or an energy piece that can play in the top-9. I'd be taking the 3rd line forward every day of the week instead of wasting a pick. Cap space isn't going to be a tremendous issue for the Kraken, and they shouldn't be looking to be immediately competitive with an utter lack of top centers to choose from during expansion or free agency.
I don't think fixing the goaltending is going to be a reality until the offseason.
That's a falsehood. With 50% retained, they'd absolutely call. He's the exact piece that makes their powerplay a guarantee and immediately appears to be an upgrade over anyone not named Zboril on the bottom half of their blueline.
That's a falsehood. With 50% retained, they'd absolutely call. He's the exact piece that makes their powerplay a guarantee and immediately appears to be an upgrade over anyone not named Zboril on the bottom half of their blueline.
Except the RD is set. Don’t need him. They will be going after Ekholm or Lindholm.
That's a falsehood. With 50% retained, they'd absolutely call. He's the exact piece that makes their powerplay a guarantee and immediately appears to be an upgrade over anyone not named Zboril on the bottom half of their blueline.
"that makes their powerplay a guarantee" Bruins PP is already among the best and the Bruins will want to use those picks to get a good top4 LD. Not RD.
Is Barrie better than McAvoy or Carlo? No. Is Barrie a good defenseman on the left side? No.
Nashville will probably get a better offer elsewhere
It's quite literally the same deal you were fine with on Tuesday. His value hasn't gone up since then. How many teams are offering more than a young NHL-established defender, a 1st, and a B-prospect?
"that makes their powerplay a guarantee" Bruins PP is already among the best and the Bruins will want to use those picks to get a good top4 LD. Not RD.
Is Barrie better than McAvoy or Carlo? No. Is Barrie a good defenseman on the left side? No.
Who in their right mind is suggesting Barrie play over McAvoy or Carlo? You put him behind them beside a Zboril or Clifton and benefit from what neither Edmonton nor Toronto were able to figure out. Barrie's fine with limited minutes, not 20+.
At any rate, Boston isn't the fit. Off to Minnesota then.
At any rate, Boston isn't the fit. Off to Minnesota then.
Agreed for the first part. Minnesota probably has the best group of defensemen in the league. They don't need Barrie either.
It appears Tampa is looking for a right side D, maybe they could be interested by Barrie. Philadelphia also need a top4 RD.
It's quite literally the same deal you were fine with on Tuesday. His value hasn't gone up since then. How many teams are offering more than a young NHL-established defender, a 1st, and a B-prospect?
I am just not very high on Benson from what videos I have watched I think Nashville has some of the same type of players already in the pipeline.
Agreed for the first part. Minnesota probably has the best group of defensemen in the league. They don't need Barrie either.
It appears Tampa is looking for a right side D, maybe they could be interested by Barrie. Philadelphia also need a top4 RD.
Minnesota also has a 7.6% power play. Something's not clicking.
Would Tampa do their 1st for a full retention on Barrie? They're missing their 2nd in the next two seasons. Philly's a possibility.
Minnesota also has a 7.6% power play. Something's not clicking.
Would Tampa do their 1st for a full retention on Barrie? They're missing their 2nd in the next two seasons. Philly's a possibility.
Our PP issues are not because of our defenseman. The lack of top 6 centers is killing us this year. Admittedly Rask has been playing well with Kaprizov and Zucc, but he's not the guy you want as your top line center.
If we make a move, I can all but guarantee you it will be to upgrade down the middle. There's a lot of chatter about Eichel right now and honestly I'm pretty surprised the Wild haven't been mentioned much. If the Sabres decide to rebuild, we have a lot of intriguing prospects and two picks in the first this year. Getting off track there, but back to the Oilers. I think the only player that could be on the block that does much for us is RNH. Thing is, we shouldn't be making a move for a rental and I think he's going to earn more than he's worth on an extension. Ultimately I just don't see a great fit between the Wild and Oilers. But a deal around Dumba for RNH extended at a reasonable AAV is sort of interesting.
Our PP issues are not because of our defenseman. The lack of top 6 centers is killing us this year. Admittedly Rask has been playing well with Kaprizov and Zucc, but he's not the guy you want as your top line center.
If we make a move, I can all but guarantee you it will be to upgrade down the middle. There's a lot of chatter about Eichel right now and honestly I'm pretty surprised the Wild haven't been mentioned much. If the Sabres decide to rebuild, we have a lot of intriguing prospects and two picks in the first this year. Getting off track there, but back to the Oilers. I think the only player that could be on the block that does much for us is RNH. Thing is, we shouldn't be making a move for a rental and I think he's going to earn more than he's worth on an extension. Ultimately I just don't see a great fit between the Wild and Oilers. But a deal around Dumba for RNH extended at a reasonable AAV is sort of interesting.
A big part of the PP issues are putting guys that don't belong near the PP on the ice: Parise, Bjugstad, Bonino, MarJo, and Spurgeon.
Kaprizov, Fiala, JEE, Geeenway, Brodin, Dumba, Zucc, Suter, and Rask should be 9 of the 10 spots.
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