Thread Starter
Joined: Nov. 2016
Posts: 570
Likes: 71
I disagree, the Islanders are in desperate need of someone to play with Tavares or he probably walks and cripples the franchise. JVR could definitely fill that role. On top of that the expansion draft is looming and Jeremy Bracco would be an excellent addition to the team in a couple years and being a home town boy is a good story to sell to fans.
The Vatanen deal also comes back to the expansion draft. They are going to lose him in the draft if they don't deal him. I guess they probably need to give more; SJS 2nd?
As for Drouin I refer you to my previous post. He may have cache but it comes down to money and and how much Tampa can protect in the expansion draft. And Tampa is getting a Middle 6 forward and 2 second rounders that are almost NHL ready and may be by the start of next season, plus none of these 3 players need to be protected.
The cap is in great shape? If you look at the contracts Lupul and Horton are still on the books and neither need to be there the next year. And when Matthews and MARNER are due their raises Gardiner comes off the books go will Polak, Hunwick, Komarov, Winnik, plus Martin should be easily moved.