Demers taking Merkley's spot? Pass. I don't think Jumbo is a fit anymore.

Demers is in there for culture restoration and to give Pickles a defense focused partner on the right side.

Merkley is not ready, like, not at all. In fact, I'm currently in the camp of trading him before he fails to launch on our time.

You'd save a lot more money buying out Kane than burrying, and it makes more sense

Can't buy him out, window is closed, and no, it makes more sense to trade him but for the right deal that doesn't include selling the farm. It also makes sense to prove there are consequences for bad actors; that bad actors don't get to play for an NHL team if they don't abide by the rules.

My apologies on the buyout window, but given that sentiment, how on earth do you plan to trade him, then? You bury him for a year and then expect a team to take on the contract for nothing? Suppose it'll be a buyout next offseason

Patience is a virtue. The right deal almost always reveals itself. Besides, I think it's moot point. If Kane is still employed by the NHL in October that'll mean he's been exonerated and his value will go up. I predict he'll be traded to either MTL (because Bergevin is a f##k who doesn't care about anything but results) or CAR (because Brind'amore will turn him out and won't take any of sh1t ).