Part 1 of 32 of my "If I was GM" series this off season. Trying to keep as realistic as possible, but of course stuff happens in the hockey world that is unexpected.
Here is my analysis on all of my moves:
RFA RE-SIGNINGS
Crouse - A player that has been awaiting a bit of a breakout is Crouse, and I would have to say he deserves as signifacant raise now that it has come. A bridge deal at 3-4m is exactly what he deserves.
Hayton - Hayton is slowly developing into a bonefied Top 6 guy like he was originally expected to be. He has ways to go, though I really like what Im seeing, and some great ice time in the middle 6 would serve him very well.
Dineen - Solid young D-Man, excited to see what he can do in the Bottom 4.
UFA RE-SIGNINGS
Galchenyuk - Chucky has been on the move a lot in the last few years, though seems to enjoy it in Arizona.
Stralman - We have the cap space to let him return, should he still want to play, I dont see why he wouldnt get extended.
TRADES:
Chychrun to NJD - Im not sure why I have seen Coyotes fan not want to get rid of Chychrun. Its the perfect time. Hes got a wonderful contract, will have plenty of interest from teams like LA, NJD, EDM and more. Two high quality assets in the 2nd OVR pick and Holtz as well as a solid asset in Okhotiuk who adds a great defensive game. None of these assets are known to be untouchables for the Devils.
Monahan's Contract - This may be on that is going to be frowned upon, so let me know your thoughts but hear me out first. Monahan, a former very great Top 6 C, has been on the steady decline over the last few years, and carries a heavy Cap Hit that Calgary cant afford anymore, especially with the risk of losing some big names. The alternative to get rid of Monahan's contract for the flames is buyout, but I think getting rid of his contract completely is definitely worth it even if youre giving up a 1st as well.
Little to TOR - Swap of bad contracts. Im a huge fan of Mrazek, met the guy and he is a great character. Seeing him struggle this season was of course helped by injury issues, though in a market like Toronto's you cant afford to have seasons like he had. Whether or not it was heavily impacted by injury problems doesnt matter to a team so needy for every bit of cap space they can get.
Fischer to MTL - Swap of some dept NHL guys' RFA rights. Though that being said, I loved Scheuneman's play, I think he definitely solidified himself as NHL ready.
Gostisbehere to STL - I'm quite happy with this trade. Though I am happy with how Ghost has performed, a great opportunity to trade him would be now after a good season and before his deal expires next season. Great asset management as well, as ARI was given assets just to take him on when he was acquired.
Carcone to BOS - Taking on cap heavy cap for a depth player, as well as gaining a third. Nothing crazy, but maximizing our cap space to gain more assets.
Kassian acquisition - Taking on more vets with heavy cap hits and gaining assets.
OVERALL ANALYSIS:
A theme for us as you can see, is taking on heavy contracts with 1-2 years left on it (usually) and getting additional assets for them. Monahan is the only trade that I could see maybe being a bit of a reach, though in one of the most important off-seasons in a while ofr CGY, I could definitely see them doing whatever to get rid of the contract. Chychrun may be another one that some may see as a reach, though on an amazing contract for one more season, NJD evidently with the mindset to turn it arround, i see them paying the hefty price. I could also see ARI stepping in on some blockbuster trades to retain cap, though from what I have seen, there arent any guys on the market that carry that huge Cap Hit to the point that another team needs to step in to retain.
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