Paying 6M for a broken Monahan when you can get Trocheck or Copp for similar money seems “lack luster”.

I don't think that's the point since Monahan was placed here at 4C. I think it's giving the guy a chance to mentor the young players and resurrect himself so we can possibly flip him for a higher pick at the TDL. Monahan is only a 1 year contract vs 4-6 for Copp/Tro.

That’s even worse. So we have Larkin and then the next center we have is Pius who would be an ideal 3C. We also have Rasmussen/Veleno/Stephens competing so essentially you’re paying 6M for a player with a major injury concern to mentor the youths by taking their ice time. I’d much rather get Trocheck or Copp for those 4-6 years to develop continuity with the guys and lead by example both on & off the ice.

Do I disagree with you? No. But I do agree with the OP's roster considering the title.

That 2nd line of V - Suter - Z has potential. They played well in very limited mins last year and I think it can be a thing if they get more time together, especially with a new coach.

^This one gets it

Everything about this Monahan trade exhibits ineptitude.

Putting Monahan on the 4th line literally helps nobody.

He’s not a 4th line player and that isn’t where he’s going to ‘find himself’. He may have an opportunity to rejuvenate himself in a top 9 role with other skilled linemates.

Also, nobody is going to trade anything for Monahan without getting a sweetener from CGY.

I just think Strome and Trocheck will get overpaid by someone. I could see Yzerman going after someone like D. Strome in Chicago or Roy in Vegas if available. I also think it depends on who they get in the draft to some extent. If they get a center who the believe can make the roster in 23/24, then I don’t think they overspend in FA. That said, if R. Strome or Trochek can be signed for team friendly deals then I’m all for it.

See “additional details” on the Monahan trade.

What’s “CF”?

I wouldn't do a Ryan strome deal, I don't think he's that good without panarin. They have great chemistry together and he isn't very good when panarin is out. Dylan strome would be interesting if he is available, Roy would be really nice add.

Cap Friendly

I’d definitely rather have Dylan or Roy, I just don’t know if either would be available. Hoping the wings find a top 6 center in the draft.

Honestly I'm hoping they poop the bed and get a top 3 pick personally. I think Fantili would be a great add. Bedard obviously would be unreal but I doubt we win the lottery. I don't know much about the rest of the top 10 but I hear it's pretty good as well.

I feel like Dylan will be Suter 2.0, right down to coming from CHI lol. My preference is Copp, if available for a decent term.

I don’t see Copp leaving NY.

As much as I’d like to get a top 3 pick, I think the roster is closer to competing for a playoff spot than winning the lottery.

1. Monahan got surgery for a reason so "broken" is pretty outdated.
2. Why would either of Trocheck or Copp want to sign in Detroit over a contending team? Both will be highly sought after

Well, Copp is from here, and there's a likelihood that he trusts in Yzerman's ability to rebuild the team given (A) the success of TB and (B) the fact that he grew up watching Yzerman lead Detroit as an example on the ice. I think there's certainly a >0% chance of Copp signing in Detroit.

Im very confident that Rangers re-sign Copp. He was an excellent fit for them. There is a chance he signs with Detroit but I dont think players care that much about going home this early in their careers

FWIW, JT was the same age when he signed in Toronto.

Sure but I consider him an exception, a lot of Leafs fans thought they were getting Stamkos the year before that too. And Toronto is also arguably the most popular team for players to go home to. Gio, Spezza, Thornton, Marleau for example

Trocheck also grew up in Detroit.

I did not know that!

Anything hip, back, or knee is broken until otherwise displayed to regain form. As for why those UFAs may sign in Detroit, they grew up here and Detroit has the resources available and tracking well under Yzerman.

You definitely can ask more for a capdump in Monahan