I think the Dallas trade is selling too low on Comtois, but these are all minor deals.

That defense is going to get caved in though, we need some more time for Helleson and LaCombe to develop in the A, we can afford to buy a couple guys.

That contract carries Trevor directly to free agency.

I'd keep Simon Benoit as our seventh defenseman. There's not much to choose between a future fifth and the nothing we'd get if we had to put him on waivers in order to promote Pavel Mintyukov or Olen Zellweger and he was claimed.


I'd go after Gavrikov or Graves or even Orlov for just that reason.

Wilde was in the ECHL all season?!?

He’s an AHL body and an added pick.

That’s the best value we are gonna get for Comtois based on his recent play.

As for our Defense outlook, if Mintyukov, Zellweger or Luneau are ready to be a part of the club, there’s a spot for them. Also I would say Eakins and his philosophy is the reason why our defense sucked. Once we get a good coach, I think this defense will be average. But I’m also not opposed to getting another legit LHD from the FA and having White as our 7th D-Man

I'd keep him on the roster over Carrick, and I question why you have Silfverberg playing on the 2nd line.

Two rookies, a guy coming back from a completely missed season, a waiver claim, and what remains of Shattenkirk is not a defense that a new coach fixes. We need a Dumba/Mayfield type RHD, and a Graves/Orlov type LHD, or at least bring Kulikov back to babysit Drysdale, as Fowler is no good at it, and the two of them together are probably the softest D pairing in the league.

Helleson needs to partner one of the studs in San Diego this year, Shattenkirk can stay third pairing with LaCombe if desired

Comtois is at the end of his RFA contract and I’m not sure I want to go through the trouble of arbitration for him. Carrick only has 1 year left on his contract and we probably won’t re-sign him once his contract is up. Either Silfverberg or Carrick is on the 2nd line, I just went with Silfverberg.

I’d subscribe to a Dumba/Graves or Mayfield/Graves type of defensive pairing. But I’m not sure I’d want to give them a 2-3 year contract if it’s possible that Mintyukov, Zellweger, and Luneau are ready for the jump to the club.

I think Helleson and LaCombe is a great 3rd pairing. I’d give them a chance this season. Plus we burned a year off LaCombe’s contract so this would be his last year. Under his current contract.

I don't think Comtoisnis going to arbitration if we QO him, he's got no counting stats from the last two years to stand on. Carrick is also our 14th forward, he's a guy who cycles in to be a 4th line pest when we need him.

I agree on the left we don't want to be handing out term. Kulikov for two years or Orlov for 3 could work (if we give Orlov stupid money) kulikiv is the more likely candidate.

We have time on the right to give someone 4-5 years though, we need a minimum of 3 from a big, defensive veteran or someone who can at least pair well with Fowler.

LaCombe is probably playing up this year as you mentioned, but I think Helleson is still needed in the AHL, and he had a really rocky start this year in San Diego, I'd give him more marination time. If he makes the roster out of camp so be it, but the spots not his until he earns it.