Edited Dec. 28, 2023 at 6:11 a.m.
Agree with both Anti and Sibbal above, and certainly not giving up on Levi, but this team needs an upgrade in net and a steady crease clearer.
Hart (because of his age and production in front of that diabolical defense) and Cernak fit the bill perfectly.
I also think that with so many youngsters on the roster (sepcifically quinn, benson, peterka, cozens), that the high forward prospects savoie, rosen, ostlund, kulich will not get the ice time or development until guys are moved off the nhl team or they decide out of those 4 prospects which ones they will crowbar in.
As far as the hart deal, joki is having a good year and will get mucho coin, (same as Mittelstadt) but I think hes too similar to the puck rushing power and dahlin, and hes coming off a bad year and overall, I think hes a bit too soft. So its him, and if we make the playoffs - its a mid round 2nd, and then one of the 4 forward prospects we least need (maybe its not kulich). I dont think based on Harts play (on THAT team) that its a HUGE over offer, but its enough for them to do it.
As far as Cernak, well he'd be heavily in demand, hes one of the more moveable contracts they have, and if they dont make the playoffs they need to find some picks/good prospects which they lack. If Im TB, of course I dont look to move him, but if I tank out of the playoffs with those heavy contracts and weak system/picks....anything is possible.