I dont mind your thinking Id just rather have Demelo- Matt Roy (and we dont have to pay anything for him) and 1 of Chatfield, Deshardians( From EDM, IDK how to spell that last name) or Hakappaa. in that order in pairs. Trade Lilly

Marner doesn’t waive for Minnesota, don’t think they have the cap anyway. Stream of preposterous Marner trades continues 💪

I think Roy would be the best add but also I think you have to see what you have on RD with Liljegren, Timmins and maybe Niemela. Add at the deadline likely for some muscle if they don't progress enough.

Really though a top 4 of

Rielly Roy
McCabe Liljegren

is loads better that what we have now. It would be nice if Timmins takes a big step and gets some luck with his health.

Benoit Timmins as the 3rd pair to start the year. They may surprise and gives you extra long term money available if you decide to make a trade in season.

I wouldn't be surprised if we added whatever version of physical 3rd pair defenceman are available at the deadline. Maybe something bigger if it makes sense.

Liljegren already has been playing top 4 minutes this season and while he has had his moments. He's been a good player and is getting better.

Adding another big ticket FA like Demello very well could be our next Brodie. I am very wary of defenceman around the 33-35 year old range. It's very often a major drop off.

Another fantasy land Marner trade. 🙄

This "find a partner" for Reilly has been kinda of silly statement for years. Strange, Luybushin is plus five this playoffs, playing with Marner a lot. There are RHD available in free agency.

I just know the best partner that we’ve had with Rielly is Schenn and Demelo or Deshardian from Edmonton would be my top target with Rielly. and Lily hasn’t showed me is really anything else but a 6th dman on a stanley cup team so I’d rather get value back for him and sign a big body defensively sound big body dman. I’d also not sign either of those guys 5M but I see your point. I think if we have those with the Rielly-McCabe-Benoit is the best dcore we’ve ever had. But why pay for muscle and assets that at the TDL if we can do it in FA for free. Lots of RHD available

Rielly needs to be on the 2nd pairing where he belongs. He isn't a top pairing d-man whatsoever. He can't- clear the front of the net, play the PK, has the worse PP point shot in the league, is average at best winning puck battles along the boards, never stands up at the blueline to make a hit. What he does is pass the puck to great offensive forwards and picks up a lot of assists. 7.5M for that is a overpayment and any 3.5M d-man that can make an outlet pass would put up similar numbers.

This actually opens up ~$400k for Minnesota this upcoming season, $11.325 million the next year, and $7.575 million in 26-27.

There's about $6.7 million to spend this summer as things currently stand with 10 forward spots filled, 6 defensemen (including Spurgeon), and 2 goalies. After this trade, it would be around $6 million to add a forward (may be internal), re-sign Chisholm, and add a RD. That's completely doable. Like you said though, Marner probably shuts it down.

And 3 points in 5 playoff games...