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Vaher28

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Forum: Armchair-GMJun. 4, 2020 at 11:58 a.m.
Thread: Hall
It seems doubtful that there will be a compliance buyout, so I expect Holland will hold onto Neal for another season and Tippett will give him limited ice time in the bottom six, with some power play time added in. This severely limits Holland's ability to sign top-tier talent, so he will need to focus on his key RFAs, and then go bargain shopping.

Under normal circumstances, Kris Russell would be movable. He's a serviceable 5-6 NHL defender who brings veteran leadership and is well liked in the locker room. A flat cap presents a huge problem though. Russell's $4,000,000 hit limits the possible trade partners and his modified NTC further complicates matters. The only realistic scenario is a trade with a budget team, with plenty of cap space, in a city that is acceptable to the player. Although they don't have the cap space, I think Arizona could be a fit . Something like Russell and Khaira (or Chiasson) for Derek Stepan might work. All players involved have contracts that expire after the next season. That deal would give Arizona a bit more cap space, save the team at least $2,850,000 real dollars, and provide them with some veteran leadership. Edmonton would get a declining right handed 3C, with a net impact on its cap space that isn't hugely different than signing Sheahan at the salary he's demanding. They could accommodate that extra hit by bridging Bear, or signing Athanasiou to a one-year deal.

In comparison to the NYR deal, I'd rather see Holland get a player that can definitely help now and an additional asset that may soften the sting if JP flourishes with his new team. A team like Pittsburgh is in a "win-now" situation, so they may be prepared to roll the dice on that kind of deal. Puljujarvi might attract a return like Casey DeSmith and a pick or prospect.

Athanasiou had only a few games to adjust to his new environment. Holland gave Yzerman two 2nd round picks for AA, he'd have to get at least that back if he were to move him. The guy has proven top-six talent, I think you are giving up on him way too early.

I don't see the point in signing Gravel, Holland already has plenty of options that provide defensive depth. Lagesson springs to mind immediately, Lennstrome and Bouchard are also likely candidates as the season progresses.

Forget about Holtby and Hall, signing either is simply not realistic. Holtby will want a long-term deal with a pay increase, and Holland already has Koskinen accounting for $4,500,000, he can't afford Holtby. Hall is a play-driving puck-possession beast, and so is McDavid. Edmonton would be better off looking for a complimentary forward, a guy who is a shooter and goal scorer.