2 years from now

There's just a ton to dissect 2 years from now. So, I understand it's hard to predict. A couple of things we do know. Debrincat is a 40 goal scorer. He's going to get more than $6M a year even on a bridge deal...which 4 years is probably too long for a bridge too. I can indeed see Strome getting a bridge deal for $6M. Debrincat is driving that line...everyone knows it...he's also very lucky to get out of AZ. I could see him doing a 2 year $6M contract. Sikura doesn't play Center. He was a winger at Northeastern and he's a winger with the Hawks. He's literally taken 6 face offs in his albeit short career, but lost them all. That's ok too! Just means he'll be a winger. Cozens is probably a center in the NHL, but I personally OK with him being a winger in the short term while he gets used to the NHL. I like DeHaan as the #2 LD. I don't think he's on the market thought. CAR's defense is what's getting them through the playoffs now.

The reason De Haan may be available is that the Canes are going to have 8 NHL caliber top 6 defensemen next year. Slavin, De Haan, Fleury, Bean on the left, Hamilton, Faulk, Pesce, TVR on the right. Something has to give. I would say the only untouchables in that group are Slavin and Hamilton, leaving the rest on the block. My guess would be at least one defenseman, maybe two, will be traded for scoring help.

I don't think Hamilton is an untouchable. I think the longer term contracts are the untouchables as Slavin/Pesce have REALLY good deals. BUT it all depends on what's being send back to CAR. I hear ya though.