The Canes really came together as a team this year and it allowed them to overachieve to reach the ECF. With their key RFA contract negotiation fast tracked thanks to an offer sheet, and spending a decent chunk of change on a first round pick from the Leafs, they now have to ensure that last season is not a one and done type of event as they will need sustained success to keep fans and playoff revenues around to build a strong franchise long term.
RFA's
McGinn - Signed for another season at $1.425M as a third/fourth liner give him a chance to show he belongs on the third line in the organization long term (getting a better payday than this off season) and giving the team flexibility keeping him RFA.
Forsling - Extended for two years at $925k competing with Fleury and Bean on the LD side of the depth chart.
Maenalanen - Signed for another year at $875k likely splitting time again between the big club and the AHL team as he tries to cement himself on in a fourth line role.
Fleury - Extended for two years at $1M to compete for an NHL spot on the left side.
Bishop - Kept for one year on his qualifying offer of $715k likely spending most of the year in the press box or in the AHL.
Carrick - Signs his qualifying offer of $735k. He could get a look at the NHL level early next season given his great AHL playoffs.
Forsberg - Signed to his qualifying offer of $840k to share starts in the AHL with Ned.
McKeown - Signs qualifying offer of $787.5k to continue to develop in the AHL.
UFA's
After over a week on the sidelines, perhaps Dzingel's ask has come down enough to the point where he'd be a good fit in Carolina's middle six on a medium term deal 3 x $4M. This roster spot could also by Ferland, but I'd be more hesitant to give any more than two years term at $3.5M given his concussion issues.
Williams should be brought back for one more year at his same salary in a bonus laden contract so he fits within this year's cap that has the Marleau buyout on it, and his bonuses hit next year's cap (1 x $1.5M + $3M in Bonus).
I also think Carolina may look to sign a reclamation project winger as well (Aberg, Nichuskin, Rychel, Dano).
Overall, I have them bringing Williams back by creatively using bonuses, adding Dzingel as a middle six winger for the medium term, and signing Rychel for primarily their AHL team.
Lineup
Assuming TVR is not quite ready to open the year, I think they move Pesce back to the right side and balance the bottom two pairs. If TVR is ready Pesce moves up the LD on the second pair while Fleury and TVR play on the bottom pairing. I think Forsling and Bean definitely, or perhaps Carrick, get looks on the bottom LD spot while TVR is out. LTIR TVR to add to the surplus cap and reduce the bonus carryover into next year until he is ready and then demote Bean.
Reimer and Ned are somewhat competing for the backup role in camp, but I think Reimer will play in Carolina for at least one season. If Ned dominates the AHL again next year, Reimer would be moved/bought out next season to make room for him.
I stacked the top line and top pairing. They should be able to fight through the top checking line and pairing of the opposition. The second line and pairing is set up to get the tough match ups and still hopefully outscore the bad guys. The third line and pairing will be fed offensive zone starts while the fourth line should be able to play effectively in the all three zones to continue the momentum for the team.
Pending UFA's
I think they should look to keep Faulk rather than dealing him as I think they need to compete for and make the playoffs this year to keep momentum going with fans. Depending on how Haula fits with the team, they should look to extend him as well. If they don't get Dzingel with the low-ish 3 x $4M offer then I think it's a foregone conclusion that they'd keep Haula around unless he is nowhere near the same player he was after his knee injury.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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