Not really shooting for a playoff push for this season. Even if this team somehow manages to make it, there are too many holes in the roster for a deep run. With that in mind, I'm looking at strengthening the defensive depth, the goaltending, and improving the top 6 forward group, a process that won't be finished until free agency. I would consider making a move for Matt Murray after the playoffs, as Pittsburgh seems to be moving on from him, and a change of scenary could do him a world of good. His playoff experience would also help the team greatly. Pittsburgh would likely be looking for a fairly cheap middle 6 forward or dman as the main return pieces, which in this case could be Bjorkstrand and Scott Harrington. Of course, if Korpisalo and Merzlikens improve over the next few months, there isn't as much of a reason to acquire and gamble on an injury prone Murray. After all, CBJ already have an injury prone Murray. I'd also be looking to upgrade from Wennberg for the 2C, whether that comes through FA, a prospect (Foudy?), or a trade. The hardest part of that is Wennberg's cap hit, as team's don't love third line centers making $5mil.
Note: If Buffalo values Ristolainen more than that trade, Montour would suffice as well.
Sundqvist adds some much needed forward depth to CBJ. His two-way style and size should allow him to fit into Tortorella's system easily. perhaps more important though, is Sundqvist's playoff experience. With 3 Cups to his name already (albeit 2 in supporting roles), Sundqvist knows what it takes to win. He's about the same age as the core in place as well.
Nutivaara can play both sides of the defense, providing depth this year, while also allowing the team to move on from the aging Bouwmeester after the season ends.
Ristolainen has been rumored to be on the block for a long while. He produces offensively, but is clearly not the top pair player Buffalo once believed him to be. Risto could shine in a more supporting role. Buffalo doesn't look to be heading for the playoffs any time in the next couple seasons, so they may well offload Ristolainen before his value drops more than it already has in an effort to bring in a few more players to support Eichel and Skinner next season and in the future.
Torts very clearly doesn't like how Milano plays. He is still a fairly young forward who has strong hands, but lacks a reliable defensive game. Milano could use a change of scenary, and could perhaps be the piece to help support Eichel in the future. Carlsson, a former first round pick, has done well in the AHL so far, but has been unspectacular in the NHL thus far one he does get a chance to play in the bigs. he doesn't seem to be getting opportunities with Columbus, with Gavrikov, Peeke, and Harrington ahead of him, with the latter two potentially being future NHL regulars in the near future.
you already have Jones and Weresnki on the PP and they are much better tan Risto at defense, so hard pass from Columbus
That's fair, I just think he could perform better if he wasn't matched against the opposition's top forwards all the time. I also brought him in since he has term, so I could flip him if needed. He would also provide injury insurance should something happen to Jones
IMO No need for d depth. We got more than enough defense. If we’re moving Nuti it’s for a top 6 forward.
Torts has started to come around on sonny and has defended him in the media.
That's fair, I just think he could perform better if he wasn't matched against the opposition's top forwards all the time. I also brought him in since he has term, so I could flip him if needed. He would also provide injury insurance should something happen to Jones
Plus don't forget that Columbus doesn't have a ton of picks, so it would be wise not to trade a first rounder, even if it's a late pick. And with the way Stenlund and a few other guys have benn playing, Anderson could be on his way out. He'd definitely be on the block if I were Kekelainen and I think Columbus can get a 2020 3rd ans a 2021 4th for him. Maybe even slightly more, who know...
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
Friendly_Cannon a aimé ceci.
CapFriendly
CapFriendly