Realistic Off-Season

In a deal that helps Toronto's expansion protection list, Vancouver picks up a more versatile, speedy top 9 forward that can be used in all situations. With the likely departure of Brandon Sutter, a spot at 3C is vacant and Kerfoot would fit the spot perfectly.

For Toronto, they move Kerfoot for something to not lose him for nothing to Seattle. They pick up a young power forward that still needs some development, but could prove useful as a player with a physical edge to compliment they're skill. He'll be exposed to Seattle as well, but the likelihood of him being taken seems slim. Because of that though, they're also compensated with the 73rd overall pick in the upcoming draft.

*Trade made before expansion draft.

2021 3rd round pick (VAN) - 73rd overall pick

In more of a cap shenanigans type of deal (not sure if Jim Benning is 100% smart enough to pull this off but who knows), Anaheim and Vancouver help each other out. Vancouver looks to add a rugged top 4 defenceman to help with a defence core that lacked last season. They also go to move on from the Loui Eriksson contract in the process. Vancouver adds some LTIR space, but that will give them some flexibility when it comes to maneuvering their roster.

Anaheim adds a power forward prospect that will compliment they're skilled players for years to come. They also take on Ericsson's contract, while moving out Ryan Kesler's LTIR contract. For the Ducks, this is more of paying the player to play rather than sit at home. Since they aren't an extremely profitable franchise, this move may seem enticing to them as a more business friendly move. Since Anaheim is receiving the playable asset in this deal (no matter what level Eriksson is capable of playing at anymore) that is a plus for them so I have them retaining 27% of Manson's contract in the process.

*Conditional 2022 1st round pick (VAN):
- This pick is lottery protected. If Vancouver fails to make the playoffs in 2021/2022 then the pick becomes an unprotected 2023 1st round pick

Vancouver looks to add a capable, cheap backup after losing Holtby to Seattle and having Demko take massive strides in development over the last 2 seasons. Forsberg is a guy that bounced around on waivers a lot last season, but looked pretty solid in his time with Ottawa. With the Sens having more than enough capable NHL goalies, I see Forsberg as being available.

For Ottawa, as mentioned they have options at goalie at the NHL level. They look to use their cap space to their advantage and continue to gain high draft picks with the 41st overall pick in the upcoming draft for taking on Jay Beagle's contract. Beagle is likely on LTIR for the season, however with the chance that he may be healthy enough later in the season, Vancouver might not be able to take a chance in keeping him and risking more cap implications. If he is healthy to go later on, the Sens gain a valuable 4th line centre that can win draws and be a key guy on the PK. He could easily be flipped at the deadline at 50% retained salary for even more prospects or picks.

2021 2nd round pick (VAN) - 41st overall pick