Off-Season Oil Changes

*Draft day deal*

On draft day 2022, Holland looks to make a big splash. Seeing that the core's patience is running out, he opts to move the team's 1st round pick for some immediate help. Travis Konecny is one of the very few players that I see as an ideal fit for McDavid's wing - a blend of speed, skill, lethal shot, and bringing an edge to his game line him up perfect for the job. He does has term left on his contract and his cap hit is relatively team friendly, so the price is a little high but absolutely worth it for the Oilers.

Flyers add a high quality draft pick in a strong draft to help in their retool process. They also add a future pick as either a trade asset or another prospect to add to the organization. For them this is seen as a slight change of culture after an absolutely dismal season and back to back non-playoff seasons - something needs to change and Konecny is that guy to be moved.

*2022 1st round pick is between 15-17th overall*

After free agency opens, the roster reshaping begins to take place. Holland begins by addressing the teams biggest weakness - team defence. He looks to acquire a defensively responsible centre for third line duties while also acquiring a playoff style defensive defenceman for depth. Radek Faksa and Jani Hakanpää could be great targets. Both players come with term and suit their roles as needed.

For Dallas, they look to immediately replace the inevitable loss of John Klingberg with an incredibly similar player in Tyson Barrie. There have been rumours that they're interest in Jeff Petry to fill that spot, but I see them giving Barrie a hard look due to the similar style of play and in an effort to keep their captain, Jamie Benn, happy and bring in one of his long time best friends. The Stars also receive a depth fringe AHL/NHL defenceman that could develop into a solid bottom 4 guy with time in Markus Niemeläinen and a later round draft pick since they are giving up 2 NHL players and receiving 1 in return

After assessing the lack lustre free agent market, another big splash is made via the trade market. Admittedly this deal seems a little unlikely with RNH recently signing an extension with a NMC but their could be incentive for all sides to figure that out. For the Oilers, they look to add a young NHL caliber goalie and a young winger that's in need of a change of scenery. In Jeremy Swayman they get a potential #1 goalie that would fit in well as a tandem goalie with Mike Smith and could learn well from him. In DeBrusk they get a former 20 goal power forward that could benefit from a change of scenery and turn things around with better line mates. This is definitely a high risk type of deal but it's the type of deal that's made under pressure when a change is needed.

The Bruins added their long need 2C (potentially 1C of Bergeron retires this summer). I feel like they'd be one of the few teams that RNH would waive his NMC for - given that they can offer him a top 6 centre spot immediately, have quality players to play with, and a culture/history of winning.

After talks and negotiations with Yamamoto throughout the summer, the realization that he doesn't fit into the roster long term is seen and he's moved for a benefit to his career. He's struggled this season so the value isn't too high, but gaining a valuable depth piece with a lethal shot in Kieffer Bellows should be a good deal for both sides. Bellows is a guy to move up and down the lineup and may fit in well on the PP in Edmonton.

For the Islanders, they look to add an offensive talent to an offensively challenged team. This is more of buy-low type of deal and in hopes that Yamamoto can get back to producing again.