202223

Although a very fine player, Alex Kerfoot isn't really a very good fit for us. Our forwards are pretty much set for next season: we have nine forwards under contract for next year (Iafallo and Kopitar from the first line, Moore, Danault and Arvidsson from the second line, Byfield and Kupari from the third line, and Lizotte and Kaliyev from the fourth line), and each has proven his NHL quality at those positions. Then we have RFAs Kempe (first line) and Vilardi (third line), whom we are certain to re-sign. Then we have additional RFAs we might keep, plus Turcotte, for whom we need to start finding ice time, plus possible promotions from Ontario. So there's very little room for him. He'd essentially be competing with Grundstrom and Turcotte for the #3LW slot.

To be honest I was thinking he would be an ideal fit with Danault... something Blake might want to look at??

Moore - Danault - Arvidsson has been one of the most productive lines in the NHL since January 1. No need to improve there.

Varlamov won’t waive his NTC to go to a Canadian team.
Also I don’t think they want to move Varly at all because of how tight him and Sorokin are.

Also the Islanders wouldn’t retain salary in a Varlamov deal for that trade package. I don’t know that they would accept it even if they didn’t retain salary. Varlamov is still playing at a very high level and Lou thinks this team can win next year. From what I’ve read it seems like Lou plans to add one left handed defenseman this off-season. If that’s true than Lou is gonna have to rely on having a strong tandem to win games in the regular season.