Lines

If I’m not mistaken, there is no more roster size restrictions if you are under the cap making waiving Steel unnecessary. Everybody on the list is on the roster.

^This^ Is correct.

Furthermore, Shaw requires Waivers.

I'd also keep Dewar as the 4C. Move Foligno to 3rd line LW. And play Sundqvist at 3rd line RW.

Agreed on Dewar, he’s the 4C. Going to be interesting when Nyquist filters in though. I’m not sure what Sundqvist brings but I think Foligno being pushed down to the 4th line (and Reaves to the press box) is what needs to happen for this team to be successful.

Hard disagree on Reaves.

Reaves needs to stay in the lineup as much as people don't want to hear it. Kaprizov is no longer molested on a nightly basis and it remains that way because of Reaves. Simply put, Kaprizov owes his freedom of play on the ice to Reaves. Or at least the ideological thought or threat of him. It keeps opposing teams honest.

Or do you need reminding of the Doughty incident earlier this year? Or the Frederic incident last year? Without Reaves in the Lineup, opposing teams WILL try and agitate Kaprizov and get under his skin or worse, try and knock him out of the game entirely.

Even Arizona, Columbus, and Chicago attempted these gameplan routes before we acquired Reaves. Since then? Nothing, nada, zilch. He's been free to do as he pleases.

This isn't a scenario where his level of play dictates his roster spot. His M.A.D. (Mutually Assured Destruction) and implied threat, however, does.

In short, it's not about whether he's good on the ice or not. It's psychological warfare on Guerin's and Evason's part. One that's necessary.

I know the logic, but I’ve never seen an issue with needing to “protect” Kirill. I remember the Frederick and Doughty incidents, I think those are anecdotes.

And the game plan for opposing teams in the playoffs is going to be to harass Kirill since the team has no scoring depth. Reaves isn’t going to change that.

I don’t mind Reaves and I think he’s been a serviceable 4th liner all year. But I’m not gonna sit here and act like he brings anything more than that.