Brekel's August Mock Offseason

Nothing too crazy. I still would like some of the young players getting a legitimate shot at top 6 positions. As of right now, Debrusk and Bjork have the best chance to make the time. Heinen could be a dark-horse player though. You can sub any of those 3 players in for each other right now. Each line has a young player on it and are insulated well with veteran level players (minus the 4th line. Nash is really the only veteran there).

I signed Vanek as a veteran to take the place on the 3LRW. Backes finds himself back at a position of comfort and creates quality depth down the middle. Vatrano is given every chance to show some consistency with two veterans. Plenty of young players in the minors who could surpass him for that spot, barring him not continuing to grow. The 4th line features 2 regulars from last year in Nash and Acciari, and Kuraly, who was solid in the playoffs, rounds out the line on the LW. His combination of speed and grit could be a factor. I really think Acciari/Kuraly would be a fun combination to watch. Other options for the LW spot there are Schaller (who is 13th for this mock), Anton Blidh, or dark-horse Jesse Gabrielle.

I shed the Bruins of some of their cap 'issue' players. Beleskey was shipped out with a high end pick to Vegas. This is a deal that some won't agree with, but I think offering a high round pick to Vegas, who will be on the fast track to build a prospect pool, will entice them enough to take on Beleskey. McQuaid can be dealt to any team needing defense; the Devils being my team of choice for this mock.

I took a trade I like that has been proposed by Rangers fans. I think Spooner for Holden makes sense for both teams. NYR need some center help and get a player with upside, while the Bruins acquire a quality LHD who would be better suited on a 3rd pair but can play top 4 quality minutes. He is a UFA-to-be at season's end, but a cap hit of 1.6M is solid.

McIntyre wins the backup role behind TR40, and Boston saves some cap space in the process.