Chase a couple of relatively inexpensive RFAs, and unload Montoya to whomever, for whatever. Hope (1) Puljujarvi has a break-out season; (2) Lucic, Talbot, Klefbom, Matthias, and Sekera all bounce back; (3) Nurse and Khaira continue to develop and improve; (4) sign Strome to a contract with a reasonable salary and term; (5) trust that Rattie can sustain his success with McDavid and RNH; (6) let the high-end prospects develop and dominate in the AHL, NCAA, CHL, and European leagues; (7) rotate the most advanced prospects through the NHL roster from time-to-time; (8) wait for the NMC clauses to expire and the NTC clauses to come into effect; and, (9) push for play-off contention; (10) try to unload a contract, or two, at the end of the season.
With a cap hit of $6M/season, Lucic has to start on the 2nd line. His performance will determine if he stays there.
Reider adds some speed to the 3rd line, as does Aberg. Both shoot the puck pretty well, so there’s some offensive potential there too.
Matthias is huge, and he seems to be a good guy who can only add to a strong dressing room. Taking a flyer on him might be worthwhile. If he can’t get it together again, Khaira can re-assume the 4C.
DeMelo is a stop gap, until Bear and/or Bouchard is/are ready for the show.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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