RFA's
Duclair: He never really had much of a chance to show much in Chicago thanks to Marchand. In the games he did play, he displayed great speed and skill, however didn't have much finish. Because of that, I decided it is best for him to go on a one year deal between 1 and 2 million.
Hayden: I feel he has proved him self as a bottom six player with the speed and physicality he brings to the team, and I think Chicago would like to keep him around, so 1.5 for 3 years seems reasonable. Maybe 1.75 million.
Jurco: I really don't want to give up on Jurco, so that's why he got a contract, and one more chance. However, he's running out of those chances. He's been really inconsistent and when he's doing good, it still isn't enough. He'll need to earn a roster spot and play a career year to get another contract.
Clendening: He's a big part of the run the Ice Hogs are going on, and it'd be nice to have him play well down in Rockford.
UFA's
DiDomenico: Same situation as Clendening, he's done a lot for Rockford since we acquired him for Pokka.
Bouma: He brings the much needed grit to this talent filled forward core, and every team needs some toughness.
I thought about bringing back Franson, because it seems like he's enjoying himself in Rockford, but he probably wants to get onto an NHL team, so I didn't resign him.
Lack: He’s had a few rough years, but he can come back strong eventually. He can share the back up role with Forsberg. We’d need Lack to come in and have a bounce back year, as Crawford does vezina caliber goaltending when he’s healthy, but it’s rare to have a healthy Crawford these days.
Nash: RILEY Nash is a really good defensive forward, but is also putting up points in Boston. The Bruins probably will resign him, but if they don’t, Chicago should jump on the chance to get him. He may be better suited for a 3rd liner, but he could do just as good on a 4th line with Hayden and Bouma.
Trades
Winnipeg benefits: They get the 8th pick, which can be used to get a really good player, and they get a replacement for Trouba, even though it’s a serious downgrade. They also get Hinostroza, another player who is really helpful, but he isn’t necessarily needed, which could be a turn off to Winnipeg. They really need to move him, because they won’t be able to afford their whole team in a few years when their young guys are off their ELC’s.
Chicago benefits: They get a bonified top 4 D-man who can run the Powerplay, and kill penalties. Something they desperately need. They have to be careful not to give him too much money though.
Florida Benefits: They get a similar player to Bjugstad in AA, and a decent defenseman who gets brought down because of his contract, in Murphy. The fourth is pretty worthless but just a throw in. Honestly, this probably isn’t a great trade for Florida because it’s just making a trade for a 2nd line center swap, and I’m prett sure Bjugstad is doing fine. But this is for entertainment, and I think Bjugstad could do great things with Debrincat and Kane.
Chicago: They get a little bit of a change up and a younger but similar player in Bjugstad. But it’s more of a cap based move.
Like I said previously, this probably isn’t a great trade for Florida, and I understand that, but I’m a Chicago fan so what do you expect. ?
Edjsell should play 3rd like this year, as he’s adjusted to American ice in Rockford.
I liked Blake Hillman in the little bit that I saw him play, but that’s probably because he’s a young defenseman on a team that didn’t have many of them prior to this past year.
Let me know what you think in the comments, and if you happened to read the essay above, I appreciate it.
WPG says no. You'd need a better player in there along with that 1st (8OA). Look what 2 years of Duchene got COL and now think that a top pairing 23 year old RHD who's currently playing in the WCF has 2 years left as well....RHD are the most valuable asset in the league that have top pairing potential never mind are playing that role so that's really not enough
Honestly you probably need Henri Jokiharu in that trade instead of Vinnie for Winnipeg to accept. That's a huge cost but other than a #1 Center, a top pairing RHD is the priciest piece to acquire in today's league.
Honestly you probably need Henri Jokiharu in that trade instead of Vinnie for Winnipeg to accept. That's a huge cost but other than a #1 Center, a top pairing RHD is the priciest piece to acquire in today's league.
Winnipeg doesn't need two additional d-men coming back through - they already have 9 ready to go for the playoffs right now and a few prospects coming up in the wings. They might prefer Jokiharju to Gustafsson simply because he can be put off coming to the NHL but they'd likely want a forward back as well - a higher prospect and less Hinostroza though.