Could timothy Lillgren make this team? I could see tossing him straight in and playing him with Reilly to see what they have.

based on his season so far he still needs to develop. his offense is good enough to be in the league right now but his defense still needs work. He developed fast last year who says he doesnt do it again but ideally i think this year is an all in next year depending on the defense they are competitive next year but not as good then the year after is when lilly and sandin are ready and marleau is off the books could be their best chance at a cup 50 years if this year isnt it already.

I say Nylander...likely will be traded for cap reasons. A short term Dman will be signed or traded for. Signing Nylander and the front loading of his contract makes him a relatively easy trade.

very true but if they are gonna move someone to improve the defence it would be marleau before nylander which i think could happen.

Marleau has a NMC, he isn't leaving when he has a shot at the Cup in his last NHL season.

Im farely sure they set up the contract to trade him after this year and he is also aware of this he just wanted the extra money as he wont get 6.25mil if he signed a 2 year deal. Idealy they win the cup this year and he waives his NMC in the offseason.