This was done in 10-15 minutes, top. Not a real thought went into making this armchair GM, just gut feelings. Still, I took the time to write this to explain the decisions seen bellow.
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FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
Armia
Signed in a heartbeat. Fits very well with KK on the third line to produce offensively and being good defensively. An all-around two-way player with experience. At 2 years 2,5M, it’s a bargain.
Skinner
MTL has the cap space to make him an offer. There is a good chance he will stay in Buffalo, but he would be kidding himself not to at least think about it and/or visit the city. I’m sorry to everyone from Buffalo, but Montreal freakin’ destroys your town in terms of ambiance during and off-season. Every player that’s played a game in the Bell Centre can testify, it’s great to play in Montreal, as long as you don’t lose too often. 7 years at 9,5M might sound insane right now, but again, it’s a gut feeling that the last season he had wasn’t just a one-off.
Benn
Had doubts about him this season, he completely shut them down. He had his best season offensively, and even though he still makes mistakes in the defensive zone, he’s top 3 defensemen in the +/- category for UFAs next season… At 2 years 2,75M, it’s fair
Chiarot
Even though Winnipeg might want to keep him, they don’t have the cap space to, unless they trade other guys. Hence why picking him up sounds good. He’s constant in offensive production and excels in transition puck-handling, which is a key factor for his position in Montreal. 5 years at 4M might look like a lot, but that’s the price to pay for a steady D these days. Sorry Kulak, gotta go with the safe option.
Cole Caufield
Although many see him as too small or not enough muscle, I just have to mention one player he gets compared to: Gallagher… He’s fast, poised, and has got the stats to show that he deserves a chance. In points-per-game category, he’s way up there in the top 31 rankings (both hockeyprospect.com and Future Considerations top 31).
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TRADES
MTL-NYI trade (Only one)
Peca, Weise and Alzner are dead weight. NYI has cap space and are in a tight playoff window and in need of veterans. With a 2M retained off Alzner’s salary, it’s a great deal for both parties.
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ROSTER
A couple of things:
First, Skinner might click better with Domi and/or even KK, but it can change during the season. The only thing Julien shouldn’t change is Danault with Gallagher, Domi with Shaw and KK with Armia.
Second, the defense being reinforced with Chiarot’s arrival, it’s not impossible Mete could be demoted to 2nd pairing. Then again, Juulsen might need to earn his spot again, with the arrival of Brook and maybe even Romanov (unsigned, for now).
Third, Price needs to be playing less in the first 2-3 months of the season. Let’s give Lindgren, McNiven or even Primeau a chance to earn the back up spot. Sorry to all of Niemi’s fan, but he’s not coming back.
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CONCLUSION
It’s all there, the previous season has set the stage for the new “attitude” era. Now, if Price keeps being healthy and constant, Weber keeps the locker room focused and the offense grows on last season’s success, it’s bound to make this team a great contender in the atlantic. If only Tampa could stop crushing the rest of the league so much, that would be great.
wow just wow, I read bad post, but this one is something. I think you never watch a MTL game. I think you could get a 1st for Alzner lmao. Sincerely,
I don't know where you see a 1st, it's actually a 2nd and a 6th for 2 veteran depth players and a two-way forward (Peca), which the Islanders need next season. It's also good to note the 2M$ retained on Alzner's salary.
I guess you don't watch the Rocket's games, because he played good defense-first hockey in Laval (6 pts in 34 games, +2, only 10 min of penalty).
It's funny too, 'cause I was at the Bell Center on april 6th, when a certain guy scored 3 goals and a shootout game winner. I can't remember his name.... Oh, right! It's the same as your username! Get outta here with your "You must never watch a MTL game".
I think Mtl would love signing Skinner. A very fast skater.
I know, right! I can't stop dreaming about Skinner getting past defenders on the left wing to shoot it on net and then Gallagher is just driving through to get the rebound. A deadly combinaison, for sure.
Chuckforit a aimé ceci.
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