I think Mirco Mueller gets a start over Carrick in this situation, but that might be just me.

I think this team is a fringe playoff team at best, and that it was a full season long healthy lineup.

I think butcher wants more if you want to sign him for such term.

You nailed the head on what's going to sink or swim this team and it's goaltending. I don't think Ferland is going to significantly move the needle for the team. Contract isn't terrible I just don't think he matters much

I can see this team anywhere from about 3rd to 12th in the East.

With Subban coming in the D is actually now fairly strong.

What will make or break this season is what Schneider shows up. If he has any of the top goalie in him they can be great.

The other thing will be Hughes and Hischier (maybe even Zacha). If Hischier can take another step forward from okay top 6 centre to study worthy of first overall it can make a huge difference. Similarly if Hughes comes in and has a fine rookie year for 18 year old (think RNH or Hischier himself) it'll be fine. But if he comes and has a McDavid/Matthews type rookie year they can surprise.

I think it is a playoff team, but not much of a threat in the playoffs. We need at least one more scoring threat for line two to make us dangerous. I think Shero has something in mind for a verified scoring threat. He is just waiting for the "right time".

Ferland? More like a middle 6 forward but he adds some scoring.

I wouldn't sign Ferland. The Signing of Simmonds has solidified a player of that type of position (physical and streaky scoring, middle 6 fwd). Id try and sign Dzingel or get Gusev from VG. More "talent"