Not sure why you would trade away Gaudette... especially when you're paying Johan Larsson 2M.

Because the Canucks need defence more than they need an offence-first third line centre; Weegar fits the bill. Ennis can do what Gaudette does.

You’ll hate me for this comparison, but I see Gaudette as a Sam Gagner type. He also just had a ridiculously lucky year on the power play.

Id like Weegar on the Canucks as well, but i don't think that we would have to move Gaudette for them. Stetcher, Gadjovich, Lind and possibly Rathbone. Ennis would be a pretty good fit, but I think Gaudette will only improve from here. personally, I don't believe that the season was just a fluke.

Jim Benning is not trading Gaudette.

UFA's etc. should have a bit less leverage in actual fact.
So take advantage and reduce a few salaries under the "oh woe is me 'COVID'-angst from owners/GM's".

Jake V = reduce by US$500K to 1M
Tyler T = reduce by US$500K
Middle bunch = reduce each by US$500K
JM = reduce by US$500K to 1M

The cumulative savings above should help with finding money for QH/EP40 down the road...

Welcome to armchair GM. It sounds like you want to talk about what Jim Benning will actually do, in which case you’ve taken a wrong turn.

I don’t think Florida would be interested in those players. They’ve spent a lot on D and are probably looking for young cost-controlled NHL players at other positions. Gadjovich has no value. Of the rest, I’d say only Stecher makes sense but the impression I get is he isn’t valued around the league.

12 of Gaudette’s points came on the PP where he shot 28% and his line shot 22% (12.5 is around what’s expected on the powerplay). That’s a fair bit of puck luck. He’s also 24 next season.

He’s fun to watch but I don’t rate him as highly I guess.

I hope you’re right! I’d rather overestimate and be pleasantly surprised.