Simpleton
Rejoint: juin 2017
Messages: 1,365
Mentions "j'aime": 502
My thoughts:
We know contracts with Kris Russell, Alex Chiasson, Adam Larsson, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins all expire after next season. I estimate there is more than $5,000,000 in free cap space, based on a stagnant cap, if the first three players are replaced with NHL-ready prospects. I'd argue that Russell has already been surpassed by Caleb Jones, and William Lagesson isn't far behind him, either of Tyler Benson or Cooper Marody could take Chiasson's spot, Ryan McLeod is not far either, and the combination of Bear and Bouchard could make parting with Larsson palatable. Yamamoto and Khaira will also need contracts, but the former will be an RFA without arbitration rights, and the latter could be surpassed by the aforementioned McLeod. There should be plenty of money to resign Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in Edmonton.
Strome was a decent 3C in Edmonton. My only issue with the player back then was his cap hit; I thought he was slightly over-compensated. Strome suffered a prolonged scoring drought and fell victim to one of Peter Chiarelli's panic attacks, he shouldn't have been traded. I don't think he will be reunited with the Oilers, and if he is he would almost certainly be the 3C once again.
Holland won't trade away one of his top 3 players and his top prospect for a 3C, a slow skating prospect that projects to be a 3C, and another young LHD. If he feels he can't sign Puljujarvi, Holland might have some interest in discussing that 1st round pick and the Ranger's 3rd round pick in exchange for JP, That won't address your desire to upgrade the Ranger's 2C though.