He’ll stay in NY if that’s the contract he takes...

Yeah I hate it. Soder is pretty cooked, and I really am not much of a fan of Fast.

Who do we go with at 3C and 3RW? That's about the only questions left for this team I think with regard to the roster they'll ice next season

I think we have the real problem in 1st line RW. 3rw can be filled internally. The top six is the problem. I see Donato as a third liner with Jumbo, and maybe Gregor too. Labanc can play well with Kane-Hertl so we just need someone for Meier-Couture.

Meier can play RW very well so I don't necessarily think its a "we need a RW specifically" sort of situation. The problem is finding someone (ANYONE) who's gonna be affordable who's good enough to play in the top 6 and produce well - bonus points if we sign them in FA or don't have to give up any 1sts or 2nds. I have no clue who fits that bill though.

I think Donato is a second liner. If he can score 14 with limited ice time and subpar linemates imagine what he does with Hertl and Meier who can create space for him with their physicality and playmaking. Now they could try and get a top-line RW but it's better to spend a figure like 6 mil on a 3C and 3RW because if the next season starts and its a crammed 82 game schedule we need more depth to compete. I also think 41-year-old Joe Thornton should be sheltered so he stays fresh and ready for what looks like potentially his last playoff push. That's my opinion anyway because having contracts in the 2-4 mil range are easier to trade for assets if they want to blow it up as compared to adding another expensive contract that's hard to move.