first 3 guys almost for sure make it. Doubt Somppi though

All of Katchouk/Raddysh/Somppi had good seasons in Syracuse. It wouldn't shock me if all three make the team IF they go for a 23-man roster.

I think this is what happens.

And if Tampa successfully three-peats with these rookies being key contributors (not saying it's likely in the face of teams like Carolina improving again next season), then us fans should make a hidden rule that Tampa de-facto wins every draft until proven otherwise.

carolina dont have a cap to take johnson

For sure.

They actually may. I've made many posts about this, and I have them written down as possible clients for a Fleury or OEL trade. If Johnson is willing to waive to Carolina, they potentially could knock down the draft compensation for Johnson's contract compared to Seattle's offer and get another late 1st for their troubles.

Raddysh Gourde Katchouk for energy line 2.0

Stammer and Cirelli need to be split somehow. The dont mesh at all.

Cooper clearly doesn't agree. I would go with Cooper's evaluation. There are certain coaches that I don't ever question as far as lineups are concerned. Cooper, Trotz, increasingly Brind'Amour.

I don't know about Anderson as the backup, but this is essentially the same 23 man best guess roster I have for next season.

Katchouk and Raddysh are cooked. They are ready to make the jump to the NHL, but it would probably be best to slowly work them in next season on the 4th line (like you have it). Somppi is ready for games in the NHL, but I think he still needs the majority of another season in the AHL to fine tune some parts of his game.

That would be a dream line if Katchouk and Raddysh could immediately step into that role. I doubt it, but maybe 22-23.

My issue with moving Stamkos from Cirelli is who else is he going to mesh with better? We saw him with Gourde a bit during the regular season, and it was not really any better than with Cirelli. And I'm against making a super line with Stamkos, Point, and Kucherov.

Cirelli and Kuch ftw.
You're right, there's not an easy answer. Trade Stamkos? (Lol)

Also. I'm gotta be this year. Gourde flanked by two rookies. They start rolling on his frequency and just get relentless. Then I can get a "Pappa Gourde" shirt.

LTIRetire Stamkos in a perfectly imperfect world? (what?)

Note: idk what I even mean by perfectly imperfect

Stamkos should go ... not the player he was and his $34M gone would solve Cap issues. I would target Stamkos Johnson and Gourde or Palat .. that $20M AAV .. and sign Goodrow and have money left for TDL . Definitely play 5 rookies first half of year.

Aren't Colton and Barre Boulet already protected from the expansion draft so no need to protect.

I'd prefer to try Colton-Gourde-Joseph. And Stamkos doesn't mesh with any of our centers, but he played at least decent with Killorn and Cirelli in the playoffs. If Killorn is on the team next year you gotta play him with Cirelli. For LW move Killorn and Colton down a line and ABB up to the first. I have a feeling next year might be a long year of juggling lines

They are not protected. They both have 2 1/2 years in Syracuse and 1/2 a year in Tampa. That's 3 years of pro

Well, I do have them protected here

But yes, Tampa would have to use a protection slot for both. I have no doubt that Colton will get protected. Barre-Boulet is a bit more controversial, but I do see Tampa protecting their best cheap guys.