3 ELC signings = All 3 are expected to start in the AHL and possibly get a game or 2 of NHL action
Dach Signing = Kirby Dach signs a cheap bridge deal as he bets on himself breakingout in the next 2 years to hopefully get a longer and bigger contract. Hopefully Dach can reach 50 points this year
Kurashev Signing = Kurashev looks to take a step forward next season. I can see him playing anywhere in the lineup. My hopes for him is to become more consistent. There have been flashes of incredible talent and speed, but if he finds consistency then he can be a really good NHLer.
Kalynuk Signing: Kalynuk is a solid d man, but isn't trusted in our own zone. He would be a good 7d and hopefully he can crack the lineup and takeover that line with Jones and put up points. I see him either breaking out offensively or staying at 7d potential.
Mamin Signing: Mamin is a low risk signing as he looks to get a solid opportunity on a higher role with the Hawks. He could turn into a great player and can be dealt at the deadline. Hopefully he becomes a free agency steal and can put up 30-40 points.
Lankinen Signing: If Lankinen bounces back, then fantastic, but if he doesn't then it's not the end of the world as he can be a great goalie to tank with and have along with Mrazek until Commesso or Soderblom take the net. My hope for him is to have above a .900 save %.
Jets Trade: Toews may no be the elite player he once was, but he can still be a reliable 2C as he continues to be one of the best faceoff players in the league. A retool is occurring in Winninpeg and they may look to Toews to be their 2C/3C. At 50% retention, this is an equal deal.
Buffalo Trade: Buffalo is looking for a solid RD for Owen Power and Connor Murphy fits the role perfectly. His retained salary is worth the high price especially in the overpriced market for RD right now. Mittlestadt isn't going to thrive in Buffalo and could use a top 6 role. It's a fair deal for a great solid d man at a cheap salary and a leader.
Boston Trade: Unfortunatley, Strome must get traded as the Hawks look to worsen their roster for Bedard. Strome is a sold top 6 center would play 2C on the Bruins. I've heard that Beecher has solid top 9 potential, so that plus a mid 2022 second in a weak draft is a great deal for Boston in win now mode and the Hawks that are looking to tank and get assets.
Toronto Trade: Leafs fans calm down please. Yes, the Leafs could buyout Mrazek, but they need all the cap space they can get and need to go absolutely all in or there will be more disappointment next year. Every penny counts and Knies is a part of the cap dump. The leafs still have a few prospects and are getting another pick and a very solid hardworking bottom 6 forward in Khaira. Hopefully Mrazek can have a bounceback with the Hawks and can be dealt for assets at this year or next years deadline. Every penny counts for the Leafs and if they want to strengthen their odd to win, then a Mrazek trade is better than a buyout.
Anaheim Trade: Anaheim had lots of trade rumors related to Kubalik, as they look to find a goal scoring winger. Kubalik for a 3rd is pretty low risk for the ducks and could be a huge payoff if he bounces back. Pretty low risk and a high reward for the ducks and if they don't want to take this deal then the hawks should hold on to Kubalik and sign him to a 1 year deal at 4 million in hopes of dealing him at the deadline.
Kraken Trade: Seth Jones may not like this trade, but Jones would be a roadblock for the development of the young guys. The Hawks need to trade him and get anything for him and get at least a 4th rounder for him.
Mitchel, Regula, and Vlasic will start in the NHL, but some may rotate in and out with Beaudin, Galvas, and Kalynuk.
RD isn’t as big an issue now that Dahlin has moved to the right side
Jokiharju was fine with Dahlin on pair 1, he’ll be fine with Power on pair 2 as well
Holding 1mil in salary doesn’t matter to us, we have tons of cap space
Not giving Mitts & a 1st for a modest upgrade
Not worth it
No thanks
Despite the cap issues, I can’t see Knies getting traded. They’re going to need guys that can step into their lineup in the next year or so and that will be huge.
Fortunately for us, dahlin looks comfortable on the right side. That means we don't have to pay an obscene premium to get a 2nd pair right d. Maybe they will just offer a guy like Mark pysyk a half million more than market and they can keep their assets.
RD isn’t as big an issue now that Dahlin has moved to the right side
Jokiharju was fine with Dahlin on pair 1, he’ll be fine with Power on pair 2 as well
Holding 1mil in salary doesn’t matter to us, we have tons of cap space
Not giving Mitts & a 1st for a modest upgrade
Not worth it
No thanks
No way Buffalo gives up a first for RHD when they can find it in the draft without loosing Mitts. They are in no hurry and as was said in the quote above, trading value for a $1MM retainer is in no way a positive for Buffalo with trouble even getting to the cap floor next season.