This works if Gards does actually fail a physical and can’t play this year…Drury iso Pederson in the forward group.

If Gards needs to be on the roster, Bear may need to be used to move his contract.

Yeah, I thought about that. I think it CAR would need another piece to sweeten the pot though.

I really like Bear, but with a solidified top 4 for the next few seasons, he seems like the type of asset that may need to move if Gards contract has to be moved. They can just put Patches in LTIR and kick the decision-can down the road a bit, but the issue will have to be addressed at some point if Patches is healthy.

Take out the 3rd and Vancouver accepts

I don't see the Canes taking back salary for Bear, unless it is waiver-exempt salary. Even if it seems to work in this situation, I don't see it. Everyone is inking in deHaan. I like him and wouldn't mind that, but I think he is insurance at the moment and would not be surprised if Canes are shooting for something bigger. Bigger than Dermott. Now I am assuming that Gardiner won't be around, so we'll have to wait and see what shakes out in the next week or two.