just give him the 9 games and we will see what happens

9 games is an arbitrary number at this point, he's not a slide candidate.

I though he played alright. He skated well, drew a couple penalties. I still don't think there's much for him to learn in the AHL anymore. He's played in the SHL/AHL for 3 years now, he needs to get accustomed to the speed of the NHL, even if he's on the 3rd line.

NYI A team vs NJD B team.

Holtz looked fine today.

But if we are going to overreacted to one preseason game, Graeme Clarke making the team would be my call.

He is out of slides.

How does that work? I'm wondering for Eklund.

Eklund can slide one more year.
One has to be 18-19 years old at opening of season (unless they turn 20 before Dec 31)
And play in 9 or fewer NHL games that season.

The cap hit changes slightly...since bonuses will be paid.

So for Eklund, who had originally signed a 3-year $2,775,000 deal (with $277,500 in bonuses)

original deal
year 1: $925,000 total = $832,500 salary + $92,500 in bonus
year 2: $925,000 total = $832,500 salary + $92,500 in bonus
year 3: $925,000 total = $832,500 salary + $92,500 in bonus

Total: $2,775,000 / 3 = $925,000 cap hit

after sliding one year (2021-22)
year 1: $92,500 total = $0 salary + $92,500 in bonus (slide year)
year 2: $925,000 total = $832,500 salary + $92,500 in bonus
year 3: $925,000 total = $832,500 salary + $92,500 in bonus
year 4: $832,500 total, $832,500 salary + $0 in bonus

Total (years 2-4): $2,682,500 / 3 = $894,167 cap hit

If he were to slide two years
year 1: $92,500 total = $0 salary + $92,500 in bonus (slide year)
year 2: $92,500 total = $0 salary + $92,500 in bonus (slide year)
year 3: $925,000 total = $832,500 salary + $92,500 in bonus
year 4: $832,500 total, $832,500 salary + $0 in bonus
year 5: $832,500 total, $832,500 salary + $0 in bonus

Total (years 3-5): $2,590,000 / 3 = $863,333 cap hit

Got it. Thanks!