I think Peterson should absolutely be on the NHL squad to start. He earned it last year. And I hope to see Bystedt stay in North America, it would really help to have him start getting used to NA play style

But I think this is pretty accurate, prior to training camp.

I agree he finished the year very strong in SJ and I'd like him too, but I just don't know who you take out. That would mean Lindblom goes down to the AHL (which I'm fine with) but one of Kunin, Zetterlund, or Labanc comes out of the lineup. I think Peterson should have a strong year in the AHL and then we'll bring him at after the TDL and give him middle 6 minutes.

yeah hope Bystedt stays in NA too, just not sure what's going on now.

I don’t see Knyzhov starting in the AHL, if anything Simek will be buried over him.

I agree Peterson should at least be the 13th forward.

I also could see MacDonald put on waivers and picked up since his cap hit is less than league min

I'm a bit concerned that Knyzhov, Okhotiuk, Gawanke, and Peterson would all have to clear waivers in order to be sent down to the Cuda after training camp. I wouldn't want to lose any of them. I'd rather send Smith, Lindblom, Simek, or MacDonald down. Ok if any of them get claimed off waivers.

That’s better option none of those guys are long term or even short term plan guys and none will be resigned

I'd be surprised if he didn't have a very small amount of trade value. Like you said his cap hit is below minimum, but also he's like a swiss army knife. He has experience playing D and Forward and 5 or 6 teams are over the cap right now and still don't have full 23 man rosters. Macdonald could be a flexible cheap depth pickup for one of those teams if we can take advantage of their situations. Maybe a 2026 7th or as added value in another deal.

I should know this, but even if they start the season in the AHL, they still have to clear waivers?

Yes. All the players on NHL contracts who start the season in the AHL have to clear waivers at the beginning of the year. Unless they are waivers exempt. On Capfriendly the waivers exempt players have the green circle with the down arrow next to their name. Someone correct me if I have it wrong.

thanks, I wasn’t sure. Yeah that would probably change things.

G.Smith was signed for a reason, tho he’s cheap. Also, B.Warm is for the ECHL Whiticha team, unless there’s injuries to the 3 Cuda goalies.

I just think with the guys from the Karlsson trade there aren't enough roster spots to justify Smith being in the lineup. He does provide physicality that no one else does, which should earn him time at some point.
Yeah, Romanov and Warm in Wichita.

Smith = 13th F.