If ullmark doesn't get moved I feel like it would be a fail of an offseason. You could sign lindholm and swayman but youd have no room to sign a 2nd line winger. I'm coming around to the idea of lysel and poitras starting in the ahl so you'd almost have to move ullmark for a pick to just to be able to get some offense for this team, whether thats bringing debrusk back or signing someone else, a move has to be made. If nothing is done you're probably not far off with the lines. Except sean monahan, the bruins can do without him imo.

Two things, if Ullmark stays your cap is going to be very hard to make work if you want to be a contender.

Secondly, Gustafsson is about to get paid. I would expect a contract in the 2-3 million per range for him

They have 20M and really only need two spots filled with big contracts. Swayman and a top 6 center. They are fine.

I would say they also need another top 6 winger and an upgrade at first pairing LHD

Probably. I have repeatedly said this for 2 years now. Unless he is willing to waive he will be almost impossible to move.

As of right now there are likely only 2 options without waiving. Detroit and maybe Washington. Which puts him in a Taylor Hall type situation, take what they offer or don’t move him.

The only saving grace is maybe he does not want this hanging over his head all year and worrying that he will have to uproot his family and life in season. Maybe he would rather just get it over with and get settled in somewhere.

Hopefully.

Hope it’s Ottawa. They just have so many pieces that work.

Not going to hold my breath though.

I don’t. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Lysell, Poitras, Merkulov all available internally at forward. Merk coming off 30 goal season in AHL and there is no room for him in top 9.

They need a 3rd pair LD, they are cheap. Lindholm and Lohrei are set at top 4 LD.

Monohan when healthy, is a productive player who wins faceoffs. That's why I signed him for one year to see if he can have a second healthy year in a row. Plus that 3rd line would be tough to play against.

Maybe. Cap is going up again the following year. Gustafsson and Monahan (if accepted) are on one year deals. Monahan has to still prove he can stay healthy and Gustafsson had a 3 year regression period which could happen again!

I can see that, I just think Boston would get more value out of signing a guy like lindholm over monahan to play the third line. Boston has a multitude of depth scoring and it wasnt their issue last season. The issue was not enough top 6 scoring.

Understood! I would suspect Monty would swap Monahan and Coyle every so often if he had this lineup which could be some dynamite chemistry. I just feel that Lindholm is holding out for a payday and GMs are reluctant otherwise he'd be signed by now! If DeBrusk signs elsewhere, Toffoli could be a great replacement at roughly the same cap hit.