I think they are going to end up having to run with Kakko in the top 6 to start the season unless a Tarasenko re-union happens. Maybe they could pull off a trade this off-season but I'm not sure they go for an upcoming ufa that costs a 1+ (unless it's Konecny but he's probably a TDL acquisition) this early considering their roster situation next year. As the season progresses, I can see them take risks since with Shesterkin's salary demands, this year is going to have to be an all in year.

No

If they want to do anything to the roster they would have after resigning Schneider and Lindgren (would've replaced them by now) they need to trade Kakko for cap room now that Trouba is holding the team hostage.

I doubt they buy out Trouba (although I'd like it to happen) All signs point towards him playing next year. (I hope I'm wrong)

They currently have 8M in cap to sign them and a 3rd defender so for this year they should be fine. It's going forward that will be the problem.

TBH they could look in the system for a 7D. I'd like to have someone at a higher level, but with the cap restrictions, they might be better off going this route.

I was more referring to the Forward group with my reply. I doubt that a Ehlers trade is in the books although I'd like it to happen, I just feel that by resigning Kakko to a 1 year they are basically telling him to prove himself or GTFO. Also based on the level that Drury has operated recently I doubt he'd be able to land a bigger name like Ehlers without giving up every last one of our picks until 2050.

I think he just signed Kakko so that it would be easier to trade him, apparently he tried to move up in the draft, but tat this point I think he'll get a chance to prove himself otherwise, he's probably going untendered next year assuming no one wants to pick him up this year if he fails to prove himself.

Yeah, that's why I am asking god to help lmao

Yes

Valid