There is $32M coming off the cap. You have to allot $12M of that to Tavares.

So that leaves $20M to add:

- At least four forwards (Kulemin, Bailey, Nelson, Chimera)
- At least one higher-end defenseman (de Haan) and a cheap 7th guy (probably Toews on ELC)
- Starting goaltender (Halak)
- eichiefs9

Garth is hiding under his desk thinking about all this.

Garth is hiding under his desk thinking about all this.
- ses111

Prince & Quine are getting their extensions to fill out 2 of those 4 F spots ...

Prince & Quine are getting their extensions to fill out 2 of those 4 F spots ...
- Ur Not Me

No doubt. I have full confidence Garth is ready to tackle this all important offseason.

No doubt. I have full confidence Garth is ready to tackle this all important offseason.
- ses111

If team has roster room, i think Bellows has a great chance to make it next year....

If team has roster room, i think Bellows has a great chance to make it next year....
- Ur Not Me

Bellows making the team would not be a shock. Would be great if he could play on the #1 and replace Bailey but that's not happening.

Bellows making the team would not be a shock. Would be great if he could play on the #1 and replace Bailey but that's not happening.
- ses111

I wouldnt want to put that type of pressure on him so fast, unless he's able to handle it ....

I wouldnt want to put that type of pressure on him so fast, unless he's able to handle it ....
- Ur Not Me

I agree. Best to start him on the 3rd line if possible. I just like the idea of Bailey not being back.

I agree. Best to start him on the 3rd line if possible. I just like the idea of Bailey not being back.
- ses111

I may be in the minority, but i want Garf to go after Evander Kane. Could be a steal on a reasonable contract ...

I may be in the minority, but i want Garf to go after Evander Kane. Could be a steal on a reasonable contract ...
- Ur Not Me

I just want whatever forward is brought in to be able to play defense. No more pass heavy type no defense playing forwards. Good thing about Bellows is he seems to be a shooter.

I just want whatever forward is brought in to be able to play defense. No more pass heavy type no defense playing forwards. Good thing about Bellows is he seems to be a shooter.
- ses111

Exactly, team lacks shooters, thats why I also want Kane. Plus if necessary team could bring back Kulimen on a cheap 1yr deal for a defensive F ...

I just want whatever forward is brought in to be able to play defense. No more pass heavy type no defense playing forwards. Good thing about Bellows is he seems to be a shooter.
- ses111

Anyone can play defense. That's a coaching issue.

Anyone can play defense. That's a coaching issue.
- JimmyP

I agree with this Jimmy, but I have little faith in the coaching staff and if Garth is around I do not see the coach being replaced for a while. So having forwards who can play defense and played it on other teams is something.

https://www.sny.tv/island...d-toronto-media/266852722

https://www.sny.tv/islanders/news/facing-free-agency-tavares-will-stick-handle-gracefully-around-toronto-media/266852722
- ses111

Assuming Coach Doug (I Thought We Played a Good Game Besides Hickey's Cough-up, Three Guys Behind the Goal for the Back-breaker, and Those Other Three We Conceded in Four Minutes) Weight does not make the morning skate an optional, Tavares will face the music around noon on Thursday. If he doesn't skate in the morning,

Assuming Coach Doug (I Thought We Played a Good Game Besides Hickey's Cough-up, Three Guys Behind the Goal for the Back-breaker, and Those Other Three We Conceded in Four Minutes) Weight does not make the morning skate an optional, Tavares will face the music around noon on Thursday. If he doesn't skate in the morning,


- eichiefs9

That was great.

Ross Johnston on nhl game day
Check out @cultureoflosing’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/cultu...s/966348411904708609?s=09

5. Newly extended Canucks GM Jim Benning raised eyebrows on Hockey Night in Canada last weekend when he said the team “would like to add a big player. Maybe a forward with some physicality who has the skill to make plays.”

My sense is they are looking for youngish players with some term or team control. Possible fits could be the likes of Nick Bjugstad (Florida), Vladislav Namestnikov (Tampa Bay) or Brock Nelson (Islanders).

The only NYI mention from Friedman's 31 Thoughts. Wonder if they'd really trade Tanev and if he couldn't be had for 1st+Nelson+another piece

5. Newly extended Canucks GM Jim Benning raised eyebrows on Hockey Night in Canada last weekend when he said the team “would like to add a big player. Maybe a forward with some physicality who has the skill to make plays.”

My sense is they are looking for youngish players with some term or team control. Possible fits could be the likes of Nick Bjugstad (Florida), Vladislav Namestnikov (Tampa Bay) or Brock Nelson (Islanders).

The only NYI mention from Friedman's 31 Thoughts. Wonder if they'd really trade Tanev and if he couldn't be had for 1st+Nelson+another piece
- eichiefs9

Nelson does not equal physicality.

Giving up a 1 seems step? Is Tanev that good?

Nelson does not equal physicality.

Giving up a 1 seems step? Is Tanev that good?
- ses111

Extremely good defensively, not going to provide any offense though. That last piece would probably have to be significant to land him. Probably not happening.

Extremely good defensively, not going to provide any offense though. That last piece would probably have to be significant to land him. Probably not happening.
- eichiefs9

I'd like to hold onto the pick to maybe try to land Trouba in the offseason?

https://www.newsday.com/s...ohnston-impact-1.16898142

https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ross-johnston-impact-1.16898142
- ses111

"That has led to speculation about the Leafs eating much of Martin’s big contract and trading him."

Where are all those people that said the Isles shouldn't have let Martin walk?

"That has led to speculation about the Leafs eating much of Martin’s big contract and trading him."

Where are all those people that said the Isles shouldn't have let Martin walk?
- JimmyP

No idea? Isles would be nuts to bring MM back. Johnston is better and cheaper.

"That has led to speculation about the Leafs eating much of Martin’s big contract and trading him."

Where are all those people that said the Isles shouldn't have let Martin walk?
- JimmyP

He's awful. Don't really want him back even if TOR ate 50% of his salary and gave him to us for free. Waste of a roster spot and waste of cap space.

He's awful. Don't really want him back even if TOR ate 50% of his salary and gave him to us for free. Waste of a roster spot and waste of cap space.
- eichiefs9

Garth should be fired and never work in hockey again if he brings MM back.