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The talent gap is still brutal, but if it’s a hard played game it could be a good watch regardless of outcome. We’re just over a month out from the trade deadline and teams are making decisions on what they should acquire or sell off depending on their place in the standings.
The cap is set to go up and this time around GMs are insistent that the actual number be released before the deadline. It makes sense in terms of rental vs. hockey trade, but the back and forth online is fascinating. In a non CBA moment, agents are going hard into the paint to get things in place that will increase their ability to add to their portfolios.
Interestingly, Tony DeAngelo is heading back to the states as NYI have signed him to a pro rated 775k deal but he has to pass through re-entry waivers. Interesting move to be sure.
looking at Detroit’s contracts in terms of rentals (expiring deals) here is who is coming off the books at this point: Patrick Kane - has full control on if he moves Christian Fischer - possible depth player for a contender (?) Elmer Soderblom - RFA - i expect them to extend him at this point Jonatan Berggren - RFA - if he wants to stay, they’ll make it work. Possibly one of the better pieces if he wants to move on and not deal with arbitration. Tyler Motte - UFA - not sure how much interest there would be Jeff Petry - UFA - same, not sure on interest William Lagesson - UFA, only played 2 games Albert Johansson - RFA - expecting extension Ville Husso - can’t imagine interest Alex Lyon - feels like the most likely inquiry. Goaltending depth in the playoffs, was well liked in FLA, low cap hit and due for a raise as UFA
We’ve heard rumors regarding players of interest including Cozens, 2 different Pettersson’s (Marcus and Elias) but Pittsburgh wants picks, young players and prospects and it seems like Vancouver is looking to move J.T. Miller as there’s some rumored friction between the two and Elias is a young player they’ve seen perform at a high level.
Unless a deal falls into a perfect place, it’s hard to see any “upgrades… coming to Detroit. Cozens is interesting because of age and position but there are rumored to be 6 or 7 teams that all want to make a deal and may be willing to part with more than Detroit.
Let me know your thoughts on what you hope to see as Tampa comes to town, if you think anyone on an expiring deal will leave town, and if you think an upgrade may be on the way. Thanks, as always, for stopping by.