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Moves I'd make if I were in charge of various NHL teams |
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Ten NHL moves I'd make if I were in charge:
If I were in charge of the San Jose Sharks, I’d give Devan Dubnyk more starts. Martin Jones is 6-4, but he owns a 3.75 goals-against average and an .873 save percentage. Jones is coming off two consecutive seasons in which his save percentage was below .900. Meanwhile, Dubnyk is 0-3-1 with a 2.71 GAA and .917 save percentage.
If I were leading the Predators management group, I’d start drawing up plans to move out contracts. It’s time to start talking about a rebuild. Mattias Ekholm, Mikael Granlund, Erik Haula, Pekka Rinne, etc. The Predators might land a first-round pick for the rugged Ekholm who has this season and next left on his contract. At the very least, they should get a second and a prospect.
If I were Anaheim GM Bob Murray, I’d promote Trevor Zegras to the Ducks today. I respect the argument that he’s gaining confidence and pro experience in the American League, but the Ducks need an offensive spark. Maybe he could help. It’s not going to stunt his development to give him a chance to show what he can do. If he is overmatched, send him back down. What do the Ducks have to lose?
If I were in charge of the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers or Boston Bruins, specifically, and most contenders, in general, I’d be calling David Poile about Ekholm.
If I were Edmonton GM Ken Holland, I’d be exploring all options to add a goalie for the stretch run. (Rinne just became a father in December. Guessing Rinne wouldn’t waive his no-trade to go to Edmonton).
If I were Detroit coach Jeff Blashill, I’d ask retired great Nick Lidstrom to fly in from Sweden to tutor Red Wings on the art of scoring on the power play. The Red Wings were 29th in the league last season (14.9%) and are 30th this season (7.6%). Among the Red Wings many power play issues: they can’t get shots on the net. Lidstrom was masterful at finding shooting lanes.
If I were Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, I might play Evgeni Malkin with Sidney Crosby for a few 5-on-5 shifts every game to see if it would re-ignite Malkin.
If I were Carolina GM Don Waddell, I’d call Nashville about Pekka Rinne. I also would call if I were Colorado general manager Joe Sakic.
If I were a member of the selection committee for the 2022 U.S. Olympic hockey team, I’d lobby to pick Patrick Kane and Chicago linemate Alex DeBrincat with the idea of playing them on a line together with Jack Eichel. That line would be an entertaining, dynamic unit on the wider international ice.
If I were Florida coach Joel Quenneville, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s working in Florida with his coaching and Bill Zito’s managing.
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • 
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