I was also sweating the canes having the puck the last 5 minutes of the game. Which I’m sure you can relate
- Slimtj100

I think a lot depends on who they replace him with. Wahlstrom should be back, but he's been a mixed blessing so far. Wally's got potential to be a top 6 player, but sometimes I wonder what's between his ears.
- JohnScammo

Wahlstrom is someone I'm really wondering what their plan for him is. With Barzal seemingly being permanently shifted over to RW and Bailey heading for a buyout/trade, I'm not really sure where Wahlstrom is going to fit and his play certainly hasn't earned him a guarantee for anything

Wahlstrom is someone I'm really wondering what their plan for him is. With Barzal seemingly being permanently shifted over to RW and Bailey heading for a buyout/trade, I'm not really sure where Wahlstrom is going to fit and his play certainly hasn't earned him a guarantee for anything
- eichiefs9

Have to think Wally starts on the 3rd line if he is kept. Would be nice if Wally worked out.

Have to think Wally starts on the 3rd line if he is kept. Would be nice if Wally worked out.
- ses111

Well if they re-sign Fasching, that's your 3RW. Maybe Fasching takes the payday while he can and signs elsewhere, in which case that solves the issue with where to plug Wahlstrom in

Going into next season, the Isles have about $6.9mm in cap space. They will first have to replace Varly (who they should have traded). Engvall, Parise, Fasching, Mayfield, Wahlstrom, Wotherspoon & Buldoc are all up for contracts. I doubt you will seen Mayfield get anything less than $4mm. Your goalie is going to command at least $2mm unless you go on the cheap. That leaves very little space for anything else, and you need to extend Ilya ASAP. I don't see any way we keep Mayfield. (barring perhaps the buyout of Chainz)
I would also say that one of the things that has gotten Mayfield into trouble is being expected to fill a top four role. He's just not that and if we're looking for paths for this team to get better, I don't think asking Scott to play 20-25 min is a good idea. At $1.4mm, Scott was wonderfully priced. He has his ups and downs which will become far less tolerable at his his soon-to-be pricetag.
- keaner17

Judging by Baileys benching for the entire series, I don’t see him being back with this team. Be it trade, or buyout, I think he’s done.

Also 20-25 min is top pair minutes. I’m fine with mayfield in a role on the second pair as more of a stay home, or the puck mover on the 3rd pair. I’ve mentioned before but much like Dobson is heavily relied on at such a young age, Mayfield in the right role, is an asset to this club. In a shut down role, I’m happy with his play…..2.5-3 million

Judging by Baileys benching for the entire series, I don’t see him being back with this team. Be it trade, or buyout, I think he’s done.

Also 20-25 min is top pair minutes. I’m fine with mayfield in a role on the second pair as more of a stay home, or the puck mover on the 3rd pair. I’ve mentioned before but much like Dobson is heavily relied on at such a young age, Mayfield in the right role, is an asset to this club. In a shut down role, I’m happy with his play…..2.5-3 million
- kindlyrick

Mayfield has been averaging over 21min per game since Thanksgiving. He's a good bottom pairing guy, since he can be tapped into for the pk but I think we can do better in our top four. Pelech, Pulock, Romanov......as to who fits in that other slot, I'd say they need to be a notch up from Mayfield.

I'd be inclined to agree that Bailey is a goner, but I've also learned to not discount his staying power. They tried to deal him before and couldn't find anyone to bite. A buyout is an option, but there's honestly no telling what Lou wants to do. You still need to sign those other guys and give Sorokin a massive pay raise. If the money is there, I'd prefer to find someone that could play defense and move the puck.