On the one hand, the Hurricanes took a huge step forward in the 2018-19 season pushing into the playoffs and then going a step further playing all the way into the Eastern Conference Finals. But on the other hand, I think it is fair to say that the team overachieved a bit with some playoff magic and in a good way still has significant room to improve.
Having a solid goalie tandem emerge made a world of difference in tipping many games, some undeservedly, into the win column in the second half climb up the playoff standings. And Brind’Amour’s system proved capable of generating scoring chances across the entire roster even if it had some dry spells. And though it took reinforcements from outside the organization in Dougie Hamilton and Calvin de Haan, the blue line finally emerged as a strength.
If I look forward to 2019-20 with the aim of building on a decent foundation and improving, what jumps out is the potential to add one or two more players who are pure offense. More specifically, the goal is to add a catalyst/driver for a second scoring line. That would take some pressure off having to always overachieve offensively via the forechecking system. Adding one more player with a higher-end playmaking skill set should also boost the scoring of a couple other players. Aho drove his line and boosted Micheal Ferland’s production in the first half of the season and did the same with Justin Williams in the second half of the season. Adding a similarly capable puck-distributing type playmaker to fuel a second line should similarly add a multiplier effect and boost for a couple more players on a second scoring line. And though the power has issues system-wise too, adding another experienced, skilled scorer certainly could help improve that offensive weakness.
I like the team’s depth at the bottom of the forward lineup especially if a center is added to push Staal to sort of a checking/match up-leaning C2 role and also to push Lucas Wallmark into the C4 slot where he is suddenly above average offensively and capable of stepping into a higher role if/when injuries occur. I also like the team’s ability to pull help from the AHL prospects that can both simply fit the system (Bishop, Brown) but also boost scoring (Geekie, Necas, Saarela, Gauthier). The depth is gradually arriving, but in an NHL where being 9-12 forwards deep is table stakes not an advantage, there is no substitute for having enough top-end scoring talent.
It should not be overlooked that the Hurricanes will again need to figure out the all-important goalie position, but past that I think the Holy Grail this summer is to somehow add the right player who is the catalyst for a second scoring line. Ideal would be a center and even better would be a right shot to balance face-offs, but a playmaking wing is also a possibility.
But I do think it is important to distinguish between very good complementary players and players who are the type of playmakers that drive a line and boost the scoring output of the line mates.
A quick check of the available scoring forwards on the free agent list looks like a high stakes bidding war where a couple times win big (but potentially lose big because of the prices) and everyone else is left empty-handed. But a deeper dive into what could be a sizable quality second tier of quality players who could be available via trade makes for a much bigger market of potential additions for the Hurricanes.
Reiterating the job description
The ideal goal is not simply to add a good player or even any top 6-capable forward. The goal is to add a player whose natural skill set is that of a playmaker such that he could be a catalyst for a second scoring line. Putting names to job descriptions, a player like Kasperi Kapanen would be a great fit for Brind’Amour’s system and the Hurricanes in general, but he is more of a complementary player and not so much the type who will directly generate scoring chances for his two line mates. Micheal Ferland is another good example closer to home. Ferland fit nicely as a big body and finisher with Aho and Teravainen in the first half of the season, but he is not so much the type of player who generates scoring chances for his line mates.
The goal is a player who can generate offense/scoring chances for his line mates such that the added player boosts scoring not just for his slot but rather for a whole line.
The big fish
The top tier of players available who fit the job description is an impressive one, but other than one unique exception, I would be suprised to see the Hurricanes play here.
Matt Duchene
Easily one of the two or three biggest names available in free agency, Matt Duchene is probably the top prize for a team seeking to add a top offensive center to the mix. The issue is that he likely costs more than $10 million per year on a long-term deal and has multiple suitors. I do not see the Hurricanes playing here.
Artemi Panarin
The wing equivalent of Duchene is Artemi Panarin. Panarin is another proven first line scorer. As such, he also likely garners $10 million or more on a long-term deal. Alleged to be preferring a location with beach access and possibly also packaging with Sergei Bobrovsky, Panarin is another who is enticing but not likely one that the Hurricanes pursue.
Joe Pavelski
Joe Pavelski is an interesting situation. As a long-time leader of the San Jose Sharks, he would figure to return to San Jose. But the Sharks are cap-challenged and also just re-signed Erik Karlsson for a whopping $11.5 million per year. After seeing a short timer get paid in full, could Pavelski thumb his nose at taking a discount and maybe consider other options figuring he has taken enough kicks at the can in San Jose? If so, the Hurricanes could afford to pay him full value short-term (two or maybe stretching to three years). Pavelski is 34 years old, but has had three straight productive seasons in the mid-60s for points. He would also bring more leadership, a right shot and power play help. The fact that he can play center or wing also fits nicely with likely filling the center slot initially but possibly shifting to wing if Martin Necas emerges and is ready to play center at some point. Odds are that Pavelski just re-signs in San Jose, but at the point that become not true, I think he could be a great fit short-term as the Hurricanes try to take the next step up. One of the positives with Pavelski is that he is a free agent, so he costs only the salary he signs for. That is also true of Panarin and Duchene, but is not true of most of the players in tier two who also require that the Hurricanes part with meaningful trade assets.
Jonathan Huberdeau
As of right now, I would not expect Jonathan Huberdeau to be available. But expectations are that the Panthers could try to add both Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. The Panthers have 14 players under contract and about $22 million of cap space. If Bob and Bread’s are signed and their salaries push high enough, Florida could need to shed some salary. If that happens, I would grab a big pile of assets and start seeing how many it takes to land Huberdeau. Huberdeau is still in his prime at 26 years old, is a proven NHL scorer and is signed to a reasonable $5.9 million contract for the next four years. Again, like Pavelski, Huberdeau is not likely available right now but is a situation to keep an eye on as the summer progresses.
The quality second tier
Below the top tier of elite players sits a fairly deep pool of good players with a good match for the required skill set.
Jeff Carter
If the Los Angeles Kings sell off some veteran assets, Jeff Carter could be another option to add a scoring center. Carter’s contract is interesting in that his cap hit is $5.3 million for three more years, but the actual salaries are only a budget friendly $3 million, $2 million and $2 million. He is 34 years old and coming off of a down season with only 33 points in 76 games. He scored 22 points in only 27 games in 2017-18 and had three straight 60-point seasons prior to that. The question is whether he hit a wall at the end of his career in 2018-19 or if he could rebound with a fresh start elsewhere.
Nikolaj Ehlers
The Winnipeg Jets have entered the off-season with significant salary cap challenges. The Jets already traded Jacob Trouba for a Neal Pionk and a draft picks and will need to do more to squeeze under the salary cap ceiling. One of the players alleged to be available is Nikolaj Ehlers. Ehlers is a 23-year old wing who is already established as an NHL scorer and who has the straight line speed to be a great fit in Brind’Amour’s forechecking system. He is locked in for six years at $6 million which is a very reasonable price if he continues to be a legitimate second line forward with scoring to match that level. And though he is a wing not a center, he has the skill set of a playmaker who can boost line mates scoring. The one negative on his resume is that after posting 60 points in 82 games in 2017-18, he dipped to a depth scorer type level of only 37 points in 62 games in 2018-19. So the Hurricanes would be looking for a rebound, but that is not an outlandish request for a 23-year old.
Nazem Kadri
Kadri is one of a few players who could be the odd man out as Toronto tries to squeeze under the salary cap ceiling. He might be more likely to stay because his $5.3 million salary is not out of hand, and because of his discipline issues, maybe the Hurricanes are not interested regardless of the deal. But Kadri is a proven player who could be a key component in a second scoring line.
William Karlsson
After his massive 43-goal outburst in Vegas’ inaugural season, Karlsson opted for a one-year deal for a reasonable $5.25 million. In 2018-19, he followed up with a very respectable 24 goals and 56 points in 82 games. He is eligible for arbitration this summer and with that could price himself out of Vegas’ budget which has him possibly on the trade market. As a 26-year old center, he could fit the bill for what the Hurricanes need, but could also be pricey both in terms of what it takes in trade to get him and then also his next contract.
William Nylander
Continuing with the theme of plucking a good young player from a salary cap-strapped franchise, William Nylander from the Maple Leafs is another interesting option. After holding out for the front part of the 2018-19 season, he signed a long-term deal for $6.96 million per year. General Manager Kyle Dubas is on record as saying the Nylander was part of the long-term group, but that was before Mitch Marner had a phenomenal season, upped his next salary and made the Maple Leafs cap situation even more challenging. Nylander is another with an interesting contract. His salary cap hit is almost $7 million, but because of his contract’s odd structure, he would be due only $700,000 for 2019-20 after the Maple Leafs pick up his signing bonus and would be due only $6 million per year for the remaining four years. He meets the job description as a center who leans offense/scoring and is the preferred right shot.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
From the category of ‘most rumored to be trade to the Hurricanes’ comes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. With the whirlwind situation in Edmonton these days, it is difficult to know who is part of the core and how is available for trade. But if Nugent-Hopkins becomes available, he is still a decent fit for what the Hurricanes need. Though maybe not as high end offensively as some other options, Nugent-Hopkins is a good, proven NHL center who brings enough offensively for the role. He is 26 years old and signed for two years at $6 million per year. In some ways, that might be perfect to buy some time for hopefully Necas and/or other young players to become ready for NHL roles in the top half of the lineup. And if Nugent-Hopkins were traded for Justin Faulk, virtually everyone who has ever predicted Hurricanes trades would be able to say, “I told you so” for something predicted within the past couple years. Nugent-Hopkins is not as sexy as other options but could actually be a great fit.
Kyle Turris
Kyle Turris is supposedly available for the Nashville Predators who are up against the salary cap ceiling and looking to retool a bit. Turris is 29 years old and signed for five more years at $6 million salary per year. The big issue with Turris is that his production has declined since he arrived in Nashville. He had 51 points in 76 games in 2017-18 and then fell to 23 points in 55 games in 2018-19 which is why he is on the trading black. His skill set as a skating playmaking center matches the job description and he would add a right shot center, but the burning question is whether he is a player on decline approaching 30 years old of if he is due for a rebound with a change of scenery. He is probably only interesting if Nashville retains a significant chunk of his salary to reduce the risk.
Where I land
If Joe Pavelski bolts San Jose and is willing to accept a two or possibly three-year deal, I would bid aggressively. He still has gas in the tank, matches the skill set desired and adds more leadership to boot. He would be a short-term fix but could be perfect to help the Hurricanes take the next step.
The same is true for Jonathan Huberdeau. He is not likely to be available, but if Florida lands Panarin and Bobrovsky and is forced to cut salary because of it, I would put together a sizable package to attain a player who is still in his prime, capable of playing center or wing and a good fit for the Hurricanes needs.
I would pass on the crazy contracts that it will take for Duchene or Panarin in terms of salary but also term.
From the second tier I like Nikolaj Ehlers even though he is not a center.
Kyle Turris and Jeff Carter come with significant risk because of their age, and I think William Karlsson and William Nylander are a bit pricey for what they bring.
Finally, I think it is important to note that the Hurricanes do not have to do something out of desperation. Bringing back the same team would in no way be catastrophic. The scored at a decent pace with depth in 2018-19, and the potential to improve just because of another year of experience is also there.
What say you Canes fans?
1) Would you pursue any of the options from the top tier? Do you think the Hurricanes have a chance to win any of these players?
2) Which, if any, of the players from the second tier would be of interest?
3) Are there other options that you think should be on this list to add a scoring catalyst for a second scoring line?
4) How urgent would you prioritize this need inside the range of ‘almost unnecessary’ for a team that does not really need this scoring help up to ‘urgent’ as a need that much be addressed?
Go Canes!
1) No.
2) None.
3) None.
4) Totally unnecessary to Counterproductive.
We do not need a scoring catalyst of the type you describe, Matt. Matt Duchene? Why do his teams keep getting rid of him? Why did Colorado get better when he left?
The problem with getting a high level scorer the likes of those on your list is two fold: 1) moving a scorer into a group like my beloved Canes is a potential for a locker room cancer. The new guy might be a great fellow. He might have no ego problems (highly unlikely in today’s NHL). It doesn’t matter. Dropping him into the team creates waves. Players like Svetch and the Seabass start to ask themselves, “Don’t they think I’m good enough?” Of course the obvious answer is “No, they don’t think you are good enough.” Then we have our stockpile of scorers in Charlotte asking the same question. The demoralization would be irreparable. The magic that had our guys willing to follow Roddy and Mike through walls would be over. Never to be seen again.
You see our success as the boys overachieving. I see it as a coach making his players coalesce into a well-oiled machine.
2) what we need is a replacement for Michael Ferland. We had to do without him for the second half of the season. Our guys kept playing as if he was still around. But he wasn’t. Ultimately, we collapsed under the weight of undeterred bullying.
It doesn’t matter what kind of off-ice temperament this replacement would have (although enforcers are usually easy-going off the ice). It doesn’t matter because while we have a few players who are willing and able to hit the enemy, aside from Ferland we have nobody willing and able to drop the gloves and prevail when called upon. Such a replacement will quickly be accepted and loved by his teammates. Virtually no one will ask himself the question. I promise you that. If you have any doubt about this, just remember how well Svech did with Ovi. Enforcers are scoring catalysts. They free up the scorers to go about the business of doing what they do well. Score goals.
If anything, we also need a defenseman with an enforcer’s ability. We don’t even need to trade or overpay for a UFA. We have one in Charlotte. Trevor Carrick.
Other than goalie, 2C is the biggest need. If a great trade deal for a winger arrives, does that negate future deals that might be available for a center? For me, I’d rather overpay for a legit 2C than underpay for a winger or a center who’s just a little bit better than any of Wallmark/Staal/Necas at 2C. As you say, we need a true catalyst and playmaker who lifts the scoring of wingers.
I don’t think Pavelski would come to the east coast. Don’t think Duchene would sign here. Karlsson or Nylander might be more gettable and have the scoring punch we need. Maybe RNH, but he may be more of a complimentary player like Ferland. Kadri is interesting to me, but is he definitely an upgrade over Staal at 2C? If it’s close, it’s probably not worth it when we have young talent – Necas, Geekie, Wallmark – who could be pushing for that spot.
Counterpoint – we need a dependable secondary scorer, especially with Justin Williams doing the Hamlet thing about his decision to return. Those who do not study history are destined to repeat its mistakes. If we think that we can depend on the boys in Charlotte, I have a few choice words for you: Chris Terry, Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman, and Zac Dalpe. All were prolific AHLers. None are with the Hurricanes now and none had meaningful NHL careers.
Now I’m not suggesting that our talent in Charlotte will bust, only that depending exclusively on that talent is a challenge. Even a player with Andrei Svechnikov’s talent didn’t crack the 40 point mark. That group of Checkers is special and I think there are a number of bona fide future NHL players on that squad. Saarela in particular has an NHL caliber shot, for example. The question is can their entire game translate to the show. That’s yet to be seen and it is best to ease a guy or two into things to be sure.
These guys are professionals and understand that to win you need the highest level of talent. I’m sure that Svech and Sebastian understand how important they are to the team. Adding another scorer only makes their job easier as it becomes somebody else opponents have to key on. I trust the front office to find guys who will blend well with the existing group. They did a good job of that when adding goalies and when they brought Nino on board.
As far as who those guys are, I like the thought of Karlsson or Ehlers even though neither is a right shot. I don’t believe we have a shot at Pavelski or Huberdeau (my guess is neither will ultimately be available). RNH is interesting but the Oil need capable wingers and he’s one of the few they’ve got.
Ultimately I think we bring in one new guy, bring up Necas, and add another Checker or two. What we really seem to take care of in the short term is our goaltending situation now that it appears that both Mac and Petr are destined for free agency.
I agree that we need another scorer! …but not a secondary guy, PANARIN SHOULD BE CONSIDERED (BIG TIME)!!!
Why pay several million for a “possible” help, when you can pay a little more and get AWESOME?
It’s a no-brainer!
Think BIG…or go home…!
This market can support a winner, it deserves a winner, AND THE TIME TO STRIKE IS WHEN THE IRON IS HOT.
THERE IS TOO MUCH small-minded thought in Raleigh, IMO!
Matt, I have to say I disagree with your initial premise that the Canes need a playmaker/scorer that works outside the forchecking system. I believe the Canes need just the opposite, a forward that can score within the forcheking system. I would go as far to say a forward that wont forcheck is a no go. St. Louis just won the cup with good goaltending and great forchecking.
Only a couple players on that list interest me. Joe Pavelski is by far number one. It’s a long shot, but if SJ can’t afford him Dundon should make a play. He may not even consider it, but Pavelski is the one guy on that list that could actually make the Canes serious cup contenders.
Ehlers is interesting, but is probably too expensive for Dundon with the addition of the Aho contract. He won’t come cheap on the trade market either.
With Waddell indicating yesterday that we are going into the FA period without having been able to sign either Mrazek or Mac then I would suggest that our top is – indeed and again – goaltending.
Fair enough. Tough market out there for an owner that doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. No way Bobrovsky is coming here. Raleigh is like Columbus south. Varlamov? Talbot? Niemi? None sound so great. I still think Mrazek will end up resigning.
For unexplainable reasons I’ve felt that Robin Lehner is destined to be the 1 in goal for the Canes come October, McElhinney at 2 and Nedjelkovic at 3 playing in Charlotte until injuries require his coming to Raleigh. (Yes, I’ve heard Lehners’ comments yesterday about wanting to stay on Long Island, but discount them as a negotiation ploy.)
With as much rationale (which means close to none), I believe Puljujarvi will be the Oiler in a Canes uniform come September.
https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2019/06/latest-on-jesse-puljujarvi-2.html
https://www.nhl.com/news/petr-mrazek-curtis-mcelhinney-will-likely-become-free-agents/c-307903352?fbclid=IwAR0R1S6ouT8sfC8NIi_QCTIgdLhc6gqeCbYXw6fiK0JtUoIoezfYY2PIAEk
All teams have some form of changeover each year, and last year was no different (most raved about the character players obtained). Now that they corrected the majority of chemistry concerns, I don’t worry about ‘disrupting chemistry’ because this coaching staff and front office seem to do their homework and understand the areas needed to improve upon.
I still feel goaltending is priority #1 above all else. A guy like Jonathan Quick is a consistent proven winner with a few years left in the tank and will make a nice 1A/1B tandem while Ned eases into the mix.
Priority #2 is a center who can put a team on his back and drive offense. This is why I feel William Karlsson would be the high-end target. He’s shown capable of a 1C. Vegas is in a cap pickle right now, and George McPhee may be more reasonable to deal with than Dubas and the Toronto circus, just my hunch.
Otherwise I can see management going for a dark horse with someone like Sam Bennett as a strong center who goes to the net and has finishing skill. He’s no Ryan O’Reilly, but has the tools to continue towards such player.
Has anyone asked themselves why Willy and the Seabass have not signed?
Yes. Dozens of other RFA’s around the league are in the same boat, so this isn’t rare. I think right now the focus is on goaltending and adding a scorer to the mix.
Aho’s deal will fall into place after the draft. Williams decision may not impact the team’s agenda until July 1st (plenty of depth signings can be had at that time).
I think the goalie situation and Aho are issue 1 and 1a. Knowing how much the Canes will be paying for those two players will define how much additional salary, if any, they will be willing to take on.
Yes, the Canes would do a revenue neutral deal with Faulk or another defenseman, but those are pretty rare and one of the Canes main bargaining chips is the ability to take on salary. If the Aho thing slides into late summer it will have a negative effect on what moves the Canes can make in the interim.
Those are completely different situations.
I think Williams wants to see the commitment from the organization on the goalie and “talent” front. I also think there’s no hurry on either. Personally, I think you’ll see lots of movement beginning on Sunday.
You mention salary cap as a consideration for a number of teams and it looks like that will be even more of a concern for some teams in the next season. Word out of theNHL/NHLPA talks are that the cap will be $82M (maybe less??) and not th $83M that Bettman suggested a few months ago and that some teams were subsequently using in making deals and signing players.
Trades to acquire quality players while providing cap relief (getting Turbo to take on Bickell) were a forte of Francis. With the apparent lowering of the cap this becoms a trade model that we are well-primed to play with all out prospects and picks.
That said, I don’t see us getting or chasing the top tier – something I am glad for. As for the second tier names, I don’t think we will necessarily look to pick up a $5+M contract. Certainly Nylander’s underperformance once he finally signed is a concern and I probably wouldn’t touch Kadri. Karlson is interesting, but will be in high demand.
The issue that trumps it all is how much will the Canes have to pay for Aho and a goalie? Last season Dundon had to worry about the floor, not the cap. Things are different this year and will be for years to come.
I would be shocked to see the Canes take on anyone that would add $5M or more to their salary structure.
lts – I agree. And the cap considerations also now have to extend out a couple of seasons when Svech is due is a big raise. That is why I don’t see us picking up a $5+M with term (or extending Faulk).
My take is slightly different….I think the team is going to operate with an internal budget at or around $73 million to $75 million. Aho is going to get paid and he should. We’ll have to spend something on goalies and we will. We likely add at least one top 9 secondary scorer who will cost between $5 million and $6 million. All of that would then require some shedding of salary. My guess is that a lot will be riding on transactions happening over the next 10 days, especially this weekend.
Maybe I am being too literal, but I take the term “playmaker” as a player who creates goals for others, therefore someone who has significant assists. The Canes 2nd line already has the 20th best forward for assists from last season. Teravainen averaged more assists per game than Backstrom, Point, Stamkos, or Duchene.
With Aho making plays on the first line and TT on the second, the need is for a goal scorer. When you consider that Svechnikov is likely to improve on his goal total and that Niederreiter will be playing with one of the playmakers for 82 games, the need is not really a “great” need as much as a really nice to have.
What the Canes will need is a replacement for Williams this season or next. Picking up a young right-shot from one of the cap-challenged teams might be the smartest move. Unfortunately, those are had to pry loose.
I agree with those who argue that until one of the goalies is signed, that is the greatest need.
The new Kevin Hayes contract of 7x$7+M for a 55-point scorer sets a very expensive bar for a mid-6 forward.
The title – Filling the Greatest Need – I just don’t agree with that. Goaltending is my #1 need especially now that neither Mrazek nor Mac is likely to re-sign. We saw what league-average goaltending did for us last season and we are certainly in anything-can-happen territory with that position. (BTW, I don’t begrudge either one; they’ve both earned the right to become a UFA as has Ferland.) In the spirit of the post, though …
None of the top-tier options appeal to me or are realistic. Duchene and Panarin are going for the money and Pavelski is going for a Cup Run with a more prominent team (but most likely staying put). Huberdeau might be possible but I’m not sold on paying that high a price. Our hopes and dreams lie elsewhere.
As for the second-tier options, I like RNH and Turris as Centers and like the fit. Both should be relatively affordable. I don’t trust Kadri – or maybe I just don’t like him – kind of like how I don’t like Marchand; maybe if he were on my team I’d feel differently. I don’t think he’s the piece TOR wants to move out unless they get a younger Center back in the return – but maybe that makes it a real possibility by offering up Wallmark+. Ehlers is expensive and will cost one of Faulk+ or Pesce – as I said yesterday, I’m not ready to break up our core on D, but I’d do it for Fleury+ package of picks/prospects.
As for other options, I doubt anyone reading this blog knew much of anything about Ferland or Martinook before either trade happened last year and both really moved the needle for us. There are similar under-the-radar players in play this year, too, that are just as unknown to us, so by definition I don’t know who they are but I’m sure Tulsky does and I’m sure we’re targeting some of them. A player or two like that can make another big difference next year; it doesn’t have to be a premium guy. Maybe a guy like Mathieu Perreault or Andre Palat or Dustin Brown or even Brandon Saad – there are other useful players out there, though, of course, none come without some degree of risk.
As for urgency, I don’t think it’s urgent to get a premium player relative to preserving the goaltending we had this year. I think we should be patient and opportunistic and look for our pitch rather than aggressive swingers.
One more thing to consider that no one is really thinking much about (but I’m sure the Brain Trust is): the Expansion Draft is one year closer and we have to factor in who we must protect, who is exempt, and who will then be exposed. At some level, it’s time to start factoring that into any trade for any player with a contract with three or more years of term on it.
Getting Pavelski would be the best move, as unlikely as it sounds right now. He may need a 4 year deal. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. The Sharks, especially if they bring back Pavelski, will have trouble signing TIMO MEIER. Timo would then jump to the top of my list – maybe a Truba type deal(Wallmart or Foegle plus picks).
Corey Perry is another player to ponder.
All the other moves have great cost and/or risk.
Not counting out Petr coming back till he signs elsewhere. The market will dictate what he and Lehner get. The big question may be term with those guys since they both played in a rotation during the season.
The Isles have Greiss at 3.3m cap hit so they might balk at resigning him. I know we have Darling at 4m but that is dead money.
Otherwise getting J. Quick makes sense.
and we need Ferland or someone like him – and there is no UFA that has his toughness and goal scoring.