Without diving into deep detail, today’s Daily Cup of Joe offers three sentences or less on a list of player who fit the bill as scoring wings without getting bogged down in specific deals just yet.
Patrik Laine
My more detailed thoughts on Laine are buried somewhere on Twitter. Though I acknowledge the possible fit with Aho and Teravainen, I just do not think the financials make sense with him likely being paid like an elite player ($10 million) with is next contract for 2021-22 when in fact he is a bit one dimensional and really only and elite shooter.
Nikolaj Ehlers
He is the player I would love to pry out of Winnipeg instead of Laine. His speed fits how Brind’Amour wants to play, but Ehlers’ game packs more skill than just being one of those players who scores from volume of chances created with speed. Because I do not think Canes would/should give up a top-tier defenseman to add a forward, I think such a deal is unlikely, but one can dream.
Kyle Palmieri
By no means would I sell the farm for short-term help, but as a player who could be available and only has one year remaining on his contract, he is an intriguing option for short-term scoring help. His point totals have been down on a ‘meh’ Devils team, but he is a shoot first type of wing who has scored between 24 and 30 goals in each of the last five seasons. With possible budget for 2020-21 but possible cap issues for 2021-22, he could be a nice short-term boost.
Bobby Ryan
The announcement that Ottawa was going to buy him out put Bobby Ryan in the Twitter mill this week. His personal story is a great bone, but I pass. I do think he can match pace for Canes style of play, and he really has not been a legitimate NHL goal scorer since 2015-16.
Taylor Hall
Per dmilleravid’s comment yesterday on the site, might it be possible to sign a high-end player to a one-year deal this off-season because they player cannot get a maximum deal in these uncertain times and thinks things might be better in a year? I do not think Hall fits into the Canes salary structure long-term, but the Hurricanes would fairly easily be able to fit him into the 2020-21 salary structure at a full salary. Might that and a promise to slot with Aho and Teravainen to help maximize his marketability in another year do the trick?
Josh Anderson
Much more so than any of the bigger names up above on this list, Josh Anderson fits the bill as more of a rough and tumble power forward. He supposedly could be available via trade (and need to then be re-signed as a restricted free agent). The big question for me is whether is just a good physical third-liner or if he could finish enough to be more than that.
Patrick Maroon
After winning the Stanley Cup in consecutive seasons with different teams, he sure looks like magic. I am torn though. His size and physical play would be welcome, but just like Josh Anderson my question is if Maroon is more than physical depth.
What say you Canes fans?
1) Who has other potential scoring wings who should be added to the list (with your 2-3 sentences)?
2) Of the list I made plus any others added in the comments, which player(s) are most appealing?
Go Canes!
Just to be clear, if I were an elite UFA and was willing to “bet on myself” next season, I would do the math to see whether I’d be better off signing a 1-2 year deal now and then a max-deal later (once the economics stabilize). That way, I could join a Cup Contender (or pretender) now under a very high $$$ deal and I’d still preserve my flexibility for the future. I view it as a huge long-shot that a player would both (i) opt to do that, and (ii) opt to do that in CAR, but you never know. Taylor Hall is who I’d target with something like this. Just imagine that.
I think it’s going to be hard to pry Josh Anderson away from an in-division team like CBJ and Maroon isn’t the scoring we need (but he is the net-front).
If we’re going into the higher salary level for Ehlers or Palmieri, and barring the unlikely scenario outlined above, the other player I think is intriguing is Mikael Granlund.
Leine: No. The Finnish Jeff Skinner.
Anderson and Ehlers would be quite welcome, but I just don’t see it.
I’m a no on Taylor Hall as well. He alienated just about everyone in Edmonton. He’s bounced around since. Doesn’t fit the character theme the Canes are pursuing.
A big yes on Pat Maroon. He is the type of player that might not make a big difference in the regular season, but he will in the playoffs. He is the kind of fourth liner the Canes need. One that is really tough to play against. Plenty of beef to go with that sandpaper as well.
Finnish Skinner, he had 35 assists in 68 games last season which is much better than Skinner. Also, he is lot bigger player.
His salary will be difficult and would need to trade them Pesce +. So no to that trade
Andreas Athanasiou – young, can score, needs guidance, cap hit around 3 mill, Oilers seem to want to trade him (maybe for Reimer, maybe for D). This id could have untapped potential.
Brandon Saad (Blackhawks), could be a one year renter (has one year left on his deal, Cicagois reportedly looking to trade him). He’s big, physical, he can score too.
Andreas Johnson (Leafs) – that kid is young and he can score, 3.4 mill and the Leafs are looking for D help (maybe Fleury).
Of the options already mentioned, Gramlund doesn’t really interest me, too injury prone.
Taylor Hall, not really, he’s never found success. Ditto Laine, asking price of 2 first round picks + a top 4 D, let another team overpay, I’d rather take chances with Hofman on a one-year deal, he is a UFA, I think.
Maybe I am not seeing it, but I do not see any significant adds to the team without a salary dump going along with it. We are just that close – and if there are no ticket revenues next season will there also be an internal salary cap as is being discussed for other teams.
This is where I disagree with dmilleravid from yesterday, but I never got to respond.
It’s a lovely concept but I think only one that the Red Wings and Devils can play.