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As I pre-type this blog, it feels a bit like a sci-fi “end of the world” type setup. “If you’re reading this, then the NHL scoring leader Connor McDavid (Maybe John Conner-McDavid?) has been eliminated from the post season, and the machines will soon be taking over. Leon Draisaitl was also a post season casualty as Winnipeg put on a clinic on how much different the post season is. Both all star forwards were on the ice as Kyle Connor (perhaps John-Kyle Connor?) Ended the game and the series in a triple overtime finale. Once again, offense without a strong defense (even elite offense) isn’t enough to win in this league. A team that spent years mismanaging first round picks and neglecting their backend can’t find a way to get past the first round in what many think is the weakest division from the past season. Of the three teams on the brink of elimination last night, only Edmonton failed to find a way to extend the series. Though, they basically played nearly two full games at once to try and make it happen. Those games are particularly hard for the losing team and a huge boost for the winners.
Edmonton’s Cap Friendly Page shows that the team has 11 UFAs and 4 RFAs with about 22 million in cap space. Ryan Nugent Hopkins is coming off of a 6 million dollar deal and could do well on the open market even in the flat cap world. Yamamoto, Kahun, Khaira, and Shore are all RFAs. Apart from RNH and Alex Chaisson (2.5m), none of the other forward UFAs are making more than $1 million currently. James Neal has two more years at 5.75 million and one has to think that it may finally be time that the once 40 goal scorer is bought out.
On Defense, the UFAs could make for a transition as Larsson (28, coming off of 4.166 MM) Barrie (29 coming off of 3.75) Kulikov (30 coming off of 1.15 M) and Koekkoek (27 coming off of 850 K) with at least Barrie already stating that he will hit the open market. Nurse (26, 5.6M) and Bear (23, 2M) both need new deals after next season. Mike Smith, who ended up taking over in net at 39 is also a UFA.
For no other reason than shock value, there are the internet “GMs” who think Holland could “blow it up” after this early exit. McDavid and Draisaitl are 24 and 25 respectively. Nurse and Bear are 26 and 23. It’s a young core with elite scoring ability, but not much else. The team needs to overhaul the defense somehow and get some serious (long term) stability in net. Koskinen’s deal (not Kenny’s fault) of 4.5 Million ends after next season.
RNH is an enviable 3rd line center to have (when McDavid and Draisatl are apart) and possibly an expense that won’t work for what this team needs to do. If a D man like Ekblad did become available, this is the team that needs to come calling. McDavid isn’t a defensive center. You’re not going to see him doing the Sidney Crosby goalie impersonation. Assuming that the team is going to continue that route, every other forward needs to be supporting the blue line. If CMD did change his game (working with Crosby or Bergeron) he could be an elite 2 way center, but it would cost him on the score sheet. Yzerman had to make that change (not saying he’s the same player McDavid is, just an example, relax) and it took Detroit becoming defensive minded on 4 forward lines to turn the corner.
After the game 3 loss, the Edmonton press felt that McD and Draisaitl made it clear that they didn’t have the supporting cast they need. Interestingly, neither showed up on the score sheet for games 1 or 2, making game three that much more important. Teams learn to clamp down in the off season. That’s when third line players become playoff heroes. Edmonton needs forward depth with strong centers on lines 3 and 4 (assuming RNH does move on) and a blue line with some gritty stay at home additions. Goalies can be helped greatly with a stronger defensive presence (see coach Trotz).
The point is, Edmonton needs to build and have two all world forwards to do so with. I don’t know what kind of deals could really be made unless Kenny wants to offer some high picks/prospects for Hronek or Bertuzzi. The last “untouchables” I heard mentioned at the trade deadline were Larkin, Seider and Raymond. After the Mantha deal, it’s fairly clear that Yzerman will do a big move if the price is right.
Would you listen to offers on Hronek or Bertuzzi? What possible fits do you see for players on the current Edmonton Roster? Would you approach RNH as a free agent? Larsson or Barrie? Let me know in the comments.
Check out my previous blogs:
Washington was eliminated from the playoffs
St Louis is out, any players of interest?
The internal struggle
Yzerman working in silence
Cholowski has coffee with Carly
Bernier would like an extension, and Berggren has signed his ELC.
Eemil Viro has signed his ELC, but Petruzzelli may walk.
The Yzerman Press Conference
Blashill was extended, and a mock draft has Wings picking a goalie at #6
Roster turnover
Albert Johansson playing for team Sweden
Are you rooting for former Wings Players in the playoffs?
Thanks for a great season
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