Q will probably stick with his m.o. which is shuffle the lineup from time to time so hard to say about that.
Regardless, the Cats need ELCs and cheaper bridge deals when they have $6.575mil as dead cap, Barkov's new contract, etc. Tippett's ELC has expired at that time so he's out of that realm. Lundell, Deni and Gildon/Ludvig are the saviors of the Cats' cap issues imo.
I agree we need the ELC's but just looking at the structure of most deals ending in next 2-3 years, the long term cap is set to take a shot now.
2022-23: currently $34 mil, obviously less with Bennett + potential other add/Stralman gone etc
2023-24: projected $57 mil, obviously goes down big with Barkov deal alone
We can still be smart with cap flexibility in next two years. Zito seems to be solid on the depth signings so far, have a good feeling Bakov's deal is widely considered a steal as well ($11.5 mil max imo)
Not that I necessarily disagree, but Ott, Det, Montreal, Buffalo have a long way to go to catch us. We can take a shot either this season, or in 22-23, and still keep an eye on the long term future. We can still win Cups with our core past their primes, Pittsburgh did it, even Hedman is 30. But TB can possibly win more Cups because they have a great team top to bottom.
I agree you can win with cores on their way out of their primes, but why wait? They're peaking now so try and win 2 Cups instead of one when they're older and possibly nearing the age that injury concerns start to happen as you alluded to with Dumo.
I don't even think Dumo has be an all star here, just play his shutdown role and help the PK.
Ekblad, Weegar and Forsling will do most of the heavy lifting, as they should be doing.
OTT is prime for a big move or two if Melnyk opens his wallet, he kind of said he wants to compete very soon.
If they can convince Hamilton to come and then trade for a top 6 C, they could easily start challenging for a playoff spot this year.
Yeah buy Dumoulin is injury prone now.
I think if we can sign Oleksiak or Murray, they are a notch under Dumo, but just keep drafting and developing and make smart opportunistic deals when they present themselves. We can be a juggernaut for a long time as long as we don't shoot ourselves in the foot.
Ya we both like big O, but looks like DAL may go all in and re-sign the core 4 on D. That's their identity it seems and they have some bright young stars up front who can score now.
Not against waiting this year but at some point, we will trade a 1st haha, Zito looks like a shooter and not a passer.
