Not high in the likelihood of happening, but regarding our two biggest trade chips Ehlers and McGroarty, I wonder about the option of moving both for 2025 1st round picks, and then backfilling them by a combo of our own prospects (Lambert), and looking to use the cap space to get a useful player on an expiring deal from a team looking to move cap. (I haven't looked at all the teams though that are looking to move Cap to see what's available). Or players that seem to be rumored to be available like Frost and Farabee from the Flyers.
If we could get the Sabres 2025 1st for Ehlers, and the Jackets 2025 1st for McGroarty, those picks could turn out very well (both teams rumored to be interested). Lambert could likely find a role on the Jets in 2024, and the Jets could try and acquire Frost or Farabee to add to the lineup (as an example).
If you would have presented me this option before FA I would have said no shot.
However, after our misses I am more convinced a mini reload is the best play, here.
I'd be all for trading Ehlers and McGroarty for a couple of firsts, and even trying to flip Iafallo for a 2nd.
From there, you go into the season with some youth and some cap space.
Bring up Heinola, Lambo and Chibby, and give the team until Christmas to see if they can compete.
If not, you'll have a substantial amount of cap space to try and fill some holes, and you'll be able to leverage those picks to get players you need, or keep them and restock the cupboards a bit.
True, it is. But Cole seems to get classified as a slow player when his burst data shows he's well above average in terms of speed. He definitely is an awkward looking skater but he gets to where he needs to be when he needs to be
Also imo our issue with team speed isn't so much skating speed its processing and playing speed most notably among many of our defenders. Cole is one of the fastest thinkers on the team, he actually helps with team speed, by making quick and smart decisions with the puck.
Id bet Cole comes into camp faster and more agile, too.
