What're your thoughts on Stamkos and Detroit and the blueline?
I’ve heard all kinds of things.. It’s gonna be interesting. I think they’d love to sign a Stamkos or even Stephenson or Lindholm, but definitely won’t count out Monahan. I think they’ll go after one aggressively, and also think they’ll likely re-sign Fischer (unless he gets money somewhere) and add a player who they can get some secondary scoring and/or pace the 3rd line. Even from the wing. I think DeBrusk may price himself out of that discussion. It’ll be interesting to see what Duclair gets. But that type of player, I think they’d love.
Then I still say they’re going after two dmen. Whether that happens tomorrow or in the next few weeks, we’ll see. They want two solid, top role playing Dmen to play with the kids for the next 3-4 years. Whether that’s Roy and someone with a little offense to play with Mo, or maybe they would sign Skjei or Zadorov and keep searching for Edvinsson’s partner. I don’t think they’ll sign 2 defensive Dmen, but Edvinsson will provide more offense as things move forward, so I wouldn’t be shocked.
If the Trouba thing goes down, I’m not sure that changes their goals tomorrow. He can either play with Edvinsson or drop down on the 3rd pair. They can play around with a player like him because Edvinsson and Johansson are on ELCs.
Still think Holl and Maatta are gone and if Trouba comes, I’d almost bet Petry gets bought out too.
It’s gonna be fun. I think the #1 goal is to make sure that Top 4 is as solid as possible, with both kids carrying the pairings. Its not out of the realm of possibility Chiarot stays with Mo, maybe a Roy is signed for Edvinsson, then Trouba plays with Johansson. Then sign someone like Kylington if Ghost doesn’t come back.
I think it’s a moving goalpost type thing with 31 other teams after some of the same players, but solidifying the D is crucial.
I wouldn’t count out him taking a run at Askarov either. He wants a goaltender he can ride. If that costs ASP or even Rasmussen, I almost think he’d do it. He’d then make sure Cossa/Augustine is included in the deal, and get a young forward in return too. But there’s a deal to be made if they rate Askarov as high as many do. Yesterday I heard ASP and Cossa/Augustine for Askarov and Tomasino. I think I would do that IF they rate Askarov that highly. I can’t evaluate young goalies. Just can’t. But I know Yzerman wants one he can ride.
So we’ll see. So many moving parts.