I’m not sure if they want to play Frederic as 4C before moving up to 3C but I think he’s a possibility. They could sign a UFA center. I think they need some new blood on the team next year.
Fwiw, I don't think he's movable. I don't think Forbort is movable either. Honestly, I don't even know if Hall is movable. Would you trade for a 32 year old, $6m winger who's put up around 50-60 points the last two years and is signed for 2 more years? That's a hard sell in a flat cap when teams are tight against the cap.
Filling gaping holes in the roster will be what fans have to get accustomed to.
They were better off keeping Haula as their 3C and moving Coyle. Haula signed at less than half of what Coyle makes. 2021-22 season both scored 44 points (Haula in 4 less games). Haula +19 (TOI 15:06), Coyle -6 (TOI 17:24). Haula FO% 53.8, Coyle 49.1
I’d rather have Haula at his cap hit over Coyle, but Haula for Zacha was a good trade. If Merkulov or Coyle isn’t ready I’m sure there will be a 3C on the UFA market this summer. Like others have said, might not be easy to move Coyle.
Fantastic trade. I like Coyle but I wouldn’t shed a tear if he’s moved for cap. When he’s on he’s hard contain, but he’s not always on.
I think they have to retool whether or not Bergeron comes back. The defense is the easiest to do it with Clifton gone and possibly moving Grizz and Forbort. Zacha playing Krejci’s role next year is good. Time to see if Frederic or Merkulov are ready and resign Bertuzzi.
What? Hauls was a no show as much as Coyle. Yes, his team is still playing. He’s more skill and not physical. At least they have a hard time with Coyle when he’s on. Coyle had a good year.
I do not know what Coyle's analytics are but if they are decent, to go along with a good regular season, you may be able to move him. He will be a challenge due to his limited NTC but I am sure they could move him to clear cap space for an equally productive 3rd line center with a smaller contract.
I'm not trying to be an ass, but I'd love an example of who you're going to get that is putting up 40 even strength points on the 3rd line for less money?
Agree with you about retooling but there is no way JJ forgoes playoff money, even just 2 or 3 games.
Jordan Stall, Eric Stall, Travis Boyd, Max Domi, Colton Sissons, nick Paul, Nick Bjugstad. That's off the top of my head, all make less than Coyle and are within 10 points of his career average. I don't like a few of those players but think they can play third line center and allow you to move Coyle to free up space to sign or trade for a legitimate second line center, that is not Coyle and never will be.
Fair enough, I'm not thrilled with most those names, but to save some cap I suppose I can live with the downgrade, especially on the 3rd line. Other options are try Frederic at 3C or take a risk on a youngish UFA option breaking through such as Colin White. Sean Monahan could be an interesting one year stop gap if Coyle is moved.
My point is Coyle makes 3m more per season than Haula. Is Coyle 3m better? I say no. And I’m a Coyle fan
Then you need two centers. How much left does he have in his current contract? I don’t think he was a problem.
Maybe not, but he sure does look good when he’s in the zone. I think he stepped up this year in that regard.
I really like the idea of Monahan, problem is he made over 6M last year and , while I am sure he knows he needs to take a reduction in salary, I wonder how low he would go. There is still upside there if he can avoid injuries.
