Speculation: RHD: who goes where? Hamilton Ekblad Karlsson Pulock

[The Duck Knight]

Anaheim absolutely needs a top 4 RD. But it has to be a guy that doesn't need PP time and is a defensive stalwart.

 

[Jerzey Devil]

... Fair enough. Either way :
- It's arguable
- It's a really big caphit for someone who would be, at the very best, a marginal improvement

I mean, nothing against Hamilton. If the Habs only had THIS premium position to improve on, it could make sense. Hamilton would be a great deadline acquisition. But they also have to acquire a Top-6 C, and they will have to replace Laine on the Top-6 in your scenario too, because a 2nd line of Newhook - Dach - Demidov is, to put it in the friendliest terms possible, extremely uncool for Demidov. And probably not a 2nd line. And defeats the whole purpose of getting Hamilton in the first place.

I completely understand the age and injury risk that comes with Hamilton. I don’t blame anyone for refusing a trade for him. I think Hamilton is a good player for any team but there’s a lot of risk involved with acquiring him.

The Devils have an uncommon problem with a logjam at RHD. It shouldn’t be hard to move Dougie but I do get why certain teams would be skeptical. Especially those with a potential 1RD in place.

As I said to another fan he could be a good player to take the burden off of your young players but I get it if you’d pass.

 

[SteelCityCannon]

CBJ primed to make a splash, gotta imagine itll be for a RD. Would kill to pair McAvoy with Werenski if he's available.

 

[Captain Mountain]

There’s also the possibility Hutson hits a sophomore slump next year. I hope it doesn’t happen as I like him but Montreal is still a young team.

Of course! I just don't think Montreal's looking at PP1 D as a need this offseason. Especially since Matheson can play that role too. They need more help defensively, especially with breaking up cycles.

 

[Djp]

This is certainly a take....

Pulock at just over 6m is an excellent contract, it might be a little high near the end, but suggesting it will be an anchor is f***ing hilarious.

You'd think as a Sabres fan, you'd know anchors better than this.

I know players tend to crash around 31-33. Sure some might last yo 35. Not changing it.

Cap hit exceeds what you would allocate for a bottom pair Dman

The cap going up means...
.small increase in bridge contracts
Small increases in ELCs
Small increases in league min and back up goalie
The rest of the money will go to star players

 

[MrLunatik]

Of course! I just don't think Montreal's looking at PP1 D as a need this offseason. Especially since Matheson can play that role too. They need more help defensively, especially with breaking up cycles.

I don't know the Habs PP needs, but the Habs could run 2D. Hutson is more of a puck mover, while Hamilton's biggest strength on the PP (at least it was when he was a Flame) is getting shots through traffic, his wrister is fantastic at finding holes.

 

[Captain Mountain]

I don't know the Habs PP needs, but the Habs could run 2D. Hutson is more of a puck mover, while Hamilton's biggest strength on the PP (at least it was when he was a Flame) is getting shots through traffic, his wrister is fantastic at finding holes.

I did say that:

...Montreal may have played both on PP1, but Hamilton at almost 32 can't replace what Hutson can provide.

What Montreal needs on the PP is honestly to stop funneling everything to Laine. His shot is lethal, but he doesn't move around a lot and isn't nearly as good at finding space as, say, Ovechkin. They were killing it when he first returned to the lineup, but teams have adjusted and Montreal hasn't adjusted to those adjustments yet.

I don't think Montreal is all that concerned about the PP going into the offseason though, the 2nd line/C for Demidov and maybe a two way D (ideally RHD) who can help break up cycles and help control play 5v5 is more their concern.

 

[DaveG]

What would Carolina offer for Pulock? It's intra-division, so it might take a little extra.

Nadeau and a 2026 2nd? You have two firsts in 2026.

one of the 26 firsts definitely - other pieces I'm not sure, obviously not Nikishin but one of the other D like Heimosalmi or Nystrom would make sense.

 

[MXD]

I completely understand the age and injury risk that comes with Hamilton. I don’t blame anyone for refusing a trade for him. I think Hamilton is a good player for any team but there’s a lot of risk involved with acquiring him.

The Devils have an uncommon problem with a logjam at RHD. It shouldn’t be hard to move Dougie but I do get why certain teams would be skeptical. Especially those with a potential 1RD in place.

As I said to another fan he could be a good player to take the burden off of your young players but I get it if you’d pass.

... Man.
It's great to have a thoughtful, respectful conversation about a potential hockey trade.

 

[Ghetty Green]

Karlsson would be a valuable veteran addition for the Sharks.

Agreed. It will put them firmly in the lead for the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes

 

[Shark Finn]

Agreed. It will put them firmly in the lead for the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes

That's where they already are.

 

[Ghetty Green]

That's where they already are.

As a Kings fan, I'm terrified at the thought of yall getting McKenna

 

[Shark Finn]

As a Kings fan, I'm terrified at the thought of yall getting McKenna

Meh. If we win the lottery sure but I wouldn't be excited for another season like this. They have plenty of young players to get excited for and the 2025 Draft is yet to happen.

 

[Ghetty Green]

Meh. If we win the lottery sure but I wouldn't be excited for another season like this. They have plenty of young players to get excited for and the 2025 Draft is yet to happen.

If McKenna is the prize then 1 more year of losing hockey is well worth it. And in the meantime you get to watch Cellebrini improving

 

[Shark Finn]

If McKenna is the prize then 1 more year of losing hockey is well worth it. And in the meantime you get to watch Cellebrini improving

...and just one more year and there's DuPont! In any case, the Sharks will probably be bottom of the barrel lottery eligible for both. But I'm hoping they start sniffing the wild card spots by 2027-2028.

 

[BleedBlue14]

TRADE - Dougie Hamilton (NJD)
UFA - Aaron Ekblad (FLA)
TRADE - Erik Karlsson (PIT)
TRADE - Ryan Pulock (NYI)
( optional - TRADE - Charlie McAvoy BOS )
( optional - TRADE - Rasmus Andersson CGY )

Where do you predict these top 4 RHD play next season?


Teams that could be looking for a top 4 RHD and could realistically add one :

Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Detroit Red WIngs
Florida Panthers (if Ekblad leaves)
Pittsburgh Penguins (if Karlsson traded)
Dallas Stars
Nashville Predators
San Jose Sharks


TEAMS I DIDN'T INCLUDE:

Montreal possibly wouldn't be looking to add a top 4 RHD, but it depends on who you ask. Pittsburgh would be looking for a RHD but only if they move Erik Karlsson out.

Tampa Bay has neither the assets nor the cap space to add somebody, though they would maybe look at adding somebody in theory.

Columbus could probably use a top 4 RHD, but they have guys like Gudbranson, Christiansen and Hunt that can play the right side that they probably want to give that spot to, at least for the time being.

St Louis fans I've heard say that they wouldn't mind adding a RHD and rolling Parayko, new guy and Faulk on the right side, but that seems like a luxury somewhat that might not be realistic in terms of asset management and cap management.

Edmonton has neither the assets nor the cap space to add somebody, though they would love to add somebody in theory.

OTT, TOR, CAR, NJD, NYI, NYR, PHI, WAS (east) don't need a top 4 RHD.

CHI, COL, MIN, UTA, WPG, ANH, CGY, LAK, SEA, VAN, VGK (west) don't need a top 4 RHD.

We need a young RHD or a RHD in our core age range of 21-26 that realistically could grow a bit. We don't need another veteran to come in, our defense is already pretty old but has been very good. Spending assets to bring in a Karlsson or a Hamilton or Pulock doesn't make a lot of sense.

If McAvoy were available which I highly doubt he would be I'd say they should back up the brinks truck and offer whatever in terms of youth they can outside of Broberg/Holloway.

As is Fowler and Parayko are great together. Broberg isn't going to be moved out of the top 4. Faulk is fine as a 2nd pairing guy. Leddy is still under contract for a year and Tucker is also under contract but probably is best suited as a physical #6/7 which is fine. We just have a massive gap at RHD under 23 outside of Kessel and Jiricek that I don't know how we really turn the page after Faulks contract is up and supplement Parayko and Broberg.

Names that I personally think make the most sense that could realistically be available but probably aren't. Kesselring, Nemec, Brandt Clarke, Dobson and I'm sure there are many more under the radar type of guys in that age range that could make sense. It'll be expensive, but the Blues have young wingers coming out of the ears at the moment and not much of a gap in the prospect pool outside of that top flight defenseman.

 

[WeWentBlues]

We need a young RHD or a RHD in our core age range of 21-26 that realistically could grow a bit. We don't need another veteran to come in, our defense is already pretty old but has been very good. Spending assets to bring in a Karlsson or a Hamilton or Pulock doesn't make a lot of sense.

If McAvoy were available which I highly doubt he would be I'd say they should back up the brinks truck and offer whatever in terms of youth they can outside of Broberg/Holloway.

As is Fowler and Parayko are great together. Broberg isn't going to be moved out of the top 4. Faulk is fine as a 2nd pairing guy. Leddy is still under contract for a year and Tucker is also under contract but probably is best suited as a physical #6/7 which is fine. We just have a massive gap at RHD under 23 outside of Kessel and Jiricek that I don't know how we really turn the page after Faulks contract is up and supplement Parayko and Broberg.

Names that I personally think make the most sense that could realistically be available but probably aren't. Kesselring, Nemec, Brandt Clarke, Dobson and I'm sure there are many more under the radar type of guys in that age range that could make sense. It'll be expensive, but the Blues have young wingers coming out of the ears at the moment and not much of a gap in the prospect pool outside of that top flight defenseman.

I'd be interested in a seasoned vet if they are an upgrade over Faulk which I think Hamilton, Karlsson and Pulock would be. A lot would depend on the cost to acquire. Think there is more uncertainty on the younger high profile guys and higher acquisition cost most likely.

A stay-at-home type to pair with Broberg (or Fowler) would be preferred. Pulock would be my first pick from that group.

 

[CanadienShark]

View attachment 1018926

I am accepting tips for my photoshop work in this photo.

Ugh, I'm so done with AI.

 

[BleedBlue14]

I'd be interested in a seasoned vet if they are an upgrade over Faulk which I think Hamilton, Karlsson and Pulock would be. A lot would depend on the cost to acquire. Think there is more uncertainty on the younger high profile guys and higher acquisition cost most likely.

A stay-at-home type to pair with Broberg (or Fowler) would be preferred. Pulock would be my first pick from that group.

Broberg and the Blues current structure with defenseman both don't really benefit from adding a stay at home guy. It would however benefit from a mobile guy who's a big frame, I'd bet they'd be interested in Hamilton for Faulk, but I don't see any reason the Devils would be interested in that. They're likely more interested in shedding a defenseman or keeping status-quo and rolling the dice with Nemec/Casey being depth options although I'm not sure that benefits the players very much.

No idea where Pulock would fit in or what direction the Islanders would likely go if they did move him. I just think we'd be best suited taking more of a gamble and paying a bit more for a younger guy and letting him beat out Faulk as he progresses. Faulk's turned into the whipping boy. But he's been far from terrible and he's been asked to do more than he likely should with the Parayko injury. I'd agree we can upgrade there. But I don't think it needs to be a knee-jerk reaction to upgrade on him.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

We need a young RHD or a RHD in our core age range of 21-26 that realistically could grow a bit. We don't need another veteran to come in, our defense is already pretty old but has been very good. Spending assets to bring in a Karlsson or a Hamilton or Pulock doesn't make a lot of sense.

If McAvoy were available which I highly doubt he would be I'd say they should back up the brinks truck and offer whatever in terms of youth they can outside of Broberg/Holloway.

As is Fowler and Parayko are great together. Broberg isn't going to be moved out of the top 4. Faulk is fine as a 2nd pairing guy. Leddy is still under contract for a year and Tucker is also under contract but probably is best suited as a physical #6/7 which is fine. We just have a massive gap at RHD under 23 outside of Kessel and Jiricek that I don't know how we really turn the page after Faulks contract is up and supplement Parayko and Broberg.

Names that I personally think make the most sense that could realistically be available but probably aren't. Kesselring, Nemec, Brandt Clarke, Dobson and I'm sure there are many more under the radar type of guys in that age range that could make sense. It'll be expensive, but the Blues have young wingers coming out of the ears at the moment and not much of a gap in the prospect pool outside of that top flight defenseman.

I think Nemec would be available and the Blues make a lot of sense as a trading partner as the Devils should be looking for a young winger if they move him.

 

[Baksfamous112]

I don't know the Habs PP needs, but the Habs could run 2D. Hutson is more of a puck mover, while Hamilton's biggest strength on the PP (at least it was when he was a Flame) is getting shots through traffic, his wrister is fantastic at finding holes.

So who’s you getting off the PP? Caufield? Laine? Slafkovsky? One of them is already going to get taken off next year for Demidov, so you’re looking at 2.

As for the bolded, so is Suzuki’s who would play at Hamilton’s position.

 

[lanceuppercut75]

Broberg and the Blues current structure with defenseman both don't really benefit from adding a stay at home guy. It would however benefit from a mobile guy who's a big frame, I'd bet they'd be interested in Hamilton for Faulk, but I don't see any reason the Devils would be interested in that. They're likely more interested in shedding a defenseman or keeping status-quo and rolling the dice with Nemec/Casey being depth options although I'm not sure that benefits the players very much.

No idea where Pulock would fit in or what direction the Islanders would likely go if they did move him. I just think we'd be best suited taking more of a gamble and paying a bit more for a younger guy and letting him beat out Faulk as he progresses. Faulk's turned into the whipping boy. But he's been far from terrible and he's been asked to do more than he likely should with the Parayko injury. I'd agree we can upgrade there. But I don't think it needs to be a knee-jerk reaction to upgrade on him.

I think doing a trade around Faulk and one or two picks and/or prospects for Pulock would be mutually beneficial. Pulock, Pelech and possibly Mayfield aren't likely to be in the long term plans for the Islanders, so they could swap out Pulock for Faulk while picking up young assets, which they desperately need. Faulk is also signed for fewer years than Pulock, so NYI blueline becomes slightly more flexible going forward.

Fowler - Parayko
Broberg - Pulock
Leddy - Kessel

Romanov - Dobson
Pelech - Faulk
(George / Perunovich / Boqvist ) - Mayfield

 

[Hisch13r]

I'd like to move on from Dougie this summer but I think the Devils might hold onto him for another year.

 

[Viqsi]

26 in hockey terms is literally only old on HFBoards.

And I think Montreal (and Columbus, because this isn't me talking as a Habs fan) is ready and willing to pay to improve their team. That doesn't mean trading futures for a 31 one year old D. The goal is to be good for a long period of time, not mediocre for a couple of seasons.

Really, it depends on who's in the pipeline and expected to eventually be ready to play.

 

[Forge]

I've gone back and forth on Dougie and I'm kind of split on whether they will actually move him. I understand the reasons for it, and I understand the reasons why they won't.

Right now, I think they won't unless they really feel good about Casey picking up Hamilton's slack offensively, and that's a big ask. The devils basically have 2 competent offensive defenders in their 6: Dougie and Luke. Kovacevic, Pesce, Siegs and Dillon aren't giving you anything there. So for that reason, may be a tough ask to move Dougie while you're also trying to compete.

He also has a 10 team trade list (not a 10 team no trade, a 10 team trade), which may make moving him more difficult.

Obviously freeing up the 9 million would be a big get, especially if you're adding that back into the forward group which needs a lot of help.

I think the more likely scenario right now is that Nemec gets dealt, likely in a prospect swap for someone who can play in the bottom 6 for the devils immediately, Dougie is kept another year, Casey plays in Utica and jumps up to the NHL when needed. Then in 26-27, Dougie gets moved and Casey (hopefully) takes his spot.

But that's just all guesswork from me.