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

[lanceuppercut75]

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.

 

[The Shadow]

Toronto definitely won’t say no to a top 4 RHD if they are on a reasonable contract

 

[Shark Finn]

Karlsson would be a valuable veteran addition for the Sharks.

 

[RationalExpectations]

Karlsson : look for a Team with poor PP, with picks and draft picks / young players. PHI, CGY, NSH, ANA, CAR (to replace Burns) fit the bill. (I assume NYI wants to keep Dobson on PP1)
Pulock : Look for a Team needing to solidify top 4defensive pairing on the right side, with a puck moving LHD on the roster, prospects and picks likely targeted if NYI goes for a retool. A lot of Teams should be interested but MTL, CBJ I See as most relevant dancing Partners.
Andersson : Same as Pulock in terms of Teams and Return in my opinion (see Lindholm trade with Andersson on the + side and Pulock on the - side)
Ekblad : I think he stays in FLA. I don t think they can afford to lose Montour and Ekblad in two years but who knows. Also FLA does not have a lot of draft capital left so they d likely Refrain from losing him for nothing.

 

[miscs75]

Karlsson would be a valuable veteran addition for the Sharks.

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

 

[Jerzey Devil]

To NYI - Hamilton
To Van - Dobson
To NJ - Demko

 

[miscs75]

To NYI - Hamilton
To Van - Dobson
To NJ - Demko

The Islanders don’t need another defenseman who will miss a chunk of time due to injury. There’s enough of that on the roster currently.

 

[Jerzey Devil]

The Islanders don’t need another defenseman who will miss a chunk of time due to injury. There’s enough of that on the roster currently.

Fair point

 

[Warden of the North]

Toronto has potential to be in the market for a RHD. I could see interest in Ekblad. The money situation is very up in the air given Marner and Tavares situations.

 

[jd22]

The Islanders don’t need another defenseman who will miss a chunk of time due to injury. There’s enough of that on the roster currently.

The Canucks also no longer need d-men. Poor trade all around.

Not opposed to moving Demko, but it would be for forward help.

 

[Chrispy]

Carolina will definitely be looking for a top 4 RD in the offseason. Burns will move on, and they have Chatfield, Walker, and Morrow who played a handful of NHL games this year behind him. Probably too soon to assume that Nikishin could play RD, and Nikishin will fill the 2LD spot as Orlov likely leaves as a UFA.

Doesn't need to be a top pairing RD, but I think Carolina will want someone they can put with Slavin on the top pair.

 

[DaveG]

Carolina will definitely be looking for a top 4 RD in the offseason. Burns will move on, and they have Chatfield, Walker, and Morrow who played a handful of NHL games this year behind him. Probably too soon to assume that Nikishin could play RD, and Nikishin will fill the 2LD spot as Orlov likely leaves as a UFA.

Doesn't need to be a top pairing RD, but I think Carolina will want someone they can put with Slavin on the top pair.

Yep. I think the target will be Pulock (they'll be in on McAvoy and Andersson if either are made available but not seeing it right now).

EK makes some sense on paper until you look deeper at things. The biggest issue this past season for Carolina wasn't the powerplay, which will be helped by Nikishin coming in to begin with and possibly with Morrow, but by the lack of a solid defensive guy on the right side outside of Chatfield.

McAvoy would be the #1 target but unless Boston goes full scorched earth on the rebuild they'll be looking at options not to replace Burns, but to find a replacement for Pesce.

 

[MrLunatik]

Carolina will definitely be looking for a top 4 RD in the offseason. Burns will move on, and they have Chatfield, Walker, and Morrow who played a handful of NHL games this year behind him. Probably too soon to assume that Nikishin could play RD, and Nikishin will fill the 2LD spot as Orlov likely leaves as a UFA.

Doesn't need to be a top pairing RD, but I think Carolina will want someone they can put with Slavin on the top pair.

I feel like Rasmus Andersson would be a good fit in Carolina and the Canes may be a good fit with Calgary as a trade partner with having a pair of '26 firsts and I could also see the Flames being interested it Kotkaniemi

 

[Baksfamous112]

I believe Montreal will be in the market for a RHD. Not necessarily a top pairing one but someone who will be able to play 18-20 minutes a night. Ideally someone short term who will help ease in Reinbacher next year.

Dobson would be an ideal target but I doubt that we are willing to move the asset that it would require to get Dobson.

Additionally, if we do acquire a top 4 RHD, we could move Matheson out and play the following next year:

Hutson - RHD
Guhle - Carrier
Xhekaj - Reinbacher

 

[bleedblue1223]

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.

For us, if we make a somewhat significant upgrade, it would be either a #2 C or #2 RD. For cap management, it could be both Faulk and Leddy out the door and we maintain a cheaper #3 RD or either one goes.

 

[SI90]

Mayfield would likely be moved before Pulock. Though Pulock has more value

 

[Djp]

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.

Buffalo does not have the cap space. Any deal must bring neutral cap or buf gains cap space.

Hamilton winter be moved till after bonus is paid ( I assume July 1)

Pullovk eith 6 yrs is a future anchor.
Ek currently is one

 

[The Hockey Tonk Man]

So, Bruins looking for a top 4 rhd and then look to trade one of the top rhd in the league?
McAvoy is going nowhere

 

[MrLunatik]

Buffalo does not have the cap space. Any deal must bring neutral cap or buf gains cap space.

Hamilton winter be moved till after bonus is paid ( I assume July 1)

Pullovk eith 6 yrs is a future anchor.
Ek currently is one

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.

 

[Treb]

Montreal is definitely looking for a top4 RD.

 

[Shark Finn]

View attachment 1018926

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

That's actually pretty good. Probably give him a C though with Couture leaving NHL ice for good.

 

[SirPaste]

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.

I think the idea would be to add a top 4 RD and jettison Faulk into the sun

 

[LTIR]

I think the idea would be to add a top 4 RD and jettison Faulk into the sun

Just offersheet Bouchard

 

[Captain Mountain]

Karlsson : look for a Team with poor PP, with picks and draft picks / young players. PHI, CGY, NSH, ANA, CAR (to replace Burns) fit the bill. (I assume NYI wants to keep Dobson on PP1)
Pulock : Look for a Team needing to solidify top 4defensive pairing on the right side, with a puck moving LHD on the roster, prospects and picks likely targeted if NYI goes for a retool. A lot of Teams should be interested but MTL, CBJ I See as most relevant dancing Partners.
Andersson : Same as Pulock in terms of Teams and Return in my opinion (see Lindholm trade with Andersson on the + side and Pulock on the - side)
Ekblad : I think he stays in FLA. I don t think they can afford to lose Montour and Ekblad in two years but who knows. Also FLA does not have a lot of draft capital left so they d likely Refrain from losing him for nothing.

I guess it depends on trade price, but I'm not sure how relevant either Montreal or Columbus are to a trade for Pulock. Teams in their situation (young and exiting or trying to exit a rebuild) rarely pay anything close to Lindholm prices for a guy who's turning 31 at the start of next season.

Andersson makes more sense, but I don't think either Montreal or Columbus should trade for him at Lindholm prices.

 

[JTToilinginToronto]

To NYI - Hamilton
To Van - Dobson
To NJ - Demko

That's horrific for the NYI.