Speculation: Roster Building Thread XXXVIII - Dust in the wind…

[bl02]

I had a few things and jokes I wanted to say in response, but instead I'll just say this:

I would not be surprised if after making 2 trades, say Lehk and Copp (Pipe dream, but maybe Lehk and Pacquette or Janmark/Jarnkrok) that they then make Barron a regular. Perhaps he is tentative now cause the bottom 6 is simply not strong enough to help insulate a young player. Barron will get his shot, and I think he will be a regular.

You're probably right but what about Gauthier out Barron in? Is Gauthier that much more reliable? He was supposed to chip in with a goal here and there. Maybe draw some penalties? He has been pretty invisible at probably the only part of the game he is decent at.

 

[chosen]

I predict Kravtsov and a pick for a middle-six forward.

I'll guess [Lundkvist or Jones], and a #1 pick for Miller or [Lundkvist or Jones], and Kravtsov for Miller. If that happens, Strome is gone.

Or Giordano for a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

 

[Lion Hound]

For the Oil, Klefbom is still out with the shoulder. Not sure if he will return this season. Kassian is on long term IR. Broken jaw. When he returns, if he returns its likely he wont be dropping the mitts much. Oilers probably looking specifically for a tough guy for the games against the clubs that play a heavier game. Specifically the Flames. Tinordi isn't a good hockey player, but he's a tough SOB. Probably want a guy or two that can be there for McDavid and Draisaitl.

 

[Avery16]

Would offer a PTO.

 

[Lion Hound]

They are in on Claude G as well

Im sure everyone is in on him as a rental. Thought it was leaked though that he wants to play for Colorado?

 

[NYR94]

For the Oil, Klefbom is still out with the shoulder. Not sure if he will return this season. Kassian is on long term IR. Broken jaw. When he returns, if he returns its likely he wont be dropping the mitts much. Oilers probably looking specifically for a tough guy for the games against the clubs that play a heavier game. Specifically the Flames. Tinordi isn't a good hockey player, but he's a tough SOB. Probably want a guy or two that can be there for McDavid and Draisaitl.

I completely forgot Klefbom is even on the Oilers. He did not play at all last year either. Crazy.

 

[savebyrichter94]

Would offer a PTO.

Name checks out

 

[MrAlmost]

You're probably right but what about Gauthier out Barron in? Is Gauthier that much more reliable? He was supposed to chip in with a goal here and there. Maybe draw some penalties? He has been pretty invisible at probably the only part of the game he is decent at.

Fair point.

No, Goat isn't much more reliable. But Barron doesn't make the team that much better. Goat is an older player and Gallant is giving him the chance show his worth and earn his next contract.

This kinda stuff always comes down to a dynamic that we as fans can't/won't/don't understand, and that is the "good soldier"/"give the guy a chance". Younger players will be around and get shots. But for players like McKegg, Hunt, Goat, Hajek, Tinordi, they are what they are. They are at the end. The potential is gone. They need coaches like Gallant to let them show they are still worth something, especially on a playoff bound team, so that they can earn their next contract.

These guys bounce from AHL to NHL and from team to team every 1-2 years. Its a tough life and it is something that coaching staffs and front offices take into account that fans just don't understand.

When you think about it a little, its quite sad. I get that they make good money and they are playing hockey in the NHL, but these guys move a lot and they don't get praised by anyone anymore. Certainly not by Hockey's Future. They aren't the future anymore, they are the past and sometimes teams take that into account with these players.

 

[Lion Hound]

I completely forgot Klefbom is even on the Oilers. He did not play at all last year either. Crazy.

Evander Kane is playign with Draisaitl on the 2nd line and PP2.
Nurse is on the top pairing and PP2, PK1.

They probably don't want Kane and Nurse in the box. Sceviour has been stepping into that role, but gets his ass kicked a bunch.

 

[RangersFan1994]

I predict Kravtsov and a pick for a middle-six forward.

I prefer a middle 6 forward that has some grit, physicality and good work along the boards. Whoever that is.

I’d do Kravtsov and 2(Blues) for Domi

 

[Lindberg Cheese]

Would offer a PTO.

Orlando is getting our sloppy seconds

 

[Lays]

I prefer a middle 6 forward that has some grit, physicality and good work along the boards. Whoever that is.

I’d do Kravtsov and 2(Blues) for Domi

Domi isn’t worth a 2nd alone. Let alone Kravtsov and a 2nd. He’s not a guy you want in your locker room either. There’s a reason no one offered to trade for him last offseason, or why Seattle didn’t pick him.

 

[Avery16]

Would PPV this match-up.

 

[Lgrsean]

Would offer a PTO.

The deadline acquisition no one knew we needed.

 

[Lion Hound]

I predict Kravtsov and a pick for a middle-six forward.

Sounds about right

 

[Cag29]

I’m not attempting to discredit their record or their improvement just don’t agree that Barron isn’t a better choice for one of those spots, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try it for a game or two, you never know where you might find unexpected chemistry, if Barron for instance clicks with Bread and Strome and then you don’t need to acquire someone for that role anymore

I agree with you. But maybe they feel for this year Barron is better helped by getting big minutes in Hartford. Barron has an excellent attitude as well and can handle it.

 

[Cag29]

I prefer a middle 6 forward that has some grit, physicality and good work along the boards. Whoever that is.

I’d do Kravtsov and 2(Blues) for Domi

What about Rackell From Anaheim. He has 14 goals 10 at even strength.

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

I mean panarin got off to a really bad start this year too, I remember watching him and thinking he was in terrible shape.

Panarin produces. What has Kravtsov done to earn that level of leeway?

 

[NYR Viper]

It wouldn’t be surprising if he was a guy who relished playing in a big city, growing up the son of an NHLer who spent his youth living in Toronto. Seems like the kind of player who plays with emotion and may relish the spotlight. Could do well in front of the right crowd…probably take some dumb penalties for the same reasons as well (dare I say Avery like?). Maybe Covid and no crowds was a drag on his game in that regard.

In terms of 5v5 expected goals his performance this year is basically…Ryan Strome. Domi produced expected goals for / 60 of 2.67 (first among reg CBJ fwds), against of 2.89 (8th). Strome is 2.60 (first) / 2.77 (10th) on the NYR.

Maybe he finds more production in a new environment and is worth keeping around. But either way would think the cost would be reasonable if Columbus makes him available.

He would seem to be smart addition based on his potential cost and possibility of re-signing him for a reasonable short-term extension.

 

[NYR Viper]

Just doing a quick comparison of a few guys now being discussed who SHOULD cost around the same price:

Lawson Crouse
24 years olf
RFA at years end
14g
10a
24p
Only 3 points on the PP
49gp
17:40 average TOI
135 hits
+3.6% CF% Even Strength
55.8% defensive zone starts
1.2 G/60 even strength
0.6 A/60 even strength




Artturi Lehkonen
26 years old
RFA at years end
7g
13a
20p
only 1 point on the PP
14:30 average TOI
48 hits
+7.5% CF% even strength
51.3% defensive zone starts
0.5 G/60 even strength
1.4 A/60 even strength


Rickard Rakell
28 years old
UFA at years end
14g
11a
25p
7 points on the PP
18:20 average TOI
49 hits
+4.2 CF% even strength
38.9% defensive zone starts
0.9 G/60 even strength
0.7 A/60 even strength


For me, Rakell provides the safest bet as his track record is longer but if I'm spending a 2nd + prospect for anyone, it's probably Crouse due to age, playing style and his usage this season. Followed by Lehkonen.

It's too bad Drury couldn't afford both because they would fit this team like a glove...

Panarin-Strome-Kaako
Kreider-Zibanejad-Lafreniere
Crouse-Goodrow-Lehkonen
Hunt-Rooney-Reaves

This would mean Chytil is gone, but perhaps that is for the best. That would be one of the better 2-way 3rd lines in the league and one that could be together for a while.

What about Rackell From Anaheim. He has 14 goals 10 at even strength.

I like him, but don't see him as the #1 target based on the above

 

[SnowblindNYR]

Based on what? Their production is quite similar, Lias is a center and is also way better in his own zone

Kravtsov is much more talented.

 

[savebyrichter94]

I agree with you. But maybe they feel for this year Barron is better helped by getting big minutes in Hartford. Barron has an excellent attitude as well and can handle it.

I agree, if he’s not gonna play over those guys I think he should be in Hartford playing but he’s not right now

 

[IDvsEGO]

Panarin produces. What has Kravtsov done to earn that level of leeway?

Im not saying he has. Im saying this might not be just a kratsov issue.

 

[bigdog16]

Kravtsov is much more talented.

I don’t disagree but he simply has nothing to show for it

 

[Pawnee Rangers]

Im not saying he has. Im saying this might not be just a kratsov issue.

Could be but you would think someone like Kravtsov would show up to camp and put his best foot forward.