My quick thoughts on potential moves -
First goaltending -
Sorokin is the clear starter and should see 50 or so games next season. I guess if they want to offer Varly a contract around $2-2.5 million AAV, maybe, but I would prefer to save the cap space for a season and sign two cheap backups like say a Alex Lyon, Brian Elliott, etc. for around $750,000 to $1 million. Let them compete and the best player is the NHL backup, while the loser goes to the AHL until needed.
I would even be willing to take a chance on Jarry as the primary backup and hope the coaches can fix some of the issues and his confidence rebounds outside of Pittsburgh. But adding two cheap vets gives the Isles some options and flexibility. It also covers the vet needed at the Bridge, with Schneider retiring.
On defense -
Mayfield should be allowed to leave and the cap space earmarked for him goes to a PP specialist like Ghost or (vomit in my mouth) a Shattenkirk-type, and a vet placeholder like Hamonic or Holl.
Hamonic seemed to have a nice season with Ottawa and I would welcome his return for a year or so. Him and Romanov could cause some big issues for opponents and make life uncomfortable. I am not a big Holl fan but he does block shots and can play around 20 minutes a night. I think he could also fit with Romanov.
If the Isles can't fill the defense out in free agency, trading for a player will, unfortunately, probably be cost prohibitive.
The forwards are a little tougher because the Isles would still benefit from adding a true sniper to the first line and more speed obviously.
Nikolaj Ehlers is a player I always come back to and he has been banged up and had a down season. Would the Jets be willing to trade him? Would it essentially cost the Isles 2024 first rounder? Or do they want a roster player, someone ready to pay in the NHL now? I don't know the cost, but Ehlers speed at LW would play perfectly with Horvat and Barzal. Ideally they need to find someone like that.
The rest of the forwards are harder to sort out. The numbers, both roster spots and cap space, are big issues unless the Isles get creative.
I think you can live with Martin for another season BUT that means Ross needs to go to the AHL and, so be it, if he is claimed by another team. There just isn't a spot for him on the Isles.
They can extend Fasching and let him rotate with Martin and Clutter on the fourth line, maybe along with a player like Durandeau. But Martin and Clutter should see a lot of rest and let Fasching and Durandeau rotate in and out.
I think Parise can be brought back for another season and will be fine with JGP and Wahlstrom on the third line. Again, maybe you spot Durandeau or Holmstrom in for Parise or Wahlstrom as need on the third line.
The problem is Lee on LW2 alongside Nelson and Palms. That is a slow line and Lee will probably be an anchor. But I don't know what else to do. Because Lee on the third line with a still-learning-on-the-job Wahlstrom would be a nightmare.
There are options, however, some tough choices need to be made. And if/when Dufour is ready (and any prospect for that matter), they cannot be blocked by a banged up Martin or Clutter. I think Dufour and Maggio will be NHL players and anyone who has speed and/or can shoot needs to be given a role.
