I wouldn't trade anything big such as Lijegren or Dermott for McLeod. I don't see Borgman or Rosen providing enough value, unless they play so well, that they have locked down a spot and are worth keeping. McLeod simply doesn't have the offensive IQ or vision in my mind to excel past being grinding middle 6 center who PKs. He also isn't a very good shooter. I really don't see the offensive ability to be a strong player, and transitioning to a strong defensive center in the NHL is always a challenge. For example, people really pimped Horvat for his defensive game, and while passable, it isn't elite, and he's excelled more due to being a competent scorer.Micheal McLeod from the Devils (12th overall pick 2016) is a big target of mine. They'd be looking for a good D prospect type return though which is hard for us to give up since we're all high on Dermott and Liljegren. If Liljegren/Dermott/Borgman/Rosen all force Babcocks hand next season I could see them dealing one for McLeod. A fast, defensively responsible C with offensive skill would be perfect.
Internally we have Brooks and Aaltonen, but it's risky to depend on that.
I think we could easily draft our own McLeod in 2018. Depending on where we finish and if we pick up an additional 1st rounder for JVR (yes please), I would like us to address our organization center depth at this draft. Candidates include McBain, the younger brother McLeod, Hayton, Groulx, etc.I'd think long-term Marner could do an equally effective job in Nylander's spot and we can have Nylander drive his own line as a center which can be used similarly to how Marner's line currently is.
I wouldn't trade anything big such as Lijegren or Dermott for McLeod. I don't see Borgman or Rosen providing enough value, unless they play so well, that they have locked down a spot and are worth keeping. McLeod simply doesn't have the offensive IQ or vision in my mind to excel past being grinding middle 6 center who PKs. He also isn't a very good shooter. I really don't see the offensive ability to be a strong player, and transitioning to a strong defensive center in the NHL is always a challenge. For example, people really pimped Horvat for his defensive game, and while passable, it isn't elite, and he's excelled more due to being a competent scorer.
What if Nylander wants his own Line ?
Hyman - Matthews - Nylander
Marleau - Kadri - Marner
Grundstrom - X - Kapanen
Martin - Gauthier/Aaltonen - Komarov
Kadri is a great #2C.
It's not hard to find a #3C who is solid defensively and can chip in 30-40 points/year.
Johnny T on line 2.
2+ Years from Now
Hyman - Matthews - Marner
Grundstrom - Nylander - Kappanen
Soshnikov - Kadri - Brown
Rychel - Gauthier - Leivo
Rielly - Liljegren (1)
Gardiner - Dermott (2A)
Borgman - Zaitsev (2B)
Anderson
Pickard
Johnny T on line 2.
Why do you think Edmonton likes McDavid/Draisaitl together. You don't want to mess with it. That's why they were hoping Strome could fill the 2nd/3rd line center spot.I'd like to see the Matthews-Nylander line grow for a while longer. Chemistry like that is hard to find.
I agree with this, Kadri is a good 2C (He played like a 1C last year). It's easier finding a shutdown 3C than it will be finding a scoring 2C.Tavares isn't happening.
x - Matthews - Nylander
x - Kadri - Marner
That's the basis of one of the best Top-6's in the entire league. Find a good two-way 3C that can play on a sheltered offensive line, and fill the 4C with a guy making 1M or less.
Why do you think Edmonton likes McDavid/Draisaitl together. You don't want to mess with it. That's why they were hoping Strome could fill the 2nd/3rd line center spot.
Even if he could get a 5th year that extra 4 million is a lot of money to throw away.
Alzner got the 5th year and he's garbage. I could see Montreal going after Bozak too.
ba-dum-chhGauthier/Altonen can be developed into #3-4 C. It's too bad Gauthier was injured coming into the season, I had some hopes of him making an impact this season. I'm fairly surprised by Fehr, I would welcome him back at a Fehr price.