I wish our expiring contracts of next year were this year. We'd have some decent assets to move out.
But with our luck we'll be in a playoff position at this time next year and lose everyone to free agency without getting any picks or prospects back.
This year our expiring contracts are Lucic, Ritchie and Lewis. Can't see anyone being in demand for any of these 3 scrubs.
Next year different story.
Expiring contracts are Backlund, Lindholm, Toffoli, Dube, Hanifin and Tanev, Zadorov.
Dube is RFA, the rest UFA.
I say we pick up the phone and put these guys out there today.
This year has been a disaster with not much puck luck or chemistry on the ice.
We have some great pieces and we have some prospects, youth that can contribute next year.
And of the expiring contracts next year, Lindholm will want big money, Toffoli will probably be looking for term since he's been bounced around a few teams. Dube will probably want to double his salary. Hanifin is still young. Not sure what Tanev wants to do, he's been great since he's been here. Backlund has a ton of experience and has a great leadership pedigree.
I think we should make them all available today, but I'm not sure what their No Trade Clause's are. If we get an offer we can't refuse, we take it. If we get lousy offers you stand pat and wait until the off season or next year's trade deadline. No reason not to listen though.