Not worried about Zegras in terms of lockerroom dynamics. I don't have much concern at all about that stuff right now. I simply prefer a larger, grittier, nastier forward for the top6. Maybe we can add Zegras AND another player?
Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky
Laine - ?? - Demidov
Zegras - ?? - Newhook?
Anderson - Evans - Gallagher/Heineman
Is it asking for too much? Maybe but if Zegras is our only addition, I don't see how it helps lift the load off Suzuki's back.
NHL's filter settings are annoying and reset when you change categories so I won't share the link the filter. I basically looked at left-handed Cs who are above 0.5ppg and have taken and won face offs at a high rate. (some of the below might not be big FO guys but like I said, the filter was janky) The following names stand out, I've bolded actually interesting players:
- Sidney Crosby -- perfect addition... and a pipe dream. I have to keep mentioning it whenever I can because it is dream of mine and we need to speak good things into the world for them to happen. Visualise it. Visualise Crosby demanding a trade to the Habs. Let it happen.
- Matt Duchene -- not tough enough for our team, imo but fits the bill otherwise
- John Tavares -- I'm not sure what to think of him tbh
- Nazem Kadri -- has fours years left on his deal, what can we expect from him?
- Ryan O'Reilly -- has two years left on his deal, at his age (34) he is not a long-term solution but interesting bridge
- Anthony Cirelli -- Underrated player, has taken 1100 faceoffs this season, 45 EV points in 68 games, four 4 SHG. Valuable player, doubt they'll trade him.
- Bo Horvat -- strong player, if the NYI move him I think we are in the mix for that even though he is a bit overpaid
- Brock Nelson -- not a sexy name but he can get the job done and is UFA
- Sean Couturier -- not a fan of his long contract but he might be available
- Brayden Schenn -- four years left, he's 33, knows how to win. maybe they'll deal him?
- Ryan McLeod -- Maybe we can snag him out of BUF? I have no clue what's happening with that team but this is a good player on the cusp of breaking out.
- Elias Pettersson -- I hate his cap hit and contract but it seems like he's awake again with his recent hot streak. If VAN wants a fresh start, we could be in the mix for him and one of the few teams with the cap space to accomodate
- Barrett Hayton -- had not heard of him since the draft until today... Utah's Hayton has 39 in 70 and seems like he's on the verge of breaking out. One year left on his contract, he's 24.
- Anton Lundell -- if FLA cannot keep the gang together they could trade the 23 year old Lundell who has 42pts in 70 games (only 6 ppp). Big playoff experience too.
- Sam Bennett -- lots said about him, taking into account his inevitable cap hit I'd prefer someone with more upside
- Morgan Frost -- not a very inspiring stat line
- Alexander Wennberg -- he's been on awful teams, maybe he can do better here?
- Mason McTavish -- Another player on the cusp of hitting a new high, the QC media seems high on him too... not sure why/if ANA trade him
- Joel Eriksson EK -- Minny probably don't want to rebuild or break down but he's an lukewarm choice
- Mikael Granlund -- pending UFA, a bit older and not very large but can get the job done
- Pius Suter -- one of the lesser options
- Pavel Zacha -- if BOS is willing to trade him he is an interesting choice
Our star player is Nick Suzuki and our next star player is Cole Caufield. These two are better NHLers at the moment than Hutson, Slaf, etc. Otherwise, you're correct in the essence of your statement.
