Kampf is arguably a net negative at his contract. Getting off the last 3 years at 2.4M when they have Holmberg and Dewar who can fill that role would be a positive on it's own.
Pacioretty should never be seen as a 1-for-1 move for Kampf. Even if he is - I'm assuming he's at 1Mx1 which would probably be use of cap space.
In no world, have Holmberg or Dewar proven they can take on everyday roles of defensive C, and PK experts in this league. I really like Holmberg, and think maybe he can learn this... but there is also a good chance he can't. Holmberg isn't good enough defensively... though there is a better chance he could fill an offensive 3C line.. if Domi moves to wing with Matthews. It's a poor use of Holmberg.
Knies Matthews Domi
McMann Tavares Marner
Robertson/Cowan Holmberg Nylander
is something that makes sense.
This basically comes down to... let's dump Kampf because his cap hit at $2.4 is a lot for what he provides, and who cares the consequences, or how this downgrades us.
The smart thing to do... is really push Dewar. He showed some really good play with us, and the capability to play the PK. He needs work in the dot. At some point, Dewar and maybe Minten can replace Kampf.... Minten is likely better served in the AHL for at least this season though. Dewar has some good wheels though, and I really like his effort and drive.
Patches got most of his offense through transition, and post achilles injuries and surgeries, has no chance of keeping up with Dewar. It's just not a good mix. Honestly... if somehow Dewar shows enough to take that spot... Cowan would be a good guy to start with Dewar... both have speed and tenacity.
At the current time, there is nobody out there, that improves our team... especially patches... so, we don't need to dump Kampf and his cap space. I'd be more than willing to give Dewar a shot at stealing that spot, and happily move Kampf to another team when that proves to be the case. There will be plenty of teams that will have C injuries during the year, and would take on Kampf to fill these voids... I'm not sure many teams would line up for him right now.
Signing Patches to anything other than a PTO is likely a bad move.... I'd be surprised if he really didn't just retire midseason, after it's shown he can't play the game at the level required now.
Patches, Kubalik or Robertson.
If each were given 2LW who scores more?
Robertson easily.
Kubalik next.
Patches if not on IR... is certainly not a 2LW.... he's basically done.