With training camps on the horizon, we’re likely to see an uptick in transaction activity over the next couple of weeks as teams look to finalize their rosters. With that in mind, it’s a good time to open up the mailbag.
Our last mailbag was done in two segments. The first looked at what options the Stars could have to add to their roster and how Thomas Harley affects it, Jeremy Swayman’s contract situation, the status of the Blues’ defense, and more. Meanwhile, the second examined some potential coaching and GM candidates, the quiet summer in Anaheim, and assessing Rob Blake’s offseason, among other topics.
You can submit a question by using #PHRMailbag on Twitter/X or by leaving a comment down below. The mailbag will run on the weekend.
With Johnny Gaudreau passing away, what will happen to CBJ’s salary cap? They will fall below if it is removed.
It’s unknown how the NHL will handle the situation as it’s a first of its kind. It’s expected they will be afforded some leway to get cap compliant due to the nature of the situation. I have seen talk that they may be granted an exception to start the season below the floor with the expectation that they get to the floor at some point in the season. But it’s all hearsay at this time.
With Bedard getting a year of experience under his belt and much more veteran support around him, possible to think he can hit a point per game this year?
Despite that he missed about 25% of the season, he likely approaches that level this season without much upgrades.
I’m not an expert by any means but I can sense that the Flames are about to enter a full scale rebuild, even though they might not say it. Kadri has been rumored to be available. But that Huberdeau contract is nearly impossible to move. I’d kept Weegar, for now.
What are your top 3 destinations for both Kadri and Huberdeau, and what would be the best trade return for both players that could benefits the Flames? And for Huberdeau, let’s propose a return where the Flames retain and one where they don’t.
I would add Rasmus Andersson to this as well
A “return” where the Flames don’t retain any salary? Surely you jest. Huberdeau’s making nearly twice what his recent production’s worth, and the Flames are on the hook for seven more seasons. They would have to bribe a team an unprecedented amount to swallow that much non-productive cap space. Offering a non-top-10-protected 1st rounder would just be the floor for negotiations.
I believe the Ducks ought to be in on Andersson. What is GMPV doing?
A Huberdeau deal without retention costs them at least a 1st and probably another high pick or solid prospect. At half retention they might get something of value in return. Not much value, but some. Kadri might bring back a bit of a good return. He’s a solid, but aging 2C. But the Flames continue to say they aren’t looking to rebuild, just retool. I’d expect them to stay fairly where they are to start the season and possibly sell towards the deadline if the season doesn’t go as they hope with the new cast of kids.
Deferred payments in contracts… how many can be in place, and for how much and what duration? How do they count against the cap if they’re paid out the day the season ends vs. some other time?
This is something else I’d like more info on as I can’t find much info about online or on social media. Say next offseason McDavid signs and 8 year, 160M deal, could they differ 80 of that across the next 8 years (which would be stupid, but plausible no?) to increase their likelihood to win in the next 8 years multiple times. Makes another $10/5 years with another 100M differed to go play for a tax free state or “home” at that point?
So 8yr x 10M next 8 years, then 8 years x 10M following 8 years plus 10x 5M with Toronto or Florida/Tampa/Toronto, plus 3x 10M from edmonton + whatever following 3 years if he plays that long into career.
Thanks.
due to the cap limits. the Rangers were unable to improve their bottom six so do you think that will hurt them this year?
With training camp coming up – do you expect any big moves still coming? Who (teams or players) could you see moving? Or will it be all RFA signings and PTOs at this point?
Time for my annual question: who’s the guy who comes out of nowhere to be a major impact player this season?
What does a Cole Perfetti ,,,Lucas Raymond contract look like ?
This is a question about expectations, both low and high: Who has a bigger bounce-back season, Matty Beniers or Trevor Zegras? How do Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli stack up in their sophomore campaigns? And what do we really expect out of Pierre-Luc Dubois for the Caps in terms of production (what’s your prediction for goals and points)?
I would add Dylan Cozens to the bounce back season question.
There’s social media banter about Connor McDavid playing out his Oiler contract and signing back home in Toronto. Do you think this is a possibility?
That social media banter is from Leafs fans. They do not and will not have the available cap for a McDavid contract. And they still need to improve their defence/goaltending before adding another C.
Can’t they give him Tavares and Marners money?
They could, arguably. And then you have Matthews, McDavid, Nylander, only one puck on the ice, and a crowd of league minimum signees to fill out the roster. What the Leafs SHOULD be doing is keep Marner, cut Tavares loose after this year, and turn his salary into three solid middle-six guys. I invite anyone to chime in on the likelihood of doing anything sensible.
It’s already said that Tavares’ money is going to Marners next contract to keep the boys (Mitch and Matthews) together. And they already have Nylander signed to a big contract. Then add in Domi as the 3rd C. And Tanev and Rielly. That’s Matthews, Mcdavid, Nylander, and Domi as natural Centers taking up like 46M, then tanev and rielly taking another 12M, then if you want Marner another 12M, Tavares at 6M on a discount… 76M of 100M covered without upgrading anything yet. Still questionable G and D and only 1 natural winger.
(nods) Yeah, anyone liking Toronto’s chances to get past two rounds in the playoffs needs to cut back on the edibles, if Matthews and Marner insist on $15 MM each. Eh, if they want max money instead of a Cup, not only is that their lookout, I like it just fine.
I don’t want to be disrespectful, but I was wondering: due to the death of Johnny Gaudreau, what happens with the cap hit for the Blue Jackets and the salary? Will the cap hit be reduced? Or in the books for the remainder of his contract? And will the heirs receive his remaining salary? What are the rules for these tragic occasions?
From what I have read, Johnny’s recipients are entitled to 1 year of his salary, and 1M/season for the duration of his contract. The team/league /PA are entitled to honor it, but it’s at their own expense and just the minimum is what the family is entitled to due to league insurance policies.
Ducks trying to move both Fowler and Gibson. Both guys overpaid and past their prime. Where do they end up, how much salary do the Ducks retain, when do the trades happen (if at all)?
I might be misunderstanding this, but what is the reasoning behind a player having both a NMC and a modified no trade clause? case in point, puckpedia says that for Johnathan Marchessault.
A NMC means he can’t even be sent to the minors if he isn’t performing up to standard without his permission. A M-NTC means he can submit a list of agreed upon amount of teams to be traded to and may include a clause preventing him from being sent to the minors. Players often receive a 16 team NTC or NMC or M-NTC, so they can submit a list of 8 teams they would allow a trade to or refuse a trade to. Lists are expected at random times of year. Team may request it submitted by draft day, trade deadline day, or any other time as requested in the contract. It’s usually on July 1st. Start of the new season “date”.