Tampa Bay Offseason
Posted 6:17 PM ET | Comments 0
Today we are able to reflect on the closest three peat in decades, not to mention my lifetime. It is easy to wonder what would have happened if perhaps Point hadn't torn his quad or perhaps we squeezed out game 1, but the offseason is here and now we look down the road at signings, trades, draft picks to be made and the hopeful attempt to make it to a finals again.
Firstly our offseason began with rumours of a possible trade involving veteran D-man Ryan McDonagh. While he has been a key piece of the team for more than 5 seasons and has played a key role in several final appearances and back-to-back stanley cups. Not to mention the mentorship and leadership he has given to this team during his tenure, it does appear as his game is showing signs of regression. And in order for this team to remain competitive the younger guns must take up more ice-time and his 6.75 Mil cap hit will need to be shedded while he still has value. Sergachev showed signs of progression over the Rangers and Avs series that suggest he is ready for a larger role and he will be wagered on to fill a larger role. St. Louis has been rumoured to be a possible destination, though I would be surprised by that given the amount of money already invested in their D-line, instead a team that has caught my attention is the New York Islanders, with Chara and Greene as probable retirees McDonagh would be able to step in and serve as the veteran leadership on D that they need, not to mention they have the cap space and have been known for playing a slower more strategic D-game and he is familiar with the area given his years with the Rangers. Of course his NTC puts any trade in his hands.
We have also recently seen 27 YO Nick Paul whom was acquired at the deadline sign a 7 year deal after a strong postseason. While I'm not a huge fan of the dollar, term or clause I am happy to have him returning to this team for next season as he provides another dangerous option on our PK that should force many teams to move the puck more quickly on the powerplay. The deal is a 7 Year 3.15 AAV.
Another important signing that requires the trade of McDonagh first is Ondrej Palat. Palat, 31 has been a core member and significant piece throughout his career. There are few 7th round draft picks that pan out the way Palat has, but I for one have become a huge fan. Palat has been clutch and serves many roles, between his skill with the puck and his ability without the puck to forecheck hard and put himself into high danger areas where he is able to receive the puck. Coming off a 5 Year 5.3 Mil deal, I think Palat is in need a of a raise even if only minor and I expect him to be looking for 5.5-6 Mil on a new deal ranging from 3-5 years. Personally I'd love to see a 2 year deal where he makes a higher dollar amount and then he re-signs on a lower deal that allows us to keep him in a 3rd line/depth role.
I'd also like to touch on other possible additions/changes to next seasons opening roster, such as; Foote, Barre-Boulet, Raddysh. Foote displayed much improvement in my opinion during the Leafs series and I would like to see him serve as a starting piece on the bottom pairing to start the season and Raddysh displayed strong stats in his few games he played and has already re-signed for next season. Both of the D-men are RH and given the difficulty over the past seasons with acquiring RHD we should be well off enough to let Jan Rutta walk and chase a significant raise in the free agency. Barre-Boulet is at a make or break point and needs to find his place come training camp on a Tampa team that is still deep on its roster or we need to move on from him and get a young prospect or pick to help keep the cupboards stocked in the minors.
Please comment with any questions, if anyone wants me to touch on a specific Tampa topic I'd be happy to look into it. I'm happy to discuss this team with fellow fans! I'd also love it if someone can tell me how to format an article on here.
Cheers!
Firstly our offseason began with rumours of a possible trade involving veteran D-man Ryan McDonagh. While he has been a key piece of the team for more than 5 seasons and has played a key role in several final appearances and back-to-back stanley cups. Not to mention the mentorship and leadership he has given to this team during his tenure, it does appear as his game is showing signs of regression. And in order for this team to remain competitive the younger guns must take up more ice-time and his 6.75 Mil cap hit will need to be shedded while he still has value. Sergachev showed signs of progression over the Rangers and Avs series that suggest he is ready for a larger role and he will be wagered on to fill a larger role. St. Louis has been rumoured to be a possible destination, though I would be surprised by that given the amount of money already invested in their D-line, instead a team that has caught my attention is the New York Islanders, with Chara and Greene as probable retirees McDonagh would be able to step in and serve as the veteran leadership on D that they need, not to mention they have the cap space and have been known for playing a slower more strategic D-game and he is familiar with the area given his years with the Rangers. Of course his NTC puts any trade in his hands.
We have also recently seen 27 YO Nick Paul whom was acquired at the deadline sign a 7 year deal after a strong postseason. While I'm not a huge fan of the dollar, term or clause I am happy to have him returning to this team for next season as he provides another dangerous option on our PK that should force many teams to move the puck more quickly on the powerplay. The deal is a 7 Year 3.15 AAV.
Another important signing that requires the trade of McDonagh first is Ondrej Palat. Palat, 31 has been a core member and significant piece throughout his career. There are few 7th round draft picks that pan out the way Palat has, but I for one have become a huge fan. Palat has been clutch and serves many roles, between his skill with the puck and his ability without the puck to forecheck hard and put himself into high danger areas where he is able to receive the puck. Coming off a 5 Year 5.3 Mil deal, I think Palat is in need a of a raise even if only minor and I expect him to be looking for 5.5-6 Mil on a new deal ranging from 3-5 years. Personally I'd love to see a 2 year deal where he makes a higher dollar amount and then he re-signs on a lower deal that allows us to keep him in a 3rd line/depth role.
I'd also like to touch on other possible additions/changes to next seasons opening roster, such as; Foote, Barre-Boulet, Raddysh. Foote displayed much improvement in my opinion during the Leafs series and I would like to see him serve as a starting piece on the bottom pairing to start the season and Raddysh displayed strong stats in his few games he played and has already re-signed for next season. Both of the D-men are RH and given the difficulty over the past seasons with acquiring RHD we should be well off enough to let Jan Rutta walk and chase a significant raise in the free agency. Barre-Boulet is at a make or break point and needs to find his place come training camp on a Tampa team that is still deep on its roster or we need to move on from him and get a young prospect or pick to help keep the cupboards stocked in the minors.
Please comment with any questions, if anyone wants me to touch on a specific Tampa topic I'd be happy to look into it. I'm happy to discuss this team with fellow fans! I'd also love it if someone can tell me how to format an article on here.
Cheers!