dlbalr

Prosvetov wasn't much better in Colorado than in Arizona considering the quality of the roster in front of him. He also has one foot out the door already as a KHL contract for next season is believed to be in place. If that's what they have to turn to, they're in deep trouble.

At first glance without giving it much thought: Xhekaj: 2 x $1.4 (the Harris deal) Barron: 1 x $900K one-way Guhle: If extended, 8 x $6.5 Slafkovsky: Don't think he'll extend, think Habs will offer 8 x $7.5-$7.75. That's on the low end for #1 picks so his agent may suggest waiting. Ylonen: Takes a year at the minimum or is non-tendered. Could also go overseas and Habs then retain his rights with a QO.

Kidney didn't exactly impress this year (and might be more of a winger than a centre) and Mesar might be too small to be a centre. So we're looking at Beck and Kapanen as prospects whose stock is on the rise, maybe Xhekaj one day in a lower role. Not bad but the cupboard isn't fully stocked on the prospect front at centre. On the NHL roster, there's some depth but with two pending UFA's, it's short-term. Add to that some uncertainty as to where Newhook's long-term position will be and there is definitely room to augment that position. It's certainly better than it was a few years ago, sure, but there's a lot of room to add still.

Add Maillet, McKay, Paquette-Bisson, and Kaskisuo to the list of free agents from that lineup. Of the ones you listed, I think Galipeau might be back and if Durandeau takes an AHL deal (he'll be hard-pressed for an NHL two-way contract), I could see him back. Norlinder/Cederqvist/Andersson might all get qualifying offers if they sign overseas before the QO deadline in June so it's possible they'll at least be with the organization (technically) for a little while longer. Off my additions, I could see them wanting to re-sign all of them in the right scenario. Long story short, some of these free agents will be back. (Stephens and Keeper are also free agents from those who didn't play the last game), I think they'll try to re-sign Stephens but Keeper will move on.) By the way, Laval lost 2-1 yesterday, got goalie'd.

Sometimes, it's not just the coach who decides who plays. Management will want the prospects in, not the veterans as that's what's best for the organization.

Hopefully the transfer will help get him some playing time after barely seeing the ice this season.

I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea of an extension (especially if Barron winds up being traded) but three years gives me pause. I get the lower AAV is thanks to the longer term but that third year is a big red flag. If they were to pursue an extension, I think they'd be capping the offer at two seasons.

I think if Slovakia indicated they'd add Mesar to the roster, they'd lean toward going that way. Houle is not one who typically likes playing prospects at this time of the year unless his hand is forced so I'm not sure Mesar would get regular minutes in what could be a very limited postseason.

Offensively, not a bad comparison. He's good on board work/cycling with a decent enough shot (not quite as strong as Armia's though). He might be a 10-goal guy in the NHL. Defensively, I'd be pleasantly surprised if he got to Armia's level.

Here's the official Laval roster and he's on that one: https://theahl.com/stats/roster/415/81?league=4

While Pittsburgh is owned by FSG, they're not exactly known as being high-spending teams when it comes to the front office. Dubas is all in on analytics which aligns with ownership. He could go on a three-year vacation in the Bahamas and still have his job. At the time of the Karlsson trade, the thought was this would make them a playoff contender. By the deadline, they were a few points out and Guentzel is a pending UFA. The fact they prioritized prospects over picks suggests they're not moving off the win-now (or soon) approach but knew there was a good chance Guentzel was leaving for nothing in free agency so they opted to sell. Yep. 12 wins the first lottery. That locks SJ at 1 and 12 moves up to 2. Whoever wins the second lottery gets 3, hence the miniscule odds.

He has six years left on his contract. I think he has all the job security he could dream of.

That's good since Molson made it clear the other day he will not grant Gorton permission to talk to other teams.

Pretty clean contract overall - $912,500 AAV, $925,000 cap hit. $25,000 in GP bonuses next season, no bonuses in 25-26.

Xhekaj acknowledged today that he played through the shoulder injury for most of the season and hit it from the team since he wanted to play. Guhle confirmed he has a head injury but is hoping to play at the Worlds and has been invited to play. Considering he's been skating for a few days now, I think he was probably pretty close to returning had the season gone on.