LA's potential offer would be interesting. Byfield included in the deal might be an attractive proposition for Buffalo, though I think that LA still has to up the package substantially.
I also think that in any deal between Calgary and Buffalo, I figure Tkachuk would be part of it. I am ok with that. Do I want a 9 million dollar Tkachuk on the roster, or do I want a 10 million Eichel? I think I pick the latter as having a much great chance of making that contract affordable relative to performance.
Tkachuk +. Not sure how much you keep adding to that +, but I am sure it is substantial.
Having Eichel - Monahan - Backlund as your centre depth, while also having Lindholm and Bennett who can both play centre effectively in the top 6 and in the bottom 6 respectively, makes this a very competitive team. You can then swap around your wingers - maybe keep Gaudreau with Monahan, or try him with Eichel.
A little off-topic - I didn't see Ward try Gaudreau - Lindholm and Tkachuk - Monahan combos 5on5. We saw Gaudreau playing with Lindholm when Monahan was injured, but that's not the same thing as the focus from the other teams would be all over that line (with Tkachuk). Would have been interesting to see the different dynamics there.
|