Avalanche and Devils

[TheGriceBoys]

How good are these two teams looking as they continue to build through the draft, their system, and both have sizable cap space.

Avs have $37 million in space, and about $15 mil to get to the new floor, and Devs have $27 million I believe, and $5 mil to get to the floor. Rantanen will chew up some of the Avs cap, and they have to keep some as cushion for forthcoming signings or new deals.

Ironic one of the top free agent prizes is Matt Duchene, wonder if the Avs can get him back? They need more scoring depth. Or make a big trade? Or, offer sheet? Haven't seen one of those in a LONG time. The Avs GM knows all about those!

https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/07/sports/sakic-signs-offer-from-rangers.html

I could see the Devils making a serious run for Panarin, he'd fit in great with that team.

Who else is trending up in the league and on the cusp of being a contender in your opinions?

 

[dismonkey1]

I think the Subban trade was made to clear cap space for Nashville to make a run at Duchene. However, with that being said, I believe that Duchene would address the Avs biggest need which is secondary scoring. Does Duchene want be a 2nd line center though?

As for Panarin, he (and his significant other) wants to go to a big market (or to FLA). I agree that he would be great in NJ, but I would give the edge to the Rangers with FLA still being the 1st place destination. I think that people forget that Miami Beach has a very big Russian influence.

 

[tiger tiger]

Avs are looking crazy insane. Makar and Byram on the back end for the next 10+ years...nuts. Sam Girard too. And they were super close to getting Caufield, which would have been absolutely scandalous. Newhook is still a pretty good prospect too. Add them with Jost, Kerfoot, Kaut, Bowers, and Kamenev, and you've got a pretty young top 9 moving forward.

NJ just has been put on the map again. It'll be interesting to see if some UFAs will consider NJ as a possible destination. It still won't be a prime one, but they may make a short list with a few, and that's all you need. The key will be re-signing Taylor Hall.