While it is heartwarming to see the team coming together down the stretch, Gibson revitalized, McTavish developing nicely, Terry on a tear since coming back from injury, hell, even McGinn is looking pretty good so far, we know that we are going to be going shopping this year in free agency.

The way I see it, we've got a few holes to fill. We absolutely need a top 4 RHD, we should probably pick up a top 4 LHD that's very physical/defensive specialist, but I could also see us continuing to roll with Benoit on the 2nd pairing. I also see us needing a 2nd line/top 6 playmaking left winger. So, with those known holes to fill, who do you like, who is on your wish list?

Here is my hopes and dreams:

2LW: Drouin. Verbeek scouted him in Tampa, he's got the playmaking ability we need for Strome, and he likely comes cheap on a prove it deal. In a small market with sunshine and beaches and a young, excited core away from francophone fans where he doesn't have to be the star, he might get his head right and enjoy playing hockey again.

Top 4 RHD: Mayfield, its got to be Mayfield. I could see Dumba, but a Fowler Dumba pairing is only going to work if they gel well together. Dumba is great in the room though, and is willing to throw the momentum changing hit to revitalize the team.

Top 4 LHD: Graves has had a stellar season on a suddenly great NJ team, but it seems pretty clear he is going to free agency. He would be a fantastic partner for Drysdale and is still fairly young. Gavrikov would be another option, but LA seems likely to resign him.

I like Mayfield. I could see us rolling with this. I don't know about Graves. He’s probably going to want term, that we can’t give him. Mintyukov and Zellwegger are probably going to make the jump sooner rather than later.

Fowler, Mayfield
Benoit, Drysdale
Lacombe, Helleson

I like this honestly

I think Mayfield is our best bet in FA since our RD prospects are a little bit further out than our LD prospects — OZ and Mintyukov can be here as soon as next year and I think signing a FA LD would make those waters real murky

I think a Fowler Helleson pairing could be something to think of too and have either OZ or Mintyukov with Mayfield as well

I think Drysdale needs a steadier, more experienced hand than Benoit, and realistically, Simon is a 6/7 D, he has done the best he could playing 2nd pairing with Klingberg, but he was clearly out of his depth. Hence why I keep suggesting getting Reilly from Boston, only a year left on the deal makes sense.

I don't like the idea of putting rookies together on a line either, and LaCombe has no pro experience yet. I'd like to grab someone for one year, even if is Shattenkirk, to ensure Helleaon is good and ready, give him a year with Benoit on 3rd pair before making him the defensive responsible guy for someone on left.

If we hit with all three of those guys, one of them is going to be traded away. Mints is obviously the greatest likelihood to stick around, if he can develop his defensive game, he and Jamie could be a monster pairing going forward. OZ strikes me as a 3rd line, limited minutes but power play specialist guy, maybe making it to 2nd pairing IF we can find him the right RHD partner.

This is why I want Dumba. This sparked the Wild, and then Sam Steel scored to tie the game.

https://twitter.com/hayyyshayyy/status/1648162727943196673?s=20

I don’t want that aspect on “our” team. I know this is an unpopular opinion but that is an awful hit. It’s dirty.

I do want him though. I just don’t want the “Tom Wilson” in him.

Toronto deemed it wasn't a dirty hit, 2 minute minor for roughing. (Was reviewed from a 5 minute, hit was late, but shoulder on shoulder)

I don't root for injuries and it's unfortunate that Pavelski hit the ice awkwardly after the hit and is in concussion protocol, but I want a guy willing to throw a huge hit to get the team back in it.

I watched it live. I saw it. I rarely see “eye to eye” with Toronto. Remember that “Goalie Interference” against us when we played Toronto in the beginning of the year. I think “Toronto” has its biases against teams.

That’s why I believe it should be in a city without a NHL team. (I get why it’s in Toronto though).


(It’s a super exciting game though, I’m getting a kick out of Dumba meeting the wrath of the American Airlines Center.)