3 Don’ts:

1. Let’s start with what I do not want newly appointed general manager Kevyn Adams to do. Not make a trade before or during the draft.

Especially now that Toronto just made a move to rid themselves of money and got themselves a B level defensive prospect. (And hot E-Rod, that’s a joke). Doing nothing at either point only sinks the chances of the team truly getting what they need. A 2nd line center, a top six winger, and a goalie.

2. Do not trade your 8th overall pick for a goalie.

There are plenty of goalies that can be a 1a/b to Linus Ullmark that you do not have to trade that pick for or you can just sign in free agency. That’ll be a later post when free agency officially begins

3. Do not overpay for a winger for what you hope is a center for a 1st round pick and a prospect.

I think that was a Jason Botterill thing but let’s hope Adams does not think the same way. That could kill your cap for years to come especially with the flat cap of 81.5 million.

Why I think it was a Botterill thing are examples of Casey Mittelstadt and Marcus Johansson. Now I know Mitts was not his draft pick but he entrusted too much on him too soon. After he tried to use Patrik Berglund as the team’s number 2 center and that failed miserably. Johansson was put into that 2 center spot for a bit and that went downhill about a month into the season.

Basically in short Botts did not know what he was doing with his center depth or knew who to identify to take it over. My fear honestly if he came back for one more year was that Dominick Kahun would be the 2a/2b. And yes I know he has mainly only played wing. Has that stopped Botts from trying that before. Nope!

The 3 please do’s

1. Trade the 8th overall pick and a package of prospects for Sean Monahan.

Ok so this is a home run if it can happen. Problem is Calgary for who those of us can remember is where we got Chris Drury from for Rhett Warrener. Some may also not realize that Brian Burke/Brad Treliving of the Flames wanted Rasmus Ristolainen. They then came to find out how poor his analytical numbers were and thought better of it. Now I may be off if Burke was truly involved but I know he liked Risto that draft year.

So let’s just say the Flames probably do not want Risto. That brings me to a gently used Brandon Montour. Along with the 8th overall pick and maybe a Casey Mittelstadt. You could package that and maybe another late round pick for Monahan. Which this has to be done this league year as the 2020 new league year he has a modified no movement clause. Thank you Capfriendly!

Now it’s not money in money out but you have a stockpile of ready now defensemen in Rochester that can take Montour’s spot. Plus you need to start giving more minutes to Rasmus Dahlin and Henri Jokiharju. I would like to think Will Borgen can be moved into the Sabres line up to fill out the final pair.

I have mentioned on the Thomas Take Podcast my enthusiasm towards trading with Chicago for Dylan Strome. This would extremely help in the development of a young Dylan Cozens. I would as well use the 1st over all pick and a package for Strome.

2. Trade for a 1a 1b goaltender

This is an interesting piece because holy moly there are a ton of veteran proven goalies in free agency and on the market. Let me just focus on the trade market as the free agency period won’t start until after the draft.

Now depending on the top option you need to use a lower end draft pick for a goalie. Maybe a B level prospect. My target would be the Penguins or the Golden Knights.

What is funny both are or were the Penguins starting goalies at one point. I would go for the younger Matt Murray. I like Marc Andre Fluery but his best days I think are behind him. Murray has a bit of a chip on his shoulder coming off a tough year. I could see him and Ullmark hold it down for a couple of years. Maybe push for the playoffs? Even the play in round that the whispers of the NHL have talked about. I would maybe toss a 4th and or the 7th rounder for Murray. No prospects just picks.

3. Trade for a proven top 6 forward

Oh look this is familiar territory. A top six forward you say? Yup here we are again. Now I am going to hammer home about previously mention Josh Anderson the oft injured winger from the Columbus Blue Jackets. I would 110% go for a trade involving him.

What would you give up? Maybe that 2nd or 4th and another defenseman. I would honestly trade a prospect from the last couple of drafts that is not pro ready. Maybe you can keep out an NHL defenseman out of the trade. That would be ideal however you may have to move money out. He is a RFA that would cost you a bit of money in an extension. He also has arbitration rights.

Dominick Kubalik would be a fantastic move as well. However if Strome is already traded to the Sabres or someone else I highly doubt Chicago would trade away a young top 6 winger.

As always thanks for reading we will see if my Do’s or Don’ts come true! And yes I left out who I would want them to draft.