On why Pavelski over Zuccarello … Potential deadline need … Stars could move Honka this offseason
Mike Heika of NHL.com: (mailbag) Believe that the term given to Joe Pavelski, along with being able to keep their 2020 first-round pick and the long run fit was why they went with Pavelski over Mats Zuccarello.
Early line combos and pairings for next season
Roope Hintz – Tyler Seguin – Alexander Radulov
Jamie Benn – Joe Pavelski – Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano – Radek Faksa – Blake Comeau
Mattias Janmark – Jason Dickinson – Denis Gurianov
Esa Lindell – John Klingberg
Miro Heiskanen – Stephen Johns
Jamie Oleksiak – Andrej Sekera
Mid-season, closer to the trade deadline the Stars could be looking for a top-four defenseman. They will have Martin Hanzal likely on the LTIR for extra cap space. If Johns is/can remain healthy, and depending on the play of Sekera, that could change their need.
There doesn’t seem to be a roster spot for defenseman Julius Honka next season and he could be traded later his offseason. He’s a 23-year-old right-handed defenseman at under a $1 million, so there should be some interest.
The Sabres could have some big money available next offseason
John Vogl of The Athletic: The Buffalo Sabres could have some roster spots and available funds for free agency next offseason as the have eight players on expiring contracts.
After qualifying offers, the Sabres could have around $29 million in cap space – using a $2 million raise in cap number – for 2020-21. That is with nine forwards, five defense and one goalie under contract.
An early list of free agents options
Centers – Nicklas Backstrom, Brayden Schenn, Charlie Coyle, Erik Haula and Mikael Granlund.
Left Wingers – Taylor Hall, Alex Galchenyuk, Mike Hoffman and Chris Kreider.
Right Wingers – Evgenii Dadonov and Tyler Toffoli.
Left Defense – Torey Krug, Roman Josi, Jake Muzzin and T.J. Brodie.
Right Defense – Alex Pietrangelo, Tyson Barrie, Jared Spurgeon, Justin Schultz, Justin Faulk, Sami Vatanen, Travis Hamonic and Radko Gudas.
