2026 Pre-TDL Thread

[Meds]

We’re just under 3 weeks from the Olympic Break roster freeze, and following that we will be under 2 weeks until the trade deadline. With all the chatter around our rebuilding team and potential trades, we’ve sorta tuned out the rest of the league. So why not fire it up here? The last several years most of the big moves happened a couple weeks before the TDL itself (which made for some really fun viewing as the networks scrambled to scrape up stories and provide coverage for a nothing burger day).

If I’m a legit contender, I think the first door I’m knocking on is New York’s. Panarin would be the perfect rental for a team that can accommodate his cap hit under the new rules, and wants a legit scoring punch for a playoff run. His playoff numbers aren’t jaw dropping, but aside from 2 of his 8 playoff years, he has had near point per game production. Adding him to an already talent laden roster might put you over the top. Imagine him on Colorado? Not saying that’s where, no idea if they could make that work. The destination would also have to be convincing for Panarin who holds a full NMC.

The next guy in my list would be Alex Tuch. He’s built for playoff hockey, and has experience in the post-season with Vegas. He would probably relish the opportunity to compete for a team that was poised for a deep run. More affordable in terms of cap hit, but the rub will be whether or not Buffalo remains in the wildcard picture and if they feel his services are going to be retained after this year AND that they can make a dent and get into the second round with him (playoff experience is premium for young players on teams at their stage of a rebuild). Tuch only has a 5-team NTC, so moving him shouldn’t prove difficult as it’s likely all teams that are not playoff bound.

[theman]

One reason why I think the Canucks will get a first or top prospect for Sherwood is his cap hit. Every team can fit him in, cap wise, and still make another major addition to their line up.

I wouldn’t be shocked if the Canucks got a 2027 first for him. 2027 because the acquiring team would be using their 2026 first on their ‘major’ addition.

[Carl Yagro]

Whether you like Kypreos or not, don't shoot the messenger. I'm just Gomer-ing a link here:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/re ... r-canucks/

[Meds]

That article sorta inspired the idea for this thread.

[Ronning's Ghost]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/re ... r-canucks/

I mostly agree with Kyprios' assessment of the Canucks situation, except:

"The issue for Vancouver is that they also need a centre back in return. Besides top prospects and first-round picks, they need something to hold the front line."

No, no they don't. A competent 1st line centre could lead to them winning games. That's the last thing they want.

Instead, someone whose career peak would otherwise have been in the AHL gets to live the dream.

[Carl Yagro]

No, no they don't. A competent 1st line centre could lead to them winning games. That's the last thing they want.

I agree with this. IF we get a near-generational talent forward in this draft and it's clear that he will be driving play for years to come... why should we have an ELC holding an $11.6M's hand to get him back up to "1C" levels?

Walk away from vets that will help stall a much necessary rebuild. Get some assets back to build upon the right way.

This thing should take at least a few seasons. Even a seat-warmer like Kotkaniemi would be better for our end-goals... and I think that guy is a joke.

[Meds]

Kotkaniemi…..he’s the guy from Austin Powers right?

[Nuckertuzzi]

I agree with this. IF we get a near-generational talent forward in this draft and it's clear that he will be driving play for years to come... why should we have an ELC holding an $11.6M's hand to get him back up to "1C" levels?

I'm with ya, we can't move forward with 11.6. 4pm on Dec 13 was the time the last 'core' officially died and time is now to replace ALL of them.

However, if I were to make a devil’s advocate argument, it would be that the new budding star we draft will be jettisoned into something he may not be prepared for. He will all of a sudden be THE guy in an inferno-like market with nothing to shield him from scrutiny. Petey, having taken more brunt of hate than anybody since the Sedins’ sisters years, might be the perfect guy to have around to deflect/absorb the heat and let the kid focus solely on his game. Did you see Bedard’s demeanour his first couple years? Not sure about Stenberg, but McKenna looks to me like a kid who might crumble in that kind of environment. That’s not to say we won’t scrutinize anyway, we will like we do with all players, but with Petey there I think it might help more than we realize. Plus, a player with defensive awareness and ‘some’ offensive chops to play with can only help (another bonus if he in turn helps get Petey back on track). Drafting the right guy is critical, so is optimizing his development.

Of course the counter point would be what if Petey’s toxicity brings the kid down. Fair. Again, I think the right move for this team moving forward is to trade him now and be done with it. Just presenting some food for thought.

[Nuckertuzzi]

The next guy in my list would be Alex Tuch. He’s built for playoff hockey, and has experience in the post-season with Vegas. He would probably relish the opportunity to compete for a team that was poised for a deep run. More affordable in terms of cap hit, but the rub will be whether or not Buffalo remains in the wildcard picture and if they feel his services are going to be retained after this year AND that they can make a dent and get into the second round with him (playoff experience is premium for young players on teams at their stage of a rebuild). Tuch only has a 5-team NTC, so moving him shouldn’t prove difficult as it’s likely all teams that are not playoff bound.

I think Buff has playoff stars in their eyes. Rightly so after 14 years. So for them I think the Aqua approach might be the right one in this case. If I'm a fan I'm probably crying for them not to sell and go for it full stop.

[donlever]

I can see Buffalo signing Tuch.

They are D strong and with Byram playing well and taking over 2nd PP duties from Power I can also see them trading the former #1 o/a to create more cap space to do so as well as filling any playoff holes.

Not saying they will...just that the option is there.

[Meds]

Fair points on Buffalo/Tuch.

Question is if he wants to stay and what his ask will be. I’m not sure he’s a guy I’m giving $10M to.

[donlever]

Open market aside is Tuchs value to the Sabres equatable to Kempes value to the Kings?