Coconuts

I think he'll certainly get the rope to show that he could be more It varies depending on the source you're using, but they're actually about the same size. Canucks have Joshua listed at 6'3", 206 on their website. https://www.nhl.com/canucks/roster Avs have Duhaime listed at 6'2", 200 on theirs. https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/roster The size difference is honestly pretty negligible.

I think they're going to be hard pressed to replace what Joshua brings in a single player, but that's not really a big problem imo. Teams are better served having such elements sprinkled throughout the lineup anyway. They don't need a player to step onto the third line and bring everything Joshua did, they mostly need a player to step in and provide complimentary offense. Having players like Duhaime on the fourth line, the second and third pairings, that could do it. Ideally they find a way to sprinkle some of that kind of grit into the top six too, but top six players with that sort of element to their game are always in high demand.

In CBJ's case I think there almost has to be retention to move him, he's a good bounce back candidate but he also isn't worth 8.7M at present. Mikheyev has the same term but Mikheyev+ for Laine frees up some cap space even when you factor in retainment. Anaheim is also another team that could happily overpay Guentzel, they've got Vatrano to re-up and Zegras may be on his way out; they've got just over 33M in cap space. Anaheim's GM recently said he wants a top six forward that can help take the offensive load away from the young guys, Guentzel fits that to a tee. Sure, Anaheim ain't competitive right now but big dollars and Cali living could be compelling. It's certainly more appealing than living in Chicago.

Probably a controversial take, but I'd take Laine with retainment over Guentzel with the big term/dollars he'll command. Not only is Laine younger, but you get roughly two seasons out of him to decide whether you want to keep him or not. Obviously Guentzel's been the higher tier player in recent years, but I like the walk away option of Laine. If he works out, he could be extended, if not.. it's a low commitment move. Mikheyev+ for Laine with 2M retained could be very interesting imo. Laine at 6.7M is a lot more interesting than Laine at 8.7M. Plus, I think there's a good chance a team like Chicago opens the vault for Guentzel, put him with Bedard and watch some magic happen. As of right now Chicago's got nearly 33M in cap space, and while they need to fill out their roster there aren't any must sign caliber pending UFA's. A team like Chicago could happily overpay Guentzel and not care a whole lot about the latter years.

I wouldn't be remotely surprised to see Barkov go on a Bergergon-like Selke run. If Kopitar were younger I'd say he'd probably be in the mix too, it's impressive enough that he managed to win two of them while Bergeron was around. There's a few players out there who could snag a Selke with Bergeron having retired, but Barkov will probably be the favourite most years. I wouldn't compare him to Miller though, I'd actually compare him to Kopitar. @HKSR and I had a back and forth about Kopitar a few months back, he's a bit of a unicorn when it comes to his being a big, two-way center with high end talent, we both concluded that Barkov is probably the closest thing to a Kopitar comparable there is. Kopitar is basically a better Getzlaf, it's rare for any center, let alone a first line center to have the toolbox Kopitar's got. Miller hasn't always been a solid defensive player, whereas that's been a hallmark of both Barkov and Kopitar's game for years. I think EP would need to remain a center, get back to the level he was at last season, and be a better faceoff guy to have a chance at a Selke.

Mmm, I don't think as well of it. A 1st is a lot to give up, let alone a young player on a good contract who just put up 24 goals. If that's what we're willing to trade I'd look for a player who'd offer more longevity. Larsson will be 32 in November and he'll be a pending UFA after this coming season, he could very well opt to explore the market for what'd possibly be his last deal. I doubt he's available but at that point management may as well bang on the Zub door as hard as they can.

While it's fun to dunk on the OIlers, it really isn't just a McDavid and Draisaitl thing. The Panthers have been smothering high end offensive players all playoffs long.

https://canucksarmy.com/news/canucks-make-final-offer-nikita-zadorov-weekend-report?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Yeah, Domi would be interesting but it'd be surprising if he doesn't remain a Leaf

He doesn't replace Joshua's production but I reckon be could do everything else Joshua did this season Having a player like him on the fourth line actually opens up a potentially different look for the third line next season too

Hmm, dang. I suppose Stephenson then, or Monahan, Drouin, or Toffoli. Maybe even Taravainen. I still think the Canucks would be better served spreading their cap around than going after Guentzel.

That Larsson trade is awful

I'd look at Tarasenko on a short-term deal, he's older now but he's still put up back to back 50+ point seasons. I don't see why Miller would have any more an issue getting along with Laine than any other player if he comes in and puts the work in.

Joshua put up 244 hits in 63 games, good enough for the ninth most hits this season. Duhaim put up 208 in 80 games. Bit of a drop off in terms of hits per game, sure. If it's a physical player you want though, he'll do. 201 hits in 80 games for the Wild in 2021-2022. 146 hits in 56 games in 2022-2023. 208 hits for the Wild and Avs in 2023-2024. Averages out to probably hitting roughly 200+ hits across each full season if he's healthy. https://www.quanthockey.com/hockey-stats-nhl/en/profile.php?player=48348 What's really impressive is Nashville's Jeremy Lauzon leading the hit parade with 387 hits in 79 games as a D.

I said lower end. If he can go out and hit, fight occasionally, provide energy, skate well, and not take dumb penalties than he's doing what a lower end Joshua would do. He's also 6'2" and roughly 200 pounds whereas Joshua is the same size but lighter.

Probably, but they'll still have been swept on home ice in the final

In all fairness, Rouss was absolutely worth his pay until that knee injury, he's not the only player to come back from one a shadow of his former self

They're gonna have to do something At this rate they're going to be the first Canadian team to be swept in the final since they were swept in the 1983 final

https://thebeaverton.com/2024/06/oilers-fans-not-sure-whats-worse-losing-cup-or-realizing-leafs-fans-were-right-about-how-good-atlantic-division-is/

Lower end Joshua replacement? I remember the rumour being that Minny's ask was high and that plenty of teams were interested. He'll probably garner quite a bit of UFA interest if true.

True enough

I know teams can petition to get player names on the cup, don't see why that wouldn't extend to staff, considering what Luongo has done throughout his career as a Panther it'd be more surprising if his name didn't end up on the cup imo I don't think anyone would argue with it if the Panthers requested it

I wouldn't be surprised if they did rename it to the Bergeron at some point tbh. I'm a big Kopitar fan, dude has been a bit of a unicorn throughout his career, funnily enough the closest thing to him right now probably is Barkov. Even at 36 he was still doing his thing this season and hit 70 points in 81 games. Wish he'd had the career he's had for the Kings for us. Bergeron was something special. Datsyuk too, he may very well have been the best of the bunch, likely had the most amount of natural, offensive skill. The only knock on Datsyuk was probably health, but that was moreso in the latter half of his career.