Still don't like him with Matthews. When I watch him, he still looks like too much of a mucker that does not have much skill(the goal in NYC notwithstanding). But he puts up some decent numbers, I guess. Let's say if he was replaced with Kapanen, would that line be any less effective? I wish we could develop a better, more skilled replacement for him. Someone that does what he does but possesses a higher skill level. Properly slotted, he is a 3rd line player (A good one at that).
I think a better, more skilled Hyman would be pretty pricey these days. Not even sure who the Leafs could realistically target that would fit the bill.
Simmonds is 29, has 32 points in 52 games with 14 on the PP. When his contract is up in 2019/20, he'll be 31.
Neal is 30, has 35 points in 52 games with 8 on the PP. UFA next year.
Evander Kane is an interesting one. He's 26, has 36 points in 52 games with 8 on the PP. Also has 3 SHG's this year too. He's a UFA next year but who knows if management will be put off with his supposed attitude issues.
Landeskog might have been available last year? Sure as heck not anymore.
Saad is making 6m till 2021
Maybe NYR sell off on Chris Kreider who's making 4.625 till 2019/20.
Maybe they'd have to go after cheaper prospects or projects to try and fulfill that upgrade but now this seems more like a luxury rather than a necessity. Rather they used that money saved with Hyman and put it to go use on the defense or a mid level center.
