Pierre Lebrun
Registered User
- Nov 3, 2014
- 1,238
- 118
This deal, IMO, has the potential to help fix both of the team's issues and fill some gaps. To clarify... I said, "help," this does not solve their problems. I know this sounds weird, as Philly needs help on D, but viewing Gustafsson as an offensive d man and Lehkonen as a defensive forward, the logic is there.
Montreal trades:
Arturri Lehkonen (RFA, 2.4M cap hit, 25 y/0)
Incredibly reliable defensive forward, plays on the PK, back checks and forechecks well. Multiple GMs around the league have noted that he's a guy they'd like to have because he just makes good mistake-free decisions.
Philadelphia trades:
Erik Gustafsson (UFA, 3M cap hit, 29 y/0)
Puck moving defenseman that plays the left side. Has had at least one highly productive season that I'm aware of. Is he slotting in well in PHI when they really need more defensive D.
Thoughts?
- Philly is currently 2nd worst in goals against and is tied for the 3rd worst penalty kill. We know d is a need, and this move doesn't preclude them from also adding at the blue line.
- Montreal needs some offense and mobility in their top 4 D. This trade doesn't guarantee it, but give the guy some minutes alongside a Petry or ideally Weber, and see what happens - his point totals in recent past show he can bring something.
Montreal trades:
Arturri Lehkonen (RFA, 2.4M cap hit, 25 y/0)
Incredibly reliable defensive forward, plays on the PK, back checks and forechecks well. Multiple GMs around the league have noted that he's a guy they'd like to have because he just makes good mistake-free decisions.
Philadelphia trades:
Erik Gustafsson (UFA, 3M cap hit, 29 y/0)
Puck moving defenseman that plays the left side. Has had at least one highly productive season that I'm aware of. Is he slotting in well in PHI when they really need more defensive D.
Thoughts?