William Karlsson is the answer here. The cost of acquisition will be smaller due to a variety of reasons, he’s signed at a very reasonable number and term for a player of his pedigree. He’s a very good 2-way center and he has a proven effective track record in the playoffs. He just turned 29.
5 more years at $5.9m per season.
The last 2 years he has had
46 points in 63 games played (only 8 points on the PP)
39 points in 56 games played (only 6 points on the PP)
Both of these seasons project for 50-55 points with production predominantly at even strength.
Face off percentage is an improvement on pretty much everyone on the roster as well.
Lastly, it’s important to understand that Karlsson has done all of this in a role that is VERY similar to what he would play with the Rangers. Top-6 center, 2nd PP unit, primary PKer. His TOI is around 18-18:30 a game. Compare that to someone like Miller whose point totals look more sexy and we find that Karlsson is playing on average 2 minutes less per game. That’s significant because any center that comes in will more than likely assume the 2C spot, playing 17-18 minutes a game and not be playing on the top PP unit with Lafreniere’s emergence.
Let’s look around at the options.
Miller
Will take much more to acquire and his next contract will start at 31. Expect him to get a long term deal at big money. That’s not going to be a contract that ages well
Strome
We know what the team has with Strome. If the goal is to get a more 2-way player than Karlsson is superior. The cost to acquire is nothing as he’s on the team already however his next deal probably has him in the 6-7 year term range which means we will see Strome from 28-35. Karlsson’s deal is 29-34.
Hertl
Injury concerns. Next deal will be higher cap hit and longer term than Karlsson. Cost to acquire assuming a trade will be higher.
In terms of looking at the overall picture, Karlsson is the guy I would key in on. The only question is, would Vegas trade him at the deadline to avoid the crunch in the offseason or would they wait.
karlsson is another possible target.
However, not available until offseason, which is presumably when NYR would make the strome switch anyway.
with Eichel and the emergence of Stephenson as well as having Roy/Patrick/Howden for 3rd/4th c duties I can see them moving karlsson in the offseason.
They will also need to cut cap at that time.
They absolutely would not deal him at the TDL, it makes no sense. They are better off going for it this season because they’ll never have this team assembled under the cap again.
Karlsson- so your looking at trading for a 30 year old with 4 more seasons at 5.9 mill- best case scenario
Hertl- doubt he leaves SJ. But if he does, I’d wager a team like Boston goes hard for him.
Horvat- with Miller-EP as their 1-2 paying Horvat 5.5 mill to be a 3C isn’t ideal.
He remains a potential target imo. He’s also only 26.
Gourde- older, but signed for 4 more seasons. Up in the air if SEA even wants to move him...
Strome- NYR should part ways after this season/playoffs
Larkin/Cirelli/Lindholm- none are likely traded or even made available tbh. Not realistic targets.
Kadri- will want a significant raise. It will likely make the team that gives him a new long deal very sorry they did.
Copp- UFA due for a raise between 5.5-6.5 mill this offseason. He’s a Swiss Army knife C that shouldn’t really be counted on to produce a lot of offense.
The above list is potential guys that are/will likely be available.....
Imo these are the realistic targets that should be discussed.
The cost to acquire/ plus their current contracts/cap hits obviously varies
