Gregor asked Seravalli on the pod if Grubauer signing in Seattle and leaving Sakic with no options drive up the price on Kuemper and Seravalli said no that was always the price. It was just at that point Sakic was finally willing to pay it.
Also Bill Armstrong said Hepple was adamant on Timmins being the prospect all along.
Makes sense given they were asking for Newhook at one point.
I could see Byram ending the season in the top-4, so I’ll say him.
I kinda think Bo’s breakout season is still a couple years away, but I love his overall skill-set. I think he’s going to be a real key piece, especially if/when a guy like Murray/Johnson gets injured.
I'd love to see a Byram-Johnson third pairing to start the year, and play Girard on the right with Murray to start. But I honestly believe Byram will a regular in the top four by the Olympic break, even without EJ/Murray getting injured. For me, Byram's big goal this year isn't necessarily his play, which IMO he proved last year he can play very well in the NHL, but staying healthy and avoiding big hits while he's has the body of a teenager.
As far as Calder voting, I don't think Byram will generate enough steam. On the Avs he won't be in a role to create the numbers needed unless Makar and Girard go down for significant time.
I also don't think Newhook is ready for a top six role in the NHL. I know that's where he probably needs to be if you want to continue to develop him right, but I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed in his production this year. My guess is the vast majority of Newhook points come from Kadri/Burakovsky playing out of their minds in contract years.
