E.L. wrote:
Expansion draft seems pretty clear for them:
F7: Barzal, Lee, Nelson, Eberle, Pageau, Bailey, Beauvilier
D3: Pulock, Pelech, Leddy (or Mayfield?)
G: Varly
That leaves Mayfield/Leddy the obvious target for Seattle. Maybe a youngster in Dal Colle/Bellows?
You said Eberle too? One way to clear cap room.
Leddy has 1 year left at $5.5 million. Mayfield has 2 years left at $1.875 million. Different types of D-men, but especially for those numbers, I'd prefer they keep Mayfield. Leddy seemed to be hurt for most of the playoffs and didn't look anything close to himself. No surgery info, so maybe it's something that rest can heal. But Mayfield has been a beast. He's scored some big goals and has been the physical guy they've needed. I'd protect Mayfield over Leddy, even though Leddy is still good. He's 30 and Mayfield is 28 so the age isn't a big difference. Mayfield's physical style may wear him down faster, but if the Isles are looking to clear cap space, exposing Leddy may be a good way to do it. Sam Bolduc had a pretty good year in Bridgeport and while he wouldn't replace Leddy, I think Dobson could move up to Leddy's spot and Bolduc could take the rookie D-man spot. They do also have Hickey signed through next year pretty cheaply.
I have a feeling Lou may try to trade them some picks and hey, maybe there really is a chance they need to add salary and a paper tiger leader like Ladd. He may not be that good on the ice anymore, but he's a good leader.
A real ass kicker! Two years left on his deal. Perhaps he could throw in Dal Colle to make that better.
Thankfully Sorokin is exempt or the Isles would be in trouble on the goalie front.