29 Jun
NHL 2019 Free Agent Predictions
Forwards
Artemi Panarin
James Prediction:Florida Panthers
Even before Panarin was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, there were rumors that only a few destinations were on his long-term radar. New York, Los Angeles, and Florida. Florida will make the splash and do whatever it takes to sign Panarin. There is definitely a need in the top six. Panarin could play the wing with either Aleksander Barkov or Vincent Trocheck and quickly be the best winger either player has played with. The Florida Panthers have the cap space needed for Panarin, with just under $22 million currently. With nobody up for a new deal that will break the bank, and some possible trades that could take place to move players out, they are setting themselves up perfectly to be Artemi Panarin’s next destination.
Kyle Prediction: Florida Panthers
This seems to be the foregone conclusion for a while. For much of the season, I thought he would end up with the Rangers. However, the Panthers’ hiring of his former coach, Joel Quenneville, I’m now willing to accept that the Panthers are his likely destination. I personally think the Panthers might be smart to spend their money elsewhere but the team seems poised to make a big splash and Panarin would be just that. A top six including Huberdeau, Barkov, Hoffman, Trocheck, Dadonov and Panarin would be unstoppable. However, the forward depth at the bottom of the lineup would be questionable. I also wouldn’t love their blue line and think a savvier move would be throwing money at Jake Gardiner and Brett Connolly but that wouldn’t be a splash.
Mitch Marner
James Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs
There are a lot of rumors about the offer sheet this offseason. I predict that Marner will sign one, but it will be matched by the Maple Leafs, keeping Marner in Toronto. The offer sheet will be a four-year deal for an AAV of $10,500,000, just inside the compensation requirements of two first round picks, one second round, and one third round pick. This offer sheet will be signed with the New York Islanders. The Islanders have Toronto connections with Lou Lamoriello at the helm and may be looking for some retribution for losing John Tavares to Toronto. For the Islanders, if you get Marner, you are happy that Mathew Barzal has another young forward next to him. If not, you hurt the Maple Leafs’ cap situation and cause other problems for them. I don’t believe that the Leafs will let Marner go for that specific offer sheet compensation, so they make the decision to match and deal with the consequences of doing so.
Kyle Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs
Even though I have Marner staying with the Leafs, I do think things get interesting. I’m not predicting he signs an offer sheet, but I think the rumors will swirl until he gets a contract signed and I definitely won’t rule it out. The Leafs can’t lose him under any circumstances so even if he signs one, I expect them to match. Marner is an elite talent and the Leafs are in a win-now window so four first round draft picks would be near useless to them. If a team is really trying to put the squeeze on them, they should offer Marner a four-year contract to take him directly to free agency with a cap hit approaching $11M; that same team should then turn their attention to Kapenen or Johnsson because a subsequent offer sheet for one of those players would likely allow them to land them. Carolina or the Islanders would be teams I would have my eyes on here.
Brayden Point
James Prediction: Buffalo Sabres
Point should not be in a Tampa Bay Lightning uniform for the 19-20 season. That may seem crazy, but the cap situation that Tampa has set up for themselves is coming back to haunt them. They have roughly $10.6M in cap space this summer, which may be just enough to sign Point and another not so great player. They need to still sign Erne, Paquette, and replace Stralman and Girardi. Stamkos ($8.5M), Palat ($5.3M), Gourde ($5.16M), Johnson ($5M), and Killorn ($4.45) all have full no trade clauses. In theory, they could all deny a trade, so we need to assume that moving one or more may be difficult. The only other player on the roster making significant money without full trade protection is Nikita Kucherov. Kucherov is going nowhere. For now, let’s look at the next offseason. The only cap space they’ll really have will be a cap increase, so let’s say they sign Point to a $9 million deal and spend the remaining $1.6 million on a role player. We’ll project $84 million in cap space for the 20-21 season, an increase from $81.5 million. That would give Tampa $2.5 million in cap space next offseason. They’ll then need to sign Cirelli, Joseph, Sergachev, Cernak, and Vasilevskiy. Sergachev and Vasilevskiy will both command a cap hit higher than $5 million. Now all of a sudden that $9 million that was given to Point could be really useful. With the offensive group as strong as it is, I think it makes the most sense for Point to go instead of a defenseman.
The Buffalo Sabres are a team that could provide the Lightning with both immediate and future value. Rumors have surfaced that the Lightning have interest in Rasmus Ristolainen. The defenseman is under contract for three more seasons at $5.4 million. This is a contract that the Lightning could fit now. Next offseason, they can then decide if they are wanting to consider him a main piece and figure out how to keep him or they can easily deal him after one season to help clear more cap space. Ristolainen does not have a trade clause, so he is a more moveable asset than other players previously mentioned. Along with Ristolainen, the Sabres would need to send along one of their top young centers. This would be either Casey Mittelstadt or Dylan Cozens. With Cozens just being drafted, it would make sense that Mittelstadt would be the player involved in the deal. Add in a first round pick or and probably another decent pick, and you might be able to come to a deal. Another factor in the Sabres favor is they could threaten an offer sheet. While the Lightning could receive four first round picks for Point, those are all future unknown assets that don’t help the team now. Ristolainen and Mittelstadt would both help now and in the future, along with the picks involved in the trade. If an offer sheet is threatened, the trade route may be more beneficial for the Lightning. This trade would leave them with $5.2 million in cap space, enough to resign Erne, Paquette, and replace Stralman and Girardi. With this trade, the Lightning would most likely need to still move two of the forwards with a no-trade clause (Palat, Gourde, Johnson, Killorn) or one of them and Ristolainen in order to make room for new Sergachev and Vasilevskiy deals, among others next season. Getting two players to waive their clauses could be tough, and this is assuming that Point and his big contract are not on the roster. The Sabres would get that second top center that they are looking for, and they have the cap space to sign Point long term. While yes, this is unlikely, it is what I hope the Lightning at least consider. Taking the “we’ll deal with it later” approach and singing Point long term is going to put them in an even worse cap situation next offseason. Worst case scenario, that situation could see them lose Sergachev and Vasilevskiy. I suggest Tampa takes my advice and does not let that happen.
Kyle Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning
I don’t think this is a sure thing because the team is going to have to face the reality of moving some talent in the next year or two because they just have too many incredible players. I am working off the assumption that Point will sign a long-term, big money deal. If that’s true, fitting Point in their salary cap this season isn’t overly complicated. Next offseason is where things will likely get interesting and not keeping Point this year should make next offseason much more manageable. Eventually, Tampa is going to have to make a tough decision. Do they make it this season or the next? I don’t see how the best team in the modern NHL can not take another run at it. If they fail to win the Cup next season, they are going to have to take a long look at their roster anyways. I don’t love the idea of kicking the can down the road, but this team is close and I would give them one more shot at it.
Matt Duchene
James Prediction: Nashville Predators
Duchene has experienced losing for a majority of his career and finally made it onto a winning team in the Columbus Blue Jackets. They made their run in the playoffs and may end up losing multiple key pieces on their team. With that, Duchene looks elsewhere and signs with the Nashville Predators. Both sides are rumored to have an admiration for one another. The Predators traded PK Subban for a subpar return to move salary and it is highly expected that they make a run at Duchene to improve their forward group. With just over $13 million in cap space, the Predators will get this deal done.
Kyle Prediction: New York Rangers
The Rangers have been patient in their retool the last couple seasons and have added some quality young pieces in the last couple and will add another with the second overall pick this year. Everyone is expecting the Devils to take Jack Hughes and leave Kaapo Kakko to the Rangers. As long as this happens, the Rangers could definitely use a center to pair with Mika Zibanejad to have a really nice 1-2 punch down the middle. The Rangers have the cap space this year to make a splash or two and have plenty of contracts, particularly at forward, coming off the books next year, where they can certainly justify shelling out a big contract for a high-end player.
Duchene has been connected to Nashville and it seems like he is open to remaining in Columbus as well. I really think if Nashville desperately wanted him, he would’ve been there already. They would need to move PK Subban or Kyle Turris to fit Duchene in. If either of those players move between now and the start of free agency, I would watch out for Nashville as well. Columbus is going to need to do all they can to keep Duchene but I think will be hard pressed to do so if he listens to other teams. Duchene has never had the opportunity to play in a big market so why not go to the biggest in the world?
Joe Pavelski
James Prediction: Dallas Stars
Joe Pavelski and the San Jose Sharks have been searching together for a Stanley Cup for 13 seasons. It hasn’t happened, and this past season may have been one of the best chances (on paper) for the team and Pavelski to reach that goal. They’re definteily close to a cup, but with their cap problems, the Sharks have to move on from Pavelski. Pavelski was very productive this past season, scoring 38 goals and totaling 64 points. Along with his stellar performance, he provides leadership. Dallas has about $10.2 million in cap space, which will be enough to sign Pavelski. They are in need of a second line center behind Tyler Seguin. After a pretty decent season, they are in win now mode. A deal gets done between these two parties.
Kyle Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning
It seems like this is a three-team race, Dallas, Tampa, and San Jose. I don’t think the door should be completely shut on the Sharks but they are going to have to make a sacrifice and it looks like Pavelski may be the player they let go. It probably would be the smart decision but definitely not an easy one. Pavelski has to be focused on contending teams as his ultimate goal has to be to win a Cup. Dallas probably needs him more but if Tampa can make room for him, it should be a no-brainer. Playing in a state with no income taxes should allow them to sign him to a contract whose gross value is below his market value. Tampa should be the Cup favorites again this year so Pavelski would be going to the team that should give him the best spot to win.
Andres Lee
James Prediction: New York Islanders
Anders Lee is the captain of the Islanders team, and I doubt they are looking to find a new one once again after losing John Tavares to Toronto. Lee is a productive player who is good for 50 points each season. As a key piece of the team both on the ice and in the locker room, it makes too much sense for both the team and the player to work out a deal. It will be north of Brock Nelson’s 6 year, $6 million AAV, but that shouldn’t deter the team from locking Lee up. A goal scoring threat and a team leader, it may be best for both sides to continue with what they’re both comfortable with.
Kyle Prediction: New York Islanders
I just can’t see how the Islanders could possibly let their captain walk as a free agent two years in a row, especially considering the season they are coming off of. The team has plenty of cap space to make the deal happen. The concern would be committing dollars and term to a power forward approaching 30. If the Islanders can make a big splash (Marner? Panerin?), maybe their fans would be forgiving of losing Lee. Maybe Lee looks to go home to Minnesota but there are no indications that he is looking to leave New York. Colorado and Chicago are also teams to keep an eye on.
Gustav Nyquist
James Prediction: Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche were a pretty exciting team to watch this season. Well, at least their top line was. After that, the team lacked any punch on offense. Secondary scoring will be a priority for the Avalanche. With multiple center prospects who are looking at NHL time like Kerfoot, Jost, and Compher, bringing in a veteran winger who can score goals will do wonders for their development. That is where Gustav Nyquist comes in. Over 81 games with the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks, Nyquist scored 22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points. He also did well during the playoffs, with a goal and ten assists in 20 games. The Avalanche have $37 million in cap space this offseason, the most of any team. This type of move is a no brainer. They have the ability to be the highest bidder and should do what it takes to get Nyquist. It will help their offense grow moving forward.
Kyle Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets
If my prediction of Duchene leaving Columbus is correct, the Blue Jackets are going to have to dip into the free agent market and add some firepower up front. They aren’t going to be able to add via trade as they are void of quality assets so a replacement for Panerin and Duchene will have to come via free agency. I think Nyquist is the biggest name they will have a chance at landing and it doesn’t seem like Nyquist necessarily has his sights set anywhere. If Columbus has the best offer, which they likely will, I think it’s very plausible he signs there.
Ryan Dzingel
James Prediction: Minnesota Wild
Ryan Dzingel had quite the year with the Ottawa Senators, scoring 22 goals and 22 assists in 57 games. After being traded to Columbus, he scored 4 goals and 8 assists in 21 games. As a player who can play both center and the wing, he could be very valuable to some teams. He most likely slides in on the second or third line of a team. For reasons unknown, the Minnesota Wild seem likely to move Jason Zucker. He will need to be replaced and the Wild should have enough cap space to bring in a player like Dzingel even if salary comes back in the Zucker trade. Bringing in Dzingel should help the Wild stay relevant and push for the playoffs, but more will need to happen for the team to get back on track after this past season. Dzingel may be the first step, especially if Zucker is traded.
Kyle Prediction: Buffalo Sabres
This fit makes a lot of sense to me. The Sabres need a second-line center for the short-term. The Sabres probably should’ve inquired on Carl Soderberg and should look to capitalize if another team is looking to shed a veteran’s cap hit. Buffalo shouldn’t have a salary cap issue this year nor next. Since that route doesn’t seem likely, Dzingel would be the best alternative. I don’t see Dzingel as a long-term center option but he could prove to be an adequate stopgap while some of the younger Sabre centers develop. With the Sabres drafting another young center, Dylan Cozens, with the 7thoverall pick in the 2019 draft and already having Casey Mittelstadt, the team better have hit on at least one of the two players. One of the two has to be penciled into the second-line center role in two to three seasons so committing high dollar and long term to anyone who is older will probably be a mistake. If they can swing a trade for a young, proven center, that’d be fine but I highly doubt that happens. Dzingel likely won’t command top dollar or term and also has flexibility to play the wing.
Phil Kessel
James Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins
I think it would be ideal for the Penguins to find a suitor for Phil Kessel. He is only getting older and each year seems like he is possibly on the outs. His high cap hit may deter some teams as he ages, and many teams with a lot of cap space don’t seem like realistic fits. That ultimately keeps him in Pittsburgh. While it isn’t the best outcome, you still have a (most likely) 30 goal scorer for at least another season. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Kyle Prediction: Arizona Coyotes
This fit seems to make way too much sense. Arizona needs scoring and it seems like one of the few destinations Kessel would be open to going to. Yes, Rutherford has said he is perfectly fine keeping Kessel, but that is exactly what you say when one team knows they hold all the leverage in the negotiations. Rutherford needs Arizona to show a little urgency to make this deal happen. I think Arizona is smart enough to realize they can add a productive player for a discount. There has been too much smoke around Kessel to have Pittsburgh keep him so I have predicting he ends up in the most likely trade destination.
Jason Zucker
James Prediction: Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins, coming off a great season where they just missed another Stanley Cup, are most likely going to have an empty spot on the second line wing next to David Krejci. One thing they could look to do is move a player from their center depth and add Jason Zucker. It is clear that Zucker is on his way out of Minnesota. From the Zucker/Kessel rumors, it is also clear that Minnesota is looking for another good forward in return. In return for Zucker, the Wild would receive RFA forward Danton Heinen and a 2019 3rdround pick. While Heinen might not become quite the goal scorer that Zucker can be, he is a young playmaker who has looked good in both the offensive and defensive end. When given the ice time, he should produce 40 to 50 points consistently. Boston has a lot of options at center. With this trade, they can still role with Bergeron, Krejci, Coyle, and Kuraly down the middle. They also have center prospects Trent Frederic and Jack Studnicka on the way. With $14 million in cap space, Boston can afford to add Zucker’s $5.5 million. Minnesota would have about $27 million without Zucker, easily allowing them to extend Heinen somewhere in the $3.5 million to $5 million range. This type of deal gets Boston a top six winger and Minnesota a young developing winger and a pick that could allow them to be more open to other trades during the draft. This deal works for both teams, on the ice and cap wise.
Kyle Prediction: Minnesota Wild
I think Jason Zucker still wants to stay in Minnesota despite all the trade rumors swirling. The team has made enough bad trades of their scoring forwards that maybe they will learn their lesson and keep Zucker, who has been arguably their most important forward the past couple years. They have had two trades fall through and when I look around the league, I don’t see enough teams having the cap space, assets, and a place Minnesota would be willing to send Zucker. The team is also under a time crunch with Zucker having a no-trade clause kicking in on July first that will further limit Minnesota. Unless the Wild are close on a deal, they likely would be rushing into something, which would be a very bad idea and how they end up with Viktor Rask again.
Defensemen
Jake Gardiner
James Prediction: St. Louis Blues
The Blues are in a great spot to add some salary if they choose to do so. One spot that could be bolstered is their blueline. The top four currently consists of Pietrangelo, Parayko, Dunn, and Bouwmeester. Ideally, Bouwmeester would take on more of a bottom pair role along with defensemen like Joel Edmundson (RFA) or Robert Bortuzzo. That leaves an open spot in the top four. Dunn and Pietrangelo played the most together and it went very well for them both. That would leave Jake Gardiner slotting in next to Colton Parayko. Both of these pairings would be very capable of playing minutes against other teams’ top lines. Cap wise, the Blues have about $18.7 million projected to spend. They don’t have many free agents who will break the bank. Binnington, Sundqvist, Maroon, and Edmundson are the somewhat main pieces that may need to be resigned. With Gardiner projecting to come in around $7 million a year, they’d still have just under $12 million to resign those pieces. They may also look to move a contract like Jake Allen ($4.35). Alexander Steen would be good to move, but with a not so good year and a full no trade clause, it may be tough to do so. Either way, the Blues have the ability to add to their roster, and further strengthening the defensive group with Gardiner will only increase the chances they go far once again in the playoffs next season.
Kyle Prediction: Detroit Red Wings
Steve Yzerman has to make some major changes to his team’s roster because it is nowhere near good enough. They have some nice forwards to build around but their defense is dreadful. They also only have one veteran defensemen, Danny DeKeyser, under contract past this upcoming season. If the team could add Gardiner, he would instantly become their best defenseman and could provide some stability at the position for years to come. The team has some promising prospects in the pipeline but having a veteran under contract as a complement wouldn’t be ideal. Gardiner is probably going to be overpaid but he is clearly the best defensemen available on the open market and a much better option than Tyler Myers. Detroit isn’t really in a position to move young assets or draft picks to acquire a defenseman so they might be wise to pay a little more in the free agent market to get a long-term option that is a known commodity.
Tyler Myers
James Prediction: Vancouver Canucks
With a thin free agent market for defenseman, chances are whoever gets Tyler Myers will overpay for him. The Canucks seem like a team that might just agree to do that. They are certainly in need of some help on defense, especially after not qualifying Ben Hutton. With about $15.5 million in cap space, they certainly have the ability to sign Myers. It has been rumored that they could be a fit for him. These two parties will find a deal.
Kyle Prediction: Vancouver Canucks
This pairing seems bound to happen. Vancouver could certainly use another defender. Jake Gardiner would be the FAR smarter signing. However, this is the Vancouver Canucks so they will not only sign the inferior player, they will probably pay him more as well. If reports that are coming out are correct, this signing will easily be in the top five for instantly regrettable moves on July 1st. I think a return to Winnipeg could be a possibility as well but Vancouver is probably going to have the best offer on the table and there is no reason for Myers not to take that.
Rasmus Ristolainen
James Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning
I have Ristolainen in my scenario for Brayden Point. Even if it is a trade that doesn’t include Point, I think Tampa may try to make this work. They have been rumored to be in on Ristolainen dating back to the deadline. They have interest in trying to improve their defensive corps. They may be able to get a smaller deal done than the Point deal I have laid out, possibly a deal involving Tyler Johnson or Alex Killorn. Either way, I think Ristolainen ends up in Tampa Bay.
Kyle Prediction: Edmonton Oilers
There seems to be too much smoke around Ristolainen to predict he stays in Buffalo. Add in Buffalo’s acquisition of Colin Miller and the writing seems to be on the wall. The one potential wrinkle is Zach Bogosian’s health. If the Sabres don’t think Bosogian will play a game this season, or at least miss a good portion of the season, the team might hold on to Ristolainen so they don’t find themselves in a pinch on the right-side. However, there are plenty of teams in need of defensemen and a thin UFA class should lead to plenty of interest in Ristolainen. As a new GM in Edmonton, Ken Holland will certainly be looking to put his stamp on the roster. I wonder if Holland would be willing to swing big and move Jesse Puljijarvi and one of Darnell Nurse or Oscar Klefbom for Ristolainen and possibly another asset from Buffalo. In any deal with Edmonton, the Sabres should look to get Puljijarvi included. Many of their prospects are European born so Puljijarvi should be in a better situation to succeed. If one of Klefbom or Nurse came back, that would be an absolute coup for Buffalo. It shouldn’t happen but I don’t think it’s entirely out of question.
Nikita Zaitsev
James Prediction: Toronto Maple Leafs
Zaitsev has apparently asked for a trade out of Toronto. The Leafs have said they will try to accommodate him, but not at the expense of their team. His contract is not the greatest for the value that he provides. Because of that, it will make it hard for Toronto to move him without taking salary back. That would defeat the purpose of moving him especially because they need more NHL defenseman, not less. The Leafs end up keeping Zaitsev.
Kyle Prediction: Ottawa Senators
As I was finishing this piece it has been reported by Elliotte Friedman that Zaitsev to Ottawa was likely. James wrote his before the news. If Ottawa can get some additional assets for taking on the contract, this trade makes a lot of sense. If Cody Ceci goes back, that also would be a win for Ottawa.
Kevin Shattenkirk
James Prediction: New York Rangers
Shattenkirk is making $6,650,000 for the next two seasons. There have been rumors of a trade, but based on his recent play, it’d be tough to see a team wanting to take Shattenkirk without sending a so-so contract back to the Rangers. New York just traded for Jacob Trouba and that will allow Shattenkirk to play a slightly smaller role. Hopefully that helps, because I don’t think it makes too much sense to move him at this point because of the type of trade that would need to be done.
Kyle Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay needs a right shot defenseman and Shattenkirk could be a nice fit with the Lightning provided the Rangers are willing to retain some salary. If the Lightning could get one of Palat, Gourde, Johnson, or Killorn to waiver their no-trade, New York could get a nice return as they would certainly have the salary cap space to make this move work. If they want to opt for a prospect, they could probably leverage a quality one if they are willing to retain half Shattenkirk’s salary.
Carolina Defense
James Pick: Brett Pesce to Toronto
Carolina is in need of improving their forward group. They have arguably the best defensive corps in the NHL. This deal will involve Brett Pesce going to Toronto and William Nylander going to Carolina. Toronto will receive a really good defenseman who is making $4,025,000 for the next five seasons, while Carolina will receive a top six forward who can instantly be put on Aho’s wing or make the second line in Carolina stronger for the next five seasons. This also clears some cap space for Toronto, which should really help spark their interest in making this happen.
Kyle Pick: Brett Pesce to Winnipeg
I have been all over this trade since January. I think a swap of Pesce for Nikolaj Ehlers would make a lot of sense for both teams. Winnipeg would get their RHD with a cost-controlled contract that they will desperately need this offseason with the departure of Trouba and likely departure of Myers, while Carolina would get someone who can add some offensive bunch. The trade of Calvin de Haan makes another trade of a defender less likely, but using another one of their defenders is likely the best option to acquire someone cost controlled without breaking the bank.
Goalies
Sergei Bobrovsky
James Pick: Florida Panthers
I believe that Bobrovsky will follow Panarin to Florida. The Panthers need a starting goalie and have been rumored to have some big plans for this offseason. On top of that, Bobrovsky has basically followed Panarin around on free agent visits, leading many to believe that the two players will be a package deal. Florida has just under $24 million in cap space, which is enough for both Panarin and Bob. Not only does the friendship point to this happening, but there is a natural fit with the team as well.
Kyle Pick: Florida Panthers
This seems inevitable but I think this will be a move Florida ends up in a few years. Florida coaxed Roberto Luongo into retirement and seemed poised to move on from James Reimer as well. All of this doesn’t happen unless the Panthers are confident in landing Bobrovsky. There are savvier moves that the Panthers could make but they’re going for the tidal wave so here comes Bobrovsky.
Robin Lehner
James Pick: New York Islanders
I think that the Islanders will have their nose in just about everything this summer. Even looking at Panarin and Bobrovsky is an option for them. However, Lehner seems very interested in resigning. If they are able to get Lehner on a discount, it may be very beneficial to pull the trigger on this deal. Lehner really found his game with the Islanders and looked like a clear number one goalie. Ultimately, the two sides find common ground to keep a strong relationship between player and team intact.
Kyle Pick: Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes made a very interesting trade in moving Calvin de Haan, which cleared $4.55M in cap space. Lehner will likely require more than that but that cap space will go a long way. I don’t think a return to New York should be ruled out but the Islanders might not want to pay Lehner what he thinks he deserves. I think there is also a question of whether Lehner was a product of the system and whether or not the team could plug someone else in at a cheaper price. The Islanders might be wise to gamble on letting Lehner go while Carolina might want to take the gamble on Lehner. The Hurricanes were the runner-up in the East and their weakest link was definitely their goaltending. If Lehner works out, Carolina could be a serious threat in the East next season.
Feature Image via NBC Sports.
KYLE STICH is the Director of AFP Analytics. In addition, Mr. Stich is a tax specialist and Director of Operations at AFP Consulting LLC, whose clientele include professional athletes performing services on three separate continents. Mr. Stich earned his Master of Science in Sport Management with a Concentration in
James Finch is an analyst at AFP Analytics. James graduated from St. John Fisher College in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management with a minor in Economics. His background with sports and economics have brought about an interest in gaining experience and finding his niche within the