02 Jul 2023 18:24:55
I believe that a player in the mould of Jeannot or Tom Wilson (if they are available ) is the only answer. The only way to get their is to trade Mitch or Willy. You still build around one of those two and AM34.

Knies looks ready to play that heavy/ skilled forward role in the top six, albeit he left us with a small sample size, on one of the first lines. Now we need a heavy/ edgy guy with enough skill to keep up in the top six for the other line. I think Tom Wilson could immensely help, yes his knees are an issue, but it’s a necessary risk.

Go Willy + pick or prospect for RETAINED Wilson and future considerations. I realize it would seem crazy to go this route, but look at Vegas, they essentially have two All-World type guys with tons of depth. (Could do Marner too but the value would be hard to match from Washington) .

There is now ample cap space, maybe bring in Domi & Bertuzzi to bring the scoring punch needed from the third line as well as “grit”. Look at Tampas back-to-back run. They had third liners like Nick Paul hammering it to us. You could comfortably play these guys anywhere in the top nine as needed, say if Tom Wilson were to go down with injury. You could also offer them a bit more money and term because we know Tavares’s contract is going to end soon. And for those who are worried about Wilsons injuries? Tavares tore up his knees at the Olympics and has played for 10 more years.

Additionally if you lose the Murray contract, there’s even more space.

So effectively you’ve ensured grit and toughness from top to bottom in your forward group, you have scoring depth as we all know is needed and we’ve got money on the table to fill holes - whether we need to add to D, or finding scoring to replace whoever we traded for Tom Wilson.

I understand this is fantasy rhetoric but it isn’t really a stretch. The only problem I see is there’s a ticking clock.

I would also take fliers on any from the group of young guys that weren’t qualified. Foote, etc. Foote mostly.

1.) 02 Jul 2023
02 Jul 2023 20:35:27
People forget, Tom Wilson isn't the only bruiser over there. Even Ovie is tough as nails and has been in his share of fights.

Until Mathews, Marner and Nylander step up that regard, tough guys won't help.

2.) 03 Jul 2023
03 Jul 2023 00:48:14
Wilson is closing in on 30 years of age.
Punishing power forwards have a shorter career year expectancy than the average player.
Wilson’s recent series of injuries would be enough to make me steer clear of him.
3 or 4 years ago without a doubt Wilson would have been a great add but too late now.
Jeannot had the one good season then came back to earth.
He did little for the Lightning after they acquired him at an extremely high price.
I have a feeling that the Tanner Jeannot that we saw this past season is the real Tanner Jeannot.
Not even close to Willie’s value.

3.) 03 Jul 2023
03 Jul 2023 01:05:17
@LeafsLife

My belief is that none of those three will ever do that. That’s why I think a Wilson-esque player would contribute both offensively and play tough/ dirty. It doesn’t have to be Wilson. I understand the need for them to be able to handle their own business bc and I play offense - guys like prime Lucic, Perry, Getzlaf, Dustin Brown, Kessler are who I grew up watching. My closest comparison now a days is Wilson. I think there’s a thin pool. But I think it’s necessary.