What About Kevin Fiala and the Nashville second line?
Adam Vingan of The Athletic: (mailbag) Alas, the biggest question may be how to fix the power play. Kevin Fiala could help but turns the puck over too much to be trusted more on the man advantage. Selling low on Fiala would be foolish but other options exist. Pairing a Wayne Simmonds or Micheal Ferland with Kevin Fiala could work in more ways than one.
To trade or not trade Alec Martinez…
Lisa Dillman and Josh Cooper of The Athletic: Rob Blake hinted other players, including Alec Martinez could be expendable. The price for Martinez comes in cheaper than Jake Muzzin certainly and three playoff runs is enticing.
On the other hand, someone has to stay around in Los Angeles. Alec Martinez makes for an excellent mentor who has not aged at 31. Minnesota would be one possible destination for the Kings defenseman. However, Alec Martinez staying put remains a more real possibility.
The young Pittsburgh core must keep rising…
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Pittsburgh faces a real squeeze as the contracts of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin age further. Consider that several prominent players see their contracts end in the next year or two. Also, the Seattle franchise means expansion protect lists and more.
Furthermore, the Pittsburgh 2021-22 roster has a committed number of nearly $60 million and a half dozen players 30 or older. The current crop of young Pittsburgh players needs to keep performing. Brian Dumoulin, Bryan Rust, Jake Guentzel, and Matt Murray formed a second core of sorts that has bailed out Pittsburgh time and time again.
- This core does help Pittsburgh with the possibility of still buying at this trade deadline. They may be limited but Jim Rutherford has more options than most.
A Big Minnesota night encourages optimism…
Michael Kelly of The Pioneer Press: With the Minnesota season hanging in the balance, Eric Staal delivered another big night and a key victory over the Colorado Avalanche. It more than the blocked shots as the game changing goals piled up — something which had been missing often this season.
Minnesota surging at the right time led by Staal helps (nine points in the last six games).
- This places the Wild in a position to buy if necessary without worry of lateral moves or selling.