Smegna

This would be amazing, we would likely have to through in a pick to make this happen. Smith is arguable more useful then both of those players and Ottawa doesn't really need much more to get to the cap floor.

"Virtanen will hit 20 plus goals", he hasn't even come close to that. How is that any different that saying Gusev has "potential". I highly doubt Virtanen puts up 82 points in 62 games in the KHL. We need to stop overvalueing our players. In order to get a potentially top end player you need to give up something that has some value, especially within our own division. Unfortunately Ballard, Raymond and a 4th isn't gonna get it done here. I like Virtanen ALOT, and i do hope he breaks out but unfortunately i feel like him breaking out is 25 goals and 40 points. Gusev will put at least that up next year no problem and has speed and skill to burn. We need high end skill players to get the most out of Petteron, Boeser, and Horvat and unfortunately that will never be Virtanen. The traits that Virtanen does well , speed/shot are easily replaced. High end puck skills and hockey IQ are not. He may not pan out, there is always that risk with players coming from other leagues but there is also alot of risk in assuming that Virtanen is going to break out next year...

But Gusev has the potential to hit so much more than that. He is also by all reports an elite playmaker that the Horvat line so desperately needs. Gusev is 26, he's not old. He would also be a part of the core.

If we actually do shed some cap with the moves above, or maybe move Tanev for picks as well we could take on Holden (2.2M) to replace him for the year. Could send back Biega if they need a cheap 6/7th defenceman to replace him in the lineup. Gusev, Holden for Virtanen, Biega Fill in draft picks on either side to make it work but essentially Vegas fills in their 3rd line winger spot with a young, high energy winger with some upside with zero cap implications as Biega/Virtanen make less than Holden combined.

With Gusev still on the market i think we need to really look at going all-in for him. To Van: Gusev To Vegas: Virtanen Vegas is looking for an active roster play to slot into their 3rd line in return and this would be a great fit for them. It sounds like Vegas is reluctant to deal within the division so i would also be willing to add an extra pick (from one of the deals mentioned below) to make it work. Sign Gusev to 2 years x 4M. Trade Sutter (50% retained) for late round pick. Cap space but more importantly the roster spot. Trade Baertschi for a mid round pick (3rd-4th round) His spot on the roster is just not very clear. I feel somebody will take a shot on him despite the concussion problems. Send Loui to Utica and save the 1M in cap space and clear the roster spot I think its fair to say Gaudette can fill in for Sutter on the third line, beagle already picks up Sutters PK and faceoff duties on the 4th. I also think that MacEwen is ready for full time duties in the NHL to replace Virtanen/Baertschi. I really like Virtanen and don't want to see him go, i do think he'll take another step this year but i feel like his production can be easily replaced. Seems like Justin Bailey (recently signed) is a similar player with some untapped potential that could maybe slot into a similar roll if MacEwen doesnt work out. Our line up would potentially look like this. Miller-Petterson-Boeser Pearson-Horvat-Gusev Leivo-Gaudette-MacEwen Schaller-Beagle-Motte Goldobin Edler-Stecher Hughes-Myers Benn-Tanev Fantenberg

With all the injuries its time to give Jake a real shot to step up, hes not gonna put up any numbers with Gaunce and Chaput. Yes they have been an energetic line but Gaunce and Chaput have a total of 7 career NHL goals. They can find someone else with speed to replace jake on that line. He needs to be playing up in the top six, and let him start putting up some numbers and get his confidence up. I'd love to see him try up on the left wing with Boeser and maybe Gagner in the middle. He has a good shot as well, why not put him in that Boeser spot on the second unit and set him up for a couple one timers, or maybe use his speed on the penalty kill. I know they are trying to play the long game with him and make him earn it. But right now with the injuries, just cut him loose and see what happens. I just get the feeling he is so close to busting the doors down but hes on a line with a couple offensive anchors.

Lets see what Olli does with NHL talent around him, sometimes its easy to play down to your opponent and your teammates if they are at a lower level. I can see him rising up to the higher level. Also Montreal defence <<<<< Vancouvers. So realistically Olli probably would have made that team too, they have Shea Weber and nobody else.