While Pat Maroon has indicated that he would like to remain in St. Louis, Benjamin Hochman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch believes that both sides would be better off if the winger didn’t re-sign with the Blues. The 31-year-old had an up-and-down season in 2018-19 but did provide a level of physicality that not many others in their bottom six group could. However, they have plenty of winger depth in the mix already so it’s not as if there’s a glaring vacancy for the St. Louis native to fill. At this point, Maroon is seeking a multi-year deal which is something that the Blues clearly won’t be giving him. But if a one-year pact is all he can get, there are other teams that can offer a more prominent opportunity than he’d get by staying with his hometown team. We’ll see in the coming weeks how important playing close to home will be for the veteran.
Elsewhere around the league:
- There were talks regarding a potential offer sheet for Jets winger Kyle Connor during the RFA interview period and Sportsnet’s Sean Reynolds reports that those talks have continued. The 22-year-old had a strong 2018-19 campaign, recording 34 goals and 32 assists, career bests in both categories while logging over 19 minutes a night. That has put him in line for a massive raise from his $925K entry-level salary. Winnipeg has roughly $17.5MM in cap room (per CapFriendly) to re-sign Connor, fellow RFA winger Patrik Laine, and a few other depth players to round out their roster.
- While Mike Condon is coming off a particularly rough season in Ottawa, Jonathan Willis of The Athletic suggests (subscription required) that the netminder could be an interesting trade chip. He’s clearly not in the plans of the Senators for next season but possesses a contract that could be of interest to some cap-strapped teams. He carries a $2.4MM cap hit but a $3MM salary; it’s possible that a team against the Upper Limit could move a back-diving contract (higher cap hit, lower salary) for him, allowing them to save some cap space while the Sens would gain an asset and potentially save a bit of actual money. Condon battled hip issues last season but is expected to be ready for training camp.
Seems to be right up Euge’s alley.
“I’ll play *anywhere* — just gimme a chance!” OTT??? OK, *almost* anywhere…
Maybe the islanders should consider Maroon since they lost Filppula
Condon sucks, Sens suck they should trade Craig to a better team give him a chance to win.
Maroon is a winger , Flippula was 3rd line center with Islanders, yeah he has played left wing at times. so don’t think that move will help in what Islanders are in need of since if you search their prospects they are thin at center. and I think Maroon wants to be close to his family in his hometown.
Albeit Condon sucks, if you trade Anderson , who will you turn to in goal Nilsson, Hoberg, Gustavsson, Daccord, or who else is out there as a quality backup or starter? or are you want to free up $4,750,000 cap space for Anderson, yet Condon does free up $2,400,000 , maybe do what Toronto did with Clarkson, Horton and unload LTIR contracts of Gaborik, McArthur, and you can get rid of Boedker may get a peanut vendor for him and his contract.
Gerald,
Exactly, they might as well. Likely help them get a better draft spot. Gotta have someone to play with Brady!
Thanks Marner, tho a Black Hawk fan , I do like watching Marner play , I do hope Leafs find some means to sign him, I think if he gives it a chance and backs off on what he’s asking for and what is rumored he wants that he has enough time few years down the road to look for that prized contract , when hopefully the salary cap goes up for all teams probably when Seattle comes into league, As for Ottawa it maybe hard to move Anderson with his salary with cap issues , he would have to take less if he is moved , always like Anderson in their few misses in going for the Stanley Cup, I just don’t want to see them just tank to get that high draft choice , look at how last few number 1’s in lottery wasn’t always cellar team , I was thinking Ryan or Duclair , may play with Brady , not sold on Brown on 1st line as a Leafs fan in yourself he played 4th line minutes in Toronto , maybe give a young prospect like Veronneau the challenge, Boedker just don’t do nothing for me move him out and contract and get a fourth or fifth now, just hate to see what happens to sens when Anderson is gone>>>> Thanks!