Benning has gone from, only the top three are elite NHL ready talent with a big drop off after that to, the top six are elite talent. Posturing or maybe he's just over the disappointment of dropping down in the draft. They had to feel a top three was theirs.
Eriksson has long been rumoured as a target especially when he said their UFA targets would be players in their 20's or 30 something if they had familiarity with the team or some of the players. Will he take a 2-3 year deal though? Would hate a deal longer than that for him but it sure would be fun to see him with the twins.
He has gone on record as saying that to get the 5OA he wants a young top six goal scorer and a late first or early second. Wonder what names are popping up. Obviously not one that has him ready to pull the trigger.
During the exit interviews Burrows was told his fate would be determined after the draft, maybe even after the first week in July. If Benning has a good draft and lands 1-2 FA he is targeting Benning will try to move Burrows then or he'll get bought out during the second buy out period.
Higgins I think is as good as gone. I'm sure Benning will try to get something for him, even a 6-7 rounder or use him as an add on in a trade or if he makes a deal to get a bad contract for picks maybe toss Higgins the other way. On the other hand, if Vey is gone and Burrows are gone I could see them keeping Higgins for his vet presence since they still want to be a playoff team. And if we are out of the playoffs TDD Higgins might be easier to move as he will be on an expiring contract. Still a shit return. Or hell waive him. Green loved having him
