CFP! wrote:His cap hit is basically MayRays minus the cut back. I dont see how the Ilses would move him. Gaining salary might be good for them this summer at the expense of a solid up and comer?
Well the Isles would move him if Gillis can sell Raymond as an adequate/step down replacement. Their D consists of Streit, Hamonic, Matt Donovan and Andrew MacDonald. Ballard would be a no 3 and might actually get used as he's supposed to (top-4 role). The thinking being what you lose going from Okposo-Raymond, you gain with Ballard's addition.
It works for Gillis because Okposo is a better top-6 option than Raymond, and you gain that bottom-6 grit in Martin. Not to mention you rid yourself of Ballard's contract. That's not saying Ballard and Raymond aren't good hockey players, they just don't fit on this team.
