I assume Winnipeg matches both, but I'd do:

Samberg - 7x $4.5M (2nd rounder)
Villardi - 7 x $6.75M (1st & 3rd rounder)

The could easily match, but you don't know if you don't try. I have really liked both of these guys for a long time.

Thank you for the list! These are some good names on that! I might add Rossi to that list. It was weird seeing him in trade rumors previously. I do wonder if there is some issues with contract discussions that may have him and the team look elsewhere.


Maybe Dubas goes bold and waits until 2026 then throws a big deal towards Connor Bedard after Malkin retires. It wouldn't be a terrible strategy to go heavy on picks and young players for this draft and next. Maybe be a bit aggressive in free agency. Then blow some picks on RFAs in 26. Makes me surprised we didn't do an offer sheet when JR was our GM (since he traded all of our 1st round picks anyway )