Episode 0071: Pie McKenzie Passed Away, Maple Leafs Cap Issues, E.C. Teams In Need of Improvement, Barry Trotz, Islanders Moves, Habs Center Issues and More!

Before we get started with the show, the Two Man Forecheck want to send our prayers and heart-felt condolences to the family and friends of Johnny “Pie” McKenzie.  He passed away last night (June 8th, 2018) after being confined to his bed for some time.  Johnny was a much liked and respected member of the Big, Bad Bruins teams of the 1970’s.

We tackle the upcoming cap issues for the Toronto Maple Leafs and some possible player moves that could take place there.  Will Connor Carrick accept a lower contract as part of a “bridge” deal?  Could Leo Komarov be on the chopping block and is that a good Idea for the Leafs?

Which Eastern Conference team of this year’s playoffs needs the most improvement?  Philly is the consensus pick, but Chris posits another theory.

Which GM is likely to be entertaining his last draft with his current team?  Again, there are numerous picks, but Mike has some interesting opinions here.

Barry Trotz has just won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals, but he is a free agent.  Will he be staying with the current team or could he be on the move?  The Forecheckers have a heated discussion, managing to avoid, ever so slightly, going to blows over his possible move to the New York Islanders.  Where do you think he will end up?

The Islanders have also replaced their GM and head coach, moving on from Garth Snow and Doug Weight. Will Lou Lamoriello have better success on the island?  Will John Tavares stay?

The Canadiens have many picks in this upcoming draft.  Could one of them be a center to help out Max Pacioretty?  Jesperi Kotkaniemi is a 6’2” 190 lb.  center who hopes that, if the Habs go in that direction, that he is the pick. We discuss at length a prospect that could make his NHL home in the Bell Centre.

Alexander Khokhlachev was drafted by the Bruins in the 2ndround of the 2011 draft.  His offensive skills are apparent, but maturity may have been an issue.  He has been in the KHL since the 2015-16 season, but it’s possible he could be returning to the NHL.  He is still under contract with the Boston Bruins, could they use his skills as part of the depth scoring they need to get further in the playoffs?

Finally, Nikita Bespalov, Koko’s teammate in Russia, is a goaltender with good numbers for his past seven seasons.  At 30 years old, could he still get a look from some NHL teams?

We present a lot of questions and possible solutions this week, but we look for your opinions as well, so let us know what you think…and enjoy the show!