Bowman said today that Toews, Dach and Johnson would form the "solid foundation" at center this season, noticeably excluding Strome from this group. Of course, this could mean Strome will be moving to the wing, where he spent more time this season than he ever had before. But given Seattle's reported willingness to move Dunn and their need for centers, I went down the trade route instead. Would absolutely love to see this happen, regardless of how unrealistic it might be.
If we can fix Connolly, he could be a really effective middle-6 player. This year was a season from hell for him, but he's been incredibly effective the last few seasons. I'd say give him some run at the start of the season and if he fails to hit, then you can give up on him.
Lots of candidates for 2RW. I went with Gaud because I think a move to the wing would suit him a little better than C and he's not the kind of player who can thrive in the bottom 6. Could also see Kurashev, Nylander or Connolly filling that whole, but they're all less likely than Gaudette imo for various reasons.
If we were to get Dunn, there's really no space on the roster for De Haan anymore and I can't imagine he'd want to spend a contract year in the press box. He could be shipped to anywhere needing a #4-#5 d-man, either to flip him later or for a run at a playoff spot. He's a good player, just doesn't really fit on our backend anymore. Obviously, if we don't trade for Dunn, he would stay, which is perfectly fine.
Publicly, Fleury should be touted as the starter, but I'd like to see a 50/50 split between him and Lankinen, as the schedule and their individual performances permit it. I also hope that an extension for Lankinen is being discussed, to one extent or another. Having both goalies slated for free agency is not a good place to be in and Lank looks to be the guy until Soderblom or Commesso are ready to go.
Tbh I think Strome is definitely the odd man out. Also, I would be curious to see how Dach plays on the wing. In his brief games at the U20s last year, he looked a lot more explosive offensively. I wonder if putting him with a responsible center like Johnson would free him up a little bit more to explode for some points. Or go balls to the walls and put him on Borgstroms wing to see if he can light a fire under Borgstrom and get him going. Idk. I think there are plenty of options, which is a good thing, but not for Strome
Tbh I think Strome is definitely the odd man out. Also, I would be curious to see how Dach plays on the wing. In his brief games at the U20s last year, he looked a lot more explosive offensively. I wonder if putting him with a responsible center like Johnson would free him up a little bit more to explode for some points. Or go balls to the walls and put him on Borgstroms wing to see if he can light a fire under Borgstrom and get him going. Idk. I think there are plenty of options, which is a good thing, but not for Strome
Well if Dach is on the wing, I think that opens up a spot for Strome (think you can boot Connolly out then). Personally, I think it would be best to keep developing him at C, since that’s probably best for us long term, but if Toews can return to form, I suppose it’s something they could toy with at least this year.
But yeah, overall I really like all of the options we’ve got, looking forward to see who sinks and swims
I like the dunn move. I think you're about a million short on hagel. And I would really want to see us bring in a RW for that middle 6 to be a true contender. I'm fine with running the connely and nylander expiraments and doing it at the TDL, but a RW is needed to be a true contender I think. The problem is the only way the money works is if we cap dump connely
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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