Whats the point? Why should we even entertain a trade for a RD to play with Hughes, I think that we would be wasting assets, we could go for a minor league trade but we just need someone good enough. Bear was sufficient, we just need to get to the point where he is healthy. Heck Juulsen played like a 2nd pair guy when he was paired with Hughes, he had a tough pre season but lets throw him with Hughes, or we could get Coughlan to skate with him or we do it by committee McWard also looked half decent but could probably use some time marinading in the A.
Heres the plan for the year, its not perfect, but its the rough outline.
The team will probably be close to the playoffs and will be contesting with WPG, NSH, STL, CGY, SEA, for the 2 WC spots. I dont think NSH and STL are going to make it, WPG looks like they want to sell, so that leaves 3 PAC teams.
Even if we are in the chase, we should still sell at the TDL
we retain on Beauviller, Myers, Cole
we could also sell DeSmith so we can get Silovs up, Joshua and Blueger and any other expiring UFAs
It is not inconceivable to still make the playoffs, we have the pieces that can move up, the biggest loss would be Cole but that means we will get more for him, with retention we could get a late 1st.
next year, we are going to have some top end talent coming in with a top pair defender in Willander (who should be starting in the AHL like Seider) and Lekkerimaki (who is currently almost goal per game in the SHL). This influx of talent will convince Petey to sign as we got close enough to see the playoffs, 12x8 and Hronek 7.5x8. We then will have a contending level top 6 (Kuzy, Petey, Mikheyev, Boeser, Miller, Lekkerimaki) and top 3 D (Hughes, Willander, Hronek) and 2 top end Goalies.
TLDR, dont spend now, sell at deadline, we can be very good next year
If Coghlan gets waived, then I'd be fine with Van claiming him. Even if he is a 7/8 dman for the year. Happy if we can add Bear, even if he isn't the ideal partner for Hughes. Maybe the sneak into the playoffs (though I don't buy it at the moment). Either way, it would give flexibility should they be sellers at the TDL and can retain on Myers to try and get a pick, while Bear, Coghlan and even McWard compete for spots on RD.
If Coghlan gets waived, then I'd be fine with Van claiming him. Even if he is a 7/8 dman for the year. Happy if we can add Bear, even if he isn't the ideal partner for Hughes. Maybe the sneak into the playoffs (though I don't buy it at the moment). Either way, it would give flexibility should they be sellers at the TDL and can retain on Myers to try and get a pick, while Bear, Coghlan and even McWard compete for spots on RD.
Quoting: palhal
I agree with, don't be buyers trying to sneak into the playoffs. If anything be sellers.
I’m with you, we have to look at the timelines of these players, we also have to consider what would be the best for the long term of the team. I think we should still look to add a guy who’s a bit of a nail gun, I’m thinking along the lines of McBain, a 3rd line guy who gets bumped down to the 4th to bring grit and a bit of scoring.
I’m with you, we have to look at the timelines of these players, we also have to consider what would be the best for the long term of the team. I think we should still look to add a guy who’s a bit of a nail gun, I’m thinking along the lines of McBain, a 3rd line guy who gets bumped down to the 4th to bring grit and a bit of scoring.
Ya, I think Tocchet is going to keep mixing things up early to find that guy internally.
It's going to feel a lot like Travis Green is still at the helm with lime changes. His comments about 'defense by committee' and Joshua practicing on the Suter/Garland line suggest Blueger/Studs will see little 5v5 time (with Blueger getting PK time). That also leaves Hog on the 4th line with Studs and him under 10 minutes/night. That said, they'll probably keep rotating the bottom 6 until the top 9 cements their spots in the lineup. I'm still a bit surprised by the Blueger signing as it felt like an overpay of what they had in Lazar and unnecessary because I like Aman's play. I'm also big on Karlsson and think PDG/Aman/Studs should/could be the 4th line.
Ya, I think Tocchet is going to keep mixing things up early to find that guy internally.
It's going to feel a lot like Travis Green is still at the helm with lime changes. His comments about 'defense by committee' and Joshua practicing on the Suter/Garland line suggest Blueger/Studs will see little 5v5 time (with Blueger getting PK time). That also leaves Hog on the 4th line with Studs and him under 10 minutes/night. That said, they'll probably keep rotating the bottom 6 until the top 9 cements their spots in the lineup. I'm still a bit surprised by the Blueger signing as it felt like an overpay of what they had in Lazar and unnecessary because I like Aman's play. I'm also big on Karlsson and think PDG/Aman/Studs should/could be the 4th line.
I see what you’re saying but the value in Blueger comes from his defensive acumen. He might be overpaid but it’s not gross overpayment. Blueger is a guy you would not bat an eye if he was a 3LW on an average team, add very good PK and being decent at the dot he is a great fit and pretty much exactly what this team needed.
I also think that our best bet for a 3rd line is the little line
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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