Quoting: GiggywithGibby
I don't think Zell is ready for NHL duty yet, his defensive game just isn't there, he's been getting chewed up and spat out the last two weeks. Give him a year or two in SD.
Same for Luneau, coming off a lost season due to knee infection, let him cut his pro teeth down in SD and play alongside Hinds for a season or two.
However, I'd go after one of the top 4 RDs available, Mintyukov's development into a true #1 is critical for this team, let's give that the best possible chance with Pesche.
I'd also keep Lindstrom around, his microstats have been good for a 6/7 guy, he seems to fit the system, and he's the right age.
As to 3C, I really think it's about putting a shooter with Lundewtrom, he's a play making and play extending forward who's been good in the dot, in the limited time together, I liked him and Vatrano on the same as line. With Verbeek wanting to shore up the bottom 6, I could see the improvements being made by pushing from the top down.
Well, I did say I was apprehensive about having Zellweger on the roster. He is showing well all things considered (imo), so it does create a conundrum. I 100% see the point of a year at least in San Diego. It won't hurt ine bit.
To the point of going after one of the "top tier" RD on the market - the temptation is there. The Ducks have the money. I was trepidations about it for two reasons: 1. I have to think the Pesce's of the world will be hoping to sign with a contender (which the Ducks are not right now), and 2. Long-term, it stands to reason that the hope is Luneau amd Warren are in the top 4. Maybe trying to land on of those guys bridges that gap. Same time, I wanna leave that door as open as possible.
Again, I see the point there.
Lastly, I am one to say I do not see Lundestörm as a 3C. Fabulous 4C. But him as a 3C I don't think cuts it when stacking up against other teams. The defensive game is there. 100%. But I see him more as a Kämpf type - where he "can" play 3C, but much better suited for 4C. (My Leafs fan-age coming out there). Wennberg is more a stop gap if you will, waiting to see how that core of McT, Zegras, Gauthier, Carlsson pan out. Could very well be one of those 4 end up suited for 3C (I doubt it, but play along).
I look at the Ducks, at they are at a point where they do need to be competitive. Not playoffs, but competitive. With Wennberg, I see a pretty solid top 9 that can produce, and a rather nasty checking unit with some offensive pop to it (for a 4th line).
See the path of least resistance to being more competitive is rounding out the forward core over spending on the back end and with term. Too much shaking out there yet..... but there is an aweful lot.to like about it.
Your thoughts are solid. Certainly a direction to go.
What is clear from what you are saying and from what I see from a far is this really is a critical offseasonnfor the Ducks. The decisions have bigger implications than they have for the last couple years.
McDavid, Connor
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