Back to the Playoffs

Did you mean to put Zucc on the 4th line? Makes no sense for a player like him to get only eight minutes a night. As much as I do think Ohgren eventually ends up in the middle six, he might be one of those prospects that would be fine at least next season to get bottom six minutes when he’s in the league and then send him to Iowa as necessary.

I actually like the idea on the Gus trade a lot (NJ maybe adds a 5th round kicker, too) and then flipping that with Rossi for two guys who could be big pieces. Bravo

Jackets pass on that. Jiricek is too valuable to us to trade away for anything other than a young 1RD.

That's getting into "don't be absurd" territory for the Jackets. Marchenko's been amazing and we'd much rather keep him, and Jiricek is can't-afford-to-lose. Rossi would be a nice add, but, well, we've got a lot of good young centers as is; he'd be better than several of them, but it's not worth giving up those guys to get him. Meanwhile, Lambos plays on the wrong side and the pick is not helpful.

Most of Zucc’s points come on the power play. He’d get top pp minutes, but substantially less even strength time. I believe Russo said that Zucc had 7 points for the entire year when Kaprizov was not on the ice with him. You could flip him and Johansson if necessary.

The pick is the most valuable piece coming from Minnesota. Curious how a top 10 pick is not helpful. Are expectations that CBJ will make the playoffs next year?

I’m curious on Jiricek. He seems to be unhappy with how things are going. I totally understand not wanting to trade him, but I think there is some level of discontent. We might have to swing back around if he ever wants out.