Quoting: imawesome
I could see out top 9 next year looking something like this
Palat-Point-Kucherov
Stamkos-Cirelli-Joseph
Goodrow-Gourde-Volkov
That is significantly weaker than this year, but the cap is a problem
As for AHL players I have no idea which players could make the team next year, but you seem to follow the AHL team so you should keep us posted on that.
My personal ACGM based on prevailing assumptions currently has the Top 9 as:
Gourde-Point-Kucherov
Killorn-Cirelli-Stamkos
Volkov-Stephens-Joseph
I know you're big on Palat, but I think Cooper & Co. like Killorn more than him. And he's a Free Agent anyway, so, he could come right back to us for 22-23 if we decide to move on from Killorn or Gourde. I still think Goodrow and Coleman are each going to have a nice windfall this postseason, so, I'm not factoring them into next year for us. I have Stephens as 3C because the guy can win faceoffs, but he needs the NHL reps for a little more offense and defense, so, hopefully he doesn't miss too much time and comes back this season in good health.
And yes there's something about hockey prospects and college football recruits that always captivates me. It's fun to think about the future, but trying not to miss out on our great team currently
To but it bluntly though, Raddysh looked out of touch with the pace of play at times during Syracuse's first game. I think I've said it before, but I think Katchouk, Colton, and Somppi are probably the most likely to stick in the bottom 6 for us if we have to call on some of the Syracuse guys next season. I never thought much of Somppi before, mainly because of a lack of offensive output, but his skating and defense looks good enough for a Bottom 6 role.
Quoting: Rangsey
If we can keep the strength on the blueline we're still going to be in the mix. Do we try to keep ABB and float Hugo instead? I'm high on Gabe Fortier I really hope he pans out.
I don't think Hugo's value would be worth enough without any NA experience and results to make we want to consider trading him. ABB is only going to succeed in a Top 6 role, and I doubt we have one for him anytime soon. Fortier looked good Saturday night, but I think he's going to need another year in the AHL to practice playing a more physical game. I could see him at least getting a shot next year though with our cap situation.