Edited Feb. 21, 2021 at 4:51 p.m.
Quoting: SlickWilly
I think circumstantially its pretty solid, but a couple things that could be optimized. If we're picking up Lindholm and extending him, I dont think theres a pressing need to draft a LD, especially if we are up in the top 15-10 area. Also I plan on 1 of Kaiser and Vlasic panning out, which I dont think is too unrealistic. I think a couple offensive wingers who might fall into our range like Lucius or Sillinger might better fit our future, in which case I wouldnt sign Saad for more than 2 or 3 years. Also dont really like the Compher pick up too much, I think that 3RW spot might better be utilized by giving Nylander his last shot before bringing up a guy like Teply or Barratt or Entwistle to see what happens there. Overall I feel like we will be good in the not too distant future, but I think gambling on the progression to take that next step isnt too uncalled for. I would just rather wait and let the rookies decide their future for one more year, because if we sink in 2022 season, the draft will not disappoint us. And then after that point, we could sign Lindholm and another forward like Hertl or Giroux or Pavelski to supplement our young guys. I think 2022 just feels like a better offseason to go all in because of the resources available, because I wouldnt want to make long term signings before locking up Dach, Kubs, and Boqvist on their next contracts.
Great comments. I agree, probably best to just wait on Lindholm as he likely hits the free market. Without question our biggest hole on this team is a #1LHD and Keith is showing signs that the minutes are taking its toll on him with dumb turnovers. Drafting a LHD like Lambos, Evidsson, Power, or Huges is great but they are all 2 years away and won't step into a #1 role for probably a total of 4 years or even 5. That makes Lindholm a great play IMO, but again, can wait until FA after next season.
Compher is interesting IMO. He's local kid and had a great season prior but is playing center right now and not looking good. Janmark is not part of the future IMO and I'd rather pick up Compher then a 2nd rounder and gamble on a bag of magic beans; 2nd rounders have less then a 25% of making the NHL fulltime.
We can get Saad back I'm sure and for cheaper thus making the gamble on Big Z not as bad. Saad is playing outstanding of course with the Avs. Hawks are really weak with RW players/prospects, Compher and Saad can make that side a strength of ours, but another option is maybe grabbing Tuch for Strome since Vegas is capped strapped and could use another center?
I agree somewhat on Nylander. While the Hawks shouldn't give up on him now because his trade value is in the toilet given his injury, knee injuries also aren't easy to come back from. Look at Andreas Johnsson for reference as he looks okay but certainly brought down his ceiling IMO. If Nylander proves himself, then we have the option of moving Compher, Saad, or even Kurashev.
Bottom line, #1 need for the Hawks is a top line LHD and #2 need is a top 6 (even top 9) winger and preferably a 2 way power forward type (Compher and Saad are both that).