Quoting: zyyyp
Disagree completely, obviously this team has many issues that need solving but the winger depth is absolutely abysmal and they're in desperate need of a high end scoring winger.
They're okay at generating chances 5v5 but the results aren't there because there's no finish. Their powerplay is awful because they have no one-time threats and no finishers.
We can all agree that Jack Hughes is the guy driving the bus here, if anybody is going to lead us to greatness it's him. So why are we not doing everything in our power to make him a more effective player? As a transitional playmaker he is never going to hit his full potential until he has somebody on his line that can finish chances consistently. There's no debate on that. Bratt has looked great this year but he's predominantly a playmaker as well, I think you're being overly optimistic on that list of forwards you've mentioned.
I would rather avoid making a big move for a few reasons.
1. We need depth, especially if we are going to run three offensive lines. Teams now shadow Hughes, throw their best def pairs out against, even send their “pests” for him. If we double-down on one top line, all that will continue. We will be a far more dangerous team with three young two-way centers and whole stable of wingers.
2. It takes time to get the blueline built. Realistically, a team needs 7-8 NHL d-man to make a run. We probably have 4-5 (and two of them have 1.5 years left). We should be able to add a couple via our prospect pool, but no guarantee on any of them. Also, wingers grow on trees. Every off-season, every trade deadline there are a ton available. It should be the last piece we add if/when we need to.
3. Our team shooting % is not that bad. I think it’s ranked in late teens. With more control on defensive zone exits, better scoring opportunities will arise. And they will come more frequently. The goals will come.
4. On the power play, I hear you on not having that one-timer. But moreover, I think we need a net-front body who can screen, tip, clean up. A Patric Hornqvist type. Or we need to create one.
Guys like Laine, Boeser would be great next to Hughes but they will require hugely, ginormous trade price. And a cost-prohibitive contract. Laine is going to want Marner money. I am just not up for that.