Quoting: CD282
Broberg already sat and watched in the last playoffs, he's going to get his TOI this year with the goal to playing regular minutes in the 2023 playoffs. The only way Holland brings in another LHD is if there's a major injury or Broberg falls flat on his face in the regular season - and then this deal won't happen until the deadline.
Many pundits are of the opinion that Edmonton needs to step up their defense ahead of the upcoming play-offs in order to really qualify for the Stanley Cup. I fully agree with this point of view. And it's not that I don't believe in our young defensemen, it's that the playoffs are a natural meat grinder and just to keep us from literally burying our growing talent, we need to add one experienced player at the trade deadline. defense is a given. Do not forget that the playoffs are a very traumatic time, and just for elementary safety net in case of injuries of a defender from the top 4, we need another experienced defender who is able to take on big minutes. I think this acquisition is even more important than the acquisition of Patrick Kane, this is a fact. For the playoffs, defense is essential.
I guess in the season we will be included in the composition
Nurse Ceci
Kulak Bochard
Broberg-Barrie
Samorukov
Broberg will play a full regular season. This is the situation with Barry. I thought about this question and realized such a thing. Holland will not change Barry this season, fact. Barry is Holland's bet. The contract with Barry is the brainchild of Holland and he appreciates the fact that Barry trusted him and signed him as a free agent, this is not empty words for the general manager. Holland will give Barry an opportunity to win the Stanley Cup this season. Well, I’ll probably express the general opinion that none of the Edmonton fans wants to trade Barry, everyone understands how well he moves the puck and what variability Barry gives to our defense. In an ideal world, if not a salary cap, Barry will play out his contract calmly, and all the teams will really lick their lips at Barry. But the reality is that next summer will be the moment when Holland trades Barry, I think it will.
Further before the start of this season, I believe we will sign Chris Russell to a minimum contract, but that Russell, that Koekkoek will be lowered to the AHL. These steps will give us depth for this season. Samorukov will be the seventh defender of the season. And it is Samorukov who will be the consumable for which they will acquire an experienced defender. I think that they will acquire a left-back, because Barry will be in the third pair from the right. Broberg in this playoffs will be smoothly introduced into the game, not giving him all the games and even more big minutes. He will be the seventh defenseman in the playoffs.
Next year, I suppose we will enter the season with this lineup
Nurse Ceci
Kulak Bouchard
Broberg Desharnais
Niemelainen
And these guys are a damn strong gang, this line-up intrigues me.