how did Debrincat look on the forecheck the Ottawa system? Ive seen he wasnt great. if so, he wont mesh well here.

Maybe, but maybe Aho and Laf/TT do the forechecking for him? He's a sniper, the team needs snipers.

when have we had just 2 of the 3 forwards doing the forechecking when the other stands around and watches?

He worked his tail off when he had to go dump and chase and dig pucks out, but it's just not how you should utilize a player with his talents. Was a huge problem for a big chunk of the season, to the point that DeBrincat and Giroux had a long talk with DJ about it at practice one day. His season started trending much better after that. With a good coach it wouldn't be the same kind of issue imo.

When have we had a goal scorer like Cat?

I just worry we've reached our ceiling with jack of all trades kind of forwards and need someone to finish. It was supposed to be Patches, unfortunately didn't work out. I think avoiding a pure goal scorer cause they're not a perfect fit to our scheme is a way to keep repeating the same postseason results we've seen in the Brind'amour era.

Can't imagine Carolina doing this.

Not trying to be confrontational, but which part? The Ottawa trade?

Yeah. I don't see them giving up that kind of offer

Probably. I love Necas, have a jersey of his, but I wonder if he'll keep progressing and become the 2C the team needs. I know Cat isn't a C, but he's an upgrade over Necas on the wing.