Joined: May 2022
Posts: 768
Likes: 502
I'm in from AZ's point of view. I think they want to keep Bjugstad, but getting Miller back makes too much sense long-term. 24 year old defenseman who is big, skates, and can eat minutes. It's a no-brainer to me.
I like Bjugstad a lot. He's been a big influence in the room. Valimaki has shown flashes of why he was a highly regarded prospect, but he has never played at Miller's level. They have 10 2nd rounders the next three years. It's fine.
They slid McBain up between Maccelli and Crouse after the deadline last year, and the line didn't miss a beat. Cooley, Hayton, McBain, Kerfoot is fine. Smith and Jenik in Tucson who need evaluation time at this level or kick them loose. Geekie pushing for a spot next year. They can always grab a free agent veteran center in the off-season if guys aren't ready. Twenty-something games this year without Bjugstad isn't going to kill them. Easier to fill that hole than grab a 6'5" 24 year old who eats big minutes.