Quoting: AEcho
100% agree with that. Save the extra money and retain Fabbro and run him in the top 4. I also don't think Molendyk makes the team immediately. I could be wrong, but I think Ufko has a higher change of making the team day one compared to Molendyk.
Lines look more like
Forberg - ROR - Nyquist
Batherson - Stamkos - Evangelista
L'Herueux - Novak - Tomasino
Smith - Parssinen- SIssons
Josi - Ufko
McD - Fabbro
Statsney - Schenn/Lauzon
My only big concern is with that Stamkos contract, that is a lot of term and money to be giving someone in their mid 30's. Yeah, it is Stamkos, and he could pull a Crosby and deny the affects of age for the next 4 years, and if that happens, then great. But I'd be hesitant to give him that term especially when we have Svechkov waiting in MKE and looking pretty good for his first season in NA. Not to mention we would then have Fabbro, Evangelista, and Askarov to sign the next season. Maybe more like 6.5-7M if we are giving that much term, but I'd rather see Stamkos signed to a 2-3 year deal at 8M if we are giving him that much money.
Personally I would go a bottom 6 of
Novak- Parssinen- Tomasino
L'Heureux - sissons - smith
But I really dont like having novak at center for various reasons. He atleast needs a linemate that is competent at faceoffs if he is going to play the role of center. L'Heureux with sissons and smith could also be a very effective and annoying line to play against. Scoring potential and good around the boards.
WRT stamkos - with nyquist leaving at the end of the season there is always the possibility that if svechkov proves himself stamkos could go back to wing. Pärssinen also may not pan out at center and sissons' contract is only 2 more seasons.
I dont see fabbro sticking around long term. Two coaches in a row have diminished his role on the team. He seems to be taking a quick route out of town. Ufko may be on a quick route to the NHL if he keeps it up but I still wouldn't be surprised is Molendyk makes the team out of camp. His progression reminds me alot of Girard. At some point, it just becomes undeniable that he needs to move up.