It's would also be a waste. We need an elite top pairing defenceman. Center depth is great and all, but Monahan getting 12 minutes a night would be a waste of an asset. Trade him for d help then at that point
It wouldn't be a waste. I want LA style centre depth.
I know it takes a bit to sink in, but we have an elite/high-end top pairing already. That's HUGE. Of course, we can always improve - but another Centre would go a long, long way to establish the core group going forward. It would also free up Backlund to potentially be moved for a good, young 2nd pairing d-man.
It's would also be a waste. We need an elite top pairing defenceman. Center depth is great and all, but Monahan getting 12 minutes a night would be a waste of an asset. Trade him for d help then at that point
Having great depth at center is never a waste.
I'd rather try packaging our other forwards for help on defense first.
Bennett and Backlund can be shifted to wing if needed, and be shifted back to center when injuries occur.
A few people are saying trade Backlund in this scenario, but I'd be very hesitant to. He very well could end up being the best defensive centre we have, even after our other centers reach their prime.
I know it takes a bit to sink in, but we have an elite/high-end top pairing already. That's HUGE. Of course, we can always improve - but another Centre would go a long, long way to establish the core group going forward. It would also free up Backlund to potentially be moved for a good, young 2nd pairing d-man.
Giordano won't be elite forever. He might not even be elite for much longer.
__________________
Always Earned, Never Given
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to TheDebaser For This Useful Post:
I'd rather try packaging our other forwards for help on defense first.
Bennett and Backlund can be shifted to wing if needed, and be shifted back to center when injuries occur.
A few people are saying trade Backlund in this scenario, but I'd be very hesitant to. He very well could end up being the best defensive centre we have, even after our other centers reach their prime.
It's a waste when you have one stacked position, and others are weak. No elite teams that win cups are lacking elite D.
While Brodie looks great, it's really only the second half of last season and 8 fans this year. The future looks promising, but it's far from certain like a high pedigree pick would. Gio will likely start declining soon. For most defensemen, that starts around 30, which he's on the wrong side of.
Sprong has been mentioned, he is at the moment the only natural right shooting RW on most rankings.
Mikko Rantanen is also considered high end by some but has yet to score a goal this season in the Finnish league this season. He is also a left shot.
There are quite a few highly ranked right shooting centers that could probably be easily converted to RW if necessary (besides the obvious Eichel):
Mitch Marner and Travis Konecny are kind of on the smallish size (both less than 6') but have great offense
Matt Barzal and Colin White are at the 6' mark and considered high end.
Nicolas Roy seems to have all the tools to be an elite forward (6'4'', 2 way game, offensive instinct) but seems to have problems putting it together consistently. He has a high ceiling, but may be a project in terms of a NHL team will pick him and have to hope he eventually puts it all together.
Darren Haynes @DarrenWHaynes 37m37 minutes ago
Through the first 10 games in their NHL Draft year:
- Connor McDavid, Erie (OHL), 9-20-29
- Sidney Crosby, Rimouski (QMJHL), 7-20-27
The Following User Says Thank You to PeteMoss For This Useful Post:
One thing that concerns me about Strome - even if he isn't playing with McDavid at even strength, he isn't getting the top guys on the other team's up against him. And at the junior level playing against the top d-pair and the 2nd/3rd d-pairing is a giant difference.
man, i would love.. LOVE to get mcdavid. Think he's really going to be an elite superstar player. the team that gets him will be set for the next decade as being a playoff team.
One thing that concerns me about Strome - even if he isn't playing with McDavid at even strength, he isn't getting the top guys on the other team's up against him. And at the junior level playing against the top d-pair and the 2nd/3rd d-pairing is a giant difference.
