Like many, I think next year is going to be more painful. Our young guys are starting to play well, which is great, but I think we will drop off a bit next year.
Cammy who's a big key to recent success will likely be gone and not replaced immediately with anyone (which is fine).
Wouldn't be shocked to see Hudler moved if a good package is offered, and other veterans like Glencross will likely be gone by deadline (maybe not a huge loss). Point being though, we will be losing some of our decent older players, and not replacing them with players ready to perform at that level yet.
And then comes the pain of the expectations set this year. They will be two fold. One, by playing as well as they have, they will subconsiously up our expectations of the group next year. They exceed expectations (that were very low) this year, but next year we'll expect to see further progress. Not sure if that's realistic and will make next year more painful if they aren't able to do it.
Two, we have semented our reputation this year as a hard working team, that can't be taken lightly by anyone. Other teams will be more prepared for us next year, and will play us tougher I think.
Next year might just be the most painful year of the rebuild I think. Higher expectations, less veteran talent, and still maybe a year away from our young guys really being ready to take the mantel.
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