Quote:
Originally Posted by nik-
Is it? ... I see two players who are likely to play in the NHL and they're both going to be full time regulars next year, likely low pairing potential, maybe second for Marincin. And then Darnell Nurse, who should easily be top 4.
I wouldn't call that very good.
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I think they see Nurse as a probable top pairing guy and perhaps not a huge step down from Ekblad. Then they have Marincin, Schultz, Petry and Klefbom as potential top 4 guys with some other guys for bottom pairing depth. If one of the aformentioned 4 can surprise as a top pairing guy like Brodie did then they look fine going forward.
They really do think they have good young defensive depth. They aren't wrong IMO. I'd say their need for a big 2nd line centre or a big, strong powerforward is much, much greater than their need for another top pairing d-man prospect.
It's quite easy to see them coveting Draisaitl or even a guy like Ritchie because they fit a bigger need.