[Southside]

Acquiring Elliott and Brouwer were the off season moves that were supposed to elevate us into contender status. They looked great on paper. Thank god Elliott is a free agent, but man were stuck with Brouwer and he hasn't shown us much. We need to reset again this summer.

Wideman, Johnson and Elliott are all UFA as is Versteeg. Combined salaries exceed $13.3. That should allow for some room to sign UFA's or make acquisitions for a 1G and a 1RW. If Versteeg salary demands are reasonable do it, same for Johnson. Naturally Wideman and Elliott can take a walk.

I would resign Engelland, ideally for 1 or 2 years at similar salary to what he is currently making, hence not included in above discussion.

RFA's include; Bennett, Ferland, Hathaway, Chiasson and Kevin. Bennett is a natural for a bridge, hopefully on the cheap. Hathaway should be easy to keep and I think Ferland is worth another shot within reason. Kevin and Chiasson can disappear.

All told we should end up with another top forward and goaltender acquisition. Other expiring contracts should make room for Gillies/Rittich, one or two of Kylington, Andersson, Kulak and one or two of Jankowski, Klimchuk, Shinkaruk, Poirier, Pribyl or Mangiapane.

Just focus on one high end forward and goalie, then let the youngsters round out the roster.