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Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Yeah goaltending is going to remain a question mark until it plays out and while I'm optimistic things may be better I also wouldn't be surprised if these guys aren't an upgrade on Elliott/Johnson. I don't think we ever have to worry about goaltending being as bad as the 2015/16 season as that was a historically bad year for any organization in the NHL. The defense definitely looks better regardless of what the bottom pairing looks like as Hamonic is a massive upgrade on Wideman who started last season at the 4th defenseman. The forward group is largely unchanged but the hope is that Monahan and Gaudreau have adjusted to the new coach/system and won't take 40 games to get going like last season.
I will give Treliving an A+ for effort here as he has worked harder than any GM over the past few weeks and has addressed the goaltending situation and 4th defender holes with what were the best opportunities presented to him in his eyes. If I was to grade the actual moves maybe a B because of Hamonic as I view the goaltenders as kind of lateral moves at present time. Getting Foo, Murray without giving up assets is a nice bonus as well.
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Agreed - I find it so hard to grade him this off-season as he killed it with Hamonic, Versteeg, and Foo. I'm very skeptical with the solution in net as if our season goes south, it's still the most likely and foreseeable reason why.
If Smith reverts back to his horrendous form from two years ago and Lack is what he is, we're in need of two new goalies next year...again! And just waiting out goaltending prospects to save the day in two years doesn't seem like an ideal situation. I'll sit back and see how the season goes but it's hard not to be a little worried. With the roster as it is now, we should be a strong contender regardless so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt once again.