Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild GM
We don't have either in the pipeline right now. Who do you see coming to fill one of those roles?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Itse
We need to move a top six forward to get a top six forward? Say what again?
Since when did centers stop being more valuable and versatile than wingers?
And what's our problem again? Lack of production from the top six, or lack of production from the bottom six and defense?
Moving Backlund for a winger makes zero sense.
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Our current 1-3C depth:
Monahan
Backlund
Jankowski
My current observations about our 1-3C depth:
- Janko and Backlund are both possession-driving centers.
- While Backlund is currently better in that regard, Janko is younger, cheaper, and has a dramatically higher offensive upside.
- I personally believe Janko needs to move into the #2 spot to prevent stunting his development. I think he's too good for #3C ice time, and I also think he's someone that would respond favourably to the challenge of #2C ice time.
My concerns about re-signing Backlund:
- He wants (and deserves) #2C dollars and term. $5Mx5yrs doesn't seem unreasonable for Backlund. In fact, I'm certain a team would give him that should he hit the market.
- Given my above observations, I don't believe we need to commit that amount of money or term to a position (#2C) that I believe is already filled (Janko). I do not want to see us paying $5M for a #3C (
Backlund is NOT a #3C, that's just where I believe he should slot in, given my observations of Janko).
Our current 1-2W depth:
Gaudreau Ferland
Tkachuk Frolik
My current observations about our 1-2W depth:
- I love Ferland, but I would love love him more if he was 2-3W instead of 1-2W.
- I believe Tkachuk is now a #1W, and that playing him as a #2W is going to hold him back. In addition, I also believe that a player like Tkachuk is exactly what Johnny and Mony need.
- Frolik is not a 1-2W anymore. He's now a solid 3W, who can fill on 2W if needed.
My outlook on next year's top-six depth (based on everything above):
Gaudreau Monahan Tkachuk
Bennett Jankowski Ferland
Final thoughts:
- My initial thinking was to move Backlund for a top-six W, but after fleshing out the thought process, do we even need that next year?
- I think Ferland's "north-south / get the puck on net" style of play could be paired well with Bennett's playmaking and battling and Janko's net-front presence. In other words, Ferland is an upgraded Hathaway.
- I also think that top-line minutes for Tkachuk with highly-skilled players, combined with a more offensive-minded second line will result more reliable offence.
- Perhaps the better option to my earlier suggestion is to simply downgrade Backlund for a good #3C that makes #3C (or less) $$ and draft picks?
Anyway, these are all just my own observations. I'm either on base, almost on base, off base or not even in the right ballpark, but I'm just spit-balling and seeing if any of it makes sense.