Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
Up front I think you start prioritizing a new core that has a "win by any means necessary" attitude. That means the new core is Bennett, Tkachuk, Dube, Lindholm, Mangiapane and I still think Monahan fits in there (I see the dude trying - he's working hard, but I honestly think he and Lindholm are both being hurt by Johnny's inability to carry the puck and his complete lack of ability to play defence). That's 6 forwards locked in for the expansion draft's 7 slots. If we can snag Hall, then there you go - that's the 7. Drafting Lapierre also gives you another bullet at the centre ice position - and it may still end up that Dube returns to centre so then we have Dube - Bennett - Monahan, which could be good - but Lapierre (one of the players I've perhaps irrationally fallen in love with heading to the draft) is another opportunity to snag a centre.
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This is where I'm at too, I think we have a pretty good path for our forward group next year and then into the future.
For example if we trade Backlund / Gaudreau and sign Hall then I think this is a potential forward group for next season:
Hall - Monahan - ???
Tkachuk - Lindholm - Mangiapane
Dube - Bennett - Lucic
??? - Ryan - ???
I think that roster is really deep at center and has the foundation of a good, deep lineup that's a good mix of youth and veterans.
The ??? marks can probably be filled with pieces we get back in the Gaudreau/Backlund deals and through internal promotions of guys like Phillips (RH), Gawdin (RH), or Pelletier (LH).
I think Gawdin and Phillips both had really unfortunate injuries this season and that if 100% healthy they would have been pieces that would have helped us in the bubble too.