[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I don't think you rebuild around Tkachuk, because there is a significant risk that he leaves before the rebuild is complete. I think you rebuild around the young D core.

Defensemen take longer to develop than forwards. But the good news is that we have Andersson (23), Hanifin (23), Valimaki (21), Kylington (23) and Mackay (23) already in the system. that is a great core of young D to build on. So a rebuild shouldn't have to take that long.

Get the right coach, trade Gaudreau, Monahan and Lindholm for as much young potential and picks that you can, then try and get 2 studs in the draft. (you don't have to trade all 3 this summer - make sure you get good value)

Keep guys like Tkachuk, Dube, Mangiapane, and Bennett because you have to ice a team, and they either stay long enough to be part of the solution, or they are the final trade bait a few years from now.

And forchristsake, get a goalie coach who can assess and develop goalies.

The team is in a bit of a pickle with Tkachuk because the length of his deal means you kind of have to win now because as you say he will likely be gone by the time a rebuild is complete.