I don't understand why we're in the market for a goalie?? That wasn't what got us eliminated against the stars, it was the core that loves to choke and can't close out a game. I don't know why so many have given up on Rittich, in case all of you forgot he's the reason we made the playoffs the last two seasons and it baffles me that they've robbed him of starting two years in a row now. If Talbot can be brought back on a cheap deal I'd roll with that tandem again.
IMO we need a first line centre with Dube expected to take a step next season as well as Bennett showing he can do much more if given the right ice time. I think it's time to trade Monahan, a lot of you might not be happy with this but he's a big reason why we continue to get bounced he's 6'3 and rarely uses his size, shys away from loose puck battles and clearly doesn't drive his own line.
I'm sure a lot of you would rather see Johnny get traded but if that happens do you really think Hall would be an upgrade over Johnny? Would Monahan be a 30 goal scorer without the playmaking of Johnny? The answer is no to both, yes Johnny is small but look at Kucherov and Point they're "small" and just won a stanely cup. The issue isn't Johnny, it's Monny not creating the space a first line centre should be able to.
This team is a first line centre away from competing IMO, I have no idea who would be available but if we're going to trade our 1st round pick for anything it would be to package it with Monahan to get the first line centre we've desperately needed since Joe Nieuwendyk.
Doing so would also let them go after either Taylor Hall Or Alex Pietrangelo, IMO it should be Pietrangelo he would really light a fire under their ###
|