I agree with a lot of what 1qqaaz had to say. First, I like the draft-particularly the first three players, but Boltmann was a head-scratcher for me. He seems like a guy you pass on in the draft to invite to a few rookie camps, where you can decide whether or not to sign him. I think Chechelev could be a steal, not unlike his countrymen, Sorokin, Samsonov, and Shesterkin.
I definitely wouldn't give our signings an F, but I've never been a huge fan of Markstrom. He's been mediocre his whole career save for last year, but I'm going to be cautiously optimistic.Tre managed to reel in the biggest goalie fish, and that in itself is exciting. I don't necessarily like the term, but that's the $ and length you have to give to land a guy like that. I do, however, like the Tanev signing-he's a warrior and a leader, and brings the other D up with his presence. I would say that we need another offensive D-man, but I think Valimaki might be able to fill in there-he's one of the best in the Finnish Liiga right now, and I think we'll be surprised at what he'll be able to contribute right away. Also, losing Hamonic means we no longer have a black hole sucking the life out of our young guys. The other D we lost, including Brodie, were expected to leave, so onward and upward.
As for Taylor Hall, he can suck it.
I don't think Tre is anywhere near done, and I think there will still be a huge move or two before the season. This is not the team that we will see in January.
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