Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
Yeah, you can probably make do with Monahan/Backlund/Ryan as long as your top C is Eichel. I still think Monahan is a question mark as to his career. I’m not banking on improvement (other than maybe defensively) but I’m not discounting the possibility. Backlund and Ryan (if they can grab him on a good contract) are both decent enough. There are some kids worth working in as well. Or you can work on other trades as well.
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Back in 2012, The Kings' second line was Penner - Richards - Carter.
Considering Sutter has already tried Monahan at LW in the most recent game, I could very well see him trying something similar with Monahan on Backlund's wing.
Let's assume Lindholm and Tkachuk is what it takes.
Gaudreau - Eichel - Mangiapane
Monahan - Backlund - X
if that's your top five forward group, I think you can try a guy like Dube as your 3C and focus on bringing in a Silfverberg or Rakell type in a different trade. Or maybe Dube takes the next step as a winger?
Or maybe offer to take Tyler Johnson off Tampa's hands to play 3C or 2RW as a fallback option.
Lucic - Johnson - X
I think that could work if the cap hits aren't an issue. Though I'd prefer to keep one of Lindholm and Tkachuk if possible.
Either way, a lot of teams add that last top six piece at the trade deadline. Look at Boston adding Hall this year, for instance. Or back to Sutter's Kings, Gaborik was a deadline acquisition in 2014. So it's not always how stacked you are to start the year. It's about playing a winning style and being in a playoff spot. Then you ask Arizona if they're willing to part with Phil Kessel for 32nd overall.