Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
I largely agree with you, and far too often these things are put off.
From an ownership standpoint I get it. You think you're close so why give away potential playoff money and push the whole thing down the road?
I wish they'd see that if you do it right you can have 15 years of playoff experiences and potentially two or three that go deep, at least that should be the plan.
Having said all that this isn't a demolition to the studs type of operation. This isn't an aging team at all.
I'm good with brining Tkachuk, Lindholm and Gaudreau back as a top line given what I saw in the last month of the season; that is if Gaudreau agrees to a reasonable contract.
If he wants max dollars and/or term you have to move him.
I like Dube and Mangiapane up front.
I like Zary and Pelletier as depth pieces going forward.
Monahan is one I can't completely decide on.
I think you let Giordano go in the expansion draft and if they take someone else move him at the deadline.
The big key for me is not chase it with free agents. Get younger in the depth areas and take some lumps for a year or two, and maybe you avoid the five year mess you're describing.
I'd be much happier with a younger team with cap space learning to play Sutter's defense system and being plucky enough to be close to a playoff spot than a team maxed to the cap that isn't showing up often enough.
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My fear is that if Gio is picked up by the Kraken that the Flames use that freed up money on a guy like RNH, Palmieri, or Hall (if he doesn't sign with the Bruins).