My hope is that spots are legitimately up for grab this season, and that Treliving doesn't spend on UFAs much, even on depth signings. Sure, sign a couple, but there are players in the system that are ready for the next step. This team probably won't compete for a cup this upcoming season.
Leave two spots open - make Zary, Pelletier, Phillips, Ruzicka, Gawdin, Pospisil and maybe whomever else earns it out of camp (doubtful, but once in a while you get a mid 1st - 3rd round pick at the draft, and that kid makes the team in the fall, like 2nd round pick ROR).
Phillips - 3 AHL seasons, 1 NHL game
Ruzicka - 2 AHL seasons, 3 NHL games
Gawdin - 3 AHL seasons, 7 NHL games
Pospisil - 2 AHL seasons (but only 40 games total, which is why I didn't originally include him), 0 NHL games
Philp - 2 AHL seasons, 0 NHL games (I am not very high on him personally, but it is still another body that might make it)
Both Zary and Pelletier have the potential to play in the NHL next season.
They won't all play. However, you won't know if they can unless you give them a shot. I think some youthful exuberance is just what this team needs, and I think each one of these players could end up being good 3rd round players and higher if they develop. Will be some growing pains, but I don't think it is asking for too much to pick two of the best, and put them on lines 3 and 4 with vets and see how they do.
I would much rather do that than sign guys like Simon and Nordstrom. I can understand Ritchie as he is a legitimate strong skater who is very physical and will not hesitate to protect this team - this team is very short on toughness now from top to bottom. I wouldn't want Pospisil to have to take that role on, for instance, so Ritchie is a good re-sign. I don't know about Pospisil - I like him as a prospect, but that's two years in a row of not playing much at the AHL level due to serious injuries. However, if he pushes and makes the team, then he makes it, period.
I didn't include other potential prospects like Pettersen (1st AHL season under his belt, but I like this kid), other prospects that were still playing in Junior/AHL, or players like Tuulola that didn't exactly impress so far. There can be a surprise.
On defence, you have Mackey (probably on the team), Kylington (maybe the 7th again, who knows??), and then more wild cards like Poolman and Yelesin. Defence as a whole needs an offensive upgrade though, and I can only assume that there will be changes made (other than Giordano).
Point is, I argue that there are enough experienced AHL prospects that probably deserve legitimate looks on the team, plus guys who could legitimately make it. I think this team would look better this year having a couple of these young guys on the team (playing on different lines).
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