[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by Flickered Flame

Wasn't sure where to put this but here are my paraphrased coles notes from Brad on the Fan this morning with Rob Kerr.

Brad:
-it is a busy time, the last little stretch has been very busy, we tend to jam everything together. But we have more work to do.
-not surprised at how busy things have been but the flat cap has played a big part. Trying to project out.
-little unsure how the market would react with all the lost revenues.
-these defenseman signings, the overall market has been the biggest surprise.
--said "WOW" the term was big and money was big.
-there is truth to the Canadian disadvantages.
-but every market has challenges.
-we talk to the players about embracing it.
-it is not for everyone.
-we talk about the benefits of the market and the city, we think it's a real honor.
-social media has made a real impact.
-but its nothing new.
-we've made some changes, losing Gio is a difficult loss, big loss, never going to go out and just replace him.
-looked at lots of different options, will try to replace him by committee.
- then focused on RW, speaking very highly of Coleman.
-Pitlick and Lewis, 2 positions play up and down the lineup.
-deeper up front. Guys who play the way we want to play.
-tried to plug the holes but we are certainly not done, still want to makes changes.
-the blueline is still an area we need to address.
-really excited about Vladar and he is the backup.
-the young kids have to play a part in getting better and helping replace Gio.
-praises Andersson, Hanifin. Talks about how young they still are.
-Valimaki, great upside.
-Mangiapane great steps and Dillon Dube..
-internal growth is crucial.
-we tried for a long time to try to make sure Gio wouldn't leave us.
-we just couldn't pay that price, it would have been bad for the organization.
-we made the right decision.
-lots of excitement about new players but we have a few weeks before camp, still need to get better, still some work to do.
-really no down time, we are still picking away here but things have slowed but we are having trade discussions trying to pick away at it.


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This is what stood out for me. I think our next acquisition will be a rh shot (or a lefty that can play the right side) defenseman. Stone was thought to be coming back but perhaps that spot is being kept open for someone they are targeting. Especially with the loss of Gio. We know how Sutter loves his defence and wants to keep games close. Iirc Treliving identified this as a need during last season, and with the expansion draft behind us, this could be the play. Trade a f for a d, then sign nick ritchie to replace the F. Probably another D that’s hard to play against, that seems to be the theme this off season.