Quote:
Originally Posted by traptor
Given that a rebuild is not an option, identify the long term core, who is signed longterm and who you want to go forward with. Try and get younger with this core.
At the moment the primary core would be:
Kadri, Huberdeau, Lindholm, Dube, Coleman, Mangiapane, Pelletier, Hanifin, Andersson and Weegar.
There are some tough players to move on from but I think you need to explore moving out: Toffoli, Backlund, Tanev and Zadorov . See if there are any good options to move out one of Vladar and Markstrom. I'd put some feelers out for Mang too and see if there is any interest.
If you can move out some of these guys for quality assets I would look at RFA trade market, e.g. Fiala and Debrincat last season. Maybe someone like Bratt becomes available.
Figure out if kylington is coming back next season. Do everything you can to get coronato to sign.
I think they're testing Dube at C to see if they can move someone out. Potential Lines:
Huberdeau - Lindholm - Coronato
Mang - Dube - Coleman
Pelletier - Kadri - Trade
Ruzicka - Lewis - Duehr
UFA
Hanifin - Rasmus
Kylington - Weegar
Zadorov - Stretcher
Gilbert - Stone
Markstrom
Vladar/Wolf/UFA
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I agree with this, but everything will be dependent on who wants to stay and who does not. IMO the best plan move forward is re-sign anyone that wants to stay, as long as the deal is something you are comfortable with that player move forward. Someone like Tanev or Backlund need to take money that factors in potentially being 4th line center or 3rd pairing dman by the time the contract is up.
Anyone who wants to bet on themselves or does not want to talk this summer, needs to move. If Zadorov wants to stay but Hanifin wants to test free agency, sign Zadorov.
No matter what happens, they need to make room for Cornonato and Zary at minimum. 2 forwards need to go, these guys need to be in the top 9, not 4th line.