Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald
@Royle9
Agree with what you're saying. I think you have to look at the organization and determine what we have to replace any of these guys if they leave.
Lindholm - we have nothing that can backfill Lindholm. Elias is a top line center and we don't have one in the pipe in any shape or form.
Hanifin - we have Kylington coming back and then have three defenders in the minors that might some day get to the same level Hanifin plays at. He would be difficult to replace but we might survive.
Backlund - Zary could someday be a replacement for Backlund. We have to acknowledge that he's on the downslope of his career and prepare for that. Backlund is a guy I would consider moving this year.
Tanev - another guy we really don't have a replacement for. We have three blueliners that are close in my estimation, but no warriors like Tanev. Tough decision here because of his age. Move him at your peril, especially if you elect to move Hanifin.
Toffoli - Coronato is a natural replacement, but not right now. Still a couple years away, but definitely in the pipe. Timing sucks.
The problem we have here is we're looking to dump a lot of guys with nothing tangible to back them up. Young players were not given a chance to prove they are capable of stepping in so we don't know. It's all a roll of the dice.
We're going to have to make moves post-draft IMO. I don't see many teams lining up to trade top picks in this draft for guys on expiring contracts. These are deadline moves. Should have been addressed last deadline or is something to do at the upcoming deadline. I think this draft may have sailed.
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I disagree on the young players not getting a chance narrative.
Pelletier
Duehr
Gilbert
Ruzicka
Mackey
Valimaki
All had extended stints. Pelletier looked alright but not quite there yet production wise. Ruzicka started hot and dissappeared. Gilbert looked serviceable but raw. Duehr looks like a find. Mackey and Valimaki were horrible.
Phillips got a cup of coffee. Wolf got his token game. Coronato wasn’t available.
That’s 9 players. I’m guessing at least 5 or 6 start next season on the roster.
Duehr
Pelletier
Wolf
Gilbert
Ruzicka
Coronato maybe
How many do you need?