Quote:
Originally Posted by mrdonkey
I just don't think that's wise to do, in light of the contracts already given out in Treliving's hubris. In three years this team is looking at a 33 year old Huberdeau, 35 year old Kadri, 32 year old Weegar, 34 year old Coleman, and 36 year old Markstrom for a combined $35 million, on top of whatever Lindholm is asking. Let's say, generously, that's a $43 million commitment to a core with an average age of 33.5, which is virtually untradeable for the duration of that time.
It's an incredible, and frankly unreasonable, risk to take for a core that has shown they're not even good enough to make the playoffs before they even start to decline.
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In that list you have a top 3 scorer, two recent former cup winners, a defenseman who is an advanced stat darling and all around good player, a Vezina nominated goaltender, and a Selke nominated center.
I know the common theme around here is doom and gloom, but to me, there is the foundation of a really, really good team here. You need to supplement those guys with some other quality players and some youthful speed and skill, but there is no reason to believe that, even at those ages, the team couldn't still go on an impressive run. Look at the roster that just won the cup. Most of those guys aren't that young.
I think this team needed new leadership in the worst way. I honestly believe there's plenty of talent here that was played into a hole by Sutter. You watch, the rebounds will happen, and this team will easily make the playoffs next year and surprise a lot of people.