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ForeverFlameFan · 10-31-2023, 09:33 AM

I failed to mention this, but I think it's also important to look ahead at the other clubs within our division and how they rate in terms of forward, defense, goaltending, coaching, GM, etc. Mainly franchise players (primarily in center and defense) because those are generally the guys that help you win the extra game or two and eventually a cup if you've got everything else in place:

Anaheim: McTavish, Zegras, Leo, Terry --> They're playing better, and have Mintyukov, Lacombe, and Drysdale on defense. Might still be worse than us, but they are in the right direction of the rebuild and can be back in a top 3 spot in a 2-3 seasons.
Los Angeles: Kopitar, Doughty, Dubois, Clarke, Byfield, etc --> Insane depth down the middle, good, solid defensive group, just lack goaltending. They are going to be a playoff team for a while
Edmonton: McDavid and Draisaitl --> An interesting one to look after. Will they be able to fit both players? Personally, I don't think they can. And if they do, they won't have space to round out the roster. Their downfall begins when Draisaitl either signs a 15/16m deal in Edmonton or elsewhere.
San Jose: They are all sorts of bad. The only team I can see worse than us for right now. Have Smith, Musty, and a bunch of other youngsters in the pipeline. At least they realized the need to rebuild after a LONG time of contending.
Seattle: Beniers, Wright on the way, good defensive core, decent goaltending. I think Wright could help their offensive group be rounded out more.
Vancouver: I think they're a team in the playoff mix when Pettersson and Hughes are on that team. Just need a better supporting cast, which is the easiest thing to fix. Cap management needs to improve.
Vegas: The best of the whole group. Always an attractive location for UFAs, have elite players (Eichel, Stone, Pietrangelo, Theodore), great depth everywhere, and good goaltending that shows up when needed.

There isn't a better time to retool than right now as we await when lies ahead up north with the wonder twins and Pettersson and Vancouver. Everyone aside from Vegas has holes, but most actually have a core of young players to build around. We don't. We remain exposed until the "core" is fixed.

10-31-2023, 09:33 AM	#130
ForeverFlameFan Franchise Player Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NC Exp:	I failed to mention this, but I think it's also important to look ahead at the other clubs within our division and how they rate in terms of forward, defense, goaltending, coaching, GM, etc. Mainly franchise players (primarily in center and defense) because those are generally the guys that help you win the extra game or two and eventually a cup if you've got everything else in place: Anaheim: McTavish, Zegras, Leo, Terry --> They're playing better, and have Mintyukov, Lacombe, and Drysdale on defense. Might still be worse than us, but they are in the right direction of the rebuild and can be back in a top 3 spot in a 2-3 seasons. Los Angeles: Kopitar, Doughty, Dubois, Clarke, Byfield, etc --> Insane depth down the middle, good, solid defensive group, just lack goaltending. They are going to be a playoff team for a while Edmonton: McDavid and Draisaitl --> An interesting one to look after. Will they be able to fit both players? Personally, I don't think they can. And if they do, they won't have space to round out the roster. Their downfall begins when Draisaitl either signs a 15/16m deal in Edmonton or elsewhere. San Jose: They are all sorts of bad. The only team I can see worse than us for right now. Have Smith, Musty, and a bunch of other youngsters in the pipeline. At least they realized the need to rebuild after a LONG time of contending. Seattle: Beniers, Wright on the way, good defensive core, decent goaltending. I think Wright could help their offensive group be rounded out more. Vancouver: I think they're a team in the playoff mix when Pettersson and Hughes are on that team. Just need a better supporting cast, which is the easiest thing to fix. Cap management needs to improve. Vegas: The best of the whole group. Always an attractive location for UFAs, have elite players (Eichel, Stone, Pietrangelo, Theodore), great depth everywhere, and good goaltending that shows up when needed. There isn't a better time to retool than right now as we await when lies ahead up north with the wonder twins and Pettersson and Vancouver. Everyone aside from Vegas has holes, but most actually have a core of young players to build around. We don't. We remain exposed until the "core" is fixed.