Looking at the roster for next year I am curious of what holes Craig tries to fill and which pieces are trade bait.
Current roster:
Huberdeau-Kadri-Coronato
Farabee-Frost-Sharangovich
Zary-Backlund-Coleman
Pospisil-?(Kirkland)-Klapka
Bahl-Andersson
Weegar-Parekh
Bean-Pachal
Wolf
Cooley
I think it is clear that they will trade Andersson so we can expect some major changes on the back end with Parekh coming in and possibly either another acquisition. Bean and Pachal’s spots on the roster are far from secure as a think Solovyov, Grishnikov, Brzustewicz are all going to push for spots.
Cooley is far from a lock for the backup role and we will see another goalie brought in to battle for that spot.
Upfront it seems like they are somewhat set up the middle unless they move one of their centers. Zary could factor in and Kirkland is no lock. It is still rumored they are in on Rossi or also want a right shot center with size.
Trade bait I wonder if Pospisil is a guy they look to capitalize on with teams coveting grit? Flames also need grit though. I think Frost and Farabee are going to be here as they look to get a fresh start. Sharangovich I am not sure. He had a rough year but was getting better towards the end of the season. New contract with NTC kicks in July. For forwards pushing on the farm we have Honzek, Stromgren, Morton with an outside chance a Basha or Gridin push for some games next year? I wonder if Zary is a someone they package for an upgrade?
When I look at the roster outside of some moves on the back end I do not see how the team does much unless there is a huge upgrade available? Most of their spots are filled and other spots should be kept open for the young players pushing. Outside of Andersson I am struggling to see any other major changes unless a blockbuster deal presents itself
|