Synergy27
F-A-C-G-C-E
1. I'm resigned to the fact that Torts isn't getting fired, but I'm hopeful that a full training camp will be enough time for him to tweak the system. This team isn't built to block shots and grind it out anymore, and he has to realize that by now. My first priority is to implement a system that eases the defensive zone pressure - stop collapsing, pressure everywhere, do your best to let Lundqvist see the shots.
2. Buyout Richards. I was positive his early season struggles were temporary and that he'd eventually come around. I was wrong, and the long term risk that comes with his contract is no longer worth any potential reward. Hang onto that $$$ for a little while and don't dump it on an UFA, I don't see a good target out there right now.
3. Entertain offers for MDZ. Wax poetic about Zubov all you want, but MDZ just doesn't have it in him. I'm not sure how much value is left in him at this point, but I'd think a team like Edmonton would be willing to part with some young, cheap offensive talent in exchange. He obviously won't demand one of their big 4 guys, but I'd start with them and take it from there. This team could realistically ice 3 legitimate 2nd lines after moving MDZ and doing something else with Richards' money, and that might be a good approach given the lack of available high end talent. This all hinges on the assumption that Marc Staal can return next year - they cannot afford to trade a defenseman, even one who is settling in as a mediocre player, if Staal is not available.
4. Hope that Lindberg and Fasth are ready and as good as advertised. McIlrath being ready would be nice as well.
Last, and I hesitate to even voice this opinion, but I'd also start entertaining offers for Lundqvist. If he can fetch a high end, in his prime, offensive player plus some extras, you'd have to think long and hard about it. Lundqvist is clearly this team's best player, and in my opinion the best goalie in the game, but I am not convinced that you can build a Stanley Cup winning team with 10+% of your payroll tied up in a goalie AND no premium young talent in your lineup. When you're talking bang for your buck, I'm afraid the evidence shows that the difference between the best goalie in the game and the, let's say, 13th best, is not nearly as big as it is at other positions. You need to think about this stuff when allocating cap space, as hard as it is to do so.
Bruins just scored. We're done. It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out.
2. Buyout Richards. I was positive his early season struggles were temporary and that he'd eventually come around. I was wrong, and the long term risk that comes with his contract is no longer worth any potential reward. Hang onto that $$$ for a little while and don't dump it on an UFA, I don't see a good target out there right now.
3. Entertain offers for MDZ. Wax poetic about Zubov all you want, but MDZ just doesn't have it in him. I'm not sure how much value is left in him at this point, but I'd think a team like Edmonton would be willing to part with some young, cheap offensive talent in exchange. He obviously won't demand one of their big 4 guys, but I'd start with them and take it from there. This team could realistically ice 3 legitimate 2nd lines after moving MDZ and doing something else with Richards' money, and that might be a good approach given the lack of available high end talent. This all hinges on the assumption that Marc Staal can return next year - they cannot afford to trade a defenseman, even one who is settling in as a mediocre player, if Staal is not available.
4. Hope that Lindberg and Fasth are ready and as good as advertised. McIlrath being ready would be nice as well.
Last, and I hesitate to even voice this opinion, but I'd also start entertaining offers for Lundqvist. If he can fetch a high end, in his prime, offensive player plus some extras, you'd have to think long and hard about it. Lundqvist is clearly this team's best player, and in my opinion the best goalie in the game, but I am not convinced that you can build a Stanley Cup winning team with 10+% of your payroll tied up in a goalie AND no premium young talent in your lineup. When you're talking bang for your buck, I'm afraid the evidence shows that the difference between the best goalie in the game and the, let's say, 13th best, is not nearly as big as it is at other positions. You need to think about this stuff when allocating cap space, as hard as it is to do so.
Bruins just scored. We're done. It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out.
