Pittspurgh is an offensive powerhouse. Boston is tough. Toronto is quick. What is our identity? It used to be shot blocking, now, I'm not even sure..... We need to find our game.
It needs to be speed and physical play. They have a good start with Kreider, Hagelin, Nash on the wings. Very mobile defense in McDonagh, MDZ, Staal, Stralman, Moore.
They need to find another center who can distribute the puck and be defensively responsible.
They need to add a bit of grit and size on the wings as well. Pyatt is not that. Asham is too slow at this point in his career. Powe adds no offense.
Nystrom is a good addition for that type of identity.
The major dilemma I am having is that I like Clowe as a player. I like what he brings both on the ice and in the locker room and I like how he dominates the boards and his obvious physical presence he has. However, if there plan is to go speed and size, he doesn't exactly fit.
However, there are very few players who play that style who are speedsters and they are hard to find.
Hartikainen in Edmonton would be a good addition with the way he plays. Glencross would as well who is a LWer but he will cost a lot is my guess.
Raymond would be a good addition to add more speed on the LW which is where they are weak.
Burmistrov makes sense due to his age and skillset. 2 way skilled center who can make slick passes and has tons of room to grow. Buy low. Perfect Sather reclamation project.
Fast and Lindberg are good skaters, can they figure into the lineup next year? Miller is the same.
Just my thoughts
