Some interesting thoughts in there... thanks for sharing.
On the goaltending situation, I agree that McElhinney can't be our backup next year. He simply isn't good enough. As for Stalock, I think there's no way he hits the market ... the Sharks not starting Niemi in game 6 of their series basically puts the writing on the wall. Don't get your hopes up there. Likely backups for me would be one of the (many) veterans hitting the market this summer. Someone like Evgeni Nabokob would not only provide us with quality minutes when necessary, but would also be a good mentor for Bobrovsky and a calming presence in the room. I think that's the direction we need to head in.
There are four current NHL players that are former members of Kekäläinen gathered (as a sporting director, similar to GM) end of the 90's HIFK, which eventually came to be Finnish league gold winning team. Olli Jokinen, Kimmo Timonen, Marek Zidlicky and Tim Thomas.
Thomas could surely be someone to learn from the mental side of the game. If he can aid Russians and Swedes at least as a patriot... Can't see him battling with motivation but of course with every older goalkeeper health and fitness might be an even more alarming issue with age so back-up goalkeeper that sits more likely in the infirmary ain't the best possible back-up either and you could end up with Minnesota Wild or Anaheim Ducks kind of goalie shuffle if the first-choice too backfires. Which might then again favour that in order to be succesful, in the long haul, it eventually comes down more to team infront, rather than the guy back. Watching Bryzgalov shake.
Gaborik, Vanek and Stastny are the most likely 60+ points gathering forwards from this year's UFA crop. Who is the fourth name on that list and would likely work for half the cap hit? The answer is Jokinen, not Pittsburg's Reindeer-Jokinen but
The Chief himself,
Päällikkö Olli Jokinen who's individualistic drive could really blossom out in blue collar team as the offensive spear in a similar way to Ryan Johansen. I think they are even bit of the same character and Jokinen has roughed some of that out with experience.
OJ's last season was minor-injury hampered and he might not have been at best home possible while at Winnipeg so there's that point-potential at least looming.
Should there be any trade chess played with Dubinsky (while his trade value tide is high) or Anisimov (room for improvement still in that big frame?) this summer. While of course leadership and all is nice if the right deal would be there... If there ever comes need for second or third rotational centerman Olli Jokinen, he is out there with couple good seasons left in him.
Kessel creates tons of chances. His shot is so good all he needs is the puck and its a scoring chance, even if he's 50 ft out.
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