2018-19 Roster Speculation Pt. 3: Started from the bottom now we're here

[Djp]

Why are we trading Girgs again? I get that he's maybe not living up to his first round pedigree but he's not exactly expensive, he's a trooper and he's doing great on the 4th line. We finally have a role for him, let's just go with it.

The issue is Buffalo has a bunch of forwards coming up in Nylander, Olofsson, Smith, Malone.

Malone has to clear waivers next year. I think Smith might have to next year.

They have rights on Girgs, Larsson and Eile. Sobotka, Wilson, Rodrigues under contract for a 1 year.

Pominville is a UFA likely not being back.

Since Larsson is Swedish he has the edge on girgs to keep. Wilson issomeone Botts wanted to resign so he probably keeps him. Elie he claimed. I think Sobotka, Girgensons, and Rodrues can be traded.

 

[Dreakon13]

The issue is Buffalo has a bunch of forwards coming up in Nylander, Olofsson, Smith, Malone.

Malone has to clear waivers next year. I think Smith might have to next year.

They have rights on Girgs, Larsson and Eile. Sobotka, Wilson, Rodrigues under contract for a 1 year.

Pominville is a UFA likely not being back.

Since Larsson is Swedish he has the edge on girgs to keep. Wilson issomeone Botts wanted to resign so he probably keeps him. Elie he claimed. I think Sobotka, Girgensons, and Rodrues can be traded.

Malone is the only one competing for a spot on a defensive focused 4th line IMO, and I don't think he's done anything to deserve the edge over guys currently playing an effective game in the NHL... waivers or not. Nylander/Olofsson/Smith are all top 9 offensive players or bust, not really competition for Girgs or Larsson, and will likely stay in Rochester until spots open up (due to expiring contracts or poor play) or waivers force the issue. Elie is the 13th forward at best and Botts knows that.

I don't see why Girgs would be in the conversation of players to get moved, unless he has some crazy contract demands. I don't think ERod should be either.

I don't necessarily buy into the "Botts will keep his guys no matter what" conspiracy theories either. Not yet anyways.

 

[Djp]

People most certainly had more optimistic projections for him than that. I think the thought was he would be basically what Kadri is, a 25-30 goal two-way C you hate playing against.

Would've been nice if that had happened, but he's still a useful player and a guy who hustles his ass off.

I did not have that expectation on him. I saw him as a 15 g/ 30 pt player. his production was up his first year playing in a 1st line PP role.


Right now its a quantity game with the roster.

this year Girg, Larsson, Elie, ERod are RFAs
in 2 years Sobotka and Sheary are UFAs.
in Rochester
Smith ELC ends--unsure oin waiver eligible
Oregan ELC ends--waiver eligible
Malone--waiver eligible
Cornel waiver eligible
Bailey waiver eligible
then there is Olofsson, Ogelvie, Asplund, Myl;ander too.

assuming no trades --in 20/21 season I assume the forwards would be

Eichel, Skinner, Mitts, Reinhart, Thompson, KO, Berglund

What 7 do you want to keep to ass to the 7 above?
my guess on the 7 are--Olofsson, Nylander, Smith, Asplund, Larsson,--the other 2 who knows. One could be a 1st from 19 or 20.

 

[tsujimoto74]

The issue is Buffalo has a bunch of forwards coming up in Nylander, Olofsson, Smith, Malone.

Malone has to clear waivers next year. I think Smith might have to next year.

They have rights on Girgs, Larsson and Eile. Sobotka, Wilson, Rodrigues under contract for a 1 year.

Pominville is a UFA likely not being back.

Since Larsson is Swedish he has the edge on girgs to keep. Wilson issomeone Botts wanted to resign so he probably keeps him. Elie he claimed. I think Sobotka, Girgensons, and Rodrues can be traded.

Why would we trade useful roster players to avoid waiving plugs? Malone would easily clear waivers. Girgensons and Larsson are obviously better players than Elie and Wilson -- the latter 2 are 13th-14th forwards, while the former are 2/3 of a very successful 4th line. Also, Olofsson and Nylander don't require waivers next year. *Wanting* them to be here and needing them to be here to avoid losing them on waivers are 2 different things.

 

[GrierIsGod123]

I don't think Girgensons is any better than Wilson. Larsson is a better player than Girgs IMO. That said, I don't see any reason to trade him at this point.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Trading good roster players to make room for prospects is not the way to go. Good prospects find their way to the team naturally.

 

[CatsforReinhart]

Girgensons and Larsson is exactly what you want in a 4th line player. Their value is too low to get back what they are worth.

The problem with this team is the 3rd line and having a 3rd line center who can jump to the 2nd line. I don't have a problem trading a 1st round away for a center who is young and will be here for 5 more years.

Also I think Brock Nelson would be a good fit for this team and will hit UFA next year. Not sure he will be available unless the Islanders falter. I would trade Guhle for him. I think Guhle could be the odd man out here. That trade would be contingent on Brock resigning.

 

[1972]

Guys like Larsson/Girgensons are decent players but they don't bring a lick of offense. Both should score 10-15 goals a year but they will probably be lucky to get 5+.

 

[Jim Bob]

Guys like Larsson/Girgensons are decent players but they don't bring a lick of offense. Both should score 10-15 goals a year but they will probably be lucky to get 5+.

How many 4th line forwards are scoring 10-15 goals a year in today's NHL?

 

[1972]

How many 4th line forwards are scoring 10-15 goals a year in today's NHL?

93

 

[Jim Bob]

93

Really?

The Red Wings had the most 10+ goal forwards in the league last year at 11.

The league average was 8.5 10+ goal forwards.

I find it hard to believe that there were 93 4th line forwards last season with 10-15 goals.

 

[Mattilaus]

93

That's not true, you just said Larsson and Girgs aren't. 91*

 

[debaser66]

Wilson is not on the same level as Girgs and Larsson. Maybe last year when they were both terrible.

 

[dkollidas]

3C seems like a real need. What are some realistic options, specifically looking into next season? I think Asplund needs more seasoning than people here believe and that he’ll end up starting next year in Rochester, along with Malone, Oglevie, O’Reagan, etc.

Is Dzingel from Ottawa more specifically a winger now? I could see him being added as a 3C as a UFA, or even a deadline acquisition that they try to re-sign, if he can play at a decent level down the middle. Definitely fits what the organization is looking for in terms of speed & skill throughout the lineup.

I don’t think this organization would go for a guy like Duchene, although I’d have to believe he’ll be available at the deadline.

As for trades, Ottawa also has Tierney & Pageau. I would think they would want to make Tierney a part of their long term plans. He’s 24, he’s a solid 2-way player, and can be behind White and whoever else they get at center if/whenDuchene leaves.

Then there’s a guy like Colton Sissons. I tried to watch him last night. He can skate, he’s sound defensively. He won’t give much offense I don’t think, but if you want a shutdown role for your 3C he fits the script. Idk what the cost would be. Something around Rodrigues +?

Lastly there’s Sam Bennett in Calgary. He’s playing on the wing on the 2nd line. He’s never become worthy of his 4th overall selection, but adds speed grit a defensive conscience and some playmaking ability. Just seems to have never really put it all together. Calgary is in need of right handed forwards. So again, something around Rodrigues + in the off-season?

These were just a few guys off the top of my head. There’s older guys with contracts that could scare me a bit (Bryan Little for example), and young guys who aren’t ready yet (German Rubstov), and might not pan out. Also a guy who I wonder if he could become available is Erik Haula. He was a big part of Vegas’ team last year coming from Minnesota, but I have to wonder how he’ll come back from injury (I believe he broke his leg).

 

[CatsforReinhart]

93

Well that is not true. Please post where 93/91 4th line players scored 15 goals last year in the NHL. NOT how many players scored 15 goals. There is a difference.

 

[1972]

Really?

The Red Wings had the most 10+ goal forwards in the league last year at 11.

The league average was 8.5 10+ goal forwards.

I find it hard to believe that there were 93 4th line forwards last season with 10-15 goals.

Sorry 91.

 

[Jim Bob]

Sorry 91.

I think you are stuck in the 80s.

There were 271 forwards with 10+ goals last season.

That means that most teams had fewer than 9 forwards with 10+ goals.

Since your fourth line would be forwards 10-12...

 

[Yatzhee]

3C seems like a real need. What are some realistic options, specifically looking into next season? I think Asplund needs more seasoning than people here believe and that he’ll end up starting next year in Rochester, along with Malone, Oglevie, O’Reagan, etc.

Is Dzingel from Ottawa more specifically a winger now? I could see him being added as a 3C as a UFA, or even a deadline acquisition that they try to re-sign, if he can play at a decent level down the middle. Definitely fits what the organization is looking for in terms of speed & skill throughout the lineup.

I don’t think this organization would go for a guy like Duchene, although I’d have to believe he’ll be available at the deadline.

As for trades, Ottawa also has Tierney & Pageau. I would think they would want to make Tierney a part of their long term plans. He’s 24, he’s a solid 2-way player, and can be behind White and whoever else they get at center if/whenDuchene leaves.

Then there’s a guy like Colton Sissons. I tried to watch him last night. He can skate, he’s sound defensively. He won’t give much offense I don’t think, but if you want a shutdown role for your 3C he fits the script. Idk what the cost would be. Something around Rodrigues +?

Lastly there’s Sam Bennett in Calgary. He’s playing on the wing on the 2nd line. He’s never become worthy of his 4th overall selection, but adds speed grit a defensive conscience and some playmaking ability. Just seems to have never really put it all together. Calgary is in need of right handed forwards. So again, something around Rodrigues + in the off-season?

These were just a few guys off the top of my head. There’s older guys with contracts that could scare me a bit (Bryan Little for example), and young guys who aren’t ready yet (German Rubstov), and might not pan out. Also a guy who I wonder if he could become available is Erik Haula. He was a big part of Vegas’ team last year coming from Minnesota, but I have to wonder how he’ll come back from injury (I believe he broke his leg).

Brassard

 

[sabrebuild]

I think you are stuck in the 80s.

There were 271 forwards with 10+ goals last season.

That means that most teams had fewer than 9 forwards with 10+ goals.

Since your fourth line would be forwards 10-12...

Methinks he is trying too be funny with you.

 

[Der Jaeger]

3C seems like a real need. What are some realistic options, specifically looking into next season? I think Asplund needs more seasoning than people here believe and that he’ll end up starting next year in Rochester, along with Malone, Oglevie, O’Reagan, etc.

Is Dzingel from Ottawa more specifically a winger now? I could see him being added as a 3C as a UFA, or even a deadline acquisition that they try to re-sign, if he can play at a decent level down the middle. Definitely fits what the organization is looking for in terms of speed & skill throughout the lineup.

I don’t think this organization would go for a guy like Duchene, although I’d have to believe he’ll be available at the deadline.

As for trades, Ottawa also has Tierney & Pageau. I would think they would want to make Tierney a part of their long term plans. He’s 24, he’s a solid 2-way player, and can be behind White and whoever else they get at center if/whenDuchene leaves.

Then there’s a guy like Colton Sissons. I tried to watch him last night. He can skate, he’s sound defensively. He won’t give much offense I don’t think, but if you want a shutdown role for your 3C he fits the script. Idk what the cost would be. Something around Rodrigues +?

Lastly there’s Sam Bennett in Calgary. He’s playing on the wing on the 2nd line. He’s never become worthy of his 4th overall selection, but adds speed grit a defensive conscience and some playmaking ability. Just seems to have never really put it all together. Calgary is in need of right handed forwards. So again, something around Rodrigues + in the off-season?

These were just a few guys off the top of my head. There’s older guys with contracts that could scare me a bit (Bryan Little for example), and young guys who aren’t ready yet (German Rubstov), and might not pan out. Also a guy who I wonder if he could become available is Erik Haula. He was a big part of Vegas’ team last year coming from Minnesota, but I have to wonder how he’ll come back from injury (I believe he broke his leg).

Short term answer to adding another center: Brassard. He won't cost that much, and Botterill might be able to unload a contract. Sobotka and a later pick has the Pens fan base on the trade board biting, for what that's worth.

Longer term: Sissons is an option. I'd love to add Tierney. He's Bonino 2.0 for me. I also think it'll cost a lot for Ottawa to move him. Another option is Jared McCann from Florida.

 

[dkollidas]

Short term answer to adding another center: Brassard. He won't cost that much, and Botterill might be able to unload a contract. Sobotka and a later pick has the Pens fan base on the trade board biting, for what that's worth.

Longer term: Sissons is an option. I'd love to add Tierney. He's Bonino 2.0 for me. I also think it'll cost a lot for Ottawa to move him. Another option is Jared McCann from Florida.

I just wonder if Ottawa would even consider it, especially 1) within the division, 2) their idea of a rebuild situation 3) his age.
I just don’t think they realistically trade him. I think he’s a part of the core, and something they can tout as part of the return for Karlsson.

 

[CatsforReinhart]

I think you are stuck in the 80s.

There were 271 forwards with 10+ goals last season.

That means that most teams had fewer than 9 forwards with 10+ goals.

Since your fourth line would be forwards 10-12...

He lied to try to prove his point.

 

[Lloydchristmas138]

I said it before and I'll say it again.. Jeff Carter. Sure, he had an injury last year but that was from a laceration and he came back to score at a 40 goal pace.. He's 33, but he's played 100 less games than Pominville and still looks the same from what I've seen but on an anemic team. Look at Marleau on Toronto, still playing top 6 minutes and being that veteran guy.. at 39 years old! So I'm not afraid by his age, this is a completely different caliber of player than Okposo/Poms/Moulson. He would fill the glaring hole at 2C or eventually at wing, and from what I've heard is an extremely hard worker and great leader/locker room guy. Oh yea and he's got 2 cups...

If we can lock up Skinner and unload a contract like Berglund, Sobotka etc. I'd definitely kick the tires and see if they can get him like they did Skinner

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

The Pegulas and Botterill still view this team as being in the building stage. While I think they will need another 3C or possibly middle-six C to replace Sobotka/Rodrigues (whether his contract is up or not), Botterill won't be spending futures on a 30ish vet C with a semi-high cap hit. If he looks to acquire an outside C it will be a younger player that he believes can stay for the long-term. If not, he will try to draft that player and be patient, and hope Asplund/draftee can fill the hole in a year or two.

 

[Gabrielor]

For the sake of argument, let’s say Matt Duchene is available for a 1st, and one of the notable Rochester guys.

Duchene is certainly an upgrade over Sobotka, but is the difference between Sobotka and Duchene the difference in beating Washington,Tampa,Toronto in round 1?

Right now, I don’t think so.

I know people want to rush into the arena, but stay the course. It isn’t our time yet. You can thank Reiger’s later drafting and Murray’s asset spending for that.

Botts is well on his way to fixing that first problem, let’s not repeat problem #2.