I’m willing to concede the playoffs are out of reach. If Torts and Jarmo are still believers, maybe three more games will be a final determinant. As such, the script should call for Foligno and Jenner to play no more than 16 minutes a game with no duties. We know who they are; we need to learn what we have in some others,
Texier needs to play 2C so we can see what he offers. And Domi, who clearly is not a fav or mine, needs to play center - maybe between Foligno and Jenner - who can help him defensively.
While I’d like to see Stenlund continue at Center, even if it remains 4th line, I’d be happy to see him get top 6 minutes with Tex and Bjork. And then there’s Bemstrom, who I think should be in Cleveland. But if he’s going to be here on this non-contending team, let’s see what we have. And playing 5 minutes a night isn’t going to cut it.
On D, trade Savard or 3rd pair him. He’s not our future nor is Del Zotto (who has given what was reasonable to expect from him).
My emphasis on younger guys may look like a different take than I’ve had previously, but the team’s playoff outlook is quite different from where it stood previously.