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Does Buch have more than one more year left? I though he was a UFA after 2024
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Does Buch have more than one more year left? I though he was a UFA after 2024
bleedblue1223
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After this Trade deadline, they could be late firsts or equivalent prospects. It will really come down to who is on the market. Love the move as it will allow us to bring Bolduc and Dean along slowly in the AHL. Plus gives us a chance to win some games.
bleedblue1223
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Yeah, Bolduc and Dean can play in the minors and prove they are ready, Snuggs can have another year in NCAA. Even Alexandrov and Neighbours won't have guaranteed spots, so they'll come into camp with something to prove.
Brian39
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Army absolutely targeted guys that could be flipped at the deadline next year if the team sucks.
But these moves make it pretty clear to me that 'gut the roster and compete for a top 5 pick' is not the plan. This team might not mortgage any future to make next year's team better, but these moves tell me that trying to win games next year is favorable to tanking.
Thomas, Kyrou, Buch, Schenn, Saad, Kap and Vrana all have 20 goal seasons under their belt. This team is legitimately trying to get a lot of goals out of the entire top 9 next year. Even if they are successful in doing that, they very well might not outscore defensive issues. But a team trying to finish in the basement for a high pick wouldn't want to have this much offensive talent in the lineup.
For better or worse, nabbing a top 5-10 pick in 2024 doesn't appear to be the plan. It could happen and if it does then Army has positioned himself to have a number of guys to trade mid-season for more futures. But it isn't the plan. This team is clearly not embracing a tank in 2023/24.
taylord22
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We've said it before, but I would hope/assume the lines of communication are wide open and persistent with Buch. To me, in terms of our most important assets, it's clearly: (non-Roster) STL 23 1st/Snuggy (Roster) Thomas/Buch
It has been good getting to hear Buch speak more since the TDL moves. He's been such an enigma. It's clear the NY trade was a shock. It's clear he liked it in NY (actual Russian culture is present there). And it's even more clear his next contract is going to be large and potentially risky. And he has every reason to chase the money.
...but he also seems to be running with his expanded role, and showing more emotion/leadership — and I hope that's a major value prop for him. His next contract will sting and have some risk associated with it due to his age at the signing, but he's an incredibly unique player. His quirkiness extends into his actual game. He's a great skater for his size, but it's the unorthodox way he moves his arms/hands/stick that makes him so unique. He lures and shifts in small ways that make it difficult for defenders to take out the body. That bodes well if you're looking at what separates players that remain well above replacement in their 30s.
Between his individual performance and clear cut chemistry with Thomas (easily the highest on the team, now, and arguably last year, IMO)...the pain tolerance ceiling for extending him is getting higher, for me. I'd like to see an improved run of health before offering him another pile of money, but most of what has kept him out isn't indicative of decay.
It has been good getting to hear Buch speak more since the TDL moves. He's been such an enigma. It's clear the NY trade was a shock. It's clear he liked it in NY (actual Russian culture is present there). And it's even more clear his next contract is going to be large and potentially risky. And he has every reason to chase the money.
...but he also seems to be running with his expanded role, and showing more emotion/leadership — and I hope that's a major value prop for him. His next contract will sting and have some risk associated with it due to his age at the signing, but he's an incredibly unique player. His quirkiness extends into his actual game. He's a great skater for his size, but it's the unorthodox way he moves his arms/hands/stick that makes him so unique. He lures and shifts in small ways that make it difficult for defenders to take out the body. That bodes well if you're looking at what separates players that remain well above replacement in their 30s.
Between his individual performance and clear cut chemistry with Thomas (easily the highest on the team, now, and arguably last year, IMO)...the pain tolerance ceiling for extending him is getting higher, for me. I'd like to see an improved run of health before offering him another pile of money, but most of what has kept him out isn't indicative of decay.
It’s smart. They need to sell tickets next year. adding guys like kap and vrana helps show fans that we don’t want to be sharks. And it helps show players too, bc part of what we will need to do is avoid loser culture.
bleedblue1223
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I'd say top 5 isn't the plan, and I don't think they are intending on being bottom 10 either, but I think Army would realistically expect something between 8-15 as our pick next season. I think everyone will come in with playoffs as the goal, but I don't think Army would expect them to make the playoffs.
That's why if Michkov falls, I'd 100% be open to it, because it could be our only chance at a true franchise player.
Getting Kapanen for free and Vrana for a 7th round pick is just rock solid asset management.
Even getting Blais back and re-signing him to a 1 mil deal is smart. We know that when he’s healthy, he can contribute on this team and fill a role.
I was a bit sad when the ROR trade happened but Armstrong is doing a really strong job. He’s making me excited for the next few years again.
Even getting Blais back and re-signing him to a 1 mil deal is smart. We know that when he’s healthy, he can contribute on this team and fill a role.
I was a bit sad when the ROR trade happened but Armstrong is doing a really strong job. He’s making me excited for the next few years again.
TK 421
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I'm happy with our new cast of plug ins for next year. I honestly didn't want to see any of Bolduc, Dean or Snuggles in the NHL next season so these moves tell me Doug is going to make that happen which is great. That they're expiring contracts after next season gives us great flexibility so best of all worlds really unless you were hoping to seriously compete next year which you shouldn't have been expecting anyway.
Brian39
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If we do nothing but make picks with our three 1sts and sign a few $1M 4th line vets, then I agree with you.
However, if we make an acquisition in an attempt to improve the defense, then I think the expectation will be playoffs. On paper, the forward group looks 'middle of the pack' caliber or better. If we make a move to bolster the blueline, I think that the 'on paper' blue line would be 'middle of the pack' caliber or better. The organization very clearly believes that Binner is a legit starter and Hofer would be expected to be competent. If a move is made to improve the blueline, I think Army's belief would be that he's have given the coaching staff a roster with playoff expectations.
I would expect Berube to lose his job if we spend futures to upgrade the blueline and the team isn't looking like a bubble team or better by the New Year. If we replace one of Krug, Leddy, or Scandella with a genuine defensive upgrade, then I think it will be a completely reasonable conclusion that a competent NHL system can make that blueline middle of the road. Everything we've heard combined with Army's track record tells me that he is going to try to enter camp with a new face among the top 5 D on the team. If that happens, then I do believe that playoffs are the expectation and not just a hope. I'm not fully sold that it is a reasonable expectation, but I do think it would be the expectation.
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I’d give Army an A+ on all his moves. I think he executed all the trades perfectly and adding Kap and Vrana made it even better. Well done Army.
Brian39
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I don't anticipate another move from Army before the deadline, but I'm trying to hold off on a grade for a few more hours. I'm thrilled about everything Army has done in the last 3 weeks.
taylord22
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Agree here, the only caveat that I wonder about is that I could see our 'defensive upgrade' coming in one of two flavors, each of which would/should force a different lens and outcome-set.
Scenario 1: Known (perhaps, undervalued) commodity dman, age range 24-27
Scenario 2: Prospective dman blocked or trending outside competitive timetable, age range 20-24
Scenario 2 is most of our preference, I would imagine. And I would hope it allots for a longer-leash on expectations.
bleedblue1223
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I'm sort of split on grades, but it has nothing to do with Army and just how to apply grades. He certainly met every expectation, but I don't think he exceeding any expectation. That's either an B if you only give an A for exceeding expectations or an A because, while he simply met expectations, there was a lot of expectations.
Lets see what else happens, but he moved every major UFA for what we expected them to bring back, maybe did a little better for Barbie if you give Dean 1st round pick value. Adding Kap and Vrana might not have much long-term value, but it definitely gives some immediate talent up front and some cost/lineup certainty as we head into the summer.
For the summer, outside of getting a middle 6 center, and maybe some other minor moves, Army can solely focus on the defense and then any major surprise move that comes up. I think that's a key takeaway that will be a big benefit for him and the rest of the pro scouts and advisors.
Lets see what else happens, but he moved every major UFA for what we expected them to bring back, maybe did a little better for Barbie if you give Dean 1st round pick value. Adding Kap and Vrana might not have much long-term value, but it definitely gives some immediate talent up front and some cost/lineup certainty as we head into the summer.
For the summer, outside of getting a middle 6 center, and maybe some other minor moves, Army can solely focus on the defense and then any major surprise move that comes up. I think that's a key takeaway that will be a big benefit for him and the rest of the pro scouts and advisors.
I think we at minimum move lower end d. We have 8 on roster now and Peru in wings. If we don’t move high end guy then I think Borts or Rosen go.
BadgersandBlues
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I'm really happy with Army's moves over the last 2-3 weeks. Getting two extra first round picks as well as a prior first round pick that most media scout-types project to be a Center replacement for the guy we traded him for is incredible. We got out there early and shaped the market and I don't think we should be upset with any of the returns. Good on Army for packaging players with lesser value (Mikkola/Accari) alongside players of higher value in order to beef up the return.
Picking up Kap and Vrana, along with resigning Blais are all great moves for three reasons:
1. They are actual NHL players who could potentially help us win games next year if we can figure out the blue line. I don't know about everyone else, but I really f***ing hate watching my team lose/play like shit. I know, I know, it's better to suck then be on the bubble, I know. I just can't though man. My heart wins too often over my head while watching games.
2. They have the perfect match of expiring contracts along with upside that could make them attractive trade chips if next season goes nowhere fast but they perform individually.
3. Probably my most important point - having these players stops us rushing Bolduc/Snuggy/Dean/whomever we draft this year. I hate when teams rebuild/re-whatever and just throw guys into the deep end when they're not ready b/c the org has to "sell the future." It almost never works out long term. Bolduc probably needs some time in the A. Same with Dean. That's great, and that's where they should be. Snuggy wants another year in Minny? Sounds great, go enjoy college and hit the weight room young man.
The only thing that could possibly make this deadline any better is if we somehow trade Krug at all, or we trade Faulk for a stud younger defenseman with legit top pair potential. Hey Buffalo, can I interest you in a slightly used Justin Faulk for Owen Powers?
Picking up Kap and Vrana, along with resigning Blais are all great moves for three reasons:
1. They are actual NHL players who could potentially help us win games next year if we can figure out the blue line. I don't know about everyone else, but I really f***ing hate watching my team lose/play like shit. I know, I know, it's better to suck then be on the bubble, I know. I just can't though man. My heart wins too often over my head while watching games.
2. They have the perfect match of expiring contracts along with upside that could make them attractive trade chips if next season goes nowhere fast but they perform individually.
3. Probably my most important point - having these players stops us rushing Bolduc/Snuggy/Dean/whomever we draft this year. I hate when teams rebuild/re-whatever and just throw guys into the deep end when they're not ready b/c the org has to "sell the future." It almost never works out long term. Bolduc probably needs some time in the A. Same with Dean. That's great, and that's where they should be. Snuggy wants another year in Minny? Sounds great, go enjoy college and hit the weight room young man.
The only thing that could possibly make this deadline any better is if we somehow trade Krug at all, or we trade Faulk for a stud younger defenseman with legit top pair potential. Hey Buffalo, can I interest you in a slightly used Justin Faulk for Owen Powers?
I agree with this to an extent. I think he is targeting being a bad but exciting team next year. We will be playing several 7+ goal games. He is grabbing goal socrers and doing nothing to fix our defense or loss of PK Cs. Now he still has time, but he is eating cap space on one dimensional boom-bust offensive minded wingers.
bleedblue1223
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Some good quotes from the Army presser, so I'm sure it's worth a full listen later. Basically puts everyone at ease for his plan. He likes that we have 8 of our 9 top 9 guys for next season, Thomas, Buch, Kyrou, Schenn, Saad, Kapanen, Vrana, and hopefully Neighbours as the 8th. He'll go and find the 9th. He doesn't want to give term to free agents with where we are currently at, wants more guys with 1 year left to prove to the organization what their value is and then they can make a decision if they are the right fit. Our 1st was never in play in trade talks. Next 12-24 months are about building foundation.
So, it's definitely not an aggressive re-tool, not quite a tear down rebuild either. Slowly add guys that have the potential to be long term fits. Make a big move if it makes sense. And let the young guys develop and come up when ready.
Locking up most of the forwards now is big for me. Lets Army focus on the defense and even coaching staff.
So, it's definitely not an aggressive re-tool, not quite a tear down rebuild either. Slowly add guys that have the potential to be long term fits. Make a big move if it makes sense. And let the young guys develop and come up when ready.
Locking up most of the forwards now is big for me. Lets Army focus on the defense and even coaching staff.
bleedblue1223
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So basically confirms what @bleedblue1223 was saying, we just need to find that middle 6 center up front. I like it.
bleedblue1223
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And probably a pretty good indication that Snuggs will return to school. There is probably room if Bolduc absolutely blows the doors off, but if he really is ready, he'll get time when injuries inevitably happen or if someone struggles.
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