But that's the thing, D-men need more PP minutes too. Brannstrom is not even in the guys you just named. Kleven could get minutes when he comes up as well. Greig should definitely get minutes
And Giroux, Sanderson and Chychrun could be on any PP1. Plus several guys (Sanderson and Chabot) who could play the whole 2 minutes
We need to also find a good replacement for DeBrincat (without being a big name, so cheaper) but that guy might need pp minutes too
It might be an embarassment of riches and a good problem to have but also why it might be hard for guys like Sokolov and Thomspon to make their marks with this team
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But there will be an opportunity for guys like Crookshank and Sokolov. So far we only have 9 forwards guaranteed to be in the lineup :
Stutzle, Norris, Tkachuk, Batherson, Giroux, Pinto, Greig, Joseph, Kastelic
Need 2 quality middle-six forwards and a good bottom-6 forward. Alex Formenton, Nick Paul and Connor Brown would be incredibly ideal. Need to get back at least one forward of that ilk in the DeBrincat trade. Sign another one in UFA or benefit of the cap crunch to get player on the cheap? (like Bjorkstrand last summer). Could also sign an UFA. One of my targets would be Cogliano.
These are good points. I’m not opposed to giving Brannstrom and Greig a shot, I’m just saying the first grouping I’d try would be the one I mentioned.
I love the mix on that second unit with Pinto being effective in the bumper/high tip position, Sokolov going to the net front and occasionally sneaking away for a shot, Chychrun launching bombs, Sanderson using his vision and mobility to open lanes and sneak in for back door plays, all of it facilitated by Giroux’s elite playmaking. Very solid potential second unit.
If we add a good PP forward to replace DeBrincat then sure, let’s give him a shot, but I could also see us adding defensive or physical forwards who contribute in other ways but aren’t as skilled on the PP. Like a Haula type for instance. Good contributor but not a PP specialist. Depends on the additions this summer, I’m just saying that based on our current roster I wouldn’t write off Sokolov as a PP option.