Personally, I think it’s possible the jackets swing a trade for a guy we don’t even know who’s out there on the market yet. Involving some of our prospects to do so.
Free agency is always a blast around here, right? I may be all wrong in the end, and frankly I hope so, but right now I think the draft capital should have been utilized differently and maybe it will be today. I know you're response was to Double Shift, but I have the same feelings. I just think that with a lot of fans, this organization has an identity crisis because of how this re-whatever was portrayed. Pretty obvious this is a re-build, then call it a re-build publicly in the media. Not a reset or re-tool, just be honest about it. Don't mistake my frustration as criticism of the players taken, my frustration is over the strategy. Personally, it looks like they got 2 of the 3 best defensemen in this draft. That's great, I hope they become Norris trophy winners. Guess we'll see what today holds.
I won't say I'm not Jonesing for a deal or two myself, and I know this isn't what people likely want to hear, but I can't stress enough that the massive changes last year will naturally show significant improvement this year. The change in coaches and philosophy is bigger than I think many of you might realize. I've played in a man to man based system (Soccer, but same philosophy) and it requires high end communication and thinking along with the ability to adjust on the fly, quickly. This team was clearly still thinking the game, not playing the game knowing their responsibilities.
Necas, Chytil, Luostarinen... All young centers with some NHL experience and team control. All present different packages for upside and all still have some question marks but they, to me, would fit and offer another option at center. I could also argue they just add more of the same. Just players I like and think they could be had.
I suspect the CBJ didn't push hard for DeBrincat because he has a $9MM qualifying offer coming due. Unless he's willing to take a discount, he's likely to get that and more. Might be worth it but if the chips are in for Laine (I suspect they would prefer they player they know likes the team and fits the need) I'm not sure you want another wing at that high a price tag (this coming from the guy that just posted we should trade for Forsberg's rights
).
We honestly have too many talented d-men in the system given that there are only six lineup spots available. Gotta figure they trade at least two (if not three) of Gavrikov, Peeke, Boqvist, Ceulemans, Svozil and Richard.
The prospect list actually goes much deeper and JD indicated the plans to extend Gavrikov so he's like a fixture somewhere in the top 6 for another few years. I suspect they'll announce the extension at the start of the new league year next week. However, I completely agree with you that players will eventually be moved but not until CBJ clearly identifies the pecking order and a need to move them.
All valid points. The draft is one of the main periods for trades to occur. We never really have been big players in free agency. We have too many forwards so something will need to give there eventually. We’ve talked endlessly for years about “weaponizing our cap space” only to watch other teams do it.
Would rather just roll with Peeke, Blankenburg, Boqvist at least for next season. Blankenburg's emergence has us far less lean in the immediate future
I had a similar thought but it seems Murphy can’t play a complete season. He hasn’t played 60 games since 17-18 season.
Well depth guys who project as 3rd or 4th liners like Foudy should be in the AHL getting 1st line offensive minutes to focus on offense while expected middle 6 scorers like Bemstrom, Chinakhov and probably Marchenko be forced into 3rd and 4th line defensive NHL roles to focus on their defense right? Definitely seems like the best development strategy.
Its funny that a few of the players you listed have GMs that are former players. I wonder if thats coincidence or something to it
