This series made it pretty clear what we have to upgrade, #2 C and #2 RD.
I think Fowler has solidified himself as a #1 PP D, so I don't think we have to focus on offense, but I do think it would make sense to add another offensvie guy to the group, especially with Faulk being replacing in this scenario. I either want someone bigger than Faulk or a better skater, ideally both. Depending on how everything plays out, we could review the 3rd pair, but this really comes down to who is left of the vets, who we are able to move, and how to round out the roster. I expect that pair to be Tucker and someone, maybe that someone is Faulk, Leddy, or Suter, and maybe it's someone from outside.
The 2nd line is either as big or a bigger area to address. Yes, a healthy Holloway solves a lot, but it's not good that we are so dependent on him being healthy for that line to drive. I'm not putting it all on Kyrou, but it's clear that Schenn is who he is at this point, he's more of a 3rd liner if he's the main guy, but he can be a 2nd liner if he's the 3rd part of the line. We need someone that can drive a 2nd line on their own, so that if Holloway misses time, it doesn't just fall apart.
For what's available. I'd have Kyrou available, but only for a player of similar quality for either of the positions above. Those positions are of higher value, so that'll play a factor, but I'm not just trading him to trade him. A different winger, such as Neighbours or Bolduc? I'm not really advocating trading either one, but I could see teams valuing them pretty high right now. I'd prefer not to. I think on some level you look at Schenn again, although he's my ideal #3 C right now. I'm not all that interested in trading major prospects, unless we are getting a major player at a youngish age. If you can get a #1 C or top-pair dman that's under 30, I'd be willing to include Dvorsky if that's what it took, but we can cross that bridge if the opportunity arises.
I'm comfortable with Snuggerud on the top line or somewhere in the top 6. Given the circumstances of coming straight from NCAA, I thought he did very well, and with a summer of training and a full training camp, I think he'll be more than ready for a full season of top 6 minutes.
Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
Holloway-X-(Kyrou)
Neighbours-Schenn-Bolduc
I think for me a somewhat ideal setup would have Kyrou moved and we get a higher end #2 C in some sort of deal, and Dvorsky grabs a wing spot and eventually takes the #3 C spot. I'm also fine if Dvorsky starts in Springfield again.
And while it's not a major aspect of our off-season, I'm curious what we do with the 4th line. That trio were very effective together, but ideally, Sunny is knocked down to the 4th. Do we bring Faksa back? With his faceoffs and defensive work, I think we do, or someone like him. Sunny is best as a winger IMO. Do we just run the 4 of them as a 4th line to keep the one scratched hungry for a spot, and when injuries hit, Sunny plays up?
