Yeah I'd say both are very hard to replace but as we've seen it's easier to replace winger scoring than top 4 D.
We've been without a few of our top scorers through the season and we're still 3rd in GF.
IF Nik leaves, we will need some internal help and maybe a FA add to recapture the loss.
Cole is about 20 points shy of Ehlers this year. Considering he's had big growth this year, and if he can avoid that mid season lull, I bet he can bridge that gap next year.
Then we have to recoup Cole's likely 55 points from this year.
If Chibby or Lambo (or both) come in, I'd bet we get a good part of the way there.
If Vilardi manages to stay healthy that could be a few more points to assist.
Obviously a lot would have to go right, and we'd lose the dynamic play that Nik provides, but I don't think its nearly as dire to lose Ehlers as it's being made out to be.
Yup, plus the team could also trade for another top 6 or middle 6 asset to help which might allow us to push Namestnikov to line 3 and maybe that helps that line score a bit more as well.
This team really blossomed when we added quality two-way depth to out middle 6. Perhaps that will be how Chevy plans on going about it I'd Fly walks.