My thoughts on the offseason …
While we are losing a bunch of points from Pavelski and likely Duchene, the focus needs to be on improving the D core by resigning or replacing Tanev. I think we can count on WJ and Stank to continue to improve. I think Robo and Hintz will be better this year. Benn and Seguin will probably be about the same, while Mush probably takes a step back unless we find some talented depth forwards. Overall we are going to lose some offense, but depending on our defense acquisition and Mavrik’s play, I think we can be a better all-around team.
Robo – Hintz – Seguin
Benn – WJ – Stank
Mush – Mav – Daddy/Steel
4th line
Miro – Harley
Lindell - ?
Nils, Lian, FA
I think the top line will be improved if you plug Stankoven or Seguin into the RW spot (I would prefer Seguin there to leave Stank with WJ). Even if the Pavs replacement does not surpass his point total from last season, I think the line will be better and more effective as a whole. As David Castillo’s article showed, even though Pavelski put up respectable points last year, he dragged that line down. Who know how many more points Robo and Hintz would have had if they had a more capable right winger.
The second line is gonna be an elite second line if you leave Stank on it and may take over as the first line. Benn – WJ – Stank
The third line takes a hit with Mav and Mush anchoring it and this becomes a more top heavy forward core.
Our acquisition on defense is what is really important. We saw the difference slotting Tanev into the top 4 made. Our D went from mediocre to very good. Who we pick up to fill that spot is huge.
I have faith Nill will find a good fit for that 4th defenseman and we are a better defensive team that we were in the previous regular season. I think we end up more top heavy and less potent offensively. But then we can always add more firepower at the deadline.
My 2 cents
While we are losing a bunch of points from Pavelski and likely Duchene, the focus needs to be on improving the D core by resigning or replacing Tanev. I think we can count on WJ and Stank to continue to improve. I think Robo and Hintz will be better this year. Benn and Seguin will probably be about the same, while Mush probably takes a step back unless we find some talented depth forwards. Overall we are going to lose some offense, but depending on our defense acquisition and Mavrik’s play, I think we can be a better all-around team.
Robo – Hintz – Seguin
Benn – WJ – Stank
Mush – Mav – Daddy/Steel
4th line
Miro – Harley
Lindell - ?
Nils, Lian, FA
I think the top line will be improved if you plug Stankoven or Seguin into the RW spot (I would prefer Seguin there to leave Stank with WJ). Even if the Pavs replacement does not surpass his point total from last season, I think the line will be better and more effective as a whole. As David Castillo’s article showed, even though Pavelski put up respectable points last year, he dragged that line down. Who know how many more points Robo and Hintz would have had if they had a more capable right winger.
The second line is gonna be an elite second line if you leave Stank on it and may take over as the first line. Benn – WJ – Stank
The third line takes a hit with Mav and Mush anchoring it and this becomes a more top heavy forward core.
Our acquisition on defense is what is really important. We saw the difference slotting Tanev into the top 4 made. Our D went from mediocre to very good. Who we pick up to fill that spot is huge.
I have faith Nill will find a good fit for that 4th defenseman and we are a better defensive team that we were in the previous regular season. I think we end up more top heavy and less potent offensively. But then we can always add more firepower at the deadline.
My 2 cents
