Complete overreaction. We’re going through a rough stretch but this is hardly unprecedented in the Rod era, even when we’ve had much “better” teams on paper.
Even still, on the season we are top 10 in both goals for and against along with top tier special teams and faceoffs and 11th in team point percentage. That’s with extremely cold goaltending and a ton of underperforming players.
Considering this year was obviously a bit of a transitional year with this core it’s still been a great season so far overall despite the recent lackluster play. I’m not concerned at all. My expectations are not to win a cup. Next year that’ll probably be the goal/hope/expectation but this year I’m thrilled with making the playoffs and winning a round or 2. Which I do think we will do.
Next year comes the big reinforcements as we have Nikishin coming, possibly other young guys and really an absolutely absurd cap and asset situation (to swing big in FA or trade) for a contender like us with a relatively young core.
To lead, Happy New Year to all.
"win a cup. Next year that’ll probably be the goal/hope/expectation
Next year comes the big reinforcements as we have Nikishin coming, possibly other young guys and really an absolutely absurd cap and asset situation (to swing big in FA or trade) for a contender like us with a relatively young core"
Prior to this year, I was on board with you. Now, I don't see it. Canes will have a lot of holes to fill. Unless they get lucky with some moves Canes next window may be 3 years out.
Current picture for next year...young guys & other stuff:
D, Canes are not adding. They gain Nikishin but lose the high quality play of Orlov and Burns needs to be replaced too. Now, if Morrow is the guy you expect to replace Burns, then it's probable he will need a couple of years to adjust/raise his level to NHL play to reach Burns' level (albeit a decline) this year. I suspect although he is older, Nikishin probably will need a year to get used to NA/NHL too. Slavin will be a year older (and his play this year has not been as good as previous years....a decline????)
Goalies--big question mark. A #1 needs to be found and I doubt they can find someone with Freddie's high end capability at the same cost. Hopefully, that replacement will be less injured too. The big Russian in Chicago looks promising but he is very young and probably not ready for a few more years. There is no one else in Canes pipeline in Europe that will be ready either.
Forwards: On the Wolves, I don't think Nadeau, FUS nor Gleb will be NHL ready for a SC run by next year. Our "top" line of Staal-Martinook-Carrier will be another year older. Necas unless traded will be in his walk year and it's a big question mark whether he gets resigned. If not, he needs to be traded to get an asset)s) in return (I believe Canes made a mistake not moving Dougie and getting assets before he walked....I had no issue with Pesce nor Skeji because LY was a true SC opportunity year).
Here is a list I saw for top available free agents (numbers are their ranking). Not really a great list x a few players.
