Maybe one critique of that contract would be, as a vet with multiple cups on his resume, he'd bring leadership that would help us avoid the pitfalls a young team often experiences.
Fair but who says he doesn’t? Hard for only 1 player to do that/change the team mindset on his own.
But isn't that a big part of the reason you bring in a guy like Palat. Isn't it why he get's that contract.
Maybe 2 years ago is why you brought in a Palat...
)Jack is still young. The young D. And Nico is a young Captain, with as I state, a tough job.
Agree we need center help. I don't hate Haula as a center but I prefer him as a wing who can slide over in case of injury.I agree. Giving term for a 35+ contract may not be something Fitz and company are willing to do. Henrique is not my first option but he's a good 2/3C example. I like our top 2 centers, but want to explore beyond Haula as 3C. I've suggested Lindholm in the past (him not doing well in VAN might bring his price down), but he might inevitably become too expensive in FA (the absolute best case might be the Palat contract, 6x6 for Lindholm). Lindholm makes 4.85 now. With Lindholm, you are almost required to change the supporting cast (Siegenthaler traded for zero dollars in return, Bahl stays, Mercer has an elevated role, Holtz + is traded of immediate LHD help (this player is on an ELC or on a contract with 2/3 years remaining). Lindholm is unlikely, but my point is we need a lot more help down the middle, especially if one or both are centers miss time next season.
2 years/3m might not even be good deals for Noesen or Trenin (assuming Trenin wants to leave the Avalanche (I wouldn't
Goalies were clearly a big part of the problem.We weren't far off this season. For a long time we were 2-4 points outside of WC2. I don't mind blaming Vitek until October
At least you didn't make the R1G1 GDT and completely get flamed in comments, DMs and elsewhere for doing my usual animecrack.
I think the coach will be the most significant piece added. I think the right coach would elevate Siegenthaler and Marino again. The right game plan will help minimize their mistakes and have the same effect for Luke and Nemec. It will also be interesting to see how they address the second goalie. Kahkonen has been good for NJ despite the win loss record but at this point Fitz is probably forced to get more of a name goalie.
I think all the D would improve by their partners improving. If Hughes and Nemec both make progress towards consistency, I think that improves their partners just as much as it improves them. If Hamilton comes back anywhere close to 100% that will elevate whoever is opposite him.
Brendan Smith played 60 games, Chris Tierney played 50 games, we've had Shane Bowers and Nick DeSimone and Max Williman and something named Samuel Laberge play for us this season and we were pretty damned close to being a cap team the day the season opened.
Since literally nobody has come out and said "Palat is such a big voice for us in the locker room" a single time, it's safe to say he's just a passenger.
23 years old, 306 NHL games isn't exactly young.
Pure semantics. Jack is a critical element of this team and is in his prime production years. Any labeling beyond those facts are irrelevant.
I believe the NHL defines veteran as 24 or 260 professional games.
How old are you? A 23 year old "isn't exactly young"? You do know how ridiculous that sounds to anyone over the age of say 30? Are you day drinking again?
Hockey years are worse than dog years.
but it HAS been working in Colorado -- it's not the yelling moreso than the team needing to give a crap about doing well. good leadership (be it players, coaches, or GMs) hold everyone to a higher standard. AGAIN, no idea what's really said in locker room, but I really do wish we'd see a bit more passion
