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Not saying this should be the everyday depth chart, lines will be jumbled around by Maurice but that depth chart there would have 7 players drafted from our organization which is kind of impressive, it's a 1/3 of the lineup.
Wouldn't think too many teams have 8 or more in their lineup.
Also, I count 7 C's there which Zito loves, the defense worries me again but some of Maurice's teams have been top 10 in GA/G along with his offenses but it's the wild swings in between or consistency that is baffling.
This is gonna be more of a CBJ style identity in hard work it seems.
We know we can score on the rush, need to learn how to create new opportunities in OZ.
Not much turnover other than bottom 6, will miss Marchment a fair bit but glad he got paid.
I think our PK will improve, some of the bottom 6 guys added are hungry for another contract. Blocking shots and playing a relentless forecheck/board battle style earns them those deals.
Feel our offense will drop .5 GF/G which would be around 3.6-3.7 IIRC but our defense will improve along with the PK.
Teams will know how to clog up our rush attack better this year.
I don't think we're as aggressive offensively with pinches but smarter with puck down low and not always resetting to the blueline where turnovers have cost us.
It's unfortunate Zito has to wait out the final dead cap dealings of prior management but with Lundell and Knight looking to be core pieces, we need to hit on a couple prospects who can produce 75% of their draft potential.
Zito has found two key bargain bin finds in Verhaeghe and Forsling, he may find another one and most of these deals end this year or next, easily moved for (more likely Huberdeau deal) and possibly Weegar, if not him, get Forsling done next offseason.
Feel we're in good hands with Zito and ownership, the attendance is growing, the playoff games are accumulating for the core and in another year or two, the window for a true contender will open again.
As is, feel it's closer to a 65% chance of 3rd in Atlantic finish with a 35% chance of Wildcard spot.
Been saying for a couple years, Ottawa is building something and feel they are gonna be a handful, they hit 90-95pts, it will keep us on our heels.
That's a 17-22 point (9 to 11 wins) increase for them but they've definitely added at least 6-7 wins already.
If they add another top 4 defenseman and it's gonna be a grind in the Atlantic with a better Detroit team as well, not a playoff team but just makes our path to playoffs that much harder.
Haven't looked in depth at schedule but thought I saw 10-11 b2bs so expect 3-4 prospects to get 20-30 games in with that and injuries.
Would be shocked if we don't finish right around 100-108pts.
The Atlantic won't be so top 3 heavy, will be a 4 team race.
Just some thoughts from TIP.
