Slaf was mad last year when we were losing. IIRC he's the first in the past 2-3 years that says '' f*** off, I just want to win ''.
It in itself is a good news, you know the boys want to become men and compete next year. No pressure from management as they didn't set any expectation yet but they will expect a step forward from the core. If there is one, big moves will be made next summer to make this team a serious playoff contender.
My expectation this year is a bubble team right to the end.
The biggest step this team can take is from their core.
-Slaf needs to play a full 82games like he did his last 30 and then some more to continue his growth.
-Suzuki needs to become that prime 2way center next year that also produces a PPG.
-Cole needs to putt 35/40+ next year now that his 200ft game has greatly improved.
-Dach needs to get that monkey off his back and play 70+ games. He can be a PPG player.
-Guhle HAS to learn to be reliable for 22-25min per game and help the offense with great first pass out of the zone.
-Matheson can keep doing what he's doing if Guhle takes over his TOI.
-Hutson needs to improve our PP1 and then grow in the NHL from there, gradually taking more and more responsibilities.
This could go on and on. Xhakej, Roy, Newhook, Mailloux/Reinbacher, Barron and Struble could also continue their growth and improve their status in the NHL.
This team could improve real quick, it really depends on that '' f*** you '' factor coming from the players. They are now entering their '' let's find our identity '' phase of the rebuild.
P.S : we played for .500 when Allen wasn't in net last year even with a god awful PP and PK.