Rebuild is not done, but its progressing well and on-time. No panic needed. Once we see what Reinbacher brings to the table, we'll be able to determine what the D is lacking. Demidov alone changes everything forwards-wise, and we have the capspace, trading assets, and prospect pool to expect a few more new forwards joining the team by next season. Very optimistic about the clear and steady progression under MSL, despite haters smashing the panic button because they're addicted to drama.
Building is almost done.
Just missing a confirmed 2C, two confirmed, top-4 RHDs, two confirmed, elite wingers and a confirmed, solid G-tandem.
Doubt that all shows up on this roster by next season.
IF Slafkovsky and Demidov both pan out, that takes care of the two elite wingers, but Dach would have to play at top-6 level as a winger to close out the top-6.
IF Reinbacher pans out, we still need another top-4 RHD, but we don't need a superstar for that role if the RHD partners up with Hutson.
IF Fowler pans out, we need to determine if Dobes is the Dobes of his first starts in the NHL or the Dobes of his last starts before the 4-Nations break, or go with Montembeault that isn't going to be relevant as an NHL G for the long haul at his age.
Still need a 2C in the short term.
A lot of IFs.
This rebuild could be close to finished if several prospects pan out and if Hughes can find a 2C from outside the organization without sacrificing from the core.
IMO, we really aren't out of the woods yet, although hope for a better future is not lacking.
The real question is whether all can fall into place together so we have an actual window at competing for a Cup, or do we go into a perpetual rebuild mode with the best years of certain players just missing to connect with the best years of other players?
