While I like your optimism about Norris I don't really understand it. He's coming back from the injury a third time why would it be any better?
Well, I think he was playing with some instability in the shoulder do to the surgery not being 100% successful, resulting in him being tentative. My baseline is a successful shoulder surgery will get him back to a similar spot, tentative and not playing to his full potential. I don't expect him to be better next year, I expect him to be similar.
I expect the team to be better as they currently have a management team that understands how to build a competitive NHL hockey team. That hasn't been the case for a long time. They're well aware the D core needs to be revamped. There's no way that one of Chychrun or Chabot won't be dealt and the right side isn't addressed. That alone will make this team way better. Same with adding Kleven. That and the teams natural progression in its development. As you mentioned a full year of Pinto and a more developed Greig.
Agreed
Tarasenko was a great fit, hope he's back but I doubt it. I expect them to get faster and harder up front as well. Hopefully a free agent goalie like Brossoit or Stolarz.
Tank did everything we could ask of him, but imo wasn't really what we needed. It's a bit like Chychrun except that tank wasn't bad. I would rather sacrifice a bit of offense and have gotten a guy that can play against top lines and on the PK. So maybe a 40 pt guy instead of a 55 pts guy, but adds some tools that the coach didn't have access to. I still like Tank and think he was a good addition, but not the ideal.
I'd personally be trying to move Chychrun for prospects or a hockey trade for a scoring winger that's competitive. I don't see a scenario where a team trades a two way RD for him or a goalie. But I could be wrong.
Do we need a scoring wing though? With Tkachuk, Batherson, Giroux and one our centers likely moving to the wing I think we are set in that regard, I think we need more of a middle six guy that plays a heavy game, that's my hope up front.
I agree we probably won't get a RHD for Chychrun, who knows apparently Tbay fans are souring on Cernek but it's a long shot for sure, but I do think Chychrun for Ulmark would be a realistic possibility if he's willing to waive.
Chabot finally opting for wrist surgery likely makes him un movable. It also concerns me he is going to come into camp out of shape again as this will set back his training significantly. This is something he should have done years ago. Boy did the last regime really mess up this teams injury and rehabilitation. Thank goodness there's new management.
There's still lots you can do in the gym while the wrist recovers, but it is a setback. The good news is if the wrist is fixed, maybe we see more of what we saw two seasons ago instead of the last two years.
Oh unfortunately they need to buy out Hamonic or ask him to retire and give him a job in the organization.
I don't think that's happening, he'll likely just be the 7/8th D
I'd be open to trading both Chychrun and Chabot tbh. Then aggressively targeting Montour, Edmondson/Dillon and one of Demelo/Tanev/Pesce/Roy in free agency. Seems wild I know. But I think that level of change in the organization and on the back end is necessary. I truly believe in a year or 2 Kleven is gonna be a top 4 d man. He has all the tools.
can't see us trading both guys, but agree with your targets, and I love the optimism on Kleven, I've been a fan of his since his draft year.