Whether some of you like it or not, there is a youth movement going on with this team.
I don't think you can expect more than 2, maybe 3 rookies, tops in your line up... but that would make 5-6 "rookies" in 2 years coming in as regulars. That's 20-25% of a team. Let's say that trend continues for the year after this too... 7-9 rookies on a group of 20... nearly half.
Kreider, Zucarello, and Talbot played their first "full" nhl seasons last year.
Miller was up and down. Consider him a regular for next year.
We have 3 holes: 3c, 3LW, 4RW. Miller is on the 3rd line, likely at the center position.
Doesn't look like we can sign anyone else of substance to fill those spots in. Those 3 spots are going to rookies.
Miller, Lindberg, Fast, Haggerty, that kid Mueller, the Bourque brothers, Kristo, Duclair... they're all going to have a fair shake at spots.
Not to mention if we go down with an injury or two on the blue line... who else are we going to turn to? Of course, more rookies - like Allen and McIlrath. Next year? We likely see a Skjei sighting.. Duclair, Tambellini, Buchnevich (who everyone hails is the best of that bunch) could all get shots. A year later? That Iverson kid, maybe other prospects who we've acquired.
And before that? These last 2-4 years has seen us promote McD, Stepan, and Hagelin. All young guys.
Whether we want it, or not, this team's future is in its youth. Not all (or even many) of the kids we gush about will make the team, but there will invariably be many spots and opportunities for these kids to come in and become regulars.
But in regards to the next 2 years specifically, look for 5-6 prospects to come up and be relied on as regulars. The trick will be for Vigneault to put them in positions to succeed, like he did with Kreider and Zucarello this year.
I know you have your ear to the ground and are in the rooms with the gms of every single NHL team.
