The challenge for Kingston is going to be what they have for defence
Pie if he comes will help but after that there really isnot a lot there unless Williamson improves lot you do not have any natural strength on the right side
Also, Pie is not an offensive D, so there needs to be someone who has some skill to play the right side with HiM.
Vaccari is a good goalie but he is gong to need someone he can rely on to back him up. Mann needs to be able to have that guy on the bench so that when Vaccari needs a break, he can put in them, and the team has faith in them.
The question also is how many of the players returning are going to want to play 2 way hockey and instead of worrying how many points they get how many goals they prevent.
Your last statement is the best of this post. That's why Thibodeau was moved and why possibly one or two more could be on their way out.
Again. I think the challenge for Kingston is not going to be what they have for D - esp to start if Pieniniemi comes.
Going by people's consensus on here and some obvious facts for some listed - i.e. traded, aged out, released, etc., we will/could be without the following forwards:
Thibodeau
Ludwinski
Dubois
Hemstrom
*Heyes
*Poole
Miedema/Frasca?
So I'm going to argue that the challenge will be to retool up front first - even if Miedema and Frasca stay put. That is a lot of forward depth to be replaced even if some of the fwds not listed make some strides and have the big years we are hoping for from them (i.e. Bataglia, Soto, Hopkins).
I do agree that there will be some tweeks or move for a D at some point, but I think we are OK to start with and see how things develop early, again, esp if Pieniniema is coming. There is some experience back there and potential for a few of them to step up and break out this year...
Pienieniema (19) - 41 pro games in Europe and played in a WJC
Burns (19) - 154 reg seas GP and 5 playoff games (will have two Blues camps under his belt)
Uens (19) - 198 reg seas GP and 11 playoff games
McGowan (19) - 90 reg seas GP and 5 playoff games
Williamson (18) - 53 reg season and GP 3 playoff games
Vellaris (17) - 10 reg seas GP
*Chromiak?? - 116 reg season GP and 7 playoff games
Yes it would be great to add a solid Euro D from the draft if available and "commit" to come, and an OA D, but I would prefer they hold off on the acquisition of an OA D until closer to the deadline if things are going well and we are in a good position. Then go after a big fish for the push.
My prediction is a move will be made for an impact scoring OA forward this summer.