On the topic of D I would like to mention Hudson Wilson. Had another good game last night, solid and makes the simple play. Also good on the PK and adds some toughness. I never thought I'd say this as I saw him as a bottom pairing guy, but I think he has top four potential in a shutdown role the next two years as good chance we get an OA year out of him.
Yes but it all comes down to what kind of team the fans want. I simply do not see Wilson in that top 4 role if we are a Championship calibre team. Maybe a team that goes out and wins a round in the playoffs but not make a run through the Finals.
I think we need perspective on expectations. Sometimes comments are apples to oranges from one poster to the next because of differing expectations.
I think, with the picks at their disposal, this 67’s team could be the foundation of a Championship roster with the right moves. Unfortunately, that year is next year. So, for this year, go out and better utilize the OA spots. Build some character and confidence. Claw into the top 3 in the Conference and win a round or two in the playoffs. Then, next year, blow your load on trades and make a big run. We will have a more mature defense. We should have a couple decent OA candidates. If Barron were an OA it would be fantastic. He is still 50-50 in my mind though.
If Stratis and Robertson can propell themselves forward in their 17 year old year this season, the back end will be silly good next year. Jury is still out on that though. But if they can, add Bahl and Hoef to that mix and you have the top 4 easy. Wilson plays a role as well as Peric to give the third pairing some dash and pound that will match up well against other rosters 3rd lines.
It is nice to see Lafreniere doing well. I had predicted him an OA goalie next year when we started all this 2018-2019 talk early last season. If Barron and Felhaber join him, it should be good. We need a front line centre first and foremost next year. And then maybe a sizable winger with scoring touch. We’d have three lines of ammunition, a strong defense and goaltender. That is the proper mix. IF we can get one of those two players this year as an 18 year old, even better.