I am a bit confused on why you are suggesting we should sell for two years in a row and build around Hank/Frank 's 19 y.o. year. We will have lost most of our deepest draft in years in Pinelli, Gardiner and Foster. Then Mac, Gerrior and Mayich are gone too. Makes little sense to me for a few reasons. Our OA's next year project as stronger then two years from now ( Barlas, Dever, Ewles??). Then next year we have Pinelli, Gardiner and Foster who should be more dominant.
Now if we look at next years's roster that in your opinion does not have the foundation for a contender. First I assume Mayich is there as an OA so let's substract Smyth. Let's also assume a mini sell this year Stoney, Donoso and Smyth/Sirman ( maybe before next season for the latter rather then the deadline). So we have a decent cupboard.
Looking at our roster I think we can agree we have an elite goalie ( Mac), three top four D ( mews, marelli,mayich) and 4 top 6 forwards ( pinelli, Gardiner, Gerrior, Foster). I guess a case could be made for Uronen as a 5th but does he return and did he show enough to consider him a true top 6 on a contender
?
We also have the makings of a solid third line with Barlas, Dever and Whitehead. Ewles and Brady can be an ok third pairing imo.
So we need a top four D (Preferably right shot), a top center, maybe a top 6 winger and ideally a third line center to bump Whitehead to the fourth line with Kelly/ Hilton. The top four D only needs to be a solid stay at home type as Mews/Marelli will drive the offence. So shouldn't be too expensive. Same with acquiring a third line center. That top center will be pricey unless they get an import. Either way I do think they need to upgrade on Korbler and even Uronen if they can through the import draft or trade. If they can fill one of top center or top four D through import draft we have plenty of picks and players ( Horner, Kelly, Yanni, etc ) to trade to fill out the roster. The year after is when you sell Mews/Marelli and restock.
