If they change their style of play and find a way to make some difficult trades/signings this off-season, they can win their next playoff round next season.
Ok, so we're in a different place on this. I'm resigned to them not winning a round until multiple years after the rebuild is deemed over. If I had to put a number on it, 2033? And that's only if the rebuild is done well.
I've given up on them winning rounds with this core. I'd like to see them fight for a playoff spot though, and make the product more entertaining. Sullivan and Reirden need to be dismissed for that to happen.
I thought they had a decent approach to roster construction this year, but in looking around the league, I think it needs a lot more work. They need a more diverse top nine - more physicality, a net front presence, etc. - and a stronger defense. If you have Letang and Karlsson, you need a different mix next to them and in the bottom pair. Ludvig might be a start, but I'm still skeptical of him long-term.
I was okay with his moves. The team's ninth defensively. They built it to improve in that area, for the most part. The PK got better.
The result there is a success, but that's only because the goalies have been really good. So really, they're a middling defensive team for me.
I'm also on board with adding more physicality, so long as it leads to useful things. Ludvig separates man from puck a lot, so I appreciate that part of his game. I'm not sold on his ability to track and position well for the long haul either though.
I think Rakell, Smith, Pettersson and Graves should all be trade bait this summer. None of them are bad - even Graves. But I think you can move them for similar priced players who are a different style.
I'm not as down on Graves as the rest of the board. He's a +8, playing against top players. I think people exaggerate how much his play actually hurts the team, and anything he does on the positive end is completely ignored. He wins a lot of 50/50 situations with his size and reach...ones that prior D-men did not. His positioning is quite strong. He hangs around the danger area, instead of chasing ghosts. I don't have to worry about him being stuck behind the net on goals against a lot.
I think if he was truly as bad as people say here, like Jack Johnson level, then his goals against count would be much higher right now.
IMO it's way too early to give up on a guy in year 1 of a deal. He's still in his prime. If we can squeeze out a good level from him later on, he'll be a good trade chip, especially with the escalating cap.
I think there's a good chance Rakell and Smith bounce back, but age is a consideration here. Smith's the much better 5v5 player historically, so I'm more hopeful with him.
but it's not often.
