yours truly -- a case can be made I am being improperly ostracized from the roster building thread b'c I spoke the truth about Nieves, a posture to which most disagreed but respected my right to this opinion --- was ridiculed by most here for saying WAY WAY WAY ahead of the curve, that Kravtsov had everything to possibly succeed at pivot. Then I further qualified that by specifying I was not saying day 1 in a vacuum VK could pivot any line with anyone well [tho that might be a possibility] -- I said he would work very well and create a dominant line with Kakko and Panarin as Ws. (Those 2 already confirmed they have chemistry.)
NO, NO, NO said the detractors.
Not possible.
Creative thinking outside the box, even if it was only an experiment, no we don't dare even think about going there, let alone actually try it.
They let VK start at W to get his feet wet, fine.
The above posts PROVE THAT I WAS RIGHT!!!!!
Krav has most of Kreider's speed and adequate++ strength while having much more vision, lateral skating, passing and scoring skill.
I am doubling down and saying again, if they listen to me and give that line a try, they won't be disappointed, it will work well, and against most lines, dominate.
We need to stop this foolishness about 'we ONLY trade our top vets Strome and Buch IF we get a top C prospect who is so can't miss he's almost in a lineup already.'
1. That is unrealistic, rarely happens, such assets are usually kept/not available.
2. If we get adequate profit of picks [which are universally accepted currency, btw] as surplus of value for our vets, we can then have GMJG apply new found skill to draft very well = huge profit, just requires a little bit of patience. [case in point is Barron, a 6th round pick]
We are still recovering from win now stupidity and desperation.
One, maybe two more good solid drafts THEN we will have such a surplus we can indulge consolidation splurges.
Avoid the clickbait Eichel move which adds 10m+ which = structural cap probs. Eichel $$ can't come here unless/until Trouba is dealt.
NOW, who thinks including Kravtsov in an Eich deal is such a good idea?
Listen to bern, play/develop the kids.
Listen to bern: no giving up too quick on Chytil, Kakko, LaF, Hajek
I know most of this board has good will in its heart for me.
Love is given, respect is earned.
Love is optional. I deserve the respect.
I extend likewise the good vibes received from most.
The vocal handful who want to argue EVERYTHING with me, who can't admit water is wet --- and you know who you are -- take your comeuppance in the face of this rebuke.
He who laughs last laughs best.
Not bad, but here is my current thinking:
LW - C - RW
Kakko - Krav - Panarin
Kreider - Zib - Blackwell
LaF - Chytil - Gauthier
PDG - Blackwell - Gettinger
give Barron 4 games cup o coffee that does not apply an elc yr
next yr, can see if Barron is ready for top line day 1 or if he needs to wade in. If yes, he takes 2RW, Blackwell then to 4th line.
Deal them all.
Give Wall 4 games cup o coffee, ride shesty w/relief from Kink
deal Geo.
Deal Buch, Strome, Howden Smith
give mins to the kids, get a jump on next season
We can go barely to 9 on Zib IF IF IF he takes only 4 yrs extension on top of the final yr on his deal. That is the hard line in the sand. Not 5 or more years. 4. And if we are willing to put that contract extension in writing immediately, I want him signing on immediately.
If that happens great.
If not, sell high as a rental.
No excessively long term deals into the mid 30s.
---------------
I proposed Blackwell + Rooney, 2 guys at or barely above min thru next season for 2 2nds, one of which was delayed. It was not well received by either this base or EDM's.
Maybe we keep Blackie and package Rooney w/DPG? Or Howden?
