Keane and Gross. Those are the two guys I don't get. I mean I understand the attraction to Keane. He has some skill. I can see an NHL player there. But not an impact player by any means. I thought he was really underwhelming last year before and after the trade.
Gross sucks. I don't worry about stopping the clock with him. Let his rights expire. Same player two years in a row. He's good for nothing except bad penalties.
I didn't see much with Maser. Of the guys not on NHL deals, the only ones I'd consider signing (or drafting) would be Nick Jones, and maybe Ryan Dmowski if he has a strong year in Hartford. The rest were all pretty blah.
what's not to get? they are prospects that people are excited for. I don't get people thinking they are bonafide NHL players. Exhibit A, Ty Ronning. Keane is at the next level so if he has a great season in Hartford, his hype train will gain speed but we really just have to wait and see. Nico Gross is off to a fast start in the juniors this season but Gross has more steps to climb - namely going pro and showing his skill translating to that level, most likely in the AHL, and then in the NHL.
I think our blueline will be something like this in the 2020-2021 season.
Hajek-Trouba
Miller-Fox
Staal-Lundkvist
which leaves
Skjei-ADA to trades
and in the 2021-2022 season, one of these guys to replace Staal
Robertson, Rykov, Reunanen, Lindgren, Gross, Keane, Jones, Ragnarsson, Sjalin
the rest to busting or improving their trade value to bring new players/assets. Some players will take longer to develop, like you know, prospects. But big picture, I don't see how Gross is gonna muscle his way into our top 6. and I'm assuming Skjei and ADA get traded here. Miller and Lundkvist could each marinate an additional season either in their leagues or the AHL till the 2021 season.