I’m assuming Copp is extended and Strome walks. I give it a solid A. Copp, IMO, is the exact right type of center to play with Panarin and Kakko. As we’ve said, Panarin doesn’t need a typical top six center because he’s the play driver. Copp and Kakko will create space and possession. I think it will work well. But that’s next year.
Copp and Motte are great additions. Vatrano is a solid addition as well. Braun is good insurance and depth, though I don’t love the idea that we’ll see a Nemeth-Braun pairing. Hope he plays offside with Schneider. Regardless, these moves push the depth to a much better place and when KK comes back we’re likely going to see a fourth line of Motte/Goodrow and one of Rooney, Reaves or Hunt. Chytil, Vatrano and either Copp or KK on the third line, depending if they put Copp up with Panarin’s line immediately. I imagine they’ll try it with what he cost. That’s so much better than what we’ve been trotting out.
But the biggest reason I give him an A is that he did exactly what we all wanted and straddled the line between being a buyer and not blowing his load at too early of a stage in the development. At the very least, we should get some good playoff experience this year and if Copp is re-signed, we’ll be bringing back virtually the same team next year, minus Strome, potentially plus Blais/Kravtsov. I’m very excited for Copp as I wanted him as my Panarin center all along, and I’m excited for this team to do battle with the big dogs in tight Eastern conference playoffs. LGR!
