My thoughts.
(a) I think one of Kakko, Kravy and Buch should go. We have always assumed that its one of the two later, but thinking about it, I am not entirely sure that I would be against Kakko being dealt either, with three huge caveats that (a) it would have to be in a deal for someone that really makes sense, that (b) we cannot get without making KK available and (c) Buch is willing to take a reasonable long-term deal.
(b) I've done a 360, Brett Howden should be traded too. We need more grit and can't afford to carry him.
(c) Everyone is different, normally nothing can be done, but if Chris Kreider is willing to waive his NTC you trade him ASAP no matter the return. He is excused for this last debacle, but he is as big of a part of the problem as anyone else. He is physical ability to stand up for his teammates, but he doesn't. Earlier in the season we saw Caps players hound Lindgren all over the ice after a clean hit. Lindgren can't fight Wilson or Dillon and the likes. Kreider is nowhere to be seen. In this case I think he would have stuck up for Panarin, but we need more.
I keep talking about how being physical and hard to play against, is -- all -- about being able to carry physical and gritty players. If a bad team picks up gritty and physical players, they always just sucks x2. Kreider takes up a central roster position in this regard but don't contribute enough.
(d) Alexander Georgiev should be dealt, too inexperienced and inconsistent. We need a back-up that can provide stability. Big blunder by Gorts to go with Georgiev. Prolly saw potential in terms of a big return, but that is just too greedy. Not worth gambling team stability on a weak return like that. Hank no doubt should have been kept around the last year. Bring in one of these bigger goalies with an attitude that can be had fairly cheap. Will do our room good.
(e) On defense, I think we are close to set. Schenider is problematic though, because I would love to have him on the roster. But no matter what, we can't only have Fox on the blueline that is really good at moving the puck. Lundkvist should get in there. I like Jones a lot too, but ultimately I think Nils bests these two. Keep Smith around, as a 7th D if nothing else.
One guy I really like and that I would make some calls on is Kaihden Guhle, who Montreal owns the rights to.
(f) The biggest difference personel wise that I would like to see is that we value giving out positions on the team more in terms of roles and what we need as a team. Out with guys that don't really contribute in any key area, and focus more on making players count in specific areas.
I think its really really important that we build a team with the right mentality, the right attitude. The kids needs vets to lead the way in this area. There should be zero room for players without (a) any kind of attitude or (b) any kind of ability to carry and make players around them better. I like Rooney, but 4th line wing, don't think its worth giving a role that can be populated with more of a attitude player. Gauthier should without any single doubt be gone. Heck, I wouldn't mind if we made a statement to him and Howden and just relieved them of their duties instantly. They have neglected their rights to dress up for this organization ever again.
(g) No matter what, I really would prefer to see the new GM bring in tougher players -- that are knocking on the door to the league, over vets a la Glass. In the right role with the right opportunity, these players can grow really well.
