The 2024-2025 Roster Thread

[Fjordy]

It's official...no one is untouchable.

Benson and Dahlin for me. I don't want to trade these two players.

One is a gem and a little devil. The other has always been my favorite player and I don't think he's a problem. He played the most this season, played with a back injury, probably with pain, and was still our best defenseman in a vacuum. I don't see any point in trading him. He also took Benny under his wing and he lives with him. I think he's a good leader and captain, just not a loud one.

 

[TehDoak]

I still think the best way forward is to go get a d-man to support Power and move on from Joker. I'd like to add another winger as well, but realistically, finding someone to steady Power in his own zone is priority 1 for me.

 

[Fjordy]

I still think the best way forward is to go get a d-man to support Power and move on from Joker. I'd like to add another winger as well, but realistically, finding someone to steady Power in his own zone is priority 1 for me.

Even I'm tired of writing this, what's the point? This idiot is happy with everything, the process, the youth are developing, you can be rude to reporters, nothing will happen to you.

 

[jc17]

Specifically, someone to cover for Power's lack of urgency defending around his own net. Is it someone who is good at denying entries or is it someone who is better around the net? I lean toward net defense and actively being back to offset Power's weakness in that regard.

It could be - could be - someone who isn't playing at that level somewhere else. I know, I know, crazy thought that someone out there could be good at that who it isn't clear already is. Think about how Montour grew up in Florida. Or they bite the bullet and allow Power to be the Brian Campbell of his pair, playing on his off-hand side, and go hard for a good LD to cover for him.

Joki ain't it.

One weird thing is that according to natural startrick 10+25 on the ice have a low rate of high danger goals against (maybe puck luck). But in my stats scrounging I just came across something that is casting a shadow of a doubt over that site's numbers in general, so maybe the high danger goal stat is just wrong too

 

[elchud]

Dickinson and Murphy for Cozens, who's with me!

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

I still think the best way forward is to go get a d-man to support Power and move on from Joker. I'd like to add another winger as well, but realistically, finding someone to steady Power in his own zone is priority 1 for me.

My patience has run out.

He's a 3rd-pairing d-man who can only play the right side. So is Clifton, who is a better option in that spot. And when (if?) Sammy comes back, I never want to see that Sammy-Joker shitshow tandem again.

He's got some trade value by just being an experienced RHD on a not outrageous contract that expires at the end of the season. Goodbye and good luck.

 

[Fjordy]

Attack is also a problem, but a partner for Power always made sense. Cozens is terrible, I would trade him. Get new 2C.

 

[HaNotsri]

I'd have patience with Cozens. We sren't going anywhere anyway.

I'd trade Zucker, Greenway and Tuch to recover some assetts.

The work hard for a top 4 rhd and top 6 center with the capital we have. Peterka might have to be dealt as well.

 

[Fjordy]

I'd have patience with Cozens. We sren't going anywhere anyway.

He got bad last season, he's gotten worse this season. I'm not saying trade him for a sack of pucks, but if we can get a better player in a deal I'd consider it.

 

[hizzoner]

Look I like Benson--he goes all the time--but he is an average skater at best, does not have much of a shot and gets pushed around like cotton candy. His greatest strength is motivating others to work as hard as he does--but it does not seem to be going as planned. If results matter then he is not producing--like the team as a whole.

 

[dickiedunnwrotethis]

Attack is also a problem, but a partner for Power always made sense. Cozens is terrible, I would trade him. Get new 2C.

He is. Hopefully there's a GM out there in love with the tools and doesn't realize that the toolbox is missing. Really don't care that his trade value is at an all time low; he'll never be a 2C on a contending team so might as well pull the pin now.

Power needs a partner or he needs to be traded. Kind of leaning toward the latter option.

 

[Fjordy]

Look I like Benson--he goes all the time--but he is an average skater at best, does not have much of a shot and gets pushed around like cotton candy. His greatest strength is motivating others to work as hard as he does--but it does not seem to be going as planned. If results matter then he is not producing--like the team as a whole.

Well, I disagree, he was one of the best in many games. He got injured at the beginning of the season and then always played on a line with the terrible Cozens and Quinn. Literally the worst option for him. Benson does a lot of little things, and he scored some points. Put him on the first line and see what happens and how many points he scores. We don't have a 2C, Peterka has looked worse lately than at the beginning of the season, I would prefer to see Zucker on the third line.

 

[Ehran]

Look I like Benson--he goes all the time--but he is an average skater at best, does not have much of a shot and gets pushed around like cotton candy. His greatest strength is motivating others to work as hard as he does--but it does not seem to be going as planned. If results matter then he is not producing--like the team as a whole.

He's 19. I can envision what he will be like in a few years. He'll be a terrific player.

I don't expect him to be a top producer at this point, especially on this travesty of a team.

 

[sabremike]

I'd have patience with Cozens. We sren't going anywhere anyway.

I'd trade Zucker, Greenway and Tuch to recover some assetts.

The work hard for a top 4 rhd and top 6 center with the capital we have. Peterka might have to be dealt as well.

Yup, let's trade the few established vets we have for some more picks and kids, we need more of those.

 

[OkimLom]

He's 19. I can envision what he will be like in a few years. He'll be a terrific player.

I don't expect him to be a top producer at this point, especially on this travesty of a team.

The trajectory I see Benson heading on is being a reliable middle 6 forward, mostly on the 3rd line, where he will be effective because of his work ethic. I love his ability around the crease and I wish we had at least half a dozen with the same drive.

But if he wants to become a reliable top 6 player he’s going to need to grow his skillset to expand in the areas of the ice away from the crease. He needs to be able to produce in all areas of the offensive zone and he needs to improve immensely on his shot and shooting ability, as well as his passing skillset. I’d also like to see a little more explosiveness in his skating.

Why I say I think he will be a middle 6 player is because I have no confidence in the coaching staff as it is being able to get that development out of him. I also think he’s limited physically in how much more growth he can get in those offensive weapons.

 

[Chainshot]

Look I like Benson--he goes all the time--but he is an average skater at best, does not have much of a shot and gets pushed around like cotton candy. His greatest strength is motivating others to work as hard as he does--but it does not seem to be going as planned. If results matter then he is not producing--like the team as a whole.

Yep, there is a long way to go on his leg strength to get his burst and long-distance speed up to NHL quality. He is great at disrupting pucks, gets in on the forecheck and gets stick on stick/stick on puck or uses his body to disrupt guys hands like few guys I've watched. He dearly needs protein and weights IMO.

But his smarts, work ethic and competitiveness are baked in and there is no off switch there. Those things alone have gotten him to this point.

 

[Ehran]

Eh, maybe my view of Benson is colored by the absolute trainwreck that the other forwards on this team are.

Diamond in a puddle of

 

[slip]

Yep, there is a long way to go on his leg strength to get his burst and long-distance speed up to NHL quality. He is great at disrupting pucks, gets in on the forecheck and gets stick on stick/stick on puck or uses his body to disrupt guys hands like few guys I've watched. He dearly needs protein and weights IMO.

But his smarts, work ethic and competitiveness are baked in and there is no off switch there. Those things alone have gotten him to this point.

Having watched guys like Samuelsson, Power, and Quinn getting progressively worse under this coaching regime has me worried that even those baked in qualities are on borrowed time.

 

[Sabre Dance]

I’m seeing a lot of people ready to give up Dylan Cozens.

I think that would be a mistake. He’s not developing into that shutdown center but he’s someone I hope they keep around.

 

[toddkaz]

Look I like Benson--he goes all the time--but he is an average skater at best, does not have much of a shot and gets pushed around like cotton candy. His greatest strength is motivating others to work as hard as he does-ut it does not seem to be going as planned. If results matter then he is not producing--like the team as a whole.

Zach Benson has 8 points in the last 15 games and is 19 years old. Only 10 players have played in the NHL out of 220 from 2023 draft. Only one player has played more games than Benson and thats Connor Bedard and only 3 players have more points than him from that draft year. Most players from 2023 aren't even in the NHL yet and you are writing him off.

Zach Benson has played 91 games and you are done with him.

 

[Mattilaus]

I’m seeing a lot of people ready to give up Dylan Cozens.

I think that would be a mistake. He’s not developing into that shutdown center but he’s someone I hope they keep around.

The larger question is what exactly is he developing into if not that? He isn't great at D, doesn't score much anymore as his shooting accuracy is not great and doesn't have high IQ to really elevate his linemates. He is big and has good speed. What are we looking at here as a finished product in a couple years?

 

[Sabre Dance]

The larger question is what exactly is he developing into if not that? He isn't great at D, doesn't score much anymore as his shooting accuracy is not great and doesn't have high IQ to really elevate his linemates. He is big and has good speed. What are we looking at here as a finished product in a couple years?

I don’t know yet but I think he’s someone we’re going to fall in love with again when he’s not having to carry a line.

 

[DapperCam]

Benson and Dahlin for me. I don't want to trade these two players.

One is a gem and a little devil. The other has always been my favorite player and I don't think he's a problem. He played the most this season, played with a back injury, probably with pain, and was still our best defenseman in a vacuum. I don't see any point in trading him. He also took Benny under his wing and he lives with him. I think he's a good leader and captain, just not a loud one.

I agree with this, and I would add UPL just because we need a goalie. I also wouldn't move Quinn, because it would be selling crazy low. I would rather hold him and have him eventually be worth nothing rather than sell him low (because he's shown flashes of serious skill).

 

[jc17]

I don’t know yet but I think he’s someone we’re going to fall in love with again when he’s not having to carry a line.

I haven't been a cozens fan, but for myself and others I think its less about giving up on him completely and more about a sense of urgency to be competitive.

He had a productive season, he's known for working hard, he was a top 10 pick. He's a piece that might have value, but at the same time allow us to get better in the short term by moving.

 

[Sabre Dance]

I haven't been a cozens fan, but for myself and others I think its less about giving up on him completely and more about a sense of urgency to be competitive.

He had a productive season, he's known for working hard, he was a top 10 pick. He's a piece that might have value, but at the same time allow us to get better in the short term by moving.

I would rather trade future assets, prospects and picks for a top 6 forward to play with him. I think that’s very doable.

I think they were really banking on Quinn. Everyone was. It’s very disappointing and honestly surprising that Quinn isn’t playing well.