And I think people grossly underestimate the likely regression of some of the ageing players that will be stuck in the lineup. Gallagher, Anderson, Dvorak, Armia, Pezzeta, Savard.
Odd to include Pezzetta there. He's 26, no reason to believe he's going to regress ability -wise. I doubt he'll see the ice time he got last year, so his numbers should drop, but I'd be surprised if regresses performance-wise.
Dvorak can't really do much worse unless he's injured again.
Armia, Gally & Anderson are expensive depth players. They should see much less ice time next year unless injuries to top 6 players hamner us again next year
That's the thing. The team is essentially the same as last year up to the trade deadline (replace Monahan with Dach), and they were nowhere close to a playoff spot. And on top of that, they need to start giving time to young players who will make mistakes learning, particularly in D.
U25.
Was Slaf, or Newhook, or Suzuki, or Caufield or Guhle the same player in April 2024 as they were in April 2023, let alone Sept 2022?
Progression from our U25 core, as a whole, is all but inevitable, even though a few individuals may well step back (since young players don't progress in a straight line).
Problem with Laine, is that if he doesn't do well, its a bust. But if he does well, then you end up in 2 years having to pay him 8-9 mills a year at 28 years old and injury prone.
If he "does well" it's because he's healthy, no?
I don't particularly care for Laine specifically, but think about what you are saying here...
If he "does well", by his talent level, we've got a 40goal ppg force added to our group... And the cap room to extend him if they asses him to be a long term fit. I may be dense, but I'm Not sure how that's a negative
I think that's why they are passing on him. They would rather get someone young on a good contract then a risky ageing player who will not peak at the same time of the rest of the group.
Agree. I think they will be aggressive, and decisive, in acquiring a key piece when it fits. Until then they will be content to kick tires on opportunities that don't compromise the overall direction. Patience. Commitment to building a culture of excellence.
Exactly what we've sorely lacked for far too long in this organization.