So a few months ago our window for really being a threat was 2 years from now. Now our window is the next two years before Weber and Rinne get too old? Which is it? I'm confused at this to be honest because you have adamantly stated this team isn't ready to be a contender for a few years and now here you are stating our window is the next two years.
To be honest, with the chips in the pipeline and the experience the d is gaining every day we play, our window should be a lot longer than 2 years or in 2 years from now. We have a lot of good young talent. We have a goalie that is great shape and with the way guys train these days, Rinne has plenty of years left at this level as does Weber. The best part is, if Weber starts to slow down for whatever reason, you have this kid named Jones that will be entering his prime and Josi and Ekholm will also be as well as Ellis.
While adding Kessel would be sweet, we don't need a one dimensional player like that. Our scoring doesn't seem to be an issue right now, even with some of the bigger guns either being out or not scoring right now. Also, after watching a little bit of Fiala at the prospects camp, trust me, you don't want to move him. The kid is dynamic, plays with an edge and can do things you don't see every day and while Kessel has the more proven track record right now, we'd regret moving him in the long run, much like we'd regret moving Jones unless we got a number 1 center in return. Best way I can describe Fiala at this point is the speed of Kariya with the edge of Foppa and a skill set somewhere in between the two. If he's learned anything from being in camp this year and watching what Forsberg has done, he should come to camp with a huge chip on his shoulder and hopefully he does. My bet is he starts the year in Milwaukee and will be called up within the first 20 games or so.
If we want Kessel, we move Smith way before Fiala. That's just my opinion.
