What is your excitement level for 24/25 season ?

[thebus88]

Thinking we will be a playoff contender is foolish.

What is a “playoff contender” to you?

This team could absolutely be batting for a wildcard spot at the end of the year. The defense isn’t even (playing) that bad. They play very good AS A TEAM.

The team is literally missing 2 of its most important/valuable forwards they will eventually get back. Elvis is a problem. Tarasov is a question mark, admittedly.

And since he’s now in Cleveland, people have somehow forgotten that Mateychuk is literally better than Provorov. We will be BETTER whenever he is added to the team.

 

[koteka]

Anyone? Care to list who you are talking about so we don't talk past each other on this.

the UFAs - Provorov, Kuraly, Olivier (if he doesn’t extend), Danforth (if he doesn’t extend), ZA-R if he draws interest

I don’t expect there will be any demand for the old dudes like JVR or JMFJ.

Olivier has been a needed piece on this team since he got here, but if he wants to hit free agency, then we have a hard decision to make. Especially if Gudbranson is still out. I wouldn’t let him go for a late pick, but if someone needs toughness and offers a 2nd or two 3rds, then I think you pull the trigger.

If Boone comes back before the tread deadline, it might be time to listen to offers for him. He is an UFA next year.

 

[koteka]

What is a “playoff contender” to you?

In the top 10 or 11 in the Eastern Conference and within a few points of the 8th place team in February. And playing well.

As I have said, I don’t trust the goalies or defense. I don’t believe Mateychuk is some savior this season. (Not saying he won’t be a really good defenseman someday.)

It is the beginning of the season. There are teams with playoff hangovers that aren’t even trying yet (like the Oilers who also sucked at the beginning of last season). Boston is a last place team right now. I don’t expect that continue. We have a new coach and are working hard in a new system. We are over performing.

I am enjoying this season, but I am being realistic. If we finish 12th in the East and improve by 15-20 points, that is a great season.

 

[stevo61]

If Olivier wants to stay for a reasonable rate there would not be a chance in hell I'd want the team to move him for a pick that more likely than not becomes nothing. Danforth I'd slightly be more ok with just due to age but even then, assuming he stays healthy he will add value for a few more years

 

[cbjthrowaway]

If Olivier wants to stay for a reasonable rate there would not be a chance in hell I'd want the team to move him for a pick that more likely than not becomes nothing. Danforth I'd slightly be more ok with just due to age but even then, assuming he stays healthy he will add value for a few more years

danforth is a prime flip candidate given his age and the amount of guys coming up behind him (brindley, lindstrom, etc) in the org.

of the two, i'd prefer to keep olivier, but i think that they end up getting an offer they can't refuse. buffalo gave up a top-45 pick in the draft to get beck malenstyn, and i think olivier is a better player. a contender at the deadline may very well offer up a 2nd round pick or a nice prospect to add that kind of grit.