Totally agree. I was mentioning candidates and only JC is secure at present imo
Yeah, we have 5, 05s. Winegard and Martin are in that group as well. They’re not getting top 6/top 9 minutes this year, so I get why they're not mentioned, imagine they’re both done here after this year.
I see Outwater getting a spot if he can remain healthy. Small sample but he’s been much more noticeable this season so far.
Eichler i’d normally say no. But if we lose Protas (which I’d say is likely) may be hard to fill both import spots with someone better/affordable out of the gate. Could see him sticking around until a move is made to bring in an import and an OA separately.
I try not to speculate too much on next year… because well, I could see Bowler going in this year.
I don’t think we NEED musty but the reason to get him would be so an opponent doesn’t. I’d see a Musty acquisition being close to Wright in terms of media coverage. I just hope if we go in on Musty, we don’t have a Harrison-like deal in addition. I felt that was the bust of the deadline.
I also wonder who can pay for Musty. I always struggle pulling up the draft pick database but I can’t imagine Saginaw has much to offer, and they’re also too good right now to move Parekh or Misa, although I see both being available at next years deadline. London’s good at acquiring assets, but after their push last year, I’m not sure they’d have what it takes.
But the longer Musty stays off the ice, the worse for his development and the lower his value goes IMO.
We’re in an interesting spot with a great 06 class, with very limited 05s. (What’s shaping to be) a great 08 class, with very limited 07s (Nesbitt, Manzo). I kind of like the model as we can base around a group and bring in good OAs for cheaper than senior players that are off to pro the following year.
I don’t think I’d shake anything up until Christmas. We have 13 forwards with a healthy roster, and I see Martin as the odd one out, maybe slotting in for the undersized Garden in a physical game. I don’t see another clear forward to be pushed out if we acquire someone just for picks.
Again, small sample but we’re 15% of the way in already and I haven’t seen anything from Lemeuix, Belchetz or Garden (08s) that have shown they don’t belong at this level. All seem worthy of Bottom 6 minutes at the minimum, and the experience will help down the line. Gardens small and pushed around a bit but I like his speed and style of game