Eh - not what we wanted. Made some signings that improved our depth and were small enough to provide flexibility. That trade is tough to criticize, because the thought process was right: clear the decks for Stamkos and keep the window up. It was a risk and Holland misread the market and underestimated Stevie's power to persuade guys with a legit vision. To my point earlier, what you can criticize are the moves Kenny made to put us in that shit situation.
Let the kids play. Let the cards fall as they may. Earn ice time. None of this loyalty and veteran bullshit.
Probably something like .. Z - Nielsen - Gus Tatar - Larkin - Abby Sheahan - Helm - Vanek Ott - Glendening - Miller I could see Sheahan and Gus trading spots if they wanted a big body on Z's line.
Ott was just a terrible signing considering the glut of NHL ready prospects we have. Miller needs to GTFO too. They bring nothing to the table that the younger guys can't aside from "leadership".
Well said. At this point our best hope is to be totally out of it by the deadline but hopefully a guy like Vanek is closing in on 20 goals so we can get value for him.
Vanek - Larkin - Zetterberg Tatar - Sheahan - Nyquist Athanasiou - Nielsen - Mantha Helm - Abdelkader - Jurco Move up Abby/Helm when needed Sub Glendening/Pulkkinen in when needed
Another thing I can't figure out is how the D situation shakes out. I assume Kronner stats on IR and we then keep both XO and Sproul, while losing Jensen to waivers. From the sounds of it though, Sproul has been better than XO but he is more redundant because of Green.
I am watching tonight's game and it is insane how much Mantha has filled out his frame. Looks massive out there compared to last year.
he's looked good...Frk looks determined. At this point, I like him more than Pulky based on size and his work in the d-zone. are you imagining Kronner be gone for the season?
So knowing our limitations on D, I think Smith needs to be on our top pairing. There is no reason not to let him sink or swim this season.
Jensen and Frk put on waivers. I expect Frk will be claimed. We should know the final roster by the morning so more is coming.
The big question now is, what happens to Sproul/XO when Kronner gets back? Hope to God we waive who deserves to be waived (Ericsson)
Fuck. So fucking stupid. If you're able to roll four skilled lines, you're going to be tough to beat. Not 2 skill lines, 1 checking, and 1 defensive/grind line/possession blackhole line; unless that 4th line is McCarty, Draper, and Maltby/Kocur...
I think the most disappointing thing for me is that Blash is seemingly just a puppet for Holland. He basically tries to coach like Babs but isn't the same type of motivator. His player usage is borderline criminal as well. I hope he turns it around but I won't be shocked if Nelson takes over this team sometime next season.
Last year was his first year in the league right? I'd still give him another year before deciding what type of impact he can have as a coach.
I like Abby and Sheahan but no way they should be on the same line. And then to squander two 20 goal scorers with Helm is beyond logic. How do you not split that up?
The loss of Dats was the perfect time to embrace the rebuild. The fans would forgive ending The Streak. Maybe Mr. I is not allowing it.
If Illitch wants to make the playoffs he'd be better off keeping Mantha and AA up and sending down Miller and Ott.
So it is hilarious to think that every cap circumventing deal Holland made is going to kill us. Granted we have LTIR for relief but Kronner sounds done. Z is getting there. Franzen is already done. And if you count E, he is definitely not getting any healthier. So basically all our Swedes heads are falling off.