Lalonde called Edvinsson our best D last night, which was likely true. He’s been very solid, but he’s probably getting sent down and at this point I’m fine with that. This team is in rank mode and is honestly better off rolling with Hagg and Lindstrom when both are healthy. Somewhat related to the tank, we might finish worse this season in the standings than last year but if you look at the team pre TDL, there was obvious improvement. Saying that, this years FA class is abhorrent, so I kind of expect us to treat next year like a lost cause, add another top ten pick and then really start going for things in 2024-25.
Every team ahead of us in the standings and the number of top 5 picks currently on the roster they drafted BOS: 0 - the exception to the rule TOR: 3 - 1 top 3 TB: 2 - 2 top 3 FLA: 2 - 2 top 3 OTT: 3 - 1 top 3 BUF : 2 - 2 top 3 CAR: 1 - 1 top 3 NJ: 2 - 2 top 3 NYR: 2 - 2 top 3 NYI: 0 - on the way down PIT: 2 - 2 top 3 WSH: 1 - 1 top 3 DAL: 1 - 1 top 3 COL: 4 - 2 top 3 MIN: 0 WPG: 0 NSH: 0 VGK: 0 - expansion team LA: 2 - 2 top 3 EDM: 3 - 3 top 3 SEA: 1 - 1 top 3 CGY: 0 So of all the teams with 0 top 5 picks, just about all of them are stuck in the middle or already on the way down. Boston is the exception because of their elite drafting and development. At this point, that’s what we need to be as a team, but even then it takes luck. Boston also had a ton of guys they were able to trade from years of sucking to get more premium picks. This also doesn’t take into account guys drafted top five not currently on in the league (Luke Hughes) or top picks traded for more assets (Eichel, Duchene, Huberdeau).
Edvinsson's first goal lol. I only saw the highlight but I'm not sure anyone grabbed the puck. Seems luff thought it was his goal
Little disappointed he didn’t take the next step this season. 38 points in 41 games last year, 37 points in 40 games this year. Started off shooting hot but cooled off.
We still sit 10th in the lottery odds, with Buffalo only one point ahead of us. The more intriguing news is more teams are gaining: DET - 71 STL - 70 VAN - 69 PHI - 66 ARZ - 66 If we lose to Philly tomorrow there is a real chance they could pass us by the end of the year. I am not holding out hope of us getting passed by Arizona though. I do think Yzerman has embraced the tank though, and it wouldn’t stun me if Husso gets held out for the rest of the year here soon.
He’s an overager so that has to be factored into any evaluation of Lombardi, but he’s fast and skilled. I think he could be a player for us.
Remaining schedule is quite awesome. Hopefully we shut Larkin down for some bullshit reason and really give this tank the old college try. Pens Canes At Jets At Leafs At Canadiens Sabres Pens Stars At Canes At Lightning
Rogle’s season is over, so I imagine Kasper and Wallinder both sign ELC’s in the next few weeks. There likely isn’t enough time left now to get them over here to play in any games this season, though if GR weren’t an embarrassment they likely would have had an opportunity to play for them in the playoffs.
I had this a few weeks ago My current top prospects along with where I anticipate them starting next season: 1. Edvinsson - DET 2. Kasper - GR 3. Wallinder - GR 4. Cossa - GR 5. Johansson - DET 6. Soderblom - DET 7. Mazur - GR 8. Lombardi - GR 9. Buchelnikov - KHL 10. Buium - NCAA 11. Hanas - GR 12. Savage - NCAA 13. Neiderbach - SHL 14. Viro - GR 15. James - NCAA I think that seems accurate enough
Everyone on this list would look better if they were slotted one spot down with Bedard or Fantili at the top, IMO. Hot take, I know.
One of the best Swedish seasons for a 20U defenseman. 8+26=32 while playing in all situations as the #1 D. Excited for him in NA.
Sucks we won, but STL/VAN was a three point game and PHI won. Would have been a great night with a loss but this didn’t hurt us all that much.
At least the teams around us are getting points. If we can finish 8 considering where we were entering the TDL, that’s a win.
Kasper playing games in Detroit tells me the team is expecting him to have a legitimate chance to make next years team out of camp. I also think with how awful this years FA class is, and the fact that we are still rebuilding, that we go super young next year.