Offseason Planning - regardless of outcome

[stawns]

1 hour ago, Rusty Shackleford said:

 

Petey - Lind - Garland 

 

That looks like it would be a great line.

 

It's going to cost a lot less to replace Garland at 3rw than it will be to find a top 6 winger

[Gurn]

 

 

 

Maybe someone offer sheets Hronek?

[smithers joe]

biggest questions for management are?:

what kind of winger would fit best with, miller and boeser?

who would be best to play with petey?

does hughes, really need hronek to excel?

how can they afford to sign their ufa's?

what fa's would be an upgrade or benificial to the teams success?

[R3aL]

With all the media analyzing everything and what they've shared it is sounding to me like:

 

Priority 1: Will be Lindholm. But there will be a cap to what we can offer him and I believe that is in the 6.5-7.5M Range. I would think maybe even the Kadri deal would be the max. There will be teams like Boston that will offer more money so it will come down to what he wants, how much he liked it here, how the playoff atmosphere impacted him and what his family thinks.

 

Priority 2: Targeting Guentzel. Could argue this is Priority 1 too. But I think they will be targeting Guentzel on July 1st. We could bring back everyone from last year and still our team would only be better if we had internal improvement. The ceiling of the team needs to be raised and Guentzel does that. It would also give our PP a legit boost and he fits our exact PP need. Plus gives Petey a pretty ideal linemate going forward.

 

Priority 3: Dakota Joshua. Outside of Garland Joshua is our most unique top 9 winger package. In the sense he has the physicality and edge. He is a PKer and he does have a developing goal scoring touch potentially. He showed up big in the playoffs for some special moments, and could have been better in other. He is no doubt due a raise but it would be a mistake / gamble to lock in on a market / overpayment. He provided us surplus value on his contract this year and we do need to create and find that elsewhere. If we cannot sign him and he signs a big contract elsewhere it is a good sign for other players who could identify vancouver as a good spot to sign a short term deal to elevate the worth. I believe he ultimately walks and signs the biggest contract of his life.

 

Priority 4: BIG Z. Similar to DJ. Unique skill set for a dman. And really a physical unicorn. Depending on our other signings, BIG Z appetite to stay here and the role he sees for himself I think as much as he would love to stay here there are some teams around the NHL ready to roll up a Brinks truck to him and Millstein to get him there and try him in an elevated top 4 role. Media is rumouring that Nashville and Toronto are two teams very interested in his services and there could be more. He could be the sticker shock signing of the summer and could land a deal $6-7M. Where even us giving him $5M would have been very difficult to do. I think he will be moving on.

 

Priority 5: Teddy Blueger. If we cannot sign Lindholm the need to sign Blueger grows a little. Especially considering for our PK. There aren't a lot of Cs on the market this UFA season similar to Blueger and he could get an overpay from a desperate team. But if Teddy could stay for a reasonable deal again perhaps it could work. I am having a hard time seeing it work out though as I am hoping we by some miracle land Guentzel + Lindholm. If we cannot sign Teddy, or Lindy and our bottom 6 C depth is Suter / Aman I do think this becomes a high priority as I am not sure if our C depth is strong enough especially when considering C PK duties.

 

Priority 6: Hronek Contract + Trade or Sign Long Term. I am thinking Hronek is going to be moved for a roster player with a small salary or for a 1st and a prospect. I just dont see Management signing him for $7.5M+. I understand Hronek was overall a huge upgrade on our right side from years past, I understand he caddy Hughes to his first likely Norris Win and the first Norris Nominee in our history. I understand injuries could have impacted him potentially down the stretch or in the playoffs. But any time he played with any dmen other than Hughes he wasn't good enough in my opinion. I truly think 6-6.5M is more of the contract hes worth and perhaps one in the 7s ages okay with the cap going up. But once you hit the 8 I am out. Even the optics of him making more than Miller and Hughes I am just out on it. I believe Willander is the future partner for Hughes too so Hronek being able to carry a pairing on his own was important for me to see this year and in limited opportunities I wasn't convinced. 

 

Priority 7: Mikehyev. Can he be moved without taking any money back? Or do we bank on him rebounding and can we make the money work? I would expect management to try and trade him especially if we were able to sign both Guentzel and Lindholm.

 

Priority 8: Signing a top pairing RHD to replace Hronek for Hughes. There are some potential Value guys here that could fit the bill and budget: Tanev / Demelo / Roy those would probably be my top 3 out of all the UFA RHD on the market. Tanev is the only one with ties to us of the three so if he could be had at a slight discount to make the numbers and fit work that would be a no brainer. But with his current playoff run his stock has never been higher considering his age.

 

Priority 9: Deciding on a Vet back up and taking advantage of Silovs waiver status to give us 3 solid goal tenders? I doubt desmith comes back after losing his position in the playoffs to a minor injury. But do we sign another Vet to be a back up so that we have 3 NHL Goalies? What are the cap implications. We clearly need to manage Demos starts even better next year to with his playing style and injuries we need to keep him healthy.

 

Priority 10: BIG Z replacement if he goes elsewhere. My number 1 target would be Dillon. If we could sign him to a deal like Soucy/Cole that would be super ideal. As a Bottom pairing LHD he provides a lot of what Big Z did for us tools wise. I think he would fit our system great and really flourish.

 

Priority 11: Myers. Can we resign him for much less than people think? He does not want to move, he has made his money and he likes it here. Moving for him would be a very big inconvenience. Could he be signed for Sub 3 M on a 2 year deal I truly believe so. He wants to be here, he wants to win, he doesn't want to move, and the difference in money he could make by going elsewhere might not be worth it for him. He could also enjoy having the opposite contract feeling where he goes from being overpaid and whipped on to being a team folk hero providing surplus value. I think a 2 year $5M dollar deal is very possible.

 

Priority 12: Bottom pairing RHD. I think Juulsen is more suited for a 7 still. A guy who can play like a 6 for long stretches but ultimately really is a 7. Guys I would consider targeting for value contracts are Justin Schultz and Nick Blankenburg. Yes Schultz is getting older but he cant still move the puck, has a long active stick  and partnered with a guy like Dillon I think they would be an exceptional bottom pairing. Where he could cover PP2 and situationally play with Hughes in offensive scenarios. Blankenburg is super small and  know outside of Hughes its not managements MO. But he could be had for cheap and I do think he could be a surplus value kinda signing. He could also be quite effective with a Dillon on the bottom pairing. Hes position flexible and he could also fair well potentially situationally with Hughes as he can move the puck. Schultz also has history with our management and is a local guy who sounds like hes on his way out from Seattle And of course if there's another super duper value find available thats better than these then thats the move!

 

Priority 13: AHL Coach. Figure out JC and if hes gone who's the replacement staff.

 

Priority 14: Determine what AHL / Role players project to make the team: Podkolzin, Raty, Bains, Sassons, Karlsson and make value depth acquisitions according

 

Priority 15: Challenge the team to have a big offseason training and prepare themselves for a competitive camp

[DeNiro]

Need to fix the powerplay.

 

It sunk us this playoffs let’s face it. How many times did we have a big powerplay to set the tone or get us back in the game and it completely laid an egg?

 

I don’t think it’s just a coaching issue I think we need to look at the personnel. Go out and get someone with a powerplay pedigree.

[R3aL]

3 minutes ago, DeNiro said:

Need to fix the powerplay.

 

It sunk us this playoffs let’s face it. How many times did we have a big powerplay to set the tone or get us back in the game and it completely laid an egg?

 

I don’t think it’s just a coaching issue I think we need to look at the personnel. Go out and get someone with a powerplay pedigree.

 

I agree completely. Our our biggest need is to raise the teams ceiling and thats by adding a legit top 6 scorer who also improves our PP.

 

Our PP is even marginally better our playoff run looks completely different.

 

Guentzel has gotta be the target. Would be a huge boost and a confident Petey probably does the trick too

 

[flat land fish]

1 hour ago, Gurn said:

 

 

 

Maybe someone offer sheets Hronek?

1st 2nd and 3rd sounds OK if we wanted to redeploy his cap hit elsewhere 

[Zimmyparttwo]

3 hours ago, Bob Long said:

 

For sure there will be many teams trying to land him.

But can many teams offer the opportunity to play on a top 2 line with Petey?

 

Not that we are entering a whole new paradigm as a destination city for free agents, I think our rehabilitated image as a desirable landing spot can’t be underestimated this summer and going forward.

[flat land fish]

I wonder if Myers would sign on for a 1 year deal.  The year following he could start to sign bonus driven contracts.  

[wai_lai416]

1 hour ago, DeNiro said:

Need to fix the powerplay.

 

It sunk us this playoffs let’s face it. How many times did we have a big powerplay to set the tone or get us back in the game and it completely laid an egg?

 

I don’t think it’s just a coaching issue I think we need to look at the personnel. Go out and get someone with a powerplay pedigree.

It’s definitely issue with both coaching and personnel. They don’t have a L shot on the bumper. Boeser lindholm garland all are right shots the pass to the bumper is always coming out of the left corner Horvat can get the shot off quick instead of waiting for the puck to go across his body. Coaching wise the power play plays with 0 urgency and speed.. even skating into the zone they are casual skating at 50%.. when was the last time u seen them do the stupid drop pass and then bull rush up the ice? They’ll drop pass and then continue skate up the ice slowly again trying to deke or pass thru the defending team that’s literally waiting for them and even if they chip it pass them they can easily get back coz they are not even skating with speed on the dump in. They need someone that skates fast like a miller to be the one carrying the puck into the zone or chip the puck and chase after it himself with speed.. right now?? Whoever carries the puck into the zone.. chips it in for someone else who was standing still to chase after.. example if ep carries it in he will chip it into the corner.. then it’s like a Lindholm or something that chases after it or if it’s miller he carries as far as the blue line stops and chips it in for boeser to chase after.. easily defended 

[LaBamba]

I seen a lot on the internet here lately about how we have no Canadians on our roster. Im not really a traditionalist but statistically, for whatever reason, the more Canadians you have on your team the more playoff success follows. I think we need to start targeting BC boys especially. Not for the “grit” necessary, for the discount, and the loyalty. 
 

Hoglander

Podz

Mikheyev

Lafferty 

Suter

Hronek

 

Are all redundant, Suter had 1 good game, the rest of these guys aren’t the players we want to insulate the core with. 

 

 

 

[spook007]

7 hours ago, DeNiro said:

Need to fix the powerplay.

 

It sunk us this playoffs let’s face it. How many times did we have a big powerplay to set the tone or get us back in the game and it completely laid an egg?

 

I don’t think it’s just a coaching issue I think we need to look at the personnel. Go out and get someone with a powerplay pedigree.

Would be nice to get the PP clicking a little better, but any PP can be stifled... even the much talked about Oilers PP got almost shut down, by our PK...

Nevertheless also think the should get a specialist PP coach in, if such a guy exists...

Can't go all the way unless you seize your opportunities and advantages....

[spook007]

8 hours ago, R3aL said:

With all the media analyzing everything and what they've shared it is sounding to me like:

 

Priority 1: Will be Lindholm. But there will be a cap to what we can offer him and I believe that is in the 6.5-7.5M Range. I would think maybe even the Kadri deal would be the max. There will be teams like Boston that will offer more money so it will come down to what he wants, how much he liked it here, how the playoff atmosphere impacted him and what his family thinks.

 

Priority 2: Targeting Guentzel. Could argue this is Priority 1 too. But I think they will be targeting Guentzel on July 1st. We could bring back everyone from last year and still our team would only be better if we had internal improvement. The ceiling of the team needs to be raised and Guentzel does that. It would also give our PP a legit boost and he fits our exact PP need. Plus gives Petey a pretty ideal linemate going forward.

 

Priority 3: Dakota Joshua. Outside of Garland Joshua is our most unique top 9 winger package. In the sense he has the physicality and edge. He is a PKer and he does have a developing goal scoring touch potentially. He showed up big in the playoffs for some special moments, and could have been better in other. He is no doubt due a raise but it would be a mistake / gamble to lock in on a market / overpayment. He provided us surplus value on his contract this year and we do need to create and find that elsewhere. If we cannot sign him and he signs a big contract elsewhere it is a good sign for other players who could identify vancouver as a good spot to sign a short term deal to elevate the worth. I believe he ultimately walks and signs the biggest contract of his life.

 

Priority 4: BIG Z. Similar to DJ. Unique skill set for a dman. And really a physical unicorn. Depending on our other signings, BIG Z appetite to stay here and the role he sees for himself I think as much as he would love to stay here there are some teams around the NHL ready to roll up a Brinks truck to him and Millstein to get him there and try him in an elevated top 4 role. Media is rumouring that Nashville and Toronto are two teams very interested in his services and there could be more. He could be the sticker shock signing of the summer and could land a deal $6-7M. Where even us giving him $5M would have been very difficult to do. I think he will be moving on.

 

Priority 5: Teddy Blueger. If we cannot sign Lindholm the need to sign Blueger grows a little. Especially considering for our PK. There aren't a lot of Cs on the market this UFA season similar to Blueger and he could get an overpay from a desperate team. But if Teddy could stay for a reasonable deal again perhaps it could work. I am having a hard time seeing it work out though as I am hoping we by some miracle land Guentzel + Lindholm. If we cannot sign Teddy, or Lindy and our bottom 6 C depth is Suter / Aman I do think this becomes a high priority as I am not sure if our C depth is strong enough especially when considering C PK duties.

 

Priority 6: Hronek Contract + Trade or Sign Long Term. I am thinking Hronek is going to be moved for a roster player with a small salary or for a 1st and a prospect. I just dont see Management signing him for $7.5M+. I understand Hronek was overall a huge upgrade on our right side from years past, I understand he caddy Hughes to his first likely Norris Win and the first Norris Nominee in our history. I understand injuries could have impacted him potentially down the stretch or in the playoffs. But any time he played with any dmen other than Hughes he wasn't good enough in my opinion. I truly think 6-6.5M is more of the contract hes worth and perhaps one in the 7s ages okay with the cap going up. But once you hit the 8 I am out. Even the optics of him making more than Miller and Hughes I am just out on it. I believe Willander is the future partner for Hughes too so Hronek being able to carry a pairing on his own was important for me to see this year and in limited opportunities I wasn't convinced. 

 

Priority 7: Mikehyev. Can he be moved without taking any money back? Or do we bank on him rebounding and can we make the money work? I would expect management to try and trade him especially if we were able to sign both Guentzel and Lindholm.

 

Priority 8: Signing a top pairing RHD to replace Hronek for Hughes. There are some potential Value guys here that could fit the bill and budget: Tanev / Demelo / Roy those would probably be my top 3 out of all the UFA RHD on the market. Tanev is the only one with ties to us of the three so if he could be had at a slight discount to make the numbers and fit work that would be a no brainer. But with his current playoff run his stock has never been higher considering his age.

 

Priority 9: Deciding on a Vet back up and taking advantage of Silovs waiver status to give us 3 solid goal tenders? I doubt desmith comes back after losing his position in the playoffs to a minor injury. But do we sign another Vet to be a back up so that we have 3 NHL Goalies? What are the cap implications. We clearly need to manage Demos starts even better next year to with his playing style and injuries we need to keep him healthy.

 

Priority 10: BIG Z replacement if he goes elsewhere. My number 1 target would be Dillon. If we could sign him to a deal like Soucy/Cole that would be super ideal. As a Bottom pairing LHD he provides a lot of what Big Z did for us tools wise. I think he would fit our system great and really flourish.

 

Priority 11: Myers. Can we resign him for much less than people think? He does not want to move, he has made his money and he likes it here. Moving for him would be a very big inconvenience. Could he be signed for Sub 3 M on a 2 year deal I truly believe so. He wants to be here, he wants to win, he doesn't want to move, and the difference in money he could make by going elsewhere might not be worth it for him. He could also enjoy having the opposite contract feeling where he goes from being overpaid and whipped on to being a team folk hero providing surplus value. I think a 2 year $5M dollar deal is very possible.

 

Priority 12: Bottom pairing RHD. I think Juulsen is more suited for a 7 still. A guy who can play like a 6 for long stretches but ultimately really is a 7. Guys I would consider targeting for value contracts are Justin Schultz and Nick Blankenburg. Yes Schultz is getting older but he cant still move the puck, has a long active stick  and partnered with a guy like Dillon I think they would be an exceptional bottom pairing. Where he could cover PP2 and situationally play with Hughes in offensive scenarios. Blankenburg is super small and  know outside of Hughes its not managements MO. But he could be had for cheap and I do think he could be a surplus value kinda signing. He could also be quite effective with a Dillon on the bottom pairing. Hes position flexible and he could also fair well potentially situationally with Hughes as he can move the puck. Schultz also has history with our management and is a local guy who sounds like hes on his way out from Seattle And of course if there's another super duper value find available thats better than these then thats the move!

 

Priority 13: AHL Coach. Figure out JC and if hes gone who's the replacement staff.

 

Priority 14: Determine what AHL / Role players project to make the team: Podkolzin, Raty, Bains, Sassons, Karlsson and make value depth acquisitions according

 

Priority 15: Challenge the team to have a big offseason training and prepare themselves for a competitive camp

Nicely set up @R3aL

I think getting rid of Mika is of massive priority, as they need his cap hit to make the other signing possible...

Also think that Myers maybe comes together with Hronek... If Hronek gets shifted, Myers would likely stay so we at least have 1 top 4 RHD...

 

Finally, wonder if they just sign Hronek to his qualifying offer or slightly above on a one year show me deal... They risk him walking, but that would be an easier way to make the numbers work next season...?

[spook007]

9 hours ago, stawns said:

 

It's going to cost a lot less to replace Garland at 3rw than it will be to find a top 6 winger

True, though Garlands value has probably never been higher than it is now, so they might be able to use him and his cap hit to open up for another top 6 winger...?

[stawns]

3 hours ago, spook007 said:

True, though Garlands value has probably never been higher than it is now, so they might be able to use him and his cap hit to open up for another top 6 winger...?

 

Meaning what?  Trade him?  Id say he's a pretty key guy in their lineup.  Move him to top 6 and fund a third line replacement for him........a lot cheaper and easier to find than a top 6 winger

[IBatch]

On 5/21/2024 at 10:30 PM, Gawdzukes said:

 

If we actually would use Lindholm on the top 2 lines that would be different but as we already saw if RT has him on the team he drops him to 3C. These are the types of problems we had under Benning that give the coach no chance and little lineup choices. I hope this group doesn't repeat that. They never played Petey with Lindholm at all outside of the first couple games.

We need to fill the void Sutter and Horvat left, that hole was filled.   Can't argue with the results, Lindholm was a monster for us in the playoffs at times and consistently good.  

 

Lindholm or Guenztal?  What would you do.    Personally, really liked Lindholm on the team, and can't even try and be a couch coach.   The guy just blew away his competition.   It's not like we had a roster anyone could get behind to start the season (experts).    They do now.   And Tochett, Allvin are big reasons why.   

 

Tochett can't play for EP.    The team obviously believes in him.     Lindholm with Garland won us games.   Literally.   With EP... well.   The Lotto line didn't work.   
 

They like to do pairs.   Brock and Miller.  Joshua and Garland.   EP?  

 

Edit: That guy was Tochett.  He blew away his completion, and it was pretty stiff this season.    109 points, 5 guys to the all-star game, and game 7 against a team the league wants to be in the final.

Edited May 23 by IBatch

[flat land fish]

7 hours ago, NoHeart said:

I seen a lot on the internet here lately about how we have no Canadians on our roster. Im not really a traditionalist but statistically, for whatever reason, the more Canadians you have on your team the more playoff success follows. I think we need to start targeting BC boys especially. Not for the “grit” necessary, for the discount, and the loyalty. 
 

Hoglander

Podz

Mikheyev

Lafferty 

Suter

Hronek

 

Are all redundant, Suter had 1 good game, the rest of these guys aren’t the players we want to insulate the core with. 

 

 

 

Thing is guys like Hoglander and Podkolzin can play bottom six roles at discount prices.  Hoglander can move up the lineup on occasion and play style wise is similar to Garland as the smallish pest who wins puck battles.

[BC_Hawk]

13 hours ago, stawns said:

 

It's going to cost a lot less to replace Garland at 3rw than it will be to find a top 6 winger

Agree, and the change would leave us looking for a single Top 6 RW if we resigned Lindholm. Going to be tough to do with our cap, but I'd prioritize a guy like Guentzel over resigning Blueger and Joshua. Though both those guys were great, they don't move the needle (Joshua is a product of Garland in my opinion. Though I love his style of play, he was coached into that role and developed chemistry). A top 6 of the following (with crazy good PP opportunities) would give us a better ability to push play in POs:

 

Petey-Lindholm-Guenzel

Boeser-Miller-Garland

Suter-Raty(or FA)-Hogs

Podz-Aman-Bains/PDG/etc

[BC_Hawk]

12 hours ago, R3aL said:

With all the media analyzing everything and what they've shared it is sounding to me like:

 

Priority 1: Will be Lindholm. But there will be a cap to what we can offer him and I believe that is in the 6.5-7.5M Range. I would think maybe even the Kadri deal would be the max. There will be teams like Boston that will offer more money so it will come down to what he wants, how much he liked it here, how the playoff atmosphere impacted him and what his family thinks.

 

Priority 2: Targeting Guentzel. Could argue this is Priority 1 too. But I think they will be targeting Guentzel on July 1st. We could bring back everyone from last year and still our team would only be better if we had internal improvement. The ceiling of the team needs to be raised and Guentzel does that. It would also give our PP a legit boost and he fits our exact PP need. Plus gives Petey a pretty ideal linemate going forward.

 

Priority 3: Dakota Joshua. Outside of Garland Joshua is our most unique top 9 winger package. In the sense he has the physicality and edge. He is a PKer and he does have a developing goal scoring touch potentially. He showed up big in the playoffs for some special moments, and could have been better in other. He is no doubt due a raise but it would be a mistake / gamble to lock in on a market / overpayment. He provided us surplus value on his contract this year and we do need to create and find that elsewhere. If we cannot sign him and he signs a big contract elsewhere it is a good sign for other players who could identify vancouver as a good spot to sign a short term deal to elevate the worth. I believe he ultimately walks and signs the biggest contract of his life.

 

Priority 4: BIG Z. Similar to DJ. Unique skill set for a dman. And really a physical unicorn. Depending on our other signings, BIG Z appetite to stay here and the role he sees for himself I think as much as he would love to stay here there are some teams around the NHL ready to roll up a Brinks truck to him and Millstein to get him there and try him in an elevated top 4 role. Media is rumouring that Nashville and Toronto are two teams very interested in his services and there could be more. He could be the sticker shock signing of the summer and could land a deal $6-7M. Where even us giving him $5M would have been very difficult to do. I think he will be moving on.

 

Priority 5: Teddy Blueger. If we cannot sign Lindholm the need to sign Blueger grows a little. Especially considering for our PK. There aren't a lot of Cs on the market this UFA season similar to Blueger and he could get an overpay from a desperate team. But if Teddy could stay for a reasonable deal again perhaps it could work. I am having a hard time seeing it work out though as I am hoping we by some miracle land Guentzel + Lindholm. If we cannot sign Teddy, or Lindy and our bottom 6 C depth is Suter / Aman I do think this becomes a high priority as I am not sure if our C depth is strong enough especially when considering C PK duties.

 

Priority 6: Hronek Contract + Trade or Sign Long Term. I am thinking Hronek is going to be moved for a roster player with a small salary or for a 1st and a prospect. I just dont see Management signing him for $7.5M+. I understand Hronek was overall a huge upgrade on our right side from years past, I understand he caddy Hughes to his first likely Norris Win and the first Norris Nominee in our history. I understand injuries could have impacted him potentially down the stretch or in the playoffs. But any time he played with any dmen other than Hughes he wasn't good enough in my opinion. I truly think 6-6.5M is more of the contract hes worth and perhaps one in the 7s ages okay with the cap going up. But once you hit the 8 I am out. Even the optics of him making more than Miller and Hughes I am just out on it. I believe Willander is the future partner for Hughes too so Hronek being able to carry a pairing on his own was important for me to see this year and in limited opportunities I wasn't convinced. 

 

Priority 7: Mikehyev. Can he be moved without taking any money back? Or do we bank on him rebounding and can we make the money work? I would expect management to try and trade him especially if we were able to sign both Guentzel and Lindholm.

 

Priority 8: Signing a top pairing RHD to replace Hronek for Hughes. There are some potential Value guys here that could fit the bill and budget: Tanev / Demelo / Roy those would probably be my top 3 out of all the UFA RHD on the market. Tanev is the only one with ties to us of the three so if he could be had at a slight discount to make the numbers and fit work that would be a no brainer. But with his current playoff run his stock has never been higher considering his age.

 

Priority 9: Deciding on a Vet back up and taking advantage of Silovs waiver status to give us 3 solid goal tenders? I doubt desmith comes back after losing his position in the playoffs to a minor injury. But do we sign another Vet to be a back up so that we have 3 NHL Goalies? What are the cap implications. We clearly need to manage Demos starts even better next year to with his playing style and injuries we need to keep him healthy.

 

Priority 10: BIG Z replacement if he goes elsewhere. My number 1 target would be Dillon. If we could sign him to a deal like Soucy/Cole that would be super ideal. As a Bottom pairing LHD he provides a lot of what Big Z did for us tools wise. I think he would fit our system great and really flourish.

 

Priority 11: Myers. Can we resign him for much less than people think? He does not want to move, he has made his money and he likes it here. Moving for him would be a very big inconvenience. Could he be signed for Sub 3 M on a 2 year deal I truly believe so. He wants to be here, he wants to win, he doesn't want to move, and the difference in money he could make by going elsewhere might not be worth it for him. He could also enjoy having the opposite contract feeling where he goes from being overpaid and whipped on to being a team folk hero providing surplus value. I think a 2 year $5M dollar deal is very possible.

 

Priority 12: Bottom pairing RHD. I think Juulsen is more suited for a 7 still. A guy who can play like a 6 for long stretches but ultimately really is a 7. Guys I would consider targeting for value contracts are Justin Schultz and Nick Blankenburg. Yes Schultz is getting older but he cant still move the puck, has a long active stick  and partnered with a guy like Dillon I think they would be an exceptional bottom pairing. Where he could cover PP2 and situationally play with Hughes in offensive scenarios. Blankenburg is super small and  know outside of Hughes its not managements MO. But he could be had for cheap and I do think he could be a surplus value kinda signing. He could also be quite effective with a Dillon on the bottom pairing. Hes position flexible and he could also fair well potentially situationally with Hughes as he can move the puck. Schultz also has history with our management and is a local guy who sounds like hes on his way out from Seattle And of course if there's another super duper value find available thats better than these then thats the move!

 

Priority 13: AHL Coach. Figure out JC and if hes gone who's the replacement staff.

 

Priority 14: Determine what AHL / Role players project to make the team: Podkolzin, Raty, Bains, Sassons, Karlsson and make value depth acquisitions according

 

Priority 15: Challenge the team to have a big offseason training and prepare themselves for a competitive camp

Great Summary, though I think the #1 move that needs to happen ASAP once the trade freeze is lifted is to jettison Mikheyev. If we have to attach a 1st to get it done, so be it. He is the anchor that will holdup actually making the team better. Essentially, it could be Blueger Cap + Mik Cap -> Guentzel.

[Bob Long]

5 minutes ago, BC_Hawk said:

Agree, and the change would leave us looking for a single Top 6 RW if we resigned Lindholm. Going to be tough to do with our cap, but I'd prioritize a guy like Guentzel over resigning Blueger and Joshua. Though both those guys were great, they don't move the needle (Joshua is a product of Garland in my opinion. Though I love his style of play, he was coached into that role and developed chemistry). A top 6 of the following (with crazy good PP opportunities) would give us a better ability to push play in POs:

 

Petey-Lindholm-Guenzel

Boeser-Miller-Garland

Suter-Raty(or FA)-Hogs

Podz-Aman-Bains/PDG/etc

 

Hopefully they can still find a way to squeeze in Teddy, otherwise our pk will be back to worst in the league 

[Ghostsof1915]

My worry about Podz that he started out great in Abby this year. Then got the concussion. Now he's not nearly the force he was earlier in the year. I'm hoping a summer training and working hard on improving will do him good. But I'm concerned that's for sure.

- We need a fast, two-way winger for Petey that can score.

- Ideally we'd find a replacement for Hronek. One with speed, and size and can help back up Hughes so he doesn't get run over as much.

 

I'm worried we don't really have players on the farm that are ready to make the next step. But the team surprised me last year. Maybe PA has some magic up his sleeves.

 

[stawns]

17 minutes ago, BC_Hawk said:

Agree, and the change would leave us looking for a single Top 6 RW if we resigned Lindholm. Going to be tough to do with our cap, but I'd prioritize a guy like Guentzel over resigning Blueger and Joshua. Though both those guys were great, they don't move the needle (Joshua is a product of Garland in my opinion. Though I love his style of play, he was coached into that role and developed chemistry). A top 6 of the following (with crazy good PP opportunities) would give us a better ability to push play in POs:

 

Petey-Lindholm-Guenzel

Boeser-Miller-Garland

Suter-Raty(or FA)-Hogs

Podz-Aman-Bains/PDG/etc

If they move Garland up, I think they won't have to overpay for another winger.  I know you have hogz as a bottom 6, but at 24 goals, he's a top 6, imo.  

 

Hogz Miller Boes

Petey Lindy Garland 

 

[stawns]

17 minutes ago, Bob Long said:

 

Hopefully they can still find a way to squeeze in Teddy, otherwise our pk will be back to worst in the league 

 

And I think Blueger really showed his value in the playoffs.........he should be a pretty easy re-sign, imo

[Bob Long]

2 minutes ago, stawns said:

 

And I think Blueger really showed his value in the playoffs.........he should be a pretty easy re-sign, imo

 

I would hope so. I'd personally prioritize him over Joshua.

[stawns]

52 minutes ago, flat land fish said:

Thing is guys like Hoglander and Podkolzin can play bottom six roles at discount prices.  Hoglander can move up the lineup on occasion and play style wise is similar to Garland as the smallish pest who wins puck battles.

 

Hogz scored 24 goals........you don't think that's a top 6 fwd?