I've been told by certain posters that our forward prospects are adequate and we need to focus on D
- CanuckDon

Weren't the instructions from the pulpit get another D now to develop? It takes longer for them to add to core. It's a position of strength to deal vet D for top 6 forward. Or so I heard from up on high.

Though I'd take a forward if they were clear BPA when they pick.

Ya, I was reading some of that. It was good for a laugh. We need to fill several holes up front, currently we have 1 maybe 2 top6 in our current lineup post Sedin. Maybe Boeser and or Jake for top 9. Pretty thin.
- Reubenkincade

I get we need more forwards for scoring. But you expect that a 2017 draft pick will fill a top 6 role by start of 2018 season?

BB & JV are in line to add to Sutter, Bo, Granlund, Sven, LE (Hansen probably traded for picks). Rodin if he recovers may work out for top 9. Just like any prospect. Gaudette is being touted for 3rd line center. So it comes down to the fourth again.

So barring trades or surprise free agents how else is this going to work out?
2017 & 2018 drafts introduced in 2019 season more likely. Makes sense why JB made trades for younger layer. Give draft picks from JV to OJ time to make impact in line up.

I left the LM in 2000.
- boonerbuck

ya I thought you were on the island

I get we need more forwards for scoring. But you expect that a 2017 draft pick will fill a top 6 role by start of 2018 season?

BB & JV are in line to add to Sutter, Bo, Granlund, Sven, LE (Hansen probably traded for picks).

So barring trades or surprise free agents how else is this going to work out?
- Nuck4U

Don't expect 2017 pick to be in line up next season, just in the "system". Rebuilds are a marathon not a sprint.
A tweak here and there during this transition is expected. Will be a middle of pack team until more quality added to line up whether that be draft, free agents (college) and maybe a substantial trade along the way.

I get we need more forwards for scoring. But you expect that a 2017 draft pick will fill a top 6 role by start of 2018 season?

BB & JV are in line to add to Sutter, Bo, Granlund, Sven, LE (Hansen probably traded for picks). Rodin if he recovers may work out for top 9. Just like any prospect. Gaudette is being touted for 3rd line center. So it comes down to the fourth again.

So barring trades or surprise free agents how else is this going to work out?
2017 & 2018 drafts introduced in 2019 season more likely.
- Nuck4U

Cassels couod be that 4th in time....
McDavid specialist

Cassels couod be that 4th in time....
McDavid specialist
- Nighthawk

excellent shut down center. Its really a needed part of any future contender

Weren't the instructions from the pulpit get another D now to develop? It takes longer for them to add to core. It's a position of strength to deal vet D for top 6 forward. Or so I heard from up on high.

Though I'd take a forward if they were clear BPA when they pick.
- Nuck4U

If he is referring to me this is exactly what I said , not that our forward prospect were okay.

We need everything

Cassels couod be that 4th in time....
McDavid specialist
- Nighthawk

Are you aware Cassels has scored 4 points this year? His chances of ever playing an NHL game appear slim

Are you aware Cassels has scored 4 points this year? His chances of ever playing an NHL game appear slim
- CanuckDon

Agreed. I expect him to be in Alaska next year. Gonna have to start making some room In Utica for some of the recent draft picks like McKenzie & Abols(2016), Zhukenhov & Jasek(2015).

Don't expect 2017 pick to be in line up next season, just in the "system". Rebuilds are a marathon not a sprint.
A tweak here and there during this transition is expected. Will be a middle of pack team until more quality added to line up whether that be draft, free agents (college) and maybe a substantial trade along the way.
- Reubenkincade

Okay on your point of in the system. Thought you were talking filling holes post Sedin for top 6. Why I said 2018 not next season.

I added to that post so see if it explains more. Though projection stayed the same on post Sedin time line. The marathon I give you on drafting. It's an aspect of a rebuild. Believe there are more parts to it. Which is why I buy in more with your later statement of quality additions by other means. That part is crux on time it takes. Plus the D&D winfalls.

Patrick Marleau with 4 goals ...in one period

Agreed. I expect him to be in Alaska next year. Gonna have to start making some room In Utica for some of the recent draft picks like McKenzie & Abols(2016), Zhukenhov & Jasek(2015).
- Reubenkincade

Green hasn't seem much development. Still see room for him and others. Don't have any expectations.

Leafs with 4 goals ...in one game over the Flames
- Redmile247

Fixed

Cassels couod be that 4th in time....
McDavid specialist
- Nighthawk

It seems he peeked with that playoff anomaly on Mcdavid. He might make 4th line but there are a lot of contenders there. More coming with new picks when they are likely to get introduced to the NHL on the fourth line.

Believe it's better if 4th line center is one that brings grit, hitting and energy. Plus be capable of generating some offensive pressure. Don't see that in Cassels or anyone else at the moment. If we are talking Cup caliber team.

Fixed
- A_SteamingLombardi

excellent shut down center. Its really a needed part of any future contender
- SMBDragon

You need that for sure. Though seems that the top 9 gets that billing to be on ice more to shut down opposing star. Plus good ones can score. Why I like Sutter and Bo who have the tools to play that way too if needed in top lines. We need one creative type center to add to them. Hank replacement. With speed. Then it sets up the center lines nicely. Possibly Sutter could slot down further again if replaced by a bigger hitting type skilled center. Like a Kopitar type that can skate better. If we are talking about contender here with center position. Don't see Cassels fitting any of the above.

You need that for sure. Though seems that the top 9 gets that billing to be on ice more to shut down opposing star. Plus good ones can score. Why I like Sutter and Bo who have the tools to play that way too if needed in top lines. We need one creative type center to add to them. Hank replacement. With speed. Then it sets up the center lines nicely. Possibly Sutter could slot down further again if replaced by a bigger hitting type skilled center. Like a Kopitar type that can skate better. If we are talking about contender here with center position. Don't see Cassels fitting any of the above.
- Nuck4U

1 thing you were right about was that we already have sutter for that shutdown C role. Shutdown guys on wing include burrows and dorsett and of course Tree/tanev on D

problem is I dont see this coach ever using them in roles like that

Are you aware Cassels has scored 4 points this year? His chances of ever playing an NHL game appear slim
- CanuckDon

Yes but its a recovery year after his injury

It seems he peeked with that playoff anomaly on Mcdavid. He might make 4th line but there are a lot of contenders there. More coming with new picks when they are likely to get introduced to the NHL on the fourth line.

Believe it's better if 4th line center is one that brings grit, hitting and energy. Plus be capable of generating some offensive pressure. Don't see that in Cassels or anyone else at the moment. If we are talking Cup caliber team.
- Nuck4U

Cassels has to win FO's & be a role player.
He can score a bit too once he gets in experience.
He is in tough for sure but has time to come around.

Are you aware Cassels has scored 4 points this year? His chances of ever playing an NHL game appear slim
- CanuckDon

he should probably go to Europe and develop his game and word on his skating.

he should probably go to Europe and develop his game and word on his skating.
- kaptaan

As a 4th liner C if he masters at least 1 skill thats a start eg FO wizard like Malhotra
Chip in with 15-20 pts. PK etc
Versalitilty is best

I really hope WD is the coach next year , gotta give him credit for taking a team full of 3rd line talent as far as he has. It's obvious his strategies are paying dividends, good for him.

And what Lidster has done with a bunch of 4,5,6,7,8 caliber defense-men is pretty commendable.

Unsung heroes those two, hope they don't deviate from their plans going forward

I really hope WD is the coach next year , gotta give him credit for taking a team full of 3rd line talent as far as he has. It's obvious his strategies are paying dividends, good for him.

And what Lidster has done with a bunch of 4,5,6,7,8 caliber defense-men is pretty commendable.

Unsung heroes those two, hope they don't deviate from their plans going forward
- Makita

Yes they have done a remarkable job with this team lacking in talent. If they continue hovering around .500, Willie should be in the running for Jack Adams trophy.

I really hope WD is the coach next year , gotta give him credit for taking a team full of 3rd line talent as far as he has. It's obvious his strategies are paying dividends, good for him.

And what Lidster has done with a bunch of 4,5,6,7,8 caliber defense-men is pretty commendable.

Unsung heroes those two, hope they don't deviate from their plans going forward
- Makita

Not many people see it but I'm glad you do. They will be here when Jordan Subban is holding the Cup over his head.
Coaching!!!

I really hope WD is the coach next year , gotta give him credit for taking a team full of 3rd line talent as far as he has. It's obvious his strategies are paying dividends, good for him.

And what Lidster has done with a bunch of 4,5,6,7,8 caliber defense-men is pretty commendable.

Unsung heroes those two, hope they don't deviate from their plans going forward
- Makita

I agree and disagree. The coaching staff definitely has them playing better hockey than a lot of people thought them capable of, myself included, but man, I could do without the dump and chase.