Zak MacMillan: CBJ— 43 Games, 43 Thoughts on the Team

Interesting list, thanks.

Do not understand why everyone seems to think Laine is automatically gone at the deadline or in the off-season. Columbus will never get equal value for him.

1. Sillinger & Chinakhov are doing okay so far, but I still believe, for the big picture, tearing up the AHL for a month or so would have really helped both of them more.

4. Tarasov will be the 1A goalie before the end of Elvis' current contract.

6. If Jake duplicates his first half he gets 2 goals, 54 assists - not a bad season.

7. See #4 above.

10. They should sign Laine to a 4x$8MM contract. Only turning 24 y.o. in a couple months; has put up 21 pts in 24 games, and starting to light up now. Might be ready to carry the team - 4 goals, 2 assists in last 5 games.
The big question is - Does Laine want to be here ??

13. Maybe something for Kukan; zilch for Harrington - he's already been unclaimed on waivers.

16. Chychrun would be a nice get. But why put the two best on one pairing - spread out your strength (unless up or down by one goal) - and make the opposition pay the price. Chychrun & Gavi !!

17. To get #16, you'll probably have to give up at least Boqvist, or Bean, or Peeke; plus another prospect (Foudy??), and #1 pick.

23. If Stenlund gets traded, he could turn into Wild Bill Karlsson lite !!

28. Bemstrom can't buy a break - unless it's to a part of his body !!

29. See #16 above.

We'll have to see what the team looks like after the TDL. It's pretty much a given that Domi and Korpi will be gone, for returns of picks. I wouldn't be shocked if Jarmo is a 3rd leg in a trade, or two, taking on $$ for picks ('22 or '23).

A question for Zak and the rest of us:

At this point, assuming no trades, who is on the roster next year? Or better put, of the new players on the team, who has earned a spot on next year's roster as of now?

A question for Zak and the rest of us:

At this point, assuming no trades, who is on the roster next year? Or better put, of the new players on the team, who has earned a spot on next year's roster as of now?
- jkumpire

Not sure I understand the question, but there is no way Carlsson, Harrington, Kukan are back next year, to some extent I can probably add Peeke to that list .

Boquvist was slow to get going but I can see his worth, if only he can avoid injury, when healthy is a puck moving offensive laser , Bean is as advertised a solid two way defender.

So I guess Jarmo needs to work on that bottom 2 and get depth at the defense position going into next year.

As for Laine, highly doubt he's back, I just hope the return somehow shores the offense.