Roger Mussa: It's a wrap!

I thought the Isles played the Bruins last night?

A new beginning. That's how I'd describe the season. New Coach, new philosophy, new players taking a step forward and the realization that the rebuild is going to continue for a while.

I'm less certain they have enough major pieces to be a truly strong club in the near future. A lot of work remain. But even in this tough year the product was generally much better then the Hynes era hockey.

As for Wedgewood; really like the guy. His numbers weren't far off from Blackwood's. He seems willing to fill any role asked. So there are some positives. From the eye test, I'd say he was just adequate. If a better option becomes available, I'd sign them. I just say the situation is less urgent then the last couple of year. BUT if I'm deciding where to spend limited resource, there are other areas with more urgent needs.

I thought the Isles played the Bruins last night?
- Phillywhiteout

Islanders, Flyers - what's the difference? It was going to be an L either way.

I thought the Isles played the Bruins last night?
- Phillywhiteout

yessir

Not sure why I wrote Isles (I was watching highlights of the Isles game)

Islanders, Flyers - what's the difference? It was going to be an L either way.
- chimpira

A new beginning. That's how I'd describe the season. New Coach, new philosophy, new players taking a step forward and the realization that the rebuild is going to continue for a while.

I'm less certain they have enough major pieces to be a truly strong club in the near future. A lot of work remain. But even in this tough year the product was generally much better then the Hynes era hockey.

As for Wedgewood; really like the guy. His numbers weren't far off from Blackwood's. He seems willing to fill any role asked. So there are some positives. From the eye test, I'd say he was just adequate. If a better option becomes available, I'd sign them. I just say the situation is less urgent then the last couple of year. BUT if I'm deciding where to spend limited resource, there are other areas with more urgent needs.
- Queenie_5_hole

I think they key of your comments is that. he is willing to play the role needed.

A new beginning. That's how I'd describe the season. New Coach, new philosophy, new players taking a step forward and the realization that the rebuild is going to continue for a while.

I'm less certain they have enough major pieces to be a truly strong club in the near future. A lot of work remain. But even in this tough year the product was generally much better then the Hynes era hockey.

As for Wedgewood; really like the guy. His numbers weren't far off from Blackwood's. He seems willing to fill any role asked. So there are some positives. From the eye test, I'd say he was just adequate. If a better option becomes available, I'd sign them. I just say the situation is less urgent then the last couple of year. BUT if I'm deciding where to spend limited resource, there are other areas with more urgent needs.
- Queenie_5_hole

We literally have 20 future superstars.

This team is missing two first liners (or one first liner and a good plug), a first pair D, a second pair D, and two veterans in bottom six roles. And that's basically to compete for a playoff spot. They need Hischier, Hughes, and Smith to step up and become star players.

Some good free agents out there NJ can target to help Ty Smith. Sharangovich is on the cusp of being a legit top six NHL player. Their bottom six has pieces... specifically Wood and Bastian that I'd keep, but the rest I'd be wanting to develop further on the farm team.

This system has long been plagued with having too many liabilities in their roster. As long as they attach themselves to these liabilities, they'll be basement dwellers.

We literally have 20 future superstars.
- Leniwm1

Asset management...

we could trade some of this "potential" for veterans help now that'll be here 2-3 years from now as well.

This team is missing two first liners (or one first liner and a good plug), a first pair D, a second pair D, and two veterans in bottom six roles. And that's basically to compete for a playoff spot. They need Hischier, Hughes, and Smith to step up and become star players.

Some good free agents out there NJ can target to help Ty Smith. Sharangovich is on the cusp of being a legit top six NHL player. Their bottom six has pieces... specifically Wood and Bastian that I'd keep, but the rest I'd be wanting to develop further on the farm team.

This system has long been plagued with having too many liabilities in their roster. As long as they attach themselves to these liabilities, they'll be basement dwellers.
- archromat

We need some toughness.

Compassionate!

In few words: growing pains. Because there was pain and there was growth.

Looking forward to the playoffs, expansion, free agency, restricted..free agency, draft, camp. Lots of intrigue the next few months.

We literally have 20 future superstars.
- Leniwm1

Who? You thing Shara is going to be the next Kovy? Hughes the next Crosby? Nico the next Zetterberg? Smith the next Lidstrom? Holtz the next Hossa?? Bratt the next Elias!? Foote the next Heatley? Zacha the next.. um.. (not sure what he really is to make a comparison..).

Anyway, that was fun. We have a lot of potential but I think we’ll be lucky if even 1 of those comparisons happen. I expect most will develop to a tier below those superstar level players. But you never know.

We literally have 20 future superstars.
- Leniwm1

The Kool-Aid is so so yummy.

Who? You thing Shara is going to be the next Kovy? Hughes the next Crosby? Nico the next Zetterberg? Smith the next Lidstrom? Holtz the next Hossa?? Bratt the next Elias!? Foote the next Heatley? Zacha the next.. um.. (not sure what he really is to make a comparison..).

Anyway, that was fun. We have a lot of potential but I think we’ll be lucky if even 1 of those comparisons happen. I expect most will develop to a tier below those superstar level players. But you never know.
- MartysBetter88

I was thinking the other day...
Elias is a great talent... Sykora alone was ok. Arnott alone was ok.
Together they were the best line in hockey.

This is what I see of Zacha, Nico, Bratt. This is why i supprt Zacha and dont want him traded. He fits in this line combo. They will only get better.

Just look at their improptu passing, its almost A-line like. They are developing eyes behind their heads for each other.

A new beginning. That's how I'd describe the season. New Coach, new philosophy, new players taking a step forward and the realization that the rebuild is going to continue for a while.

I'm less certain they have enough major pieces to be a truly strong club in the near future. A lot of work remain. But even in this tough year the product was generally much better then the Hynes era hockey.

As for Wedgewood; really like the guy. His numbers weren't far off from Blackwood's. He seems willing to fill any role asked. So there are some positives. From the eye test, I'd say he was just adequate. If a better option becomes available, I'd sign them. I just say the situation is less urgent then the last couple of year. BUT if I'm deciding where to spend limited resource, there are other areas with more urgent needs.
- Queenie_5_hole

Here is my wish list:
New Coach: Ruff has always been a guy who favoured veterans, and his TOI allocations show that again and again. Did our veterans perform well? Nope. Hughes took a step forward, with Kuokk, Sharan, and Smith all excelling.

Veteran forward and stability: We lacked stability, and leadership undoubtedly this season.I would target someone who has been through the ringer and still brings professionalism ever day. To me, Statsny is the perfect player to encomass these qualities. Still a very dangerous threat with the Jets, the 35 year old is one of their most consistant top 6 forwards and plays excellent on either wing or down the middle. Plus he is a pest defensively, something desperately needed here.

Defense: Again, we need a veteran presence, and Martinez would be ideal for this role. Hopefully we can bring Murray back as well, but our left side needs a boost. That would allow for either a deep LD position with Smith, or, Smith could jump to the RD (where he played most of his WHL career) slot and bump PK to 3RD.

Veterans on 1 year deals are what are required, as one of Walsh/Shak/Bahl will be ready to make the jump shortly, and same goes for Mercer/Holtz/Clark/Boq/Foot upr front as well. If a good veteran goalie can be attained for a cheap price, it is an option worth entertaining, as he could become more attractive trade bait at the deadline than a guy like Wedgewood.

Who? You thing Shara is going to be the next Kovy? Hughes the next Crosby? Nico the next Zetterberg? Smith the next Lidstrom? Holtz the next Hossa?? Bratt the next Elias!? Foote the next Heatley? Zacha the next.. um.. (not sure what he really is to make a comparison..).

Anyway, that was fun. We have a lot of potential but I think we’ll be lucky if even 1 of those comparisons happen. I expect most will develop to a tier below those superstar level players. But you never know.
- MartysBetter88

I'd give up all those prospects for one of Shane Wright, or Connor Bedard.... Did anyone catch the U18's? Wright (tied McD's record through 5 games!!!) can play next year, and Bedard (15 yr old that put up 14 points in 7 games) the next 2 before being draft eligible, and they were MILES better than any of the older top prospects. No doubt we could be in the mix for Wright next season based on our current roster.

While lots can change before the draft, I can't imagine their game digressing, and they are already dominating the CHL. They scream Franchise Player. Too bad I am not seeing that from this current draft class.

The Team
Hughes ,Nico ,Bratt ,Zacha , Mcleod , Shak ,Kuokkanen , Foote , Boquist , Holtz
Pk , Severson , Smith ,Bahl , Murray .
Blackwood .

THe Maybes
Expansion draft - Wood , Bastain , Johnsson , Butcher -Will probably lose one of these. .


WHOMEVER DOES NOT GET TAKEN BASTIAN OR Wood takes 1 spot .
Leaves 1 forwards and 1D,1 goalie. positions open .

Kuokkanen -Hughes -Shak
Zacha -Nico - Holtz
Bratt - Mcleod - Foote
Wood -Boquist -??
----
Smith -Bahl
Murray - PK
???-Severson
---
Blackwood -???

The Team
Hughes ,Nico ,Bratt ,Zacha , Mcleod , Shak ,Kuokkanen , Foote , Boquist , Holtz
Pk , Severson , Smith ,Bahl , Murray .
Blackwood .

THe Maybes
Expansion draft - Wood , Bastain , Johnsson , Butcher -Will probably lose one of these. .


WHOMEVER DOES NOT GET TAKEN BASTIAN OR Wood takes 1 spot .
Leaves 1 forwards and 1D,1 goalie. positions open .

Kuokkanen -Hughes -Shak
Zacha -Nico - Holtz
Bratt - Mcleod - Foote
Wood -Boquist -??
----
Smith -Bahl
Murray - PK
???-Severson
---
Blackwood -???
- thechezman

Hopefully we keep Wood. Hard to see him go after what he did for this team. He's young, affordable, and the toughest guy on this softcheese roster. Add the fact that he was a top goal scorer, fastest skater, and hardest worker, he needs to stay. Worst case Ontario, he becomes a very appealing trade asset come the deadline. The kind of guy many stacked teams are looking for in the depth/grit role.

Hopefully we keep Wood. Hard to see him go after what he did for this team. He's young, affordable, and the toughest guy on this softcheese roster. Add the fact that he was a top goal scorer, fastest skater, and hardest worker, he needs to stay. Worst case Ontario, he becomes a very appealing trade asset come the deadline. The kind of guy many stacked teams are looking for in the depth/grit role.
- bikeguy99

I like wood, but putting that A on him neutered him. He's rarely been that "tough" guy we've all seen in him prior. He def plays smarter, doesnt run people. He leads the team in goals so that change def worked, but it seemed to take away his tough guy play as well.

I like wood, but putting that A on him neutered him. He's rarely been that "tough" guy we've all seen in him prior. He def plays smarter, doesnt run people. He leads the team in goals so that change def worked, but it seemed to take away his tough guy play as well.
- Leniwm1

You are completely correct about the change in Miles Wood's play, but I doesn't seem to have anything to do with the timing of the 'A'.

In 2018-19 Wood had 91 PIMS in 63 games. In 2019-2020 it dropped to 57 PIMS in 68 games. This year he has 29 PIMS in 55 games. He's stopped fighting almost completely. The stupid penalties are down too but it's been a trend. He likes scoring more then getting hit in face. Who can blame him?

Here is my wish list:
New Coach: Ruff has always been a guy who favoured veterans, and his TOI allocations show that again and again. Did our veterans perform well? Nope. Hughes took a step forward, with Kuokk, Sharan, and Smith all excelling.

Veteran forward and stability: We lacked stability, and leadership undoubtedly this season.I would target someone who has been through the ringer and still brings professionalism ever day. To me, Statsny is the perfect player to encomass these qualities. Still a very dangerous threat with the Jets, the 35 year old is one of their most consistant top 6 forwards and plays excellent on either wing or down the middle. Plus he is a pest defensively, something desperately needed here.

Defense: Again, we need a veteran presence, and Martinez would be ideal for this role. Hopefully we can bring Murray back as well, but our left side needs a boost. That would allow for either a deep LD position with Smith, or, Smith could jump to the RD (where he played most of his WHL career) slot and bump PK to 3RD.

Veterans on 1 year deals are what are required, as one of Walsh/Shak/Bahl will be ready to make the jump shortly, and same goes for Mercer/Holtz/Clark/Boq/Foot upr front as well. If a good veteran goalie can be attained for a cheap price, it is an option worth entertaining, as he could become more attractive trade bait at the deadline than a guy like Wedgewood.
- bikeguy99

There is ZERO chance we get a new coach. Ruff has been a pleasant surprise and he deserves to get a full, more normal season. Ruffs only issue with TOI is that he preferred the "4th line" of McLeod/Wood/Bastian over the "3rd line" no matter who was on it and i dont even know if thats an issue? The line was good together. But for the most part he was very good with giving the kids ice time and not cutting their ice when mistakes happen.

We now have 2 confirmed players going to the World Championship, Nico for Switzerland and Sharangovich for Belarus. Kuokkanen says he wont be going for Finland.

Wonder how many more, if any, go.

You are completely correct about the change in Miles Wood's play, but I doesn't seem to have anything to do with the timing of the 'A'.

In 2018-19 Wood had 91 PIMS in 63 games. In 2019-2020 it dropped to 57 PIMS in 68 games. This year he has 29 PIMS in 55 games. He's stopped fighting almost completely. The stupid penalties are down too but it's been a trend. He likes scoring more then getting hit in face. Who can blame him?
- Queenie_5_hole

I guess you're right. And Mcleod/Bastian seemed to have taken that mantle anyway.