Starting to think JBB wasnt bluffing with the comment about us not expecting much this offseason. Still very early in the FA window but not a ton of quality on the market to fit our cap. Also, lots of overpaying going on today so while its boring and maybe discouraging, Im glad JBB didnt panic and overpay a guy.
That being said, would love for us to bring in some help on the d core
20 comments
We can make the playoffs with this group. If there isn’t a great deal to be made now it’s better to wait till the trade deadline when more teams have assets they want to dump when they realize they aren’t making the playoffs
Out to Toronto or FL 👍
Totally agree. 2 million and change can yield a high quality 3rd pair dman, although the market is really tight. That’s probably our biggest need that’s achievable, although a lot of our offense will depend on how much improvement geekie shows (will the 3rd line be able to score consistently unlike last year?).
Having a healthy Bjorkstrand should help a ton too.
I’m skeptical about the forward groups ability to succeed in the playoffs but it’s at least competitive. Not using that cap space on a dman would be a pretty big miscue though. Need someone to push Lilleberg out of the regular lineup
We definitely need another depth defenseman. It doesn’t have to be a premium one. I think waiting until the deadline and getting some power forward type fast enough to play with Hagel and Cirelli to push Bjorkstrand down makes us competitive with Florida.
This lineup can make the playoffs, to win in the playoffs will require a little extra. Interested to see how that bottom 6 shapes up over the course of the next season with regards to linemate chemistry and player growth, but I think it’s much more imperative to get a defenseman either with the remainder of FA or at the deadline.
You really can’t be rocking into an April playoff game with Lilleberg – Raddysh as the pairing, or Lilleberg – Crozier.
However… for all of you clamouring for grit and pugnacity against a team like Florida, I am looking at Kiefer Sherwood (VAN) who is $1.5M with 1 year remaining. A pure rental, who threw a League-leading amount of hits last year. Power forward who scored 19-21-40 in 78 games played, *and* plays with a lot of speed. If Vancouver doesn’t make the playoffs, that is going to be the juiciest acquisition I think would fit our team. We missed out on Jeannot but I’d rather not spend $3.5M/5 years for that.
Oh look. A good team.
I’d love a veteran d signing. Maybe klingberg or Schmidt for cheap
If we can somehow get Bowen Byram I think the defense will definitely improve. I am just not sure we have enough to get him. May have to offload one contract to do it.
I think he’ll sign one or two players. If not he will be looking to add at the deadline if they’re competitive. I’m struggling to see how they get by Toronto or Florida
Well make playoffs for sure but won’t make it past the second round and that’s being generous
Sheesh
Everyone clamoring for a bunch of player movement needs to go back and listen to JBB’s press conference at the end of the year last year. He laid out exactly how good that team was by just about any metric you can measure, they just ran into a buzz saw (that was allowed to head hunt without punishment). I have no problem with running back the same group, with the caveat that we’ve had late season injuries a few years in a row, so usage needs to be adjusted.
We’ve tried nothing and we’re all out of ideas.
Joking aside, I don’t hate this roster but this certainly isn’t a cup contending team. But hey, with how competitive the Atlantic is getting I’ll be happy just to see this team make the playoffs again.
A lot of negativity, but it’s a pretty solid lineup. Last season was mostly good until late season injuries derailed us going into the playoffs.
A couple of deadline deals could make a real difference. Yes, Florida looks unbeatable, but things can change quickly.
I would update it too because we just signed for Pontus holmberg for 2
Feels like a quick first round exit type team.
Same team as last year basically. Probably expect the same results as well.
I don’t anticipate a different result from the last 3 years
I’m happy. Here are the “if’s”: Bjorkstrand develops chemistry with Tony and Hags, Geekie improved his skating and defensive game, Lilleberg settles in as a reliable D… we’ve got a good chance to improve over last season, Panthers buzz saw notwithstanding.