My thoughts, you may think I am crazy.
Fun season to watch and I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it was the same reasons why we don't make deep runs. Lack of centers and depth.
Here are some thoughts for the offseason I think would help us. (Call me crazy)
- Wally is our goaltender going forward. With Gus not happy about the benching, I think he could be in a trade package that, that is if he waves his no move clause. However, if we trade Gus, we do not really have a backup goalie.
- This summer Sergei Bobrovsky will be a UFA. Like Fleury, Bob could be a veteran backup to Wallsteadt.
-Another option could be Connor Ingram, who could more potentially be a better option, as he is a younger, and may be a more viable backup so Wally can get rest.
- Obtaining that coveted 1C. My dream player to acquire would be Robert Thomas. Though, would be giving up A LOT to get him. And the way he played after he return from injury makes the Blues a playoff team. Blues first line of Holloway-Thomas-Snuggerud is a very dangerous line and they meshed very well.
- On one of the many posts about this topic, it was mentioned that we should go after another solid 2C. And this makes sense with A top pairing D-line of Hughes-Faber. Some guys we may try to dangle for in a trade package are Dylan Cozens or Anton Lundell. Both are over 50% on faceoffs and play a good 200 Ft game. I bring these two up as, we not have to give as much up in a trade package to acquire either or. Then you have center depth of Cozens or Lundell, Ek, Yurov.
- Defensive depth. I have said it before, Hunt belongs. He is young and not afraid to get dirty, physical, etc. Brodin and Spurgeon are injury prone. Both are still great and effective, but they get hurt.
- Two UFA's this summer are Jacob Trouba and Rasmus Andersson. Both played in 80 games this season. Both big dudes as well who can take and give a solid punch.
-Top pair- Hughes-Faber
- Second pair- Brodin/Spurgeon- Hunt (Trouba/Andersson)
- Third Pair- Brodin/Spurgeon- Hunt
-I am still holding out hope for Lambos or Spacek.
- We need a RW to play top line. I know this sounds crazy but, Bobby McMann. This guy had 14 points in 18 games with Seattle playing with other skilled players. But it should also be noted that he is a very, very, fast skater. For a guy who is 6'2" at 217 lbs, I don't want to be in front of him. I believe Bobby would be a great asset on the 1st or 2nd line. He can play both left and right wing. So if we keep Jojo around, put him on 3rd line and Bobby can play 2nd line. I say second line as I am hoping we can get a center on top line.
- I also would not over look Eeli Tolvanen from Seattle.
- Coach. I am not a fan of him. Cassidy, Berube, Knoblauch, Carle.
- Time to move on from Hynes.
- Trade Middleton, get whatever you can, just get rid of his contract.