Genuinely just curious what everyone else thinks about this. Don't get me wrong the blue is great, but the black and silver jerseys were just better imo. There is definitely an oversaturation of black sports jerseys, but I think for the Lightning it worked really well to help them stand out.
Okay so, assume Michael Hage is THE 2C solution long term and develops the way we want him to. We all good on that happy dreamland? Good. Now, I introduce to you this line: Zharovsky LW, Hage C, Demidov RW. Now, since Zharovsky shoots left, it wouldn't be the most insane thing to experiment with the idea of transitioning him to LW especially since, not only do we have a ridiculous logjam on RW, we would be genuinely stupid not to put Demidov and Zharovsky on the same line, and again, this is only assuming Hage develops better as a Center than Zharovsky. This actually ends up moving Newhook to the 3rd line, and either Dach down as well or we just cement Evans as the 3C. Either way our scoring depth increases and we start entering an era where Marty doesn't have to play musical chairs with the lines just to make it through the first 2 rounds of playoffs.
Edit: people, I am aware that many other things could happen and that there are ways a move like this could go wrong. I am simply saying that this would be cool assuming all worked out. That is all.
His contract is coming up going into the offseason and Marty clearly has had some issues with him, likely due to him taking a lot of penalties in the playoffs (the Sam Carrick thing being a big highlight). He was a healthy scratch going into the ECF and with Reinbacher possibly coming in next season, it's entirely possible he gets pushed back as a 7th string D man. Do we think he gets resigned?
Edit: accidentally created a warzone lol
Here's some options for a 2C I could think of going off trade rumors. Hischier is basically Suzuki 2 but is a but of a long shot and we'd have to give up a LOT to have him, but it's a possibility. McTavish is younger and technically could have a higher ceiling, especially since he really hasn't been given the best chance to develop in Anaheim, but he's still a gamble nonetheless. O'Reilly is not part of any rumors, but I think he fits the role perfectly if we assume our window is within the next 3 years, his contract is really low, and besides another Veteran might be good for our team.
Legitimately, Cole Caufield has been insanely locked in starting from Game 2 of the Buffalo series. So many shot attempts and shots on goal. He has been fucking RELENTLESS. 3 straight games where he scored, and he held 7 shots alone in game 6 while everyone else seemed to be tripping over themselves. Not to mention this little 5'8 kid is currently sitting at 20 hits in 14 games and consistently winning puck battles. Idk abt you guys, but I think the haters have finally been silenced. GO HABS GO!