Overall, I thought we had a decent TDL. The market has changed. Lots of very poor returns. I was happy to get a pick for MDZ. I think the Montour move isn't as bad as everyone thinks (he's overrated). I would have liked to see Shore and Miller moved. Although, I heard that Miller didn't want to move, even though we'd re-sign him anyway. I know a lot of Duck fans are unhappy. I think we can blame BM for a lot of things, but he was fine this TDL IMO.
Looking forward, we have a lot of youth in the team. We are stacked on both wings. We have plenty of talent coming through at C, with a potentially elite talent likely coming into the fold. We have the best GT combo in the league. We're running a little thin at D. However, I think moving Montour made sense. Montour has been extremely poor defensively since entering the league and he's really past the age in which "potential" can be used as an excuse. I think the move was good one. Maybe BM should have held on until the summer, but I don't GMs/scouts rate Montour as highly as hockey fans do. I think the return was reasonable and I don't think Montour sets the world on fire in BUF. As far as in ANA, I think this is Larsson's time to step up. He seems to excel on his off-side and there is an open spot for him. We also have Mahura, who looks really good. He's probably 1 or 2 more seasons away, but he could become someone who steps into that #4 position. We also have Guhle now, and Hunter Drew later down the line who seems to have NHL potential.
In terms of the draft, I would like us to draft a C with the earlier pick (Hughes, Cozens, Dach) and then hope one of the big D-men drop. If not, I draft another forward. It's a top heavy draft for D. I like the look of Cam York, a local kid who is a strong skater. Plays very similar to Fowler, but isn't as flashy. As a result, he doesn't overdo things and makes smarter, more efficient plays. Could see him rounding out into a #3D or a complimentary #2D alongside at true #1D. He may drop as he's not particularly exciting to watch and isn't a big kid.
Considering the return that Stone got was pretty bad and considering we got a first rounder and a regressed second round prospect was an absolute steal on BM's part and we basically got a 6th for dumping that dumpster fire schene and an unneeded 7th, as far as the draft goes I hope to god we draft a centre with our first pick but I have the strongest hunch that we are going to draft Broberg because he's a Swede and will "Immediately fit in" with Lindholm, Silfverberg and Rakell but pray to god we somehow win the draft lottery and get Hughes lmao
I don’t mind the Montour trade but like you I thought something like that would have waited until the draft and maybe caused a bidding war but from what I’ve read Guhle is as good of a skater as Montour and has been pretty good in the A plus what can hopefully be an early-mid 20s pick. With MDZ they turned a 7th into a 6th for Schenn which isn’t bad.
I’m not as high as you are on the C depth in the organization. It’s Steel and Lundestrom. Idk how Lundestrom is doing since he went back to Sweden but imo they probly end up being pretty good #2 and #3 C but there’s isn’t anyone else coming down the middle.
As for D, they’re a little thin but they have a top 3 to build around for hopefully at least 5 seasons plus Gibson.
I’m might be optimistic but I’m hoping they make decent moves in the offseason to at least compete for a playoff spot next year and then really go after in 2-3 seasons when Steel, Terry, Jones, Comtois and Lundestrom become legit nhl regulars. I’m also curious if they move Henrique if they can make a play for a big fish this offseason or next.
If anyones complaining about Guhle, hes going to shut them up pretty fast. Great skater, should have been with the Sabres this year but had a slow camp. He wont make that mistake again
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
CapFriendly
CapFriendly