Rejoint: janv. 2018
Messages: 17,054
Mentions "j'aime": 12,059
I'll be really deflated if we start next season with Zaitsev still on the team, let alone the top pair. I know you've been a Zaitsev defender in the past, but I don't know how you can watch how that D plays without him vs with him and still think he is a worthwhile part of the team. A buyout would be well worth the price of doing business.
Brannstrom is showing himself capable of playing both in the top 4 and on the right side. To me, Brannstrom Zub is more than adequate in the top 4 right side next year. Holden can play well on the 2nd pair if Sandy isn't ready for it right away, and you let JBD and Thomson fight it out from now til opening night for the last spot, assuming one isn't traded.
I agree completely about bringing back Gaudette, Gambrell and Bishop. All quality depth pieces. Could see it being one or the other between Bishop and Gambrell, but personally I've liked both. Might just be too crowded with a bit of AHL graduation.
I'm also a big supporter of giving Colin White one more year. He's got a lot more to give than we've seen the last two seasons. Consistently one of Ottawa's best forwards, he's just not had the production to match his otherwise good play.