CBJ 22-23 thoughts

Équipe: 2022-23 Blue Jackets de Columbus

Date de création initiale: 28 mars 2022

Publié: 28 mars 2022

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Just kinda messing around / outlining some NHL GM mode stuff.

Priorities:
- Reshape and improve the defense (lower burden on Werenski, add a difference-maker, have a third pair with a clear identity)
- Add a play-driving top six center
- Give young guys expanded roles without overwhelming them
- Get a stopgap backup goalie while Tarasov heals up

In:
- Trocheck (perfect 1C for this team IMO)
- Chychrun (creates a 1A/1B with Werenski, gives CBJ two 'top' pairs to utilize, keeping Z fresh)
- Johnson (gets to play top six role at wing alongside two quality NHL players)
- Savard (can play with Z or Gavy depending on Peeke's growth; if Peeke is on third pair their identity is physicality, if it's Savard they're shot suppressors)
- Lomberg (gives an option for physical games/matchups, adds energy guy)
- Korpisalo (stopgap backup goalie with familiarity while Tarasov heals up)

Out:
- Marchenko (hard to part with, but worth it if Chychrun is coming back)
- CBJ 2022 pick (non-lottery, somewhere in 10-14 range)
- Nyquist (bona fide top six forward and leader, but filling gap at C with Trocheck took priority)
- Roslovic (talented player who isn't a great long-term fit; more useful as a trade chip)
- Bean (see Roslovic)
- Bemstrom (needs change of scenery but has some upside, perfect to move for a useful cap dump in Savard)
- Foudy (would be awesome in the bottom six here, just can't clear up a spot so need to move while he has some value)

End result:
- Top two pairs will have pretty even ice time around 21-23 minutes (no more 29 minute games for Werenski)
- Third defensive pair that handles tough matchups (freeing up top two pairs to make more impact offensively)
- Aggressive PK unit with a ton of options
- PP unit with more skill (removing Jenner as netfront guy, allowing for more movement -- Jake runs from behind net, Trocheck plays bumper, Johnson on half-wall, Chychrun up high) -- three angles they can feed Laine from (down low, cross-ice or from the point)
- Giving Laine a real 1C and a highly skilled playmaking winger who can create space.
- Building chemistry between Sillinger and Bjorkstrand; also putting Sillinger (who is at his best going to the net) with a playmaker who specializes in those type of plays in Voracek.
- Texier/Jenner/Chinahov third line that can bring energy AND produce offense.

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