Let's stop pretending we are a cup contender this year. Instead, we should fully embrace the tank with the understanding that it'd be for this year and this year only. Let's focus on restoring the locker room dynamics we had last season with an emphasis on having fun, working hard, and developing talent. The last being the most crucial as it allows younger players the luxury of making mistakes and treat them as learning opportunities. My biggest concern from what I've seen so far this season is how tense everyone within the organization is. I'm worried the locker room culture is becoming more and more toxic by the day as players, coaches, management, etc. feel pressured to deliver a cup this year with less talent than all of the other cup contenders.
That being said, I realize that we aren't bad enough to out-tank Chicago, Arizona, Columbus, and Montreal. We'll also have some competition from Philly, Vancouver, San Jose, Anaheim, Buffalo, and plenty others. So when I say "tank", I mean "finish in the bottom 10". The lower, the better. But I also recognize that we're Minnesota. We can't have nice things. Meaning no Bedard, Michkov, or Fantilli. Maybe we get lucky in the lottery and move into the 4th or 5th slot....but I doubt it. Fortunately, this next draft class is loaded with potential franchise centers. I'd still like to be in the top 6 just to be safe; however, unlikely that may be.
My plan would be:
2022/23 - down year, draft franchise center
2023/24 - playoff contender, 2nd round
2024/25 - cup contender
2025 and beyond - cup favorite
Although that may sound ambitious to expect a dynasty 3-4 years from now, I believe in GMBG and Brackett. Also, most of our key players are locked to long term deals so we don't need a full rebuild. The cap penalties may be a blessing in disguise as they force us to get creative, develop talent, and prevent us from overpaying players based on knee-jerk reactions brought on by the cap increase due to some fallacy that we need to win now at the future's expense.
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Sign 1-2 giant bullies at F to take pressure off the GREEF line and give them a better chance at staying healthy. Or at least 1-2 players that won't get pushed around since that can demoralize a team.
No major trades as there is zero reason to blow up the roster. Maybe trade an expiring contract at the TDL but it's not like we'll be able to fetch a high draft pick. Plus, we have enough prospects to develop as is. We need another super star, not more depth players.
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Nothing too extreme. Only changes I'd recommend would be to:
1. Put Rossi on the 1st line w/ Kap & Zucc so he has linemates that'll remind him that he can have fun and work hard, the two aren't mutually exclusive. What stood out to me during the VAN game was how tentative Rossi played. He looked like he was afraid of making a mistake so actively avoided situations where he'd receive the puck. The assignment wouldn't be permanent as I think he's best served playing alongside Boldy in the long run. But he first needs to relax and redevelop his confidence. Otherwise, he's never going to make it.
2. Ensure that we always pair a smaller defensemen with a larger one so our lines are balanced.
3. Stop changing the damn lines every period. Evason, we get it. You got (rightfully) criticized for not making adjustments during the Blues series. But you (and the rest of the team ftm) need to move on. Give line combos a few full games before making any adjustments. Stop with this mantra of players needing to "earn" playing time and shift to a "just do your job" approach. Keep it simple.
If you want to develop talent send Rossi to the AHL. Throwing him to the wolves as Kap's center isn't going to accomplish anything good. His game just isn't currently NHL caliber.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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