Hard to answer more than a year out
But as of right now, I’d say the order is likely:
Kulich
Savoie
Rosen
Rousek
*all competing for roster spot(s) THIS season

And next year, whoever doesn’t make it this season should be ready, with Ostlund & a couple Russians we picked in the 2nd & 3rd rounds of the ‘21 & ‘22 drafts trying to work their way into the lineup,
as well as a handful of other young talented forwards we are developing currently (Nadeau, Bloom, etc)
And of course, Benson (our 1st round pick this year), with a decent shot as well. He might be slow tracked though, bc we have so much young talent currently ahead of him


The big issue in general is, we just don’t have room for ALL these guys- heck, we don’t even have room for more than a few of them
So some trades are gonna be made (most likely),
bc we are just so loaded right now it’s ridiculous

Yeah, I do wonder if a guy like Mittelstadt is dealt. A trade for Pesce would also be intriguing.

Pesce has buffalo on his NTC so I doubt he signs.

We traded bloom.

Also, not everyone is gonna make it

Thought for sure 13 was going to be dealt for 1a/1b to levi, and possibly a partner for power. Top couple prospects possibly break camp with the team, or 6 months away depending on injuries, next level black aces or ahl run, benson probably 18 months away, possibly a ahl audition when his whl season is over. If Buffalo doesn’t make the playoffs could be quite the interesting ahl playoff run

Mitts really came on last year- bc he finally stayed healthy
He looked great as our 1C when Tage Thompson got hurt
But he is a guy that could be traded for the *right* defenseman partner for Power
*that’s if Clifton doesn’t work out

I really like how Adams came in an did this rebuild the right way- going slow & building up assets
We have a chance to be really good for a long time

Mittelstadt likely goes nowhere if he continues with another strong season. He's a stabilizing force on nearly any line we play him, he's one of our best guys along the boards, and he can fill in at 1C and not look a step out of place. He'd pretty much be a lock for 50-60 pts, can play wing or center, and a grindy game or a skilled one, whatever is needed. You don't give those kinda guys up. If he doesn't, if he can't find a consistent rhythm, then maybe.

Next season full-time NHLers:
- Kulich
- Savoie
- Rousek
- Johnson

Next season on the cusp:
- Rosen
- Benson
- Novikov
- Nadeau