hab29RETIRED

100% Hutson, Guhle, Dobson, Reinbacher are the core. Carriere is a good depth RD and while he isn't untouchable, I don't think we can afford to move him this year. I'd move one or two of Matheson, Xhejac, Struble, or prospects like Engstrom - but even than we shouldn't be moving them for another winger. We need to extend Hutson - BIG contract that will be $10M+ (I think given Dobson's contract, $10M will be the floor for Hutson on a long-term deal) and Demidov in another year. If we get another expensive winger, I can't see us affording the 2C we need - even if it is Dach. If Dach does finally stay healthy and have a big year, he will be getting a big raise. If he doesn't work out, we still will need the money to spend for a 2C.

I think he’s gained muscle - looks like he only gained around 3 or 4lb based on weights from last years draft tables and this years development camp. I just wish he had put on 10 lbs of muscle.

I think he if his contract $/term demands were not as high, mgmt may have considered him if the acquisition cost was low/reasonable as an interim solution - despite his size. As it is, Guérin wants a lot in return for Rossi, and Rossi is looking for close to Suzuki money and term.

I can’t him agreeing to an ATO. It’s different for a goalie. More likely he to return to college for a year, or just wait for training camp.

Thanks. So he only gained 3-4 lbs since his draft year. Was hoping he he did increase his amount of muscle mass more than the weight increase.

Oh, I get that. But I’m wondering if he looks more ready physically to be able to make the jump. I think he was around 6’1” when drafted but seemed very lean and was under 190lb - but looked thinner. Has he added more muscle - is he stronger physically to play against men? I remember the Caps wanting Leonard to sign last year, but Leonard wanted to go back for an extra year and signed this past spring. Physically he was ready. In his case one of the reasons h went back was he wanted to win in college. But it sounded like the caps thought he could make the jump.

How has he filled out physically? Obviously we’ll have to see how he does in college this year. But does he still have a lanky/thin frame?

What’s Hage chance of being a potential April 2026 signing? Has he filled out and gotten strong enough to be an NHL/AHL player next year. At this stage does it look like he could be someone we want to burn a year and get him a few games at the end of the year.

I agree on that. Having said that last year, both came back from injuries and I don’t think Dach meshed with anyone. I think o Newhook went a couple of months without an assist and had horrible production despite his scoring chances, even before Laine came back. So it wasn’t just Laine he didn’t mesh with.

I’d still try Laine there first. See if there is better chemistry having Demidov with Dach and Laine. I just didn’t think Newhook was a good fit in that line and Dach was too tentative. Demidov is a play driver who can control the pace of play.

100%. We don’t make the playoffs without Laine’s hot streak when he came back we d his 20 goals. Dach needs to stay healthy for us to know what he is cabable of and as a starting point he needs to have a hard summer of work to prepare for this season. He has shown flashes of being dominant, but he needs to come in strong and confident and then let’s hope he is finally healthy. Xhejac should heavy been left in the minors for that full season when he was sent down to get more reps and ice time. It is what it is now. But he’s another guy who has to come back and not just play hard, but play smart.

Actually, once we ARE a contending team, is when we would be looking at trading picks for guys that can put us over the edge. Almost every cup winning team has done that once they have built their core.

Who’s his AGM🤣 how many of his former players are there now?

MB may have drafted some of the crop of players, but if he was still here, most would probably have washed out - MB and his team couldn’t develop worth shit.

What’s the basis of your quality of player rankings or percentages? What did you have Hutson down for when he was drafted? Lower than a Slafkovsky and Beck? what’s Florida’s prospect pool look like? They are going to be the favourite for the cup again next year.