aragorn
Do The Right Thing
- Aug 8, 2004
- 28,610
- 9,124
I love our young core, but that statement applies to 80% of the league - especially the two teams I mentioned, Florida and Columbus. This league is about being better than other teams, not just improving - many teams improved this off season. Being a Wildcard team isnt a bad thing, still making the playoffs - but if/when Ottawa wants to establish themselves as a top team in the league they will need the right roster improvements - and as many have said a top 4 d-man and top 6 forward (if chosen/traded for correctly) could really put us at that level. IMO IF we really want to go into this season 100% confident in a playoff birth one of those two pieces should be had (d-man seems more likely). I like being optimistic but I prefer to be realistic, im not of the mindset that every player we have will improve vastly come this season (because that is not realistic) - I am of the mindset that to maximize the improvement of these players getting established talent has proven to be helpful.
And you may be right & I think Ottawa is at the point now where they have a number of different assets who if they don't work out here could be packaged for the right asset. I think Wideman could be a wildcard here on defence & turn into another Tory Krug type of player for Ottawa. He could be exactly what Ottawa needs in the bottom pairing to provide more offense, more skill & more importantly getting the puck out of our end quickly & effectively. That would reduce the goals against while hopefully increasing offensive production from the bottom pairing. Wiercioch & Ceci did well together last yr & hopefully will build on that success while Cowen could go either way. IMO Cowen & Wideman or Boro & Wideman could turn into a decent bottom pairing tandem. And then there are at least a couple of guys in Bingo waiting for their opportunity along with a couple of promising defensive prospects should any of the guys above falter.
On offence, there is lots of fire power in the top 6 & it's the bottom six that need some improvement & changes should come over the season. Neil will likely be a deadline deal or if he is contributing it's possible he could finish the yr in Ottawa as I think Phillips will & then move on after the season. Greening could have a miraculous turn around, then again he could be bought out at some point or waived again. Smith, Chiasson & Michalek need to contribute a little more or one or all could be packaged for picks, prospects or players. Right there we have six players that can be improved upon from within or through trade for an upgrade where required.
Ottawa now has the depth to improve their lineup either internally or by trade & they have the luxury to wait until the right deal falls into their lap, hopefully it will be during next season. They also have lots of cap space should that deal require them to add salary. Personally, I think they stay the course & wait until a good young rising player becomes available & make their play at that point. They may need a little luck as well.