the Redwings (players or management) have done what?
For me:
1. Management moves Green + one of Nyquist or Tatar at or before the deadline for picks (bonus points for moving a goalie).
2. AA and Mantha both take steps forward.
3. Larkin establishes himself as a bona fide NHL center.
4. DDK and Mrazek return to prior form (or something close thereto).
5. Svech and Bert establish themselves as NHL regulars.
6. We have a PP in the top half of the league.
For the record I am not necessarily expecting this to happen, but would consider it a good season for this team and organization given the current state of things.
I think it's great to have this thread, same as the "2018 outlook" topic. There needs to be positive discussion around here too- after all it's a sport we watch for enjoyment not suffering.
Reviewing our cap I will say it can be difficult to be cheery: Justin"A"- 6 more seasons, Nielsen 5, Glendening 4 , Dekeyser 5, Helm 4, even Ericsson and Daley signed for another 3 seasons. Yuck. We are just anchored to mediocrity for years to come. I mean I like these guys but as a team they don't fit well together. It's one thing to lose with a squad of players under 25 it's another with a mishmash of questionable veterans with the intention of "remaining competitive".
Anyways looking forward with interest I agree with a lot of what you're envisioning.
Green/Nyquist/Tatar offer the greatest return drafting future players. I agree with TZE retaining both Nyquist and Tatar doesn't make sense.
I also think Mantha and AA will be hungry and should have a greater impact.
It's been the intention that Larkin would play center but I think he's better along the wing. The desire of his placement may be wishful thinking because "we need an elite C". Honestly he looks out of place as a center. I'd rather he continues running wild through the entire ice-surface than having to think about positioning. May be down the road but no need to force it.
With Kronwall falling off a cliff DDK was shell shocked but I think he can play stronger and should be better prepared for the onslaught. I think Mrazek will rebound some too (no pun intended haha) and be more of a pleasure to watch in net.
Bert and Svech establishing themselves is a very nice thought. From his NHL stint I think Bertuzzi has what it takes. He made a few crafty plays and skates well enough. He reminds me of a Shaw-lite who can win battles and think quickly. Svech is a wonder- that teenager's head on Franzen's body...people said he looked like a prime Samuelsson. Man there is a good vibe about Svechnikov I think he should be in opening night. Hey why not we're rebuilding, right?
There's a good chance our PP isn't the worst in NHL history going back to 1968 or some ****.
I agree with most I'll be happy next year if we finish low in the standings and possibly draft even higher. It's been debated but at least another top 10 pick is pretty cool. Please for once no action on July 1.
To add I hope to see NHL injuries decrease. I HATE watching anyone taken out with these months long injuries. You have players who are never the same. There's got to be a way to limit them.