I know our board has a hard on for getting a big time RW to play on the top line, but honestly, that middle 6 is simply last year's team shuffled around; that same team that was like 5th last in goals scored. Simply not good enough.
Jankowski got spanked most nights down the middle. I'm not saying he can't improve (In fact, I'd bank on him improving as he's shown YOY) but I don't think that gets us much further than this year even if improves by, let's say, 10% it just won't be enough.
I'm a firm believer we need another C. For a number of reasons:
1) Allows Backlund to be used more effectively, similar to how he was deployed for Sweden at the last tournament.
2) Allows Monahan to get some better matchups
3) Slides Jankowski to the wing or to the 4th line, where his abilities will be best suited (either steam rolling other C's on the 4th line, or using that great shot on the wing).
4) Spreads our wealth without loading a line
Dunno. Dunno how to do it.
Aim hard for Tavares.
Maybe look at a deal with Carolina? Rask/Lindholm for Brodie/Bennett type swap?
I just think the depth needs help. We got 20+ goals from the top line RW. I really don't think it was as big of an issue as we make it on our board.
I'm good with Neal too though.
As you know I don't buy much into advanced stats, but last year our shooting percentage was so damn low. I really think it was regulate itself this year, even a 1% increase in shooting percentage this year would have seen an improvement of almost 30 goals and suddenly we're middle of the pack in both goals and shooting percentage. Also with Jankowski, I'm not sure he was as bad as you think he was, he made his share of mistakes, but all rookies do. Considering how few goals that line was on the ice for, the fact Janko was just -7 is actually fairly impressive ( I hate +/-, but I think this is one of the few scenarios that it's relevant. I also think he would learn a ton about being a two-way player playing with Frolik.
As for adding a C, I'm not against it, but if we do, I think we see Bennett moved and Janko shifted to LW. Tavares would be great, but he's a pipe dream, someone like Stastny of Bozak is significantly more realistic.
As for your trade idea, Carolina doesn't really need a defenseman. But Bennett+ for Lindholm would be fantastic IMO.
Using your idea of adding a C and mine of adding a RW, what about something like this?
- Bennett & Ferland for Simmonds
- Sign Bozak for 3 years @ 4 million AAV
Gaudreau - Monahan - Simmonds
Tkachuk - Backlund - _______
Jankowski - Bozak - Frolik
_______ - Shore - Brouwer
x: Lazar, Hathaway
