bernmeister
Registered User
Rs have elite Shesterkin on super bargain.The problem with Ottawa is that it's hard to find some part of the game that doesn't need improvement.
So in a way, it's hard to know where to start. I'm not sure this trade offer does a lot except for clearing Norris (who few teams would take a chance on at this point anyway).
The obvious place is goaltending, where in terms of GAAA, they had 3 of the worst 6 goalies in the league. Clearly, it's not solely the issue of the netminders, and team defence does play a part, but it's still not good enough. Unfortunately, there's a lot of that going around.
On the blueline, their top 2 defencemen on paper were essentially eclipsed by a 21 year old sophomore. For the ice time and the pay that they get, Chabot and Chychrun did not live up to their billing.
On the plus side, Chychrun played a full season for the first time in his career. On the downside, he looked lost in his own zone from time to time, and both guys were prone to unnecessary gaffes. Chabot was in and out of the line-up and his level of play fluctuated dramatically as well. Not good enough for what he's being paid.
Paying a lot for 3 LD, two of whom are unreliable defensively, makes for a bit of an unbalanced defensive squad, and there's only one solid RD in Zub to go around. I might be inclined to keep Chychrun with his wicked shot over Chabot's muffin, but I suspect his contract is easier to move. Someone like DeMelo on RD would suit the remaining LD.
Up front, Stutzle was injured or played injured for a chunk of the season, Pinto missed half the season due to the gambling issue and Norris played a handful of games where he was still recovering and then was out for good with the same injury again. It was tough sledding for Ottawa's pivots this year, and that's not a good recipe for success.
Losing Tarasenko means he needs to replaced in some form or fashion, preferably by another veteran who has a little offensive pop left in them. Another veteran or two who can play on the 3rd/4th line might also be welcome.
Who the next coach is will undoubtedly also be a factor.
Could gamble Quick + heir apparent Garand + Domingue as emergency fill in are fine if Martians kidnapped Shesty.
Rs have needs.
Shesty would cost, but be a big dif maker most games as starter
after upcoming season at 5.+, Rs extend 8.75 per x 4 = 5 yrs prime shesty into early 30s
swap that + stopgap Lindgren [3 per->rfa rights] for Sanderson
something like dat
high end for high end, need for need