I think this thread is premature. Everyone will feel different in a weeks time.
Here are my thoughts as of now (subject to change
)
1. No forward additions. If we lose Callahan, we can have a look for a player like him, but otherwise, we stand pat. It's addition by subtraction. We buyout Malone, move Purcell to the highest bidder just to get him off the effin team, and then we have a healthy competition for those roster spots at camp. I think Paquette has almost nailed one down.
2. Look for a #2 D, but don't just grab whatever's available. Salo will be gone, so that frees up some money. Not sure exactly who we should be looking at. Honestly, I'm not all that interested in young D who aren't ready for a #2 role yet. We have some of those. I want an established guy or nothing.
3. A new backup. Maybe it's Gudlevskis. I think Vasi needs to start the majority of games in Syracuse next year, which leaves us in a weird spot with Guds. He needs some starts too. I think I'd rather give him 25-30 NHL games than 25-30 AHL games. But if we can land a quality veteran backup, I'm all for that too.
What we know:
1. Lindback is gone. Cooper showed the team's cards tonight. Again. He showed them in March too.
2. Drouin is getting a spot. Connolly needs to either get a spot or be packaged for the aforementioned #2D. I daresay Paquette has cemented himself on next year's team too. Coop played the kid in all 4 playoff games when he had plenty of more experienced options.
3. Malone is gone if it's still possible with his rehab situation. I think it is. You can't have a 4.5 million dollar healthy scratch on your team.
What we don't know:
1. Will Callahan resign? I think it's 50/50.
2. Will Bishop be healthy to start next year? There are rumors swirling about him needing surgery. I have no idea who starts in Tampa if Bishop isn't ready. Maybe they have a legit tryout between Vasi and Guds, or maybe they sign somebody to a 1-2 year deal. No idea.
True!
