which again a bring up the point
If the problem with the team is “lack of talent”, why isn’t Nyquist one of your protected?
Because if it is a LOFT problem, Nyquist is too old to be of much help by the time CBJ gets the LOFT problem fixed.
Maybe the LOFT problem is limited to the C position, but a) that still is a huge problem that will keep them from being PO team, let alone Cup contender; and b) I am worried that it goes beyond the C position.
Laine can shoot the hell out of the puck. He can pass when give space. He cannot drive play.
Cam is approaching the age of diminishing returns.
Jenner getting to that diminishing return stage, as much as I love his compete.
Foligno is close to done - great veteran, etc... but he is not talented any longer.
Bjorkstrand - talented. Top line talent.
Nyquist - Top 6 if healthy.
Who else is there that has shown they can handle/pass/score with any consistency whatsoever?
We lost our top 2 younger heavy bangers - the older bangers are on the way out, and the young kids are not ever going to be bangers. And they aren't showing enough skill yet either. Roslovic shows promise, but even he's 2 years away. Who else?
Yes, I understand that there are a few young players who need to further develop. Maybe they will, I hope they do - but they are a long way away. So what does CBJ do for the next 2/3 years?
Turtle, play D and rely on Korpi/Elvis/Tarasov with the current group and try to be competitive (Torts-style)? I'm ok with that for the next 6 games - the current coach/team still has to try to win, and that's all they have to offer to get W's. But in the long run, do they do that (hopefully not with the young group they have now, not built for that)?
Or do they re-build and change style of play/type of player as we transition out the core (which means a few lean years)? If its this rebuild, I don't see Nyquist as adding anything simply because of age. He's a good enough player for now, but I'd rather use his $$$ and value on attempts to find/develop C's using draft assets during those 2-3 years. He won't be useful by the time we get to the kids being ready.
I don't want to tank. Hell, I'd take turtling, D and goal-tending if that produces W's. Just feels like they are between a rock and hard place as far as the next 2-3 years are concerned.