Daisy Jane
everything is gonna be okay!
- Jul 2, 2009
- 70,217
- 9,210
I get your point ... but disagree (somewhat).
From the following, it is my belief that we will be able to build a very good long term core:
Forwards:
Key, Elite Talent:
Nylander, Marner, Potentially 2016 pick
Strong Supporting Talent [(?) = maybe - if not traded]:
Kadri (?), JVR (?), Brown, Leivo, Timashov, Dzierkals, Johnson, Kapanen
Defense:
Key, Elite Talent:
Reilly, Potentially 2016 pick
Strong Supporting Talent:
Gardiner (?), Dermott, Loov, Valiev
Goaltender:
TBD - it's a strange position, and while I agree we need one, it could either end up being something we already have (Bernier / Reimer / Bibeau / Sparks), something we draft in the next year or two, or even a UFA signing / trade.
Now - I know that not all of the above listed prospects will necessarily pan out, but I believe that a high percentage of the elite ones will (Nylander, Marner, and Reilly are 'bluechip' for reason), while the 'strong support' guys are only some of what we have in the system. As much as some won't pan out, it's just as likely that others will exceed expectations (eg: Neilson).
So - this year the team is playing very well and structured but can't score (lack of talent). Add Nylander and maybe Brown / Leivo next year, all of a sudden we can score better. I don't expect Nylander to tear it up in his first year, but I do expect him to be a serious upgrade to guys like Mathias, as well as making whomever he plays with better. Add Marner, Kapanen, etc over the next 2-3 years and I just don't see (with Babcock coaching) this team continuing to reside at the bottom of the standings.
Not all of our kids will pan out - which is why we have more good prospects than there is space on the roster. There will also be trades and other factors (it's never a team of solely drafted players).
that is a lot of rookies, who have to adjust to playing in the NHL for 82 games, adjust to babcock, adjust to the grind.
then there's the sophomore slump that aa good chunk could have.