What can we expect this summer? The team needs fundamental changes but we've already traded the '24 or '25 1st, dependent on standings. Ideally, we finish in the 15-19 range next season, entering into a full rebuild the following year, with a number of key, value contracts expiring. As it sits, we need to shed 3-5 million before the start of next season. Hard decisions need to be made regarding the future and the reality of high priced retirement contracts has to be recognized. The team does not have the talent to contend and can't afford to to pay anymore players to decline. My offseason moves would be:
- Move Toffoli. Coming off a career year, on a cheap contract, he should provide a nice return and it would provide a slot for Coronato.
-Move Backlund or Hanifin. Ideally Backlund, coming off a career year and potentially being harder to move at the deadline, due to his cap hit. Also creates space/opportunities down the middle. Given his age, he's a guy we need to move on from and there's a high probability that he may not repeat his performance next season.
-Lindy and Hanifin should be moved at next year's deadline, potentially retaining up to 50% on each of them to maximize the return.
-Bring in a coach that can develop young players on the fly.
- Gut the front office, GM down and change the way we evaluate character. Character is huge but there's more to it than being a nice guy. There isn't a single guy on the roster with a nasty bone in their body, that's willing to even consider winning at all cost. Far to many guys just content with existing. It is completely possible to be a good guy, with strong character and still being a terrible SOB to play against on the ice. They used to call them Captain material.
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