Gudbranson is a UFA & it wouldn't surprise me if someone wants him at the trade deadline for a playoff run than I think PD moves him especially if it's a decent return. I don't see a reason to keep him beyond this yr given the right side defencemen that are here & coming. IMO Jaros could probably finish next season at RD if Gudbranson is moved out.
Well it's an interesting point that Stuetzle could go to the AHL to play centre & learn the NA game down there & it could happen. It could also be that he stays in Germany for another yr continuing to play centre there on a team that he knows & knows him where he already plays centre & stay with his family a little longer. PD has said that he doubts Stuetzle starts the season at centre since it is the most important & difficult position to learn in the pros & we have seen that with other young centres starting their pro careers on the wing. I haven't heard any talk about whether he goes to the AHL to start his career or not, except on here, somehow I doubt it, but what do I know. He could be more dynamic at centre & more of a playmaker, but he could also be a pretty good goal scorer from the wing & add a dimension that is also needed. It's great to be a good playmaker & Ottawa could use another one, but you also need players who can put the puck in the net. It will be interesting what they decide whether they need another playmaker more or another goal scorer more, he could also do both.
Personally, I like L. Brown & Norris at centre in the future with Stuetzle, Tkachuk, Dadonov & Batherson rounding out the top six. I think that White being a little better defensively would make a decent 3rd line centre, if he could add a little more muscle to his frame. Add Formenton or Jarventie on the left side & Pinto or Sokolov on the right side & they come away with a very decent top 9. Whoever doesn't make that 3rd line improves the 4th line with either Paul or Kastelic centering the 4th line & giving it a little more offence. They are going to be bigger, tougher, much more skilled, difficult to play against & could dominate games physically wearing teams down with their size, weight & tenacious forecheck & hitting. I like the team they are building whether it all works out the way remains to be seen.