What is the general consensus here for this season?
Sell the farm? Go all in? Gives Bergeron/Krejci/Chara one last real shot at a cup? I’d imagine they’d have to move Krug to being in 2 impact guys in that case.
Or be patient? Accept this year is a wash and hope for next year. Might not have Chara back.
Seems awful split down the fan base. Was just curious.
Personally I’m lukewarm on their chances even with help. Tampa, Nashville, Winnipeg, Washington......those guys have played together a long time. Establishing that type of a cohesive unit would be tough to attain for any team only playing together for half a year.
I think if you add a LEGIT top 6 winger. Someone between Saad and Tarasenko. You are then in the same class as the real contenders if healthy. The D is Cup caliber. The top line is Cup caliber. Rask/Halak is Cup caliber. The middle six just isn't.
The Heinen/JFK/Donato line looks like they could continue to grow into being useful enough.
But even if the kids line works out, they need a big add up front to turn their top 6 into an advantage over other teams. Right now, even healthy, the big hole on the 2nd line negates a lot of the advantage the top line gives you.
I don't think you give up on the season because you are lacking scoring in the middle six. You work on solving the problem. Middle six scoring might be the EASIEST problem to fix compared to lacking top 4 D or 1st liners or a good goalie. This team isn't "rental" good. But its certainly "give up some future assets that might hurt for someone with term" good.