Lines going forward ...
Nuge - McDavid - RW1
Aberg?/LW2 - Draisaitl - JP?
Lucic - Strome - RW3
Cagguila - Khaira - Kassian?
Extra: Slesphev, Pakarinen
RW1 options - Rattie, Yamamoto, FA signing
LW2 options - Aberg or FA signgings
RW3 options - Yamamoto, Slepshev, Aberg, JP or FA signings
I think the forward group needs at least 2 forward signings or trades that have the ability to play in top 6 and probably 1 forward who can play in the top 9. I think it would be a mistake to assume that Rattie or Yamamoto will fill this role. Bring in 2 players and if Rattie or Yamamoto beat them out, thats fine. I dont really see how this team can bring anyone significant in unless they can rid of Lucic's contract (good luck) or trade RNH (which they shouldnt unless its an overpay). They will have to find some cheap players who they project to have a good season.
Defense:
Klefbom - Larsson
Nurse - RD2
Sekera - Russell/Benning
Extra: Auvitu, Bear?
Defense ... I dunno here. Too many defense on this team make 4+ million. In a perfect world they should be trying their best to get Carlson (good luck), or Green (on a reasonable contract as hes 32). Beyond these two guys, I am not sure theres much out there. If they could get one of these guys, they would probably want to move one of Russell or Sekera (but they have nmc i believe). If Klefbom or Sekera dont improve, they are in some serious trouble. The defense is so up in the air on this team. They were pretty good last year. Bad this year. Making a panic move could be a mistake. I do think they need to bring in some more offense though. I think once again it would be a mistake to pencil Bear in for next year. Bring in some players and if he beats them out, then fine. I think Auvitu is good for a #7 but if McLellan is here next year, theres probably no point bringing him back because he doesnt like to play him.
I personally dont think that Karlsson, or OEL are practical options. The cost will be too great. Sure they have the assets in theory but the problem with this team is depth, lack of skill on the wings and lack of offense from the defense. Trading for these players just guts a team with poor depth to bad depth. No point addressing for a hole if it makes more holes.
Goaltending:
Talbot
Montoya/Backup
I think this year has shown that Talbot needs help. I dont think Montoya is a good enough backup. I still believe in Talbot, but management has to address goaltending imo, in case it struggles again. Theres no one in the system coming up (at least for next year). Goaltending is such a crap shoot. Goalies can look awesome one year and terrible the next year. Out of the goaltenders out there, I am not sure who the best bet is for a backup.
At the end of the day this team needs much better depth. They need to address the team in all 3 areas - Offense, Defense, and Goaltending. Furthermore this team doesnt have much if any internal depth to cover these holes. As mentioned I think its a mistake to pencil in players like Yamamoto, Rattie, Bear etc into the line up. If they make it on merit, its one thing, but they shouldnt make it because the team has no one else to use.
I think the team is better than what it is shown this year. But this team needs to bring players imo because help isnt coming from the AHL. Chiarelli counted on internal depth this year and it failed. I dont think they need to bring in all-starts, but the depth has to be improved. They have to create competition for these spots. Its not an easy fix. Lucic/Sekera/Russell contracts make it tough to build around with the existing McDavid/Draisaitl and RNH contracts. You dont want to make the team worse by panic trades like we have seen in the past.
