The Present
As the season draws near expectations are once again high in Tampa this season. The perennial doormat made a move to be competitive prior to last season, achieving it's goal of making the playoffs, but falling short of notching even a single postseason victory. Rather than rest on the existing roster, GM Jeff Kirk made one more big trade sending even more youth out in a deal to land Jamie Benn, in the hopes his style of play lends itself to playoff success in the HFNHL.
Heading into the season this is the projected opening night roster:
Jamie Benn - Eric Staal - Jakub Voracek
Patrik Laine - Auston Matthews - Jonathan Huberdeau
Tyler Toffoli - Kevin Hayes - Jordan Eberle
Calle Jarnkrok - Luke Glendening - Tomas Jurco
Joakim Nordstrom
Ivan Provorov - Justin Braun
Seth Jones - Adam Larsson
Mark Pysyk - Greg Pateryn
Andrej Sustr
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Jonathan Bernier
Anton Forsberg
The Future
There's still a couple nice pieces left in the system but the team is mostly left with mid-tier prospects at different stages of development. As expected, it showed in NHL training camps this season as there's very little in the way of prospects cracking NHL rosters.
Cody Glass is the one gem left and he was sent back to the WHL for another season of development. Expectation is a dominant season and WJC appearance.
Victor Mete is the lone lock for a NHL roster again but remains unsigned for the season. His ELC next season will be key in balancing the soon to be tricky cap situation.
Peter Cehlarik was one of the final cuts for the Bruins, surprising many as he's proven himself as an AHL contributor and put up points in the preseason. Seems to be a case of no room on an offensive line and waiver exempt status.
Juho Lammikko was another late cut, almost cracking the Panthers out of camp. More of a bottom 6 player than Cehlarik hopefully his strong camp leads to a game or two later in the season.
Justin Bailey showed pretty well in camp but was put on waivers a few days ago. Flashes excellent physical tools and skills but hasn't put them together consistently enough yet.
Remaining youngsters like Tyler Benson, Jesse Ylonen, Joni Ikonen, Josh Brook & Taylor Raddysh will need to take bigger steps to crack NHL rosters.
Trade Block
Despite being in win now mode Jordan Eberle remains available for teams needing a good 1st/2nd line tweener. The ask is a 1st and/or quality prospect along with a depth roster player.
Justin Braun and his 94DF is available for a #4/5 D and good pick or prospect type offer.
Young goalie Anton Forsberg got some NHL games for the struggling Hawks last year and could get more this year.
As the season draws near expectations are once again high in Tampa this season. The perennial doormat made a move to be competitive prior to last season, achieving it's goal of making the playoffs, but falling short of notching even a single postseason victory. Rather than rest on the existing roster, GM Jeff Kirk made one more big trade sending even more youth out in a deal to land Jamie Benn, in the hopes his style of play lends itself to playoff success in the HFNHL.
Heading into the season this is the projected opening night roster:
Jamie Benn - Eric Staal - Jakub Voracek
Patrik Laine - Auston Matthews - Jonathan Huberdeau
Tyler Toffoli - Kevin Hayes - Jordan Eberle
Calle Jarnkrok - Luke Glendening - Tomas Jurco
Joakim Nordstrom
Ivan Provorov - Justin Braun
Seth Jones - Adam Larsson
Mark Pysyk - Greg Pateryn
Andrej Sustr
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Jonathan Bernier
Anton Forsberg
The Future
There's still a couple nice pieces left in the system but the team is mostly left with mid-tier prospects at different stages of development. As expected, it showed in NHL training camps this season as there's very little in the way of prospects cracking NHL rosters.
Cody Glass is the one gem left and he was sent back to the WHL for another season of development. Expectation is a dominant season and WJC appearance.
Victor Mete is the lone lock for a NHL roster again but remains unsigned for the season. His ELC next season will be key in balancing the soon to be tricky cap situation.
Peter Cehlarik was one of the final cuts for the Bruins, surprising many as he's proven himself as an AHL contributor and put up points in the preseason. Seems to be a case of no room on an offensive line and waiver exempt status.
Juho Lammikko was another late cut, almost cracking the Panthers out of camp. More of a bottom 6 player than Cehlarik hopefully his strong camp leads to a game or two later in the season.
Justin Bailey showed pretty well in camp but was put on waivers a few days ago. Flashes excellent physical tools and skills but hasn't put them together consistently enough yet.
Remaining youngsters like Tyler Benson, Jesse Ylonen, Joni Ikonen, Josh Brook & Taylor Raddysh will need to take bigger steps to crack NHL rosters.
Trade Block
Despite being in win now mode Jordan Eberle remains available for teams needing a good 1st/2nd line tweener. The ask is a 1st and/or quality prospect along with a depth roster player.
Justin Braun and his 94DF is available for a #4/5 D and good pick or prospect type offer.
Young goalie Anton Forsberg got some NHL games for the struggling Hawks last year and could get more this year.
