I like Ryan and he's one hell of a story, but he's just as much of a question mark as any out there. He made it to the NHL at the age of 29. Had a 29 pt season. He's no guarantee and he's a UFA next year (signed a 1 year deal).
I see a lot of people throwing his name out there, but he's as big of a question mark as anyone. I love his story. I actually like his game. But I see that as much of a gamble as any, right?
I would be scared of him, too. Kinda like Rowney, no track record before last season, at an advanced age for a first-year player. Scary.
TT shouldn't cost that much, but he's not a proven center.
Which is perfect, because he is the type of player (like Galchenyuk) who is not worth as much right now, BEFORE establishing himself, and would be worth the gamble.
Teravainen can play center, but he's ideally a winger, as he was for much of last season. Lindholm can also play center, but based on the end of season press conference, it appears that the coaching staff has sort of given up on the idea of him in the middle in the long-term.
I'd be a little surprised by further movement from Carolina at the center position, at this time. I think they roll Rask, Staal, Ryan and Kruger, with Teravainen, Lindholm, Jooris (just for 4C), Wallmark (going into just his 2nd NA season in the AHL) and Roy (just turned pro) in the mix in the event of injury.
Don't forget Saarela, he just might be your top prospect. I love that player. As for Teravainen, I think he is a better center than winger for production, but not all coaches will want him playing center because of the defensive angle.
I think Sullivan would take him and use him at center and he would thrive here.
Most likely the last season in the NHL for Yak. He's sure as hell not gonna put up points on a terrible Colorado team.
While they might still be terrible, I think people here are sleeping on Colorado's offense. Sure, they bombed completely last season but they have some scorers on that roster.
MacKinnon is a great offensive player, and getting better overall. Duchene is very good, if a little overrated. Landeskog can score far more than he did last season. Rantanen looks like a budding star. Jost looked good as a rookie, he is a keeper. Andrighetto came on after his trade from Montreal. I like him a lot this season. Barrie is a proven point producer. Erik Johnson can chip in. Barberio looked good after he left Montreal. Now they add Yakupov. Soderberg might rebound, he is a decent playmaker. Compher is a good two-way player. If they sign Makar right away, that's another offensive defenseman.
I think Colorado will score goals this season. Defensively, they still have tons of work.
