Based on the roster now, I think the goal this year should be to simply repeat the success from last season. 1st or 2nd round i think is realistic. Missing the playoffs would be a huge disappointment, especially with Toronto, Buffalo and also Boston and Florida in our division.
If this roster proves that they're able to at least replicate the success from last year then I think next summer will be the right time to aggressively pursue a veteran upgrade via UFA or trade. For now I'm content with staying the course and letting our young guys build from their success last year without heaping on more expectations going forward.
A few key things I'll be watching for next season:
1. Bobby Ryan: Will he be a top line talent? After two seasons with us he has failed to be that guy consistently. If he can match his potential this season then the team has a legitimate shot at challenging for a top 3 finish in our division.
2. Cowen/Wiercioch: This should be the last shot either of them are given at being a solution for a spot in the top 4. I still have high hopes for Cowen (I know that's unpopular around here) but my expectations for Wiercioch are lower (#5 with PP abilities is all I see in him).
3. Zib/Stone/Ceci/Hoffman: All of these guys have proven their ability to make an impact at the NHL level. Can they take another step forward this season or will they stagnate? I have a lot of confidence in Stone, more so than the rest of the group. The other three I have a little less confidence in their ability to remain consistent through the whole season and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least one or two of them regress. If they can at the very least maintain their level of play from last year then I think we're going to make the playoffs and advance to the 2nd round.
If this roster proves that they're able to at least replicate the success from last year then I think next summer will be the right time to aggressively pursue a veteran upgrade via UFA or trade. For now I'm content with staying the course and letting our young guys build from their success last year without heaping on more expectations going forward.
A few key things I'll be watching for next season:
1. Bobby Ryan: Will he be a top line talent? After two seasons with us he has failed to be that guy consistently. If he can match his potential this season then the team has a legitimate shot at challenging for a top 3 finish in our division.
2. Cowen/Wiercioch: This should be the last shot either of them are given at being a solution for a spot in the top 4. I still have high hopes for Cowen (I know that's unpopular around here) but my expectations for Wiercioch are lower (#5 with PP abilities is all I see in him).
3. Zib/Stone/Ceci/Hoffman: All of these guys have proven their ability to make an impact at the NHL level. Can they take another step forward this season or will they stagnate? I have a lot of confidence in Stone, more so than the rest of the group. The other three I have a little less confidence in their ability to remain consistent through the whole season and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least one or two of them regress. If they can at the very least maintain their level of play from last year then I think we're going to make the playoffs and advance to the 2nd round.
