The only reason we have good depth at center is because of Spezza. takes him away and our center depth evaporates
I wouldn't pencil in Zibby as a consistent contributor just yet.
Me neither but he's ready to make the jump
He might be terrible as the second C for a full year but I'm pretty confident he's got the skill set and the smarts to be a good one
His health is the only concern I have going forward
The team is going to blow next year, hopefully we get a good draft (shot at McDavid as long as we miss the playoffs) and we are set for a bit
MacArthur - Turris - UFA
UFA - Zibanejad - Ryan
Hoffman - Da Costa - Stone
UFA - Smith - Condra
is ideal. But yeah even with Stone in the top 6, I like it
I'd expect something like
MacArthur - Turris - Ryan (why break up a good thing?)
UFA/Spezza return - Zibanejad - Stone
Hoffman - Smith - Neil
Lazar - Pageau - Condra
Greening
Too many variables to predict at this point. The Spezza trade will determine a lot, but I'm ok giving Zibby a chance to be the 2C to start the year at least.
That roster barely sniffs a playoff spot unless goaltending goes into beast mode.
If Spezza is traded, there will be changes to the top 6 likely through additions from free agency or from the Spezza trade. The top 6 will change, but I don't know how good or bad it'll be.
Since Spezza was going to cost only 4 million I don't forsee us landing anyone I'd consider a difference-maker at that price
It's possible, look at MacArthur, but I don't expect it
Ryan extension is going to eat a chunk of that 11 million
He's already making over 5.5... Even if he gets 8 per, it's still only 2.5 of that 11.