MrJoshua
Registered User
think people are way to low on this teams current prospects. We are set at d for years. Have peka and
3 solid goalie prospects. A few good forward prospects and a couple good young guys up front. This team has the best young core signed up on d in the nhl. All we need is a first line center. And polie not to repeat last years off season. Stantsy to me is our best chance this year.
That's pretty much the way I feel about it. The back end is in place. Let Forsberg develop in the minors until he's really ready so he can contribute as soon as he comes up. Add a good center prospect or if possible sign someone like Stastny in free agency or put together a trade involving prospects and draft picks to get him.
Forsberg-Stastny-Wilson
Smith-Legwand-Hornqvist
That's not a bad top six at all. That's a top six that can win some games in front of a solid D and goalie. If Legwand has to be traded to get some more youth, put Fisher or Cullen on that second line until there's a younger, more talented prospect to go in that spot.
In 2-3 years I really think the defense will be one of the top units in the league. There's a bit of a question as to who will step up to be the second pairing guy with Klein (although I expect it to be Jones), but:
Weber-Josi
Jones-Klein
Ekholm-Ellis
Bartley
There's a TON of talent in that group. They just need experience. In 2-3 years Weber will still be in his prime, along with Klein. Josi will be coming into his. Ellis, Ekholm and Jones will all have more experience. There is a good combination of size, speed, and puck-moving ability on every one of those pairings. A couple of years of seasoning and with a healthy Rinne behind them, they could dominate.