There was some wild speculation going around a couple months back (Schneider + Kesler or Edler + pick for Nash
), I didn't think that GMMG was going to blow up the team following back to back President's trophies - and it still seems that he likes his lineup.Suter or Weber or Parise or Nash would be nice, but I didn't get the impression that they want to come to BC, or that Gillis would start throwing crazy money in a bidding war.
So if we are looking for the final piece of the puzzle, what do we need?
With the addition of Garrison we have our top 4 D set, so I can't see a major change unless a blue chip #1 becomes available.
Seems that we have enough wingers, with Hansen, MayRay & Kassian slotted into the 3rd line, or replacing injuries in the top 6
Seems to me that we are looking for a 2nd line center. Not a 1st, not a 3rd (AKA Pahlsson)
Given that Kesler is out until Nov or Dec, and will probably not be back in form until a month or two later, we're going to need a solid 2nd line center for most of the season. Having Kesler ease his way back with 3rd line duties and then having 3 bona fide pivots come playoff time would be nice.
I could see the 'Nucks bring up a rookie center for the 3rd line to start the season, and have Manny/Lapierre stay on the 4th line.
Do we think that Lapierre/Ebbett or an AHL rookie can center the 2nd line?
Who would we look to take the job while Kes is out?
What 2nd line centers are available and what would we give up?
