Hockey Widow wrote:Ya, so much depends upon whether we are willing and are able to move a few of the core. In theory we should get some decent players/prospects/picks back to further bolster our depth. But we still need to ice a competitive team next year. But again, in theory, if we trade some of the core we should be competitive in FA.
The challenge is trying figure what version of the Twins will be back next year. Is it Torts' coaching that damaged their game, is it injuries, or is it simply father time catching up to them? Who knows, but if the Twins of this season return next year, I'm all for not being competitive because there's no point. This team is and will be as good as the Twins go and if they are indeed done, we'll just have to accept that reality, choke on their salaries and suck for a few more years to build for the team that comes after their contracts end.
If the Twins we saw the past couple weeks return for a FULL season, then there might be a possibility of retooling the team into a competitive one again. Say Horvat makes the club and has a decent first season as a 3rd liner, then you'd have a pretty ready 3rd line in Matthais/Higgins/Hansen with Kassian (assuming he doesn't move up) centered by Horvat. This scenario has the Twins and Bur returning to form as if not a bona fide first line, then a 1b or 2a line. Then the job in the offseason becomes quite simple: build a 2nd line. Easier said than done but do-able.
I can see a scenario where we can be competitive again but it all rests on the Twins and the problem is even the best case scenario doesn't get us a team that competes for a Cup, definitely not with the goaltending we have, but one that at best can challenge for a playoff spot. My feeling is we can't bank on the Twins returning to form so I say don't waste valuable resources (picks) retooling for a team that has no Cup hope. Best to tank it and maximize the chances of the team we'll have 5-6 years from now. Good luck selling that to the owner though.