Ronning's Ghost wrote: ↑Mon Feb 18, 2019 3:50 pm
Mëds wrote: ↑Mon Feb 18, 2019 3:05 pm
the rebuild that they were attempting, one that tries to remain competitive and has roster players who are vets that can help show kids what it takes to play in the NHL and are still of an age that they might be useful pieces when the team is winning again.
And this, this "re-tool on the fly" concept, is my principle objection to the Benning era. He might have done it as well as it could be done, but it was a foolish plan that cost them resources and time on the real rebuild.
And I remain unconvinced that this was Benning's plan. I suspect it was a combination of Aquabros and Linden handing down marching orders out of a desire to reap playoff revenues and some misplaced loyalty to the Sedins. Things started changing at the beginning of the 2017-18 season and culminated in Linden's departure and ownership's endorsement of rebuilding to remain competitive long-term. It's no coincidence that this all came to a head at the same time that Hank and Dank retired.
What we have seen in the past 2 years, and particularly this season for the first time, is Benning's team. At the drop of the puck in October of this year the only remaining holdover from the Gillis era will be the threat of Luongo's recapture penalty should he retire "early".
This year has been a good measuring stick for what Benning can do with a team. We are seeing leadership from our young forwards, as well as support from Benning's "Linden-free" off-season signings of Roussel and Beagle. Our forward group and prospect pool is much improved and so long as he can continue to keep the prospect cupboard stocked as we go forward that area is fine and continuing to improve. Goaltending is solid. Markstrom is finally hitting his projected potential, albeit almost a decade late. We have two of the most promising goaltending prospects going.
Our blueline is still a mess needs a face-lift.....
If he's not healthy by TDD then Tanev should be shopped in the off-season, he's getting hurt way too often and his game is just too one-dimensional, however there are still enough GM's out there that would see him as being a cap-friendly contract still signed for next season. If he's back and ready to rock in a week (so so unlikely) then trade him for a prospect. The idea of him to Tampa for Foote has merit, although we would be sweetening the pot to make it happen. If looking at a team like the Bolts as a trade partner then retain $1M of salary and toss in a 3rd or 4th round pick.
Keep Edler.
Stetcher, Hutton, Pouliot, and Gudbranson, are all expendable given the right circumstances.
Look to free agency. Karlsson*, Trouba, Meyers, Gardiner, and Methot, are all worth kicking the tires on (the latter only if Karlsson shows any interest in Vancouver, he liked playing with Methot).
*Only if he hits the market as SJ is looking hard at trying to keep him and it sounds like both parties are mutually seeking a deal.
Our competitiveness next season will depend largely on what Elmer does with the defense corps during the off-season. If it's not improved we will once more be a wild card contender only if the rest of the conference moves up the standings at a snail's pace.
