Quote (Jeffy @ Jun 28 2011 10:52pm)
True, but only slightly, and the loss of Rafalski will offset it.
Only if the organization is stupid. It should be Regin. The Senators will not contend next year, no matter what. Therefore, in a 2012 draft with 2 potential game-changers at the top, best to wait one more year before beginning the upward trend and hope to snag Grigorenko or Yakupov.
Give Zibanejad another year of seasoning. Let Noesen and Puempel develop for 2 or 3 years. Give Rundblad, Cowen and Wiercioch another year.
Then find a capable veteran goalie. Get your top four core dmen integrated into the NHL level led by Karlsson and find some steady, solid dmen to pair with them as needed. Name Spezza your new captain and have Spezza/Zibanejad as your new 1-2 punch. Layer your winger prospects and some vets in and let the gamechanger jump right in. Do something like this (obviously it's not a perfect prediction), and the Senators will be division/Cup contenders in 3-5 years. I know waiting sucks, but isn't a Cup in 5 years better than a playoff appearance this year or next?
/e
Oh, um... Skinner will score at least 30 goals next year.regin is not a 2nd line center, unless he plays like he did in the pittburgh series of 09-10
ziba may be ready for next year on the 3rd line, hes already fairly big and can bulk up this summer
cowen and rundblad should play some games this year, and wiercioch is definitely not ready yet, hes still very small.
but other than that, i agree
maybe not on the goalie part, because anderson has played very well and i think we will be even better this year
and true
flyers will not make playoffs next year
This post was edited by Senators on Jun 28 2011 10:02pm