I still like most of the makeup of the roster. However I think we still need that upper tier talent to make that next step to contention, and I don’t know where it is going to come from. A Norris caliber defenseman, and a 40+ goal type forward. I don’t think we need both of those, but I don’t think you can contend for a cup without one of those.
EDIT: To expand on that, all of the current cup contenders have at least one of those. In some cases both. You could maybe argue the defending champs (Carolina) do not, but I think that’s underselling how great Slavin is. The Canes may be the best model the Blues could shoot for but their overall top guys are a little better, and are better coached.
I'd argue Broberg absolutely can be that...will he score the amount of goals as Makar and Quinn types? No (and not even to mention young Schafer)
But he should rack up the assists, and is probably a better actual "defenseman" than others
now will he ever win? No I doubt it since goals have become the norm; but he should get some nominations and be in that discussion IMO
(and it's REALLY early but I really like McT; do't know if he'll score 40, but he may pass Thomas for our best C eventually...that whole line is better than our top line early on)
I really like Broberg, but I don’t think he’s ever going to be a Norris contender. Maybe that’s a function of how many great defensemen are currently in the league, but I see him more as a 1B on a great team.
I also like what I’ve seen from McTavish, however again I think he’s one of those players who can anchor a fantastic second line, but if he’s your top forward you’re probably not a contender.
I kind of agree that we need another upper echelon piece, but it may not need to be a superstar. I think Broberg and Jiricek have the potential to be a contending top “pair” (or guys who each anchor 1/2 of a contending top4). I’d LOVE to see Edvinsson on the 2nd pair. I think we have so much offensive potential between Jiricek, Mailloux and Broberg, that Edvy would really stabilize the top4.
I think our path is similar to 2019. Some underrated stars (Tank/Thomas, Petro/Broberg) and just a bunch of fantastic depth. I think that is a legitimate path that can absolutely work.
Need a lot of steps forward from this kids this year and next, and Jiricek and Snuggs probably need to hit close to their ceilings to really make it work. But if it does work, it could be amazing! … Or it could all crash and burn lol. I’m enjoying the ride.
I kind of agree that we need another upper echelon piece, but it may not need to be a superstar. I think Broberg and Jiricek have the potential to be a contending top “pair” (or guys who each anchor 1/2 of a contending top4). I’d LOVE to see Edvinsson on the 2nd pair. I think we have so much offensive potential between Jiricek, Mailloux and Broberg, that Edvy would really stabilize the top4.
I think our path is similar to 2019. Some underrated stars (Tank/Thomas, Petro/Broberg) and just a bunch of fantastic depth. I think that is a legitimate path that can absolutely work.
Need a lot of steps forward from this kids this year and next, and Jiricek and Snuggs probably need to hit close to their ceilings to really make it work. But if it does work, it could be amazing! … Or it could all crash and burn lol. I’m enjoying the ride.
We also need Binnington to win a few games. Can't ride Hofer for 80% of the starts.
We're starting to develop a good problem to have with our D group.
Barron is absolutely earning a spot. I would NOT cast him aside when Mailloux and Tucker are healthy.
Mailloux also showed what he could become the second half last year. He's gotta stay up too.
Jiricek is showing he deserves to stay up as well.
I think you let Lindstein keep growing in the AHL, Carlo and Fowler will have to take turns up in the press box and Tucker draws the short straw and goes through waivers. I feel kinda bad for the guy, but he's clearly not supplanting anyone.
