Corn Flake
New member
BlueWhiteBlood said:Corn Flake said:Gardiner and Phaneuf are really the only two I would say without a doubt are here in September. Everything else could change. If Burke gets Schultz that could be the piece to kick off the mass-overhaul. It means the end of Franson for sure. Holzer should be a lock for a 3rd pairing job next year which puts Komisarek on the outs and Schenn in competition.
No matter what, that defense needs at least one veteran guy who can calm things down, no matter how many good young guys we have. Assuming Komisarek isn't that guy (he isn't) then they have to replace him. Bryan Allen is still my choice.
So Burke could have Schenn, Franson, Komi and Liles as surplus to trade if he can get Schultz and sign one veteran. I'm going to assume Liles probably stays for now.
Gunarsson / Phaneuf
Gardiner / Veteran UFA
Liles/ Holzer
Schultz <--- I'm going to assume he starts with the Marlies, or steals a job at camp.
Liles isn't going anywhere IMO. I think you have to include him in the top 4 either way for next season, Gunnarsson would probably go as a piece before Liles, but that's just the way I see things.
I don't think they need a veteran guy really, if they need a defenseman at all, we have the pieces. The only way I see some one moving is if 1) Komisarek incredibly looks decent to another GM, 2) we get Schultz and need to move one, or 3) We get a good deal for a forward we need and end up losing 1 or 2 defensemen in trade.
I'm not sure Phaneuf/Liles is going to be enough of a veteran presence if playoffs are the goal. A young defense as we have seen can get into trouble fast. If Komisarek is still around he better not be expected to be an "A" again trying to lead.
I still think another guy.. a grizzled vet even as low-end as a Sean O'Donnell.. is what we need. Maybe Bryan Allen is more than what is required and a bottom end guy can come in and fill the #6 job, and be a #7 if the kids are stable enough.
I just have zero interest in going into next season without veteran insurance policies at every position wherever possible, especially on defense and in goal.