Corn Flake
New member
Erndog said:Easier said than done. Not sure who can fill the spots for the next year or two. Maybe guys like Frattin and Ashton sort of do? Then We have options 2 years from now? Mind you I don't think Ashton is ready at all. Or maybe we take a step back from the expectations of Kulemin and put him on the 3rd line with a clearly defined role of checking-forward who can add some offense, and play against the other teams top lines? Really, I think that's where he should be. He was mis cast as an offensive scoring forward this year.
I know this may take the thread in a different direction but a UFA forward who would be ideal is Chris Kelly. Local kid, TONS of speed so he fits that style, he's fairly tough and aggressive given his size and style, a Cup winner, lots of experience, excellent defensive center who can score 15-20 and be a big cog on the PK. I think he should be our #1 target this summer. He's only 31, guys with his style can last for a while (ex. Pascal Dupuis, Steve Sullivan, John Madden, Kris Draper, all had - or are having- longggg careers, well into their 30's etc).
Kulemin-Kelly-? (maybe Frattin?) has the makings of a solid 3rd line. Ross can easily slide into the wing spot in a years time if he progresses as we hope in the A next season.
Kulemein... yes on a 3rd line and can move up a line if needed the team starts to look "deep"... but mis-cast as a scoring winger? Can't really say that's fair when he put up 30 goals last year. This year was a freak one and the question is can he get it back.
My only problem with Kulemin in that role is I'm hoping for more size, leadership and tenacity in that role.
Chris Kelly or Steve Ott, depending on what level of nasty you want. Ott will get 4 years from someone so it won't be a short term thing. Kelly might be had on a 2-year.