Jovocop wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2019 2:23 pm
How many core players can a team afford to keep? If JB believes that Bo, Pete, Brock and Quinn are the core, he will need to surround them with some solid pieces to push for a playoffs spot.
This is exactly it. At some point, you have to start moving forward. So we draft another 1-2 players who are 2-3 years out from making an impact, then in 2023 we should start making a push? The goal of the team is to compete, not assemble a group of first rounders (he Oilers have shown how well that path works).
Benning feels that the core he's assembled is good enough to compete for the Cup -
not now, but soon. He's building around that core, and has filled in most of holes to make this team look competitive in a league with a lot of parity.
I'm on board, I predicted this would be the year we made the playoffs - and really, it's time to move the franchise forward. First round exit? Oh well - it would be a true learning experience for the core. 2nd round exit and first time these kids win a playoff round? That will leave them wanting more. So we get a lower pick? Big whoop - we have Benning drafting right? Maybe he grabs another Boeser?
There's going to be some ugly games, some amazing games, Hughes is going to fuck up from time to time and then amaze us the next shift. Brock's got a full summer to train, Pettersson knows what the NHL is all about now. Captain Bo is ready to lead the team to the next level. This team will be tough to play against every night.
Good things are coming. Even Blobby's looking forward to the new season, right?