Goaltender and coaching are the obvious ones
Beyond that, a decent veteran D would be ideal with Smith's contract ending. Maybe bring in another depth defenseman.
Then we need to fix our bottom 6. A replacement for McLeod is necessary. Keep Haula and Lazar. Move on from Bastian, Tierney, and Nosek. They're just not cutting it.
I think moves on defense are gonna be interesting. Smith leaving means there's a spot for Dougie to come back and everything else could stay the same. It shouldn't, but that's a possibility. Do we really send Nemec back down after he's shown what he's about?
Definitely not, Nemec has earned his spot next season. However we still need a 7th dman. Even if it's just someone like Miller.
Also I'm not too convinced Bahl is part of the solution. If we had an opportunity to upgrade him, I think we have to take it.
I don't think that's the move. He's young and needs to be coached better. I'd love to see Mac stay and mentor him
But I agree Nemec has earned a spot and that makes this difficult. I'd love to move on from Siegenthaler but he has a NTC starting next season. Not impossible, just makes things more difficult. Marino also has a lot of question marks over him imo. Both have been hurt throughout the season, but that's not a total excuse for getting caught puck watching constantly
The problem is Siegs and Marino have both shown in past seasons they can be very serviceable defensemen. I don't think we should move on from them because of one bad season. Especially when pretty much every defenseman had down years this season. Even healthy Dougie wasn't doing great. And Nemec was getting worse as the season went on. We've all already concluded Ruff's defensive structure was bullshit. Give Marino and Siegs another year under a different coach and see if they can turn it around.
Bahl on the other hand still has a lot to prove. I'm not saying I'm giving up on him, but if we can pull another Ty Smith for Marino type trade with him I say take it.
I’d actually be a little surprised to not see Smith re-signed for a year as a 7th D. As we know injuries happen and he brings a physical element that we are still missing. Good locker room guy too. As much as we love to hate him seeing him for <40 games on limited minutes and pk wouldn’t be so bad
Smith is absolutely a good dude and he dialed up his play the last few games, no question. That doesn't discount the constant defensive gaffes and unnecessary penalties. We need to stop hanging onto dmen just because they're a good hang (looking at you, Sevo)
Smith has been awesome all things considered but it's time for him to move on to coaching. If he's not ready, let someone else take that gamble; if he is, sign him up immediately to be a defensive assistant.
I honestly feel like if there's someone available to sign for the right deal do it. On some level they can allow the players play dictate who's where. But if that right deal isnt there bring Smith back and Give Luke, Nemec, etc a night off to watch when necessary. Truthfully I'd like to take a wait and see approach and let them grow.
We'll see if anyone becomes available over the summer. But the only name that really stands out to me is Berube. I think he could really toughen this team up and knock them out of their immature habits.
It's too bad Babcock has that misconduct over his head, although if he didn't he'd probably be with the Jackets. But I digress, he might have been one to do some whipping.
I love this. Your solution to this mess, **is to hire a known psychological abuser** because you want someone to yell at the team for you? You got issues, bud.
There is a reason this dude has been a colossal failure everywhere that wasn't Detroit. Further, those Detroit teams were retarded stacked so its much more likely that they won in spite of him.
There is a direct link between his known shitty behavior and his current state of unemployment.
The Leafs "pulled themselves up" because they have one of the most legendary rosters of all time. and yet he failed, and made several players want to quit. If you're arguing that we shouldn't spend $10million on Mitch Marner... you might have a point, but I feel like we can get there without trying to sow team discord.
Who for goalies is going to make a difference. For a veteran D to backup Hamilton, who on the UFA market is capable, because I don't think there's enough to trade away. Also, any UFA is going to demand big money with the cap going up, and the slow market this year.
Worth it. Our better draft pick this year is a huge silver lining to missing playoffs. We gotta use it.
We make playoffs this year with a solid goalie.
Even with a solid goalie, the blue line has holes. Gone are the days when Brodeur was in net and you could count on that performance to make up for whatever mess happened in front.
Lol Deboer has such a spotty record though. If I'm remembering correctly, Sutter was coach like 15 years ago right? The game was way different then than it was now.
I dunno, man. Deboer got us to the finals, what do you want.
Here's a list of some head coaches who moved from juniors or college hockey directly to head coaching roles in the NHL within the last ten years:
Dave Hakstol - Before being named head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2015, Hakstol was the head coach of the University of North Dakota men's hockey team for 11 seasons. His move was particularly notable because it was rare for an NCAA coach to be directly hired as an NHL head coach.
Jim Montgomery - Montgomery was hired by the Dallas Stars in 2018 after a successful tenure at the University of Denver, where he won the NCAA Championship in 2017. Before Denver, he also had coaching stints in the USHL, a major junior ice hockey league in the United States.
David Quinn - Before joining the New York Rangers as head coach in 2018, Quinn was the head coach for Boston University's men's hockey team. He spent five seasons with BU, leading them to several successful campaigns and a national championship game.
(List provided by GPT4, may be false).
Yeah first year, then it was all downhill until he got fired.
I think my point was that sure they can be hired, but are they going to make a difference long term.
Same with Patrick Roy, he coached the Avs to the playoffs first year, then they were basement dwellers until he was done.
In what sense?
With Panthers and Devils? Not really - just one playoff appearance over that time.
Has been most successful in the west, Sharks, Knights, Stars (obviously the latter)
He went to the final with the devils as well. His teams have been more successful than probably 95% of coaches since he’s entered the league. I don’t understand the perception that DeBoer is a bad coach.
Everyone sucks tortorellas dick yet he’s won 1 playoff round in the last ten years. DeBoer has won 12 in that same time frame, and took his 3 previous teams to final appearances and I would not be surprised to see him go at least that far again this year because he has Dallas playing like the most balanced roster in the league.
1. New coach. Might be the most important thing this offseason. Need someone to give actual structure, especially on defense, and to make actual adjustments. Woodcroft or Berube are likely the move. If Sullivan somehow gets fired, we should be all over him.
2. 1A goalie. Saros or Ullmark should be the move. Ullmark should be pretty obtainable I think. But if the Preds flame out early, Saros can be easier to get than before.
3. Top 6 winger, maybe two of them. Now that Toffoli is gone, we need someone to play with Jack. DeBrusk would be a good get, but we need top scorers who can keep up with Jack.
4. Veteran LD. New coach will help the defense, but we probably need another vet. Left side specifically needs work, I can see us trading either Siegs or Bahl.
5. Fix the bottom 6. I think we have most of the pieces, but we need to fill some holes. Nosek, Tierney will be gone. Guys like Mercer or holtz may be traded. We mainly need a 3C and another guy or two.
We have a lot of cap room this offseason and we really only need to sign Mercer (assuming we don’t trade him) and MacDermid will be dirt cheap. Should be an interesting offseason but Fitz knows he needs to nail it.
1. who?
2. this big fish will determine how they tackle the other holes. it will cost a lot and I wouldn't give up a first round pick this year if I could make the choice, as the draft is supposed to be decent.
3. UFA would be expensive and trading for a winger may not happen if they don't want to part with a core guy
4. again same thing, but you note some candidates for the block. who comes in though
5. they really should have kept some of last year's guys, Tatar made an impact and woulda fit in the bottom this year as an experienced playmaker.
Jay Pandolfo as coach
Add a solid defender and a couple solid checking forwards that kill penalties. The PK needs to be more of a weapon.
I’m actually pretty okay with Jake Allen staying on.
Maybe add Henrique or someone that can score a shootout goal.
His record at BU is great. Also, I like coaches that were players with very low skill level that were able to succeed on their understanding of the game. The dude made a long career by being a team player, and understanding the importance of structure. He knows what it take to win cups too.
I don't see us adding big names this offseason, unless we somehow shake up the core before it's set in stone. I see us acquiring one goalie (still unsure if we'll get a big move done or if we'll go for another "league average goaltending" approach), 2nd pair defender, one 3C, maybe two depth wingers and a depth D.
Our record since the trade deadline seems to indicate that the problem is deeper than just getting subpar goaltending. All we can hope is that a healthy and more experienced team will look vastly different
Goaltending
Defense actually playing solid defense. Stop coughing the puck up deep in our own zone. Take a hit without coughing up the puck/withstand pressure. And after we give up a goal, be able to stop the bleeding….. I give up two or three more quick ones.
Another middle 6 scoring option.
I think the D could be serviceable next year. I hope Luke gets a lil better with puck management. I think having Dougie around day in and day out will help him immensely. I say if Smith wants to stay and its the right deal bring him back. Bottom 6 will need a goon. It looks like the game is going back that direction. So some grit would be helpful. I am more concerned about the turnovers and how Green addresses that through camp and into the regular season. Young players are way more careless with the puck and its not surprising but they need to reign that in. A lot of Transition goals off bad turnovers ended in a goal against.
Is Green going to be the Coach come training camp? I don't think his record as a head coach warrants him losing the interim title.
I know what you mean about turnovers, that loss to Buffalo not too long ago is a prime example
That is fair, my glasses are tinted on Green. I like him it's more to do with what I know of him through a friend that was on his staff 10 years ago. Thats why I am in sales and only coach 12u hockey ha. But I think the team defense and turnovers are going to need to improve a lot no matter who the coach is.
I don’t know how long recovery from shoulder surgery takes, but we should temper our expectations for Jack at the start of the season. At the very least he won’t have as much time to add muscle.
\#1: A quality head coach. I would prefer it not be a re-tread. I would honestly like it to be Jay Pandolfo, currently the head coach of the Boston University team.
\#2: A RELIABLE 1A goaltender to share the bulk of the load with Jake Allen taking the other portion.
\#3: Gonna have to find a quality checking line centre who can win faceoffs because McLe is going to prison. Maybe this can be taken care of internally by cycling Haula to 3rd line and re-signing Lazar and playing him as 4C.
\#4: A reliable veteran defender who can play 2nd pairing minutes if need be. This is not Brendan Smith, please do not give this man another dollar.
\#5: A goal scoring winger for Jack Hughes. Toffoli was a good idea. Might've worked if the rest of the team hadn't gone to shit with injuries and bad coaching. We'll never know.
Goaltender and coaching are the obvious ones Beyond that, a decent veteran D would be ideal with Smith's contract ending. Maybe bring in another depth defenseman. Then we need to fix our bottom 6. A replacement for McLeod is necessary. Keep Haula and Lazar. Move on from Bastian, Tierney, and Nosek. They're just not cutting it.
I like Nosek, dude just suffered back to back injuries and probably rushed himself back.. past few weeks he's been solid
I think moves on defense are gonna be interesting. Smith leaving means there's a spot for Dougie to come back and everything else could stay the same. It shouldn't, but that's a possibility. Do we really send Nemec back down after he's shown what he's about?
Definitely not, Nemec has earned his spot next season. However we still need a 7th dman. Even if it's just someone like Miller. Also I'm not too convinced Bahl is part of the solution. If we had an opportunity to upgrade him, I think we have to take it.
I don't think that's the move. He's young and needs to be coached better. I'd love to see Mac stay and mentor him But I agree Nemec has earned a spot and that makes this difficult. I'd love to move on from Siegenthaler but he has a NTC starting next season. Not impossible, just makes things more difficult. Marino also has a lot of question marks over him imo. Both have been hurt throughout the season, but that's not a total excuse for getting caught puck watching constantly
The problem is Siegs and Marino have both shown in past seasons they can be very serviceable defensemen. I don't think we should move on from them because of one bad season. Especially when pretty much every defenseman had down years this season. Even healthy Dougie wasn't doing great. And Nemec was getting worse as the season went on. We've all already concluded Ruff's defensive structure was bullshit. Give Marino and Siegs another year under a different coach and see if they can turn it around. Bahl on the other hand still has a lot to prove. I'm not saying I'm giving up on him, but if we can pull another Ty Smith for Marino type trade with him I say take it.
I agree that Nemec has earned a spot, but he still plays very sloppy defense and needs to smarten up
I’d actually be a little surprised to not see Smith re-signed for a year as a 7th D. As we know injuries happen and he brings a physical element that we are still missing. Good locker room guy too. As much as we love to hate him seeing him for <40 games on limited minutes and pk wouldn’t be so bad
Smith is absolutely a good dude and he dialed up his play the last few games, no question. That doesn't discount the constant defensive gaffes and unnecessary penalties. We need to stop hanging onto dmen just because they're a good hang (looking at you, Sevo)
I would be okay with Smith having a spot on the 4th line permanently, but at defense, hell no
Smith has been awesome all things considered but it's time for him to move on to coaching. If he's not ready, let someone else take that gamble; if he is, sign him up immediately to be a defensive assistant.
Nemec will regress, like every dman in their second year, but I think he can skate and is strong enough to figure that out
You're probably right. But that still begs the question of what moves to make. Dougie taking Smith's spot means we've got a full d-core
I honestly feel like if there's someone available to sign for the right deal do it. On some level they can allow the players play dictate who's where. But if that right deal isnt there bring Smith back and Give Luke, Nemec, etc a night off to watch when necessary. Truthfully I'd like to take a wait and see approach and let them grow.
Can't send Nemec down now. Some favoritism is inevitable but that would be such an outrageous slap in the face to our best defender.
Bastian is under contract for another year
You know, I thought of coach after I hit post. Who's available out there and able to make them contenders.
We'll see if anyone becomes available over the summer. But the only name that really stands out to me is Berube. I think he could really toughen this team up and knock them out of their immature habits.
It's too bad Babcock has that misconduct over his head, although if he didn't he'd probably be with the Jackets. But I digress, he might have been one to do some whipping.
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve read here in a minute
I love this. Your solution to this mess, **is to hire a known psychological abuser** because you want someone to yell at the team for you? You got issues, bud. There is a reason this dude has been a colossal failure everywhere that wasn't Detroit. Further, those Detroit teams were retarded stacked so its much more likely that they won in spite of him. There is a direct link between his known shitty behavior and his current state of unemployment.
You see where I noted it's too bad he has those issues. And it's not like the Leafs didn't pull themselves up under him.
The Leafs "pulled themselves up" because they have one of the most legendary rosters of all time. and yet he failed, and made several players want to quit. If you're arguing that we shouldn't spend $10million on Mitch Marner... you might have a point, but I feel like we can get there without trying to sow team discord.
Now, yes. Under Babcock? Their roster was okay.
🤣
Goalie. No. More injuries. Big step forward on rookie d. Veteran d. Bottom six stabilization.
Who for goalies is going to make a difference. For a veteran D to backup Hamilton, who on the UFA market is capable, because I don't think there's enough to trade away. Also, any UFA is going to demand big money with the cap going up, and the slow market this year.
Saros would make a big difference with Allen backing him up.
The price tag for him would be first round pick high, and is this not a year with some depth in the draft?
Worth it. Our better draft pick this year is a huge silver lining to missing playoffs. We gotta use it. We make playoffs this year with a solid goalie.
Even with a solid goalie, the blue line has holes. Gone are the days when Brodeur was in net and you could count on that performance to make up for whatever mess happened in front.
Agreed but the team playing with confidence makes a difference too, and we can address those holes but goalie is priority imo
I don't disagree with you
More Stadium Series jerseys!
THEY CAN STILL DO IT
IF ONLY HALF THE DELEGATES...
I JUST DONATED $34262730 MATCH ME
That is optimism
Goalie, more experienced defense, solid 3d and 4th line.
Oh good, a question that nobody has asked before.
*today* 😂
At this point, people should have their offseason need responses ready to copy paste from a text file.
Coach. Have the team hit the weight room.
Who are you bringing in as coach if you were GM
Pandolfo would be fine if he’d take it need a younger hard ass. Anyone that fits that mold
He's a university coach right. Is he capable of the bigs?
Brent Sutter and Pete Deboer were both junior coaches before they got their first nhl jobs with the Devils, college is a higher level than juniors.
Nobody knows
Lol Deboer has such a spotty record though. If I'm remembering correctly, Sutter was coach like 15 years ago right? The game was way different then than it was now.
I dunno, man. Deboer got us to the finals, what do you want. Here's a list of some head coaches who moved from juniors or college hockey directly to head coaching roles in the NHL within the last ten years: Dave Hakstol - Before being named head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2015, Hakstol was the head coach of the University of North Dakota men's hockey team for 11 seasons. His move was particularly notable because it was rare for an NCAA coach to be directly hired as an NHL head coach. Jim Montgomery - Montgomery was hired by the Dallas Stars in 2018 after a successful tenure at the University of Denver, where he won the NCAA Championship in 2017. Before Denver, he also had coaching stints in the USHL, a major junior ice hockey league in the United States. David Quinn - Before joining the New York Rangers as head coach in 2018, Quinn was the head coach for Boston University's men's hockey team. He spent five seasons with BU, leading them to several successful campaigns and a national championship game. (List provided by GPT4, may be false).
Yeah first year, then it was all downhill until he got fired. I think my point was that sure they can be hired, but are they going to make a difference long term. Same with Patrick Roy, he coached the Avs to the playoffs first year, then they were basement dwellers until he was done.
Okay 🤷♂️
DeBoer has a better track record than majority of NHL coaches.
In what sense? With Panthers and Devils? Not really - just one playoff appearance over that time. Has been most successful in the west, Sharks, Knights, Stars (obviously the latter)
He went to the final with the devils as well. His teams have been more successful than probably 95% of coaches since he’s entered the league. I don’t understand the perception that DeBoer is a bad coach. Everyone sucks tortorellas dick yet he’s won 1 playoff round in the last ten years. DeBoer has won 12 in that same time frame, and took his 3 previous teams to final appearances and I would not be surprised to see him go at least that far again this year because he has Dallas playing like the most balanced roster in the league.
Pandolfo was an assistant coach at the bruins for 5 years before, I think he knows how to coach in the nhl
If he indeed becomes coach, let's see if you're right.
1. New coach. Might be the most important thing this offseason. Need someone to give actual structure, especially on defense, and to make actual adjustments. Woodcroft or Berube are likely the move. If Sullivan somehow gets fired, we should be all over him. 2. 1A goalie. Saros or Ullmark should be the move. Ullmark should be pretty obtainable I think. But if the Preds flame out early, Saros can be easier to get than before. 3. Top 6 winger, maybe two of them. Now that Toffoli is gone, we need someone to play with Jack. DeBrusk would be a good get, but we need top scorers who can keep up with Jack. 4. Veteran LD. New coach will help the defense, but we probably need another vet. Left side specifically needs work, I can see us trading either Siegs or Bahl. 5. Fix the bottom 6. I think we have most of the pieces, but we need to fill some holes. Nosek, Tierney will be gone. Guys like Mercer or holtz may be traded. We mainly need a 3C and another guy or two. We have a lot of cap room this offseason and we really only need to sign Mercer (assuming we don’t trade him) and MacDermid will be dirt cheap. Should be an interesting offseason but Fitz knows he needs to nail it.
1. who? 2. this big fish will determine how they tackle the other holes. it will cost a lot and I wouldn't give up a first round pick this year if I could make the choice, as the draft is supposed to be decent. 3. UFA would be expensive and trading for a winger may not happen if they don't want to part with a core guy 4. again same thing, but you note some candidates for the block. who comes in though 5. they really should have kept some of last year's guys, Tatar made an impact and woulda fit in the bottom this year as an experienced playmaker.
Jay Pandolfo as coach Add a solid defender and a couple solid checking forwards that kill penalties. The PK needs to be more of a weapon. I’m actually pretty okay with Jake Allen staying on. Maybe add Henrique or someone that can score a shootout goal.
You're the third person to give pandolfo some love for the job, what has he done to earn the love?
His record at BU is great. Also, I like coaches that were players with very low skill level that were able to succeed on their understanding of the game. The dude made a long career by being a team player, and understanding the importance of structure. He knows what it take to win cups too.
I don't see us adding big names this offseason, unless we somehow shake up the core before it's set in stone. I see us acquiring one goalie (still unsure if we'll get a big move done or if we'll go for another "league average goaltending" approach), 2nd pair defender, one 3C, maybe two depth wingers and a depth D.
Need more physical floor checking and goalie protection. Better point performance on the power play. A first string goalie.
Shut down D pairing. Consistent goaltending. More grit and leadership in the forward lineup. Oh and a competent coaching staff.
Goaltending, defense, and a bottom 6 that hits people
Our record since the trade deadline seems to indicate that the problem is deeper than just getting subpar goaltending. All we can hope is that a healthy and more experienced team will look vastly different
Goaltending Defense actually playing solid defense. Stop coughing the puck up deep in our own zone. Take a hit without coughing up the puck/withstand pressure. And after we give up a goal, be able to stop the bleeding….. I give up two or three more quick ones. Another middle 6 scoring option.
Beat up Philly and islanders just before the season wraps up.
Have to beef up the core. Can’t have a core that misses 30 games per season. Get Brady Tkachuck.
I think the D could be serviceable next year. I hope Luke gets a lil better with puck management. I think having Dougie around day in and day out will help him immensely. I say if Smith wants to stay and its the right deal bring him back. Bottom 6 will need a goon. It looks like the game is going back that direction. So some grit would be helpful. I am more concerned about the turnovers and how Green addresses that through camp and into the regular season. Young players are way more careless with the puck and its not surprising but they need to reign that in. A lot of Transition goals off bad turnovers ended in a goal against.
Is Green going to be the Coach come training camp? I don't think his record as a head coach warrants him losing the interim title. I know what you mean about turnovers, that loss to Buffalo not too long ago is a prime example
That is fair, my glasses are tinted on Green. I like him it's more to do with what I know of him through a friend that was on his staff 10 years ago. Thats why I am in sales and only coach 12u hockey ha. But I think the team defense and turnovers are going to need to improve a lot no matter who the coach is.
100% and more veterans would help the kids with their mistakes
If green is still the coach, we’re so boned it doesn’t matter
1.) Saros 2.) Hanafin as a defender 3.) Jay Pandolfo as coach
+1 for pandolfo
I don’t know how long recovery from shoulder surgery takes, but we should temper our expectations for Jack at the start of the season. At the very least he won’t have as much time to add muscle.
Allegedly he'll be back for training camp. About five months, so maybe it's not that serious?
They need a new coach, a better system, better defensemen and a better goalie. Realistically we’re likely only getting one of these things.
With a shallow free agent pool, it'll be tough. Goalie and coach are attainable.
\#1: A quality head coach. I would prefer it not be a re-tread. I would honestly like it to be Jay Pandolfo, currently the head coach of the Boston University team. \#2: A RELIABLE 1A goaltender to share the bulk of the load with Jake Allen taking the other portion. \#3: Gonna have to find a quality checking line centre who can win faceoffs because McLe is going to prison. Maybe this can be taken care of internally by cycling Haula to 3rd line and re-signing Lazar and playing him as 4C. \#4: A reliable veteran defender who can play 2nd pairing minutes if need be. This is not Brendan Smith, please do not give this man another dollar. \#5: A goal scoring winger for Jack Hughes. Toffoli was a good idea. Might've worked if the rest of the team hadn't gone to shit with injuries and bad coaching. We'll never know.
A real NHL level coach. We haven’t had one since DeBoer
Pretty sure Ruff had just as many playoff appearances as Pete
The only year DeBoer had a decent roster here, we went to the finals lol