We've won a SC without a 2nd line center, not you, i don't understand this obsession, since this blog was created it is the one constant complaint I've heard.
- BetweenTheDots

I think this comes from the fact that people aren't entirely sold on Bedard at center and the next closest one to joining the team is Nazar who is a similar (smaller) player.

My point is just that if there is a really good player available that can be a main component, I don't think you just pass that up because you have a bunch of prospects that COULD fit that role.

They don't have one which is why they need to get one.

The worst case scenario is they have a surplus of centers and they can trade one. Relying on prospects to out kick their coverage or live up to their hype sheet is way more risky than getting a known commodity.
- fattybeef

I think they will have a much better idea what they think they have with some past first round picks after the hockey season for everyone has ended. There is a strong likelihood to trade for a center or sign a free agent that is available; the question is what quality center and at what price tag. Because if you make a big investment - trading a first round pick means you made a big investment - then you better have a plan how the player you get fits in long term. Is it Bedard with this player or Bedard with this player as second line center.

Bedard is here long term and so might be an early first from two first round picks n ‘25. The old Kenny Rogers comes to mind….which speaks about playing your hand wisely (in a cards game).

Yes we need a second center. How? When? A lot to be determined after this season has ended for everyone and KD can pursue some ideas which currently are floating around in his mind

Still early, but looks like the rumors of CAR's demise were overblown.

Still early, but looks like the rumors of CAR's demise were overblown.
- Chunk

Maybe, but seem to have missed their window

To win a SC we need to be the deeper more talented team that can play several different styles of hockey.

It's looking like we are going to be pretty deep at the blue line.

Goalies in the system and I'm not giving up on Soda yet he looks good.

The forwards are coming and there are many of them. Sounds like most of them have that dog in them as well which i believe is a key ingredient when it comes to playoff hockey.
- BetweenTheDots

That is what we had in the Cup runs. We may not have been the most overtly physical team in 2015 or even say 2013 but those teams wasn't going to be beat by more physical teams (i.e. Bruins in 2013 and Ducks 2015).

On your 2C thoughts, you're right those Cup run teams didn't need a prototypical one and maybe what KFC is building will look similar. If Bedard and Nazar are your top 2C's you are going to need a bit of size and snarl on the wings I'd think.

In 2013 and 2015 you could plug in aging vets at 2C with a bit left in the tank. I wouldn't mind them finding a longer term answer to the problem but agree with you that it doesn't need done tomorrow.

That is what we had in the Cup runs. We may not have been the most overtly physical team in 2015 or even say 2013 but those teams wasn't going to be beat by more physical teams (i.e. Bruins in 2013 and Ducks 2015).

On your 2C thoughts, you're right those Cup run teams didn't need a prototypical one and maybe what KFC is building will look similar. If Bedard and Nazar are your top 2C's you are going to need a bit of size and snarl on the wings I'd think.

In 2013 and 2015 you could plug in aging vets at 2C with a bit left in the tank. I wouldn't mind them finding a longer term answer to the problem but agree with you that it doesn't need done tomorrow.
- HawkintheD

KD in an interview said its easier to find players like that on the free agent market, the top 6 forwards or top 4 dmen are the ones you have to find through the draft because no one is giving them away.

Maybe, but seem to have missed their window
- vabeachbear

Did they? They lose Guentzel (who was a rental) , Skjei, Pesce, and TT. They got Roslovic, Carrier, Ghost, and Walker. It even looks like Kotkaniemi is even playing better.

They may have not taken a step forward, but I don't think they took a step back. jarvis and Necas looking like great pieces, and their cap is still reasonable.

KD in an interview said its easier to find players like that on the free agent market, the top 6 forwards or top 4 dmen are the ones you have to find through the draft because no one is giving them away.
- BetweenTheDots

Hello AJ Spellacy!!! (way to early projection ).

Good Morning All


- vabeachbear

That is really annoying but wouldn't expect anything less.

Did they? They lose Guentzel (who was a rental) , Skjei, Pesce, and TT. They got Roslovic, Carrier, Ghost, and Walker. It even looks like Kotkaniemi is even playing better.

They may have not taken a step forward, but I don't think they took a step back. jarvis and Necas looking like great pieces, and their cap is still reasonable.
- Chunk

They should just share the name
Carolina Predators.

https://x.com/ColbyCohen3...jnp3A0S7hn-GmNphKGfA&s=19


I agree with him but i do apologize you have to hear Colby Cohen, hahaha

KD in an interview said its easier to find players like that on the free agent market, the top 6 forwards or top 4 dmen are the ones you have to find through the draft because no one is giving them away.
- BetweenTheDots

Which is why I'm glad Davidson has continued to draft high on D. If some of the other picks from the Bowman regime hit, it will be a nice problem to have.

It's too bad he couldn't have found a Vlasic when they were still within the window but better late than never. If Kaiser, EDM or Allan can provide consistency in 3rd pairing roles that would be great.

They should just share the name
Carolina Predators.
- BetweenTheDots

It's funny to me that the team that everyone thought improved the most this offseason is starting so poorly. I'm sure they'll right the ship soon enough, but I love to see the initial anguish.

New Blog.

That is what we had in the Cup runs. We may not have been the most overtly physical team in 2015 or even say 2013 but those teams wasn't going to be beat by more physical teams (i.e. Bruins in 2013 and Ducks 2015).

On your 2C thoughts, you're right those Cup run teams didn't need a prototypical one and maybe what KFC is building will look similar. If Bedard and Nazar are your top 2C's you are going to need a bit of size and snarl on the wings I'd think.

In 2013 and 2015 you could plug in aging vets at 2C with a bit left in the tank. I wouldn't mind them finding a longer term answer to the problem but agree with you that it doesn't need done tomorrow.
- HawkintheD

The difference is that those teams had arguably the best two way center in hockey, Kopitar and Bergeron are also in the conversation. I understand that talent is talent, whether 5’10” or 6’2”, however it will be challenging to have Bedard and Nazar as your top two centers, you need size from one of those two spots. Maybe Boisvert is the answer, however we don’t know when he’ll arrive and/or be competent enough to handle that role, it could be four years from now. Hope Dylan Holloway is okay, took a puck to the neck last night.

Did they? They lose Guentzel (who was a rental) , Skjei, Pesce, and TT. They got Roslovic, Carrier, Ghost, and Walker. It even looks like Kotkaniemi is even playing better.

They may have not taken a step forward, but I don't think they took a step back. jarvis and Necas looking like great pieces, and their cap is still reasonable.
- Chunk

I thought they were past their chance last year also. I thought their last chance was two years ago, and they wouldn't make any trades at the deadline to get a goalie and a tougher to play against guy.