The player that I would target would be Vincent Trocheck (spelling?). I've liked him since I saw him at the WJC. He's not a #1C, but he's a good, young #2C. Maybe they'd try to reunite Jagr and Giroux (and Flyers would have to give more).
- jmatchett383

He is also on a nice deal too. About the same money Couturier is getting just longer term.

By the time this team is ready to compete for a Cup, here are the current players that I think will still be on the roster:

Goal: none

Defense: Provorov for sure, and Ghost if he isn't traded before then.

Forwards: Couturier and Konecny are probably here and maybe Cousins is a 4th line center. Jake will probably still be here, he's big and can skate and those guys last a long time. Simmonds, may be here if extended, but I think it's more likely he gets traded before they are true contenders.

It's gonna be at least another 3 years boys. Hexy knows Dmen don't usually hit their primes til there mid 20s and goalies the same or even later. He has a deep pool of top prospects to fill those needs all set to go. He'll now look to start loading up on skilled forwards who develop faster and can fill in the top 6 in 3 or 4 years. I understand what he's doing, it's just difficult from a fan's perspective to wait.

It even, to some degree, explains his hiring of Hakstol. I think he is here to set a foundation of 200 foot play for the younger players as they break in. If he can do that, and evolve as a better game day coach, perhaps he's still here when they reach the top. If not, he'll likely be out after his 3rd or 4th season, and the guy that Hexy thinks can get them to a Cup will be brought in.

Patience, easy to say, not so easy to do.
- BiggE

its easy for me at this point to be honest because the old way of buying players and trading kids and picks away didn't work. I knew when Hextall was hired this was gonna be a long process and I am fine with it if it means building a team for the long haul. now if they drafted the wrong players then the patience will obviously go away and I'll be calling for a change. they've been drafting 200 foot players over the last 2-3 drafts and I am on board but I would like to see them get a goal scorer this draft or a big skilled forward/center.

When you say "some guys," are you talking about basically everyone not named Provorov and Simmonds?
- jmatchett383

Basically.

Who is Hextall protecting ahead of Cousins?
- Feanor

It's possible he may still protect Laughton. Though it's probably a toss up

When you say "some guys," are you talking about basically everyone not named Provorov and Simmonds?
- jmatchett383

Simmonds is having a better season than Schenn, but not much better.

Who is Hextall protecting ahead of Cousins?
- Feanor

Yeah, I think Cousins is playing his way into a protection slot. Assuming no deals are made involving these players:

Goal:
Stolarz

Forwards:
Giroux
Schenn
Couturier
Simmonds
Voracek
Raffl
Cousins

Defense:
Ghost
Gudas
Manning

If Leier or Laughton get taken, then so be it.

I think vegas takes cousins
- Just5

I think they take Read.

The money and his role(kill penalties, move up and down lineup) would fit well there.

I think they take Read.

The money and his role(kill penalties, move up and down lineup) would fit well there.
- J35Bacher

I think it's one of Read, Laughton, or Leier.

Look at the recent drafts. Tons of guys that are big and "200" ft type players with skill.
- J35Bacher

Yup, it's just going to take time. It's why I don't lose sleep over the 4th line or if Lyubimov or Weise is in or out of the lineup. None of those guys will be here when it all starts to really matter.

It's possible he may still protect Laughton. Though it's probably a toss up
- Just5

I would protect Cousins and Laughton before Weise, Read and Raffl at this point to be honest

Yeah, I think Cousins is playing his way into a protection slot. Assuming no deals are made involving these players:

Goal:
Stolarz

Forwards:
Giroux
Schenn
Couturier
Simmonds
Voracek
Raffl
Cousins

Defense:
Ghost
Gudas
Manning

If Leier or Laughton get taken, then so be it.
- jmatchett383

I am actually starting to think Leier gets protected over Raffl.

Raffl is almost living in Vandevelde territory.

The player that I would target would be Vincent Trocheck (spelling?). I've liked him since I saw him at the WJC. He's not a #1C, but he's a good, young #2C. Maybe they'd try to reunite Jagr and Giroux (and Flyers would have to give more).
- jmatchett383

Im sure Florida is dying to get rid of all their centers that are in their prime

I am actually starting to think Leier gets protected over Raffl.

Raffl is almost living in Vandevelde territory.
- J35Bacher

Could be. The 6/7 forward slot is up for the taking.

Yup, it's just going to take time. It's why I don't lose sleep over the 4th line or if Lyubimov or Weise is in or out of the lineup. None of those guys will be here when it all starts to really matter.
- BiggE

Look at how long it took LA to win a cup when Lombardi was brought in. I think it was 6 years.

But they have to take one of them from the Flyers.
- Feanor

If the only option is to pick Read then Foley will fold the team and demolish the arena.

Could be. The 6/7 forward slot is up for the taking.
- jmatchett383

Plus you almost have to wait until after the TDL because you could acquire a guy you want to protect.

Btw I did an expansion draft on cap friendly.com. It's laid out real easy you can simulate whose protected on what teams do the list of available players on each team is there right away. A lot of fun drafted a decent team that's probably better than the flyers. Certainly a deeper team

If the only option is to pick Read then Foley will fold the team and demolish the arena.
- Streit2ThePoint

Well they just can't pick all cheap young players. They need some guys with money and term to make it all work.

If the only option is to pick Read then Foley will fold the team and demolish the arena.
- Streit2ThePoint

Sooo mcdud it is!!

I am actually starting to think Leier gets protected over Raffl.

Raffl is almost living in Vandevelde territory.
- J35Bacher

Maybe Raffl doesn't get protected, but lets not get crazy with the comparisons to VdV.

Im sure Florida is dying to get rid of all their centers that are in their prime
- YuenglingJagr

Barkov is their #1C. They have Bjugstad, Jesus Marchessault, Jared McCann, plus Grimaldi and Hawryluk in the wings. It's their #1 position of strength. If you could do a package including Giroux for Trochek (I'd do Giroux, Raffl, and a 1st), you may be able to do it.

Well they just can't pick all cheap young players. They need some guys with money and term to make it all work.
- J35Bacher

I get that but Read is not on Vegas' radar. You can take that to the bank.

Look at how long it took LA to win a cup when Lombardi was brought in. I think it was 6 years.
- J35Bacher

Yeah, but do you really think you can win when a guy like Anze Kopitar is your top center?

Barkov is their #1C. They have Bjugstad, Jesus Marchessault, Jared McCann, plus Grimaldi and Hawryluk in the wings. It's their #1 position of strength. If you could do a package including Giroux for Trochek (I'd do Giroux, Raffl, and a 1st), you may be able to do it.
- jmatchett383

there is no reason for them to try and get older and more expensive at center

I get that but Read is not on Vegas' radar. You can take that to the bank.
- Streit2ThePoint

Good 2-way player, has some hands, one year left at $3.5M...definitely could be picked up.