I think this team could contend without Malkin... but it is going to take the team, coaching, and management to look in the mirror and realize we cannot out run and out gun teams in today's NHL. In 2016, we could beat anyone but overwhelming them on offense. 5 years later... we cant do that. Especially with weak goaltending. In my view, to maximize the rest of this era's group... you need an elite goaltender and a lot of solid 2 way players playing in a system that preaches two way hockey. It will mean less exciting hockey, less goals scored for, and hopefully less goals against. I dont see us ever being able to assemble a roster with the kind of offensive fire power that teams like Tampa, Carolina, Colorado, or Vegas can assemble. But I do think we can put a winning team together if the organization as a whole buys in... i just dont see that happening.

The only free agent centers who would be able to play 2nd line center beyond next year is Phillip Danault and he isnt the best option. He is a good 2 way center, but he is small. Wouldnt help one of the other problems we are trying to fix.

I agree though, there arent many good options at center besides McCann. 2022 free agency actually has some interesting names at center who could be available. Some of which will be resigned, but a couple could be good targets if we free up the cap space.
- SuperHenderson13

I think the e firepower is fine. This was the second highest scoring team in the nhl. It’s the 2 way game and goaltending. And coaching.