Per Andy Strickland - Sam Bennett Blues Target

[STL fan in MN]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

[skilles]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

[STL fan in MN]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

Well yeah, it is.

Reality check time. Bennett is unlikely to sign here. And NJ is unlikely to trade Nemec (I think). And it’d be unlikely the Blues would trade Dvorsky.

But that doesn't mean Army shouldn’t try to fix the 2 biggest holes on the roster…while also trying to hang onto his best prospect. Keep in mind, he was able to add ROR without giving up his best prospect at the time, Thomas.

[skilles]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

Well yeah, it is.

Reality check time. Bennett is unlikely to sign here. And NJ is unlikely to trade Nemec (I think). And it’d be unlikely the Blues would trade Dvorsky.

But that doesn't mean Army shouldn’t try to fix the 2 biggest holes on the roster…while also trying to hang onto his best prospect. Keep in mind, he was able to add ROR without giving up his best prospect at the time, Thomas.

I would agree none of those are likely, I do think Nemec would be a great get and should be chased pretty hard. Bennett would be reasonable but not ideal for us IMO.

For me if Dvorsky is untouchable I'm not in the market for a 6-7 year high dollar deal on a 2c, I'm only doing that if I'm willing to spend Dvorsky on young/future d.

Ideally for me I'm going high dollar short term UFA or low trade cost on 2c, and going hard after Nemec/similar.

Maybe its possible to well overpay a guy like bennett on a 2 year deal but I think there are more likely trade options.

[TAFKAP]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

Well yeah, it is.

Reality check time. Bennett is unlikely to sign here. And NJ is unlikely to trade Nemec (I think). And it’d be unlikely the Blues would trade Dvorsky.

But that doesn't mean Army shouldn’t try to fix the 2 biggest holes on the roster…while also trying to hang onto his best prospect. Keep in mind, he was able to add ROR without giving up his best prospect at the time, Thomas.

I would agree none of those are likely, I do think Nemec would be a great get and should be chased pretty hard. Bennett would be reasonable but not ideal for us IMO.

For me if Dvorsky is untouchable I'm not in the market for a 6-7 year high dollar deal on a 2c, I'm only doing that if I'm willing to spend Dvorsky on young/future d.

Ideally for me I'm going high dollar short term UFA or low trade cost on 2c, and going hard after Nemec/similar.

Maybe its possible to well overpay a guy like bennett on a 2 year deal but I think there are more likely trade options.

The only UFA I see this year signing at less than 5 years is John Tavares. Thoughts?

[Zizzle1297]

Would not sign Bennett he ll want to much money and term and will ultimately block Dvorsky. The move should be 2 or 3 year on Taveras, Grandlund, Dushene



Buch, Thomas Snuggerud
Holloway, Schenn, Kryou
Neighbors, (one of the three listed above), Bolduc
Walker, Faska, Torpo

EXTRA Texier or Joseph(trade one), Sunny

[skilles]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

Well yeah, it is.

Reality check time. Bennett is unlikely to sign here. And NJ is unlikely to trade Nemec (I think). And it’d be unlikely the Blues would trade Dvorsky.

But that doesn't mean Army shouldn’t try to fix the 2 biggest holes on the roster…while also trying to hang onto his best prospect. Keep in mind, he was able to add ROR without giving up his best prospect at the time, Thomas.

I would agree none of those are likely, I do think Nemec would be a great get and should be chased pretty hard. Bennett would be reasonable but not ideal for us IMO.

For me if Dvorsky is untouchable I'm not in the market for a 6-7 year high dollar deal on a 2c, I'm only doing that if I'm willing to spend Dvorsky on young/future d.

Ideally for me I'm going high dollar short term UFA or low trade cost on 2c, and going hard after Nemec/similar.

Maybe its possible to well overpay a guy like bennett on a 2 year deal but I think there are more likely trade options.

The only UFA I see this year signing at less than 5 years is John Tavares. Thoughts?

Duchene will sign for less than 5 years, on Tavares I'd love it but think its unlikely he signs here

[STL fan in MN]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

Well yeah, it is.

Reality check time. Bennett is unlikely to sign here. And NJ is unlikely to trade Nemec (I think). And it’d be unlikely the Blues would trade Dvorsky.

But that doesn't mean Army shouldn’t try to fix the 2 biggest holes on the roster…while also trying to hang onto his best prospect. Keep in mind, he was able to add ROR without giving up his best prospect at the time, Thomas.

I would agree none of those are likely, I do think Nemec would be a great get and should be chased pretty hard. Bennett would be reasonable but not ideal for us IMO.

For me if Dvorsky is untouchable I'm not in the market for a 6-7 year high dollar deal on a 2c, I'm only doing that if I'm willing to spend Dvorsky on young/future d.

Ideally for me I'm going high dollar short term UFA or low trade cost on 2c, and going hard after Nemec/similar.

Maybe its possible to well overpay a guy like bennett on a 2 year deal but I think there are more likely trade options.

What you describe would be my preferred path tbh. Duchene and Taraves are the only two via UFA top-6 Cs I see on the market that are likely to sign something shorter term. Otherwise Army can go the trade route.

There’s also the option of going after a slightly lesser fish. A 3C type or someone on par with Schenn. That option isn’t as “good” but it’d at least move Sunny out of the 3C spot and should be able to give us 3 consistent scoring lines. The Holloway-Schenn-Kyrou line was one of the best lines in the entire league after all so it’s not like Schenn was putrid there. He just doesn’t “look” like a 2C anymore. For all the talk of adding the great Sam Bennett, he put up 51 pts this season (a career high). Schenn had 50.

[Frank Barone]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

Well yeah, it is.

Reality check time. Bennett is unlikely to sign here. And NJ is unlikely to trade Nemec (I think). And it’d be unlikely the Blues would trade Dvorsky.

But that doesn't mean Army shouldn’t try to fix the 2 biggest holes on the roster…while also trying to hang onto his best prospect. Keep in mind, he was able to add ROR without giving up his best prospect at the time, Thomas.

I would agree none of those are likely, I do think Nemec would be a great get and should be chased pretty hard. Bennett would be reasonable but not ideal for us IMO.

For me if Dvorsky is untouchable I'm not in the market for a 6-7 year high dollar deal on a 2c, I'm only doing that if I'm willing to spend Dvorsky on young/future d.

Ideally for me I'm going high dollar short term UFA or low trade cost on 2c, and going hard after Nemec/similar.

Maybe its possible to well overpay a guy like bennett on a 2 year deal but I think there are more likely trade options.

What you describe would be my preferred path tbh. Duchene and Taraves are the only two via UFA top-6 Cs I see on the market that are likely to sign something shorter term. Otherwise Army can go the trade route.

There’s also the option of going after a slightly lesser fish. A 3C type or someone on par with Schenn. That option isn’t as “good” but it’d at least move Sunny out of the 3C spot and should be able to give us 3 consistent scoring lines. The Holloway-Schenn-Kyrou line was one of the best lines in the entire league after all so it’s not like Schenn was putrid there. He just doesn’t “look” like a 2C anymore. For all the talk of adding the great Sam Bennett, he put up 51 pts this season (a career high). Schenn had 50.

I agree with this. I think Army shoots for a Tyler Bozak type of signing, although maybe only one or two years. Candidates could include Lars Eller, Christian Dvorak or Sean Kuraly. Also re-sign Faksa and push Sunny to 13th forward. A trade is always possible and you never know who could be available.

Army is headed to the WC and will watch Dvorsky. My guess is he will not want to block him but will create depth and competition for him.

[Pierre McGuire]

I'd prefer Tavares over Duchene but i'd prefer Bennett over both

[Lone_Ranger]

Should of gotten Bennett when Calgary was peddling him. Costs too much now. Maybe the Blues say they will be interested but I'm sure Army has a sensible price in mind and that won't be nearly enough to match what he's going to get on the open market. So pass

[seattleblue]

Targeting Bennett isn't necessarily a bad idea. We certainly need an upgrade at 2C.

But he doesn't make Dvorsky expendable in any way. By the time Dvo is hitting his stride at the NHL level, Bennett will be in Schenn territory. He's a very good fit for a stop gap who eventually slides down the lineup, not as a replacement.

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

Well we 100% agree on the structural need for the defense, it's more about timing here. In less than a year the center situation could be resolving itself at least in our future conception. I see an overall roster that is going to make the playoffs as is. As we progress through the year we're going to be asking what deadline deal we want to make. IMO we aren't a deep contender til we upgrade Faulk. I think they should bring in a center UFA but it's more in the Bozak quality vet stopgap range. Shorter deal for an experienced center veteran would supplement this team nicely.

To me Dvorsky specifically is just a piece of critical infrastructure and I heartily endorse what MN said about trading anybody else if Nemec were available for our prospects. I would sooner do Lindstein. I don't easily offer him up but the existence of Fischer Burns and Ralph along with Broberg is very reasonable for now. I don't think Dvorsky would be demanded and I also don't see NJ as reasonably expecting to get him. If truly that was their only take it or leave it deal I'd leave it and look for another way to get the D we need.

I still feel very good about Dvorsky's future. He has intangibles galore that make it likely he will reach his potential. If you want a flash from the past here's Grant McKagg on draft day 2023 talking about his future projection for Dvorsky. Two years have passed since then but McKagg is sharp as hell. He called Sennecke to Anaheim at 3 overall and he saw Jake Sanderson as elite talent. He had Dvorsky 3d overall on his board. He sees Dvorsky as so high because he seems like a particularly effective playoff center in the most pressure moments. Fast forward to 3:24 if you want to skip the general draft/Bedard part
https://www.tsn.ca/radio/ottawa-1200/mc ... -1.1978514

[Harry S Deals]

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

Well yeah, it is.

Reality check time. Bennett is unlikely to sign here. And NJ is unlikely to trade Nemec (I think). And it’d be unlikely the Blues would trade Dvorsky.

But that doesn't mean Army shouldn’t try to fix the 2 biggest holes on the roster…while also trying to hang onto his best prospect. Keep in mind, he was able to add ROR without giving up his best prospect at the time, Thomas.

I would agree none of those are likely, I do think Nemec would be a great get and should be chased pretty hard. Bennett would be reasonable but not ideal for us IMO.

For me if Dvorsky is untouchable I'm not in the market for a 6-7 year high dollar deal on a 2c, I'm only doing that if I'm willing to spend Dvorsky on young/future d.

Ideally for me I'm going high dollar short term UFA or low trade cost on 2c, and going hard after Nemec/similar.

Maybe its possible to well overpay a guy like bennett on a 2 year deal but I think there are more likely trade options.

What you describe would be my preferred path tbh. Duchene and Taraves are the only two via UFA top-6 Cs I see on the market that are likely to sign something shorter term. Otherwise Army can go the trade route.

There’s also the option of going after a slightly lesser fish. A 3C type or someone on par with Schenn. That option isn’t as “good” but it’d at least move Sunny out of the 3C spot and should be able to give us 3 consistent scoring lines. The Holloway-Schenn-Kyrou line was one of the best lines in the entire league after all so it’s not like Schenn was putrid there. He just doesn’t “look” like a 2C anymore. For all the talk of adding the great Sam Bennett, he put up 51 pts this season (a career high). Schenn had 50.

I agree with this. I think Army shoots for a Tyler Bozak type of signing, although maybe only one or two years. Candidates could include Lars Eller, Christian Dvorak or Sean Kuraly. Also re-sign Faksa and push Sunny to 13th forward. A trade is always possible and you never know who could be available.

Army is headed to the WC and will watch Dvorsky. My guess is he will not want to block him but will create depth and competition for him.

Yes Im agreeing with this notion as i think resigning Faksa and finding a UFA center with some skill, can check, skate, FO% is the move here
Roslovic, Dvorak, Eyssimont, Kuraly, Sturm, there are a lot of plug and play options here. Dont block the kid whos on this way but add some much needed depth

[STL fan in MN]

100%.

You still keep Devo. When he’s NHL ready, ease him in at 3C or 2 or 3LW. You eventually have the wonderful problem of too many quality players and not enough room for them all? Then you trade 1-2 of them (but still likely not the young C).

You wouldn't trade Dvorksy for Nemec if we had Bennett on a 6 year deal?

No.

Hmm kind of seems like Nemec is the higher prospect no?

Scoring center is like RHD in that they're super hard to acquire. So why would we move a right-on-track developing player at a unicorn spot for a player at another unicorn spot who is showing some risks? Trade from other places but not Dvorsky
I would not trade Dvorsky for Nemec either. I don't have to consider it long.

Because if we sign a 2c long term RD becomes the clear cut biggest need long and short term IMO and I also think Nemec has the higher upside but I'm willing to listen as I'm not that educated on prospects but I like guys that are 21 on hold AHL scoring records.

And I also am concerned our "window" is going to close about as quickly as it opens if we don't address the aging d pretty soon

The D is certainly a concern but I’d try every which way to acquire Nemec or a similar RD without including Dvorsky. I’d trade pretty much any LW or LD on the team or in the org before Dvorsky. Even if you do acquire a 2C for 6 years, things change fast. Dvorsky is pretty clearly our best forward prospect since Thomas. No spot for him at C? Put him at LW. I bet he’d find his way back to C a year or two later once Bennett or some other C starts to decline.

I mean I'm certainly game for getting Nemec, keeping Dvorsky, and signing a top 6 center but that seems pretty lofty

Well yeah, it is.

Reality check time. Bennett is unlikely to sign here. And NJ is unlikely to trade Nemec (I think). And it’d be unlikely the Blues would trade Dvorsky.

But that doesn't mean Army shouldn’t try to fix the 2 biggest holes on the roster…while also trying to hang onto his best prospect. Keep in mind, he was able to add ROR without giving up his best prospect at the time, Thomas.

I would agree none of those are likely, I do think Nemec would be a great get and should be chased pretty hard. Bennett would be reasonable but not ideal for us IMO.

For me if Dvorsky is untouchable I'm not in the market for a 6-7 year high dollar deal on a 2c, I'm only doing that if I'm willing to spend Dvorsky on young/future d.

Ideally for me I'm going high dollar short term UFA or low trade cost on 2c, and going hard after Nemec/similar.

Maybe its possible to well overpay a guy like bennett on a 2 year deal but I think there are more likely trade options.

What you describe would be my preferred path tbh. Duchene and Taraves are the only two via UFA top-6 Cs I see on the market that are likely to sign something shorter term. Otherwise Army can go the trade route.

There’s also the option of going after a slightly lesser fish. A 3C type or someone on par with Schenn. That option isn’t as “good” but it’d at least move Sunny out of the 3C spot and should be able to give us 3 consistent scoring lines. The Holloway-Schenn-Kyrou line was one of the best lines in the entire league after all so it’s not like Schenn was putrid there. He just doesn’t “look” like a 2C anymore. For all the talk of adding the great Sam Bennett, he put up 51 pts this season (a career high). Schenn had 50.

I agree with this. I think Army shoots for a Tyler Bozak type of signing, although maybe only one or two years. Candidates could include Lars Eller, Christian Dvorak or Sean Kuraly. Also re-sign Faksa and push Sunny to 13th forward. A trade is always possible and you never know who could be available.

Army is headed to the WC and will watch Dvorsky. My guess is he will not want to block him but will create depth and competition for him.

I’d try to aim a little higher than those 3. Love Eller and the career he’s had but he actually scored at a lower pts/game than Sunny this season.

I’m thinking more like a Danault, Pinto, Pius Suter level of player.

[seattleblue]

I’m thinking more like a Danault, Pinto, Pius Suter level of player.

I coveted Danault during his draft year and he would have made a nice career Blue. Two years left on his deal with LA. They have to be thinking of making some adjustments to their roster but I have no particular reason to think Danault would be available

[somni]

I’m thinking more like a Danault, Pinto, Pius Suter level of player.

I coveted Danault during his draft year and he would have made a nice career Blue. Two years left on his deal with LA. They have to be thinking of making some adjustments to their roster but I have no particular reason to think Danault would be available

And now the Kings have Ken Holland, so who knows what they'll give away.