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Talk surrounding Tampa Bay’s limited cap space and desire for deeper playoff runs sparked the thought of the interesting task Detroit will have in moving forward. After three cup final appearances, Tampa has had first round exits and has just over 5 million in cap space with 2 to 3 spots needing to be filled including Stamkos. The likelihood of Steven moving on feels very low, and even the full amount of that space would represent a reduced ask. Hedman will be looking for an extension next season. So, pundits will guess as to what JB will do to return to post season form for another shot at the cup. As we all know, LTIR can be a magical tool when needed.
This, again, brought a pause to look at the division. Detroit finished the year with a positive goal differential (a good step forward) but ultimately missed the post season. Florida could be a cup winner after falling short in the playoffs last year, and that would see 3 of the past 5 Stanley Cups residing in the state. 5 cup final appearances out of the state that rests southern most in the division.
Regardless of post season results, Toronto is an in season points machine as Matthews nearly eclipsed 70 goals and the team has no problem finding that success. Boston went on an early season tear that was beyond impressive. Divisional and conference success ultimately lies in two areas. Detroit improving while the top teams start to turn the corner toward rebuild. Add to that Buffalo, Ottawa and Montreal as they are none too happy with their current scenario.
Detroit seemed to find ways to shake the Tampa Bay “curse” during Yzerman’s tenure, but the Panthers are an absolute power house. Toronto’s decisions regarding the “core 4” will bring an interesting dynamic but in terms of offensive output in the regulars season it seems a long road before that will become any sort of issue. In loving the game, watching Matthews is exciting as Nylander has matured and also brings the sizzle. At some point Boston and Tampa will go from “reload” to “rebuild” but it will take a significant downturn for that to be the case.
It seems easy now to look back and pinpoint a much earlier rebuild/tear down. Where I continue to give Yzerman credit is in offloading all but Larkin, Rasmussen, Veleno and Berggren (though the latter may be on the way out) and finding a stud Dman and Winger. This will be the 5th draft for “the Captain” as Edvinsson and potentially Mazur will look to join the club next season. The appetite to add a center and RHD is going to be met with a market that could be a bit like “the summer of Wisnewski”. For those who remember, the right shot Dman struck payday gold in Columbus and refused an interview with Detroit.
I reference that scenario as several teams are looking at that position and there is a team in Utah (you’ll know them by the jersey that say ‘Utah’” with a lot of space and an appetite to build. Pesce may get strong offers on the market while Hronek’s rights may be shopped depending on the ask and Vancouver’s need to see both he and Lindholm either extended or replaced.
Last summer’s focus was on scoring. This summer’s focus has to be on reducing goals against. Some improvement will have to come internally as $ space will be a tough commodity after Seider and Raymond are extended. The market continues with potential offerings in the trade realm but it will likely cost either prospects or picks stapled to the rear end of a low value contract.
So, it’s your turn. Within the division, who will ascend and who will descend? The top four of Florida, Toronto, Boston and Tampa are viable foes as the Atlantic could well grab both wild card spots in any given year. That moves the goalposts even further down the field. Internally, who can be looked to for improved contribution? It’s officially the waiting game as the finals wrap up.
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