At first blush, I’m disappointed to learn that we weren’t “able” to sign Kubina. Making matters worse of course is the fact he signed with another team in the division — can’t really blame him for returning “home” where he’s spent the majority of his career. However, it isn’t a matter of not being “able”, it's more a matter of not being WILLING — willing to spend that kind of money on a player who could potentially block the growth and maturity of younger players like Bogosian, Kulda and even Valabik.
If you’re going to commit to your younger players, at some point you have to make opportunity cost decisions that will help you not only in the short run, but also longer-term. Bogosian is only 19. The ASG, well Dudley and Co., are banking on Bogo as their franchise D-man for years to come. In order to achieve his potential, he must be given at least Top 4 minutes. And if they are right, we will have to pay him mad bank next summer at the end of his entry-level contract.
With Kubina in the fold, the demand for minutes is greater than what’s available. Oduya, Hainsey and Enstrom can all log a lot of minutes and they can fully expect to play 20-22 mins apiece. But it’s Bogo that will be expected to bear the brunt of the load due to his ability to score and potential as a pre-eminent PP QB. If Kubina is on the team, that cuts adversely into Bogo’s minutes as a PP presence. While Bogo may not always play against the other team’s top lines, we must accept that Duds sees him as the guy who will log the majority of PP mins as well as his fair share on the PK.
I will miss Kuby. I think he’s a class act and good for any locker room thanks to his quiet, steady leadership, sometimes vocal, but mostly by example. But with every loss comes opportunity and it’s time to invest in our young guys and the potential they possess. Kulda showed he’s ready and he will need 12-16 mins per game to develop effectively. And a healthy Valabik can log heavy minutes on the PK unit as well as help anchor the bottom pairing should Kulda struggle at times.
Kuby, we hate to see you go, but the future is now. And we still need a few mill for another veteran forward who can pot 20 goals. I don’t think we’re done — and our cap number is still right around $44 – 45 M depending on the RFA deals — as Dudley said on 680 the Fan “no, I don’t think we’re done” (his exact response to Kincade’s question) when asked about additional moves. While I think he would prefer a sensible trade — cuz that’s what he does! — I’m not so sure we won’t sign a veteran winger for $1.75 – 2.25 M if the fit is right.
3 comments:
I hope you are right about adding another winger.
It sucks that Kubina is in TB, but I agree with us needing to use our young Dmen - especially Bogo - going forward.
I also know that Valabik isn't the best player, but I remember saying to myself that he was playing much better last season prior to his injury against Washington last season. As a third pair Dman he isn't the worst option in the world once he is 100 percent.
TK - thanks for stopping by, much appreciated! I really think we're still in the market for a winger. Hell, it could be someone like Demitra or Svatos for a low, low bargain price, but a veteran scorer would certainly be a plus at this point. Take a little pressure off Little who could do some damage on the 3rd line with Ladd and Slates.
And I agree with you about Valabik. He did seem more decisive with the puck when he did get to play. I'd like to see him play a bit "meaner" but I think he realizes he must pick his spots so he doesn't get too far out of position going for the big hit. The maturation of Valabik, Bogo and even Kulda may be the key to success this year - need to keep 20-30 more pucks out of the net this season!
Demitra would be a really nice addition.
I didn't even think about Little being on the third line but I think he with Ladd and Jimmy could be really solid. I know it is hypothetical, but would you have Little as a winger or a center on that line?
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