Leading up to the NHL draft, I will break the organization down in a five-part series: assessing the current group (both the secondary and primary cores), previewing the draft, sizing up free agency, and finally, evaluating the current coaching staff (along with special teams). Part One concerns the secondary core and depth of the team.
In the instant aftermath of the defeat to the Lightning, there were a lot of strong opinions arguing to either run it back or blow the team up. As usual, the right answer likely lies somewhere in the middle.
When asked about running it back with the core, Kyle Dubas left the door more ajar than he ever has before:
“I do believe in the group.