I’m starting to lean towards selling on this team. The only thing that gives me pause is that I don’t trust Sweeney & Neely to make the right decisions anymore. I feel like they’re only were they are at because of two home run draft picks and Bergeron & Marchand bring great. Other than that, what have they really done to improve this team?
Coyle? I'd say he's been a net positive and should be 2C for the near future.
Halak has been one of the best backups in the league and has given Rask enough games off over the course of the past few seasons to be competitive in the playoffs.
The young defense corps is overall decent to above average. Carlo and Grz for sure, and I'm optimistic about Clifton and Lauzon as NHL-calibre defensemen. UV should be at least serviceable as well.
Other than that... I got nothin'. The inability to find a dependable depth scoring wing - anyone, let alone the 2-3 they need - will probably be the epitaph on this core's run, sadly.