I’m probably still too tired/fragile after the weekend to think things through properly, but my thoughts -
Any changes we make are likely to be of the enforced kind. Some players looking at careers outside of hockey, or simply feeling it a bit much at the end of the season.
Or, and the one I like the least, perhaps a few who get tempted elsewhere.
Goalies - I wouldn’t change Bownsy. My one thought is whether Murdy would like to get more ice time, and so might explore his options elsewhere. Lawday is a very good prospect and one I’d like to see continue as he did this year.
Defence - an area where we could see some change, even if everyone stays at the club. Mosey being a permanent forward gives us a big speed boost up front, but does leave us with a hole to fill. One I’d like us to fill with a Strachan/Blood style player. I also see Batch’s post world champs future as a forward. So Fournier, Richie, Louis, Schiestel + 2 new bodies.
Forwards - I mean there are some really obvious ‘keeps’ here. Martin, Linglet, and Dixon are probably the least controversial comments ever.
I feel very sorry for Joey Haddad with the injuries he’s had over the last 2 years, and would love to see him in full flow again.
I think Livingston has been a force in the tail end of the season, and would like to see him stay.
Duggan is here for another 2 years, and I believe Pope is in a second year next season.
The questions are around players in the latter stages of their career - do they want to continue on? Ulmer has had a great year, but does he carry on?
I’d say the forwards will look something like:
Hedden Martin Benti
Linglet Dixon Pope
Haddad Mosey Duggan
Livingston Myers Batch
I’d assume we carry a spare forward, with Mosey and Batch able to cover back, with Rutkis continuing much as he has done this year.
But who knows, I could be entirely wrong!