I didn't realize that Blanks qualified for that.
It makes sense though, this is why group VI exists, to make sure that mid-twenties players don't get buried in a deep lineup and have a chance to break in somewhere else.
No one in this thread has listed Blanks in their lineups for next year.
I would still sign him if he wants to come back, but it's his call.
He just plays a bit erratic at times for my liking, that the majority of other players admittedly don’t help with, and IS undersized and lacks strength around the net. I think he’s a good #7 who can play on the 3rd pair regularly.
While I still think Bean has more “untapped” offensive ability, I probably like Blankenburg’s defensive ability and overall STYLE of play more than Bean at this point. I think Blankenburg-Gudbranson could work as a decent 3rd pairing. Give Gudbranson the responsibilities around the net and Blankenburg can be the puck attacker.
Boqvist is another defender who’s value comes from his offensive ability, even more so than Bean. When you say the Werenski-Boqvist pairing “works”, what do you mean by that? Werenski-Severson “works” too, but, we’re not winning any playoff series’ with any combo of those 3 as our top pair, as good lines/teams eat that pairing up.
And this is without mentioning ANOTHER guy who’s value comes mostly from his “offense”, Provorov.
Whether people like everything they bring to the ice, Werenski and Severson are our best PPQB’s we have and are good on the PP. Mateychuk is not Jiricek, and he very well may actually DESERVE a PPQB spot as soon as the start of next season, imo.
The defense isn’t going to be fixed by making Blankenburg a regular in the top 6. And room would still need to be made for that anyway. AT LEAST 2 of these offensive guys need to be swapped out of the defense BEFORE even thinking about Mateychuk or Jiricek, IMO.
Trades need to be looked into especially for Boqvist and Provorov. IMO. I’ve obviously been vocal, but, I dangle Jiricek to the league at this point. Him added to Laine could probably get us a worthwhile player. A center or top pairing RD.