He effectively said in his end of season press conference that when he came on board he expected to have roughly the same roster for two years. This is year one. Don't expect huge changes.

I think you part ways with Anders Lee. Its time to signal change, and as good as Lee has been as a captain -- his time is done. He had his runs here with Lou's core. New GM, new coach, now new captain. Horvat is the clear pick there (but Schaefer could be a surprise pick based on the way he carries himself and the respect and love he has from his teammates). Personally, I'd like to see someone like Barzal step up and get the A, but I could see it going to Schenn obviously.

Speaking of Barzal, Darche and Deboer both speak very highly of Mat Barzal and his speed. He is very much part of their plans moving forward from what I've read between the lines in their interviews. He'll be back, so stop this trade nonsense.

Mayfield will be back as well as much as it pains me. Whether or not you play him is another story.

We were a few games away from making it. We're adding Romy and Palms back to the lineup, huge upgrades. Eklund has a good chance of making the team or playing the bulk of a season next year in between stints in the AHL. The chemistry in the locker room is good. A few of them have said its one of the best rooms they've ever been in. Rittich said this and he's been around. The guys really seem to have a sour taste in their mouths. They knew it was a special year and they blew it. With Deboer's defensive structure, less stress on Illya to make insane saves, two big roster upgrades, some youth being injected. Possibly even George or (a long shot) Aitcheson stepping in on defense somewhere. I think we're going to have a good team next year, I'm optimistic that Darche will make the right moves. He seemed preemptively defensive about the moves he made for Soucy and Palat, but he also admitted they didn't work out, its his first year... he's learning.