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Much to my surprise, Hitch is back. One-year extension.

Should be a big roster overhaul coming.

I am really curious just how much Armstrong can overhaul... but you're right. This signals the intent to change up the team fairly drastically.

I like Hitchcock, but I really feel the players just gave up on him in the playoffs, they were playing like they were trying to get him fired. So I'm not sure how this is going to work out.

Secret Weapon wrote:I like Hitchcock, but I really feel the players just gave up on him in the playoffs, they were playing like they were trying to get him fired. So I'm not sure how this is going to work out.

That's why I'm assuming there's going to be a lot of roster turnover. If they were to bring the same coach and players that got embarrassed in the playoffs, it wouldn't make any sense.

Maybe they revisit that trade idea with Boston where some combination of Backes/Oshie/Berglund goes to Boston for some combination of Krejci/Lucic/Marchand.

It'll also be interesting to see what kind of speed Armstrong can bring into the lineup. Some players clearly will have to go.

I have little hope for much roster change. I just hope we can keep Tank.

JCShutout wrote:I have little hope for much roster change. I just hope we can keep Tank.

If that's what you're worried about, you're fine.

Everything I'm hearing is that there WON'T be much roster turnover. They're not going to just give guys away because they have underperformed in the Blues system. I'm thinking there will be a tweek or two, but we're likely going to see a team close to what we saw last year.

It's simple, they ARE a good team....but they have to figure out how to elevate their game for the playoffs.

I agree. The roster is stacked, and we've made so many attempts to find that last missing ingredient. That's why I'm a bit puzzled that they decided to bring Hitch back--seems like a coaching change was the logical move to try something different.

I don't have an appetite for a large roster overhaul. Some combination of trading Oshie and/or Berglund if the price is right. Some tweaking around the edges of the D. I guess you could try to move J-Bo if you found a good deal, but I don't think that's out there. Obviously Backes and Steen have disappeared in the playoffs, but I don't have a desire to move either of them.

This team is just so frustrating. Such a good roster, and such good success in the regular season. And it seems like if they can shed the first round demons, they would make a run after that.

Sobotka.