I'm thinking that Groulx might be given a chance at the 4C position, but I'd really like Grant to return.
Projected 2023-24 lineup
Rico - Zegras - Strome (?)
Jones (?) - McTavish - Terry
Vatrano - Lundy - Silf
Nesterenko - Groulx (?) - McGinn
Carrick, Leason
That's 14 forwards that doesn't include Regenda. Sure, we might be able to waive Leason or McGinn, but Regenda will still have some competition with Nesterenko and Carrick for ice time.
If Regenda wins a top-9 spot, then I'd be fine with that. If not, then I don't want him with the NHL club. It might appear, at the moment, that Regenda will be in San Diego to start the season. He could become a mainstay with the NHL club around the TDL. I'd rather continue developing Regenda in San Diego, playing top-6 minutes than the meager minutes he'll have on the fourth line with the Ducks as a rotational player.
Adding another FA forward plug this summer will keep some talents out of the NHL club for this season. We still don't know if Fantilli will be with the NHL club this season either.
::: raising shoulders ::: I'd prefer if we stick to the reset rebuild program and use this season as a developmental season and see what develops. Of course there's an exception if a 22-25 year old, high-end talent forward becomes available, but I'd still want us to be in a rebuild season this year and next as our barometer to get better is based upon our blueline progress.