Kevin Woodley

I will say this as much as like Thatcher Demko at the top of his game.

And I know that's a big assumption that he's going to get there based on the injuries and how long can he stay there based on the inability to stay healthy?

Like those are all fair points.

But he is such a difference maker.

It's not that they're trying to lose, but if you would like to lose for another year and get into the land in DuPont sweepstakes, him at his best makes that harder to do.

Also, him at his best, even if it's just in 35 or 40 games, puts Lankanen into a tier where you have a better chance of getting the best out of him as well.

And so now goaltending is something that could win you games.

And you can ask fairly given where they are and where they probably want to finish next year, even if that's not the stated goal and it won't be the coach's goal, whether that's a wise thing, especially at the end of the day, the cost is the cost.

Were they good contracts?

No, but at least on the Demko one, I always say avoid term with goaltenders at the risk of my goal, the union card, at least they did there.

There's also something to be said though,

for having a little faith and trust in what's going on behind you when you're a young team, trying to learn how to survive in the NHL.

Like it's not like you, not like you want them to feel like, Oh man, like, Ooh, yeah, no problem.

I can make mistakes all over the place.

Cause it's always going to bail me out, but you don't want young defensemen out there thinking, man, any mistake.

And it ends up in the back of my net.

Like there's a positive for a rebuilding team to have having goaltending

that they trust in, right?

And a little bit of confidence that they can go out there and play a little freer, not play tight.

Still, obviously, structure.