Potential re-signings
Something touched on in the previous section, Adams could re-sign some current talent. Obviously, if Hinostroza and Olofsson continue to play well, they’re good candidates.
But what about Craig Anderson and Dustin Tokarski? Okay, neither Anderson nor Tokarski are long-term fixtures in the net. However, they would make great backups as their careers descend onto the back-nine.
Anderson will be 41, but he’s proven he can stick around for another season or two in a backup role. Tokarski is coming off of a legendary performance against the Calgary Flames and would also make a great backup.
Guys like center Cody Eakin and the elder statesmen at defensemen could also, if willing to take pay cuts, provide service on the lower lines and pairings. Perhaps it’s something Adams foresees or at least wants to experiment with as the season winds down.
And if that’s the case, he’s once again in the right. This article was by no means trying to criticize Adams. But instead, trying to make sense of his mentality following the trade deadline in both a positive and negative light. Time will decide whether Adams’ conservative strategy at the trade deadline pays off.