Flavin Media

We started the season struggling but are beginning to find stable ground under new head coach Joe Sacco, who has embraced philosophies that better fit this team. Defensive accountability and shot volume are great starting points with this roster. Now, let’s consider what GM Don Sweeney must be thinking as he tries to properly complement the team for a playoff run:

Marchand/Lindholm, Pastrnak/Zacha, Coyle/Frederic are dynamic combos:
These players fit the system well and show increasing synergy with their linemates, so maintaining these combos will be a priority. However, Frederic is the most notable, as he’s likely on his way out—expect some give and take there.

Fourth line of Koepke–Beecher–Kastelic/McLaughlin is good enough:
This fourth line has been generally solid throughout the season, even through the early-season drought. It’s reassuring to have lines you don’t need to address.

Poitras/Lohrei as potential trade pieces:
With Poitras heating up in Providence, Sweeney might be wondering if now is the time to sell high on a player whose physique might not suit playoff success. Also, with Oesterle playing decently and Lindholm returning soon, trading these two could open the door to acquiring a bigger name than fans might expect.

Sweeney must be ramping up his thinking for the rest of the season, and with the current play, there are available avenues to improve.