Everytime I look at the UFA list, I respond with some form of "YECH!!!". We have got to build with what we have and what we can get from the draft either directly or by packaging picks. This year, there is more scoring help available beyond the much-flaunted big three or four.

Surely with our in depth Swedish scouting we can find someone with the Nashville pick and / or our second rounders. This guy Zibenejad could end up to be the best two-way forward around, and he could be a better pick than Strome or  Scheifele if either of them last long enough to be available. I trust our Swedish scouting to figure that out.

I wouldn't think that Melnick will not be wanting any high priced UFAs on the payroll until some of our young'uns are ready to make us a contender. I still think we can build towards being a contender in two or three years if we play our cards right in the next couple of drafts.

I know I'm dreaming, but I am optimistic because we have the makings of a great defence and good goaltending. If collectively the management, players and fans believe it will take two or three years, it will.