I was reading the "One trade equals four cups" thread out loud to Mrs.Playinoff, saying that Butch Goring was the final piece that the Isles needed to win the 4 cups.

Then she said, regarding today's Isles, "So who is our first piece?"

So the question is: Is there anyone on today's Isles to build a new team around?

I love Park's spirit, but is that enough? Anyone have an opinion on this?

You forget to mention the most obvious choice: DiPietro

MMingE.... you're absolutely right, but I was considering DP as a given. (Which brings up the question if there's ever been a goalie/captain on an NHL team)?

But I'm referring to another core player (or players) who would be important to retain as a nucleus of a new team.

In rebuilding a team, would it make sense to keep certain players or wipe the slate clean entirely?

I think Park plays his heart out no matter what and would thrive and contribute in any situation. And Sillinger (who could/should have been captain) has so much character. But beyond that, even amongst the players who I really like and do contribute, I can't see anyone essential if the team rebuilds.

Am I mistaken?

Hunter
He's having a terrible year points-wise but he's irreplaceable as a flea getting the puck loose and moving it along the boards.
He's the kind of guy that will fill in the depth position perfectly, especially when he starts hitting net.
Don't forget that no team can win the Cup with a solid first line and nothing else.

I like Hunter, but his +/- is atrocious, his skating is limited, and he's going to get older and more expensive real soon. So I'd try to resign him, but he's no pillar for the next Cup run.

Truth is, we have no-one out from the goal, with the possible exception of Camps and Gervais. Hardly franchise players, but I would not deal either of them anytime soon. Also Blake Comeau. Actually, Comeau's got a shot to contribute when we're done rebuilding, 4-5 years from now (assuming we start today!)

Yeah I'd proabably go with our D, excluding MAB and Berard but maybe Witt, Sutton, Martinek, Campoli and Gervais. It's not spectacular but it could be solid

So what we're getting at is that, if there's even a partial sweep, most of our current forwards, save Park, Comeau, and perhaps Hunter, are expendable?

I think that's right. It's not only a function of production, but one of age. When a rebuilt team matures, you'll want 22-25 year old players at key positions. Our 36-37 year old captain, our ancient Slovakian sniper, and numerous others will be retired by then.

Only caveat here is something I learned in the '90s, which Bill Torrey knew in '75---you gotta have some supporting veterans to show the new guys the ropes. Guys with character who are clearly getting ready for their next gig beyond hockey, but have something left to share. Guys like Sillinger fit into this mold very well, but he doesn't have too many young players available to tutor on our current roster.

Witt also fits into that mode, too. I love what Witt brings tot ht team and I think he was a great signing.

In terms of players to build around:

Witt - Sillinger - Guerin - DP - Park - Martinek - Campoli or Gervais (use the other as trade bait) - Comeau - Bergenheim - Hunter

That's a tough one... Campoli OR Gervais! What to do?

Gervais is so dependable and has played almost flawlessly. Campoli makes poor decisions now and then, but has the right stuff and tons of potential. Both might qualify as veteran players by the time the rebuilding would be gelling.

You sure about Guerin? Always liked him, but......

YEAH SHOW THEM THE ROPES