A few comments
I really like the idea of keeping certain guys together. One such combo is Hudler/Stajan, neither are "fast" and they played really well together last season, part of that IMO is because they play the game at the same speed. Baertschi/Backlund is another pairing I would like to see together as when they were together they did seem to click.
I just tried to balance the lines as much as possible. The reason for Hudler being on the top line was to give Cammalleri a legitimate playmaking option and to add some much needed creativity in the offensive zone. Glenross simply compliments any line he is thrown on and his defensive awareness and grit would be a good fit for the two undersized skill players.
I also agree on Baertschi and Backlund being kept together. They complement each other very nicely, and I think that the big body and good skating ability of David Jones would help them transition the puck up the ice at a more consistent rate then it would with a player of Hudler's playstyle for example.
I am also not against the idea of Cammalleri at centre again this year because he did play admirable in that role last year. However I do like the idea of giving Knight (and maybe even Monahan) a chance on the 3rd line to see how they perform because after all that is going to be apart of developing them properly during the rebuild. I also like the idea of the kids being paired with defensively responsible veterans if they are playing in the top 9, so I would really like to see Glencross & Stempniak flanking them.
I completely agree, and I think that time will definitely come over the course of the season. Injuries and potential trades are bound to happen, and spots will definitely open up that will give these kids larger opportunities as the season wears on. If Monahan comes into camp and earns a top nine spot then I have no problem giving him the ball and letting him run with it either.
I agree with this except I would flip-flop the top 2 pairings. Giordano has proven to be more effective in a shut down role that Wideman. I am also not sure Breen beats Cundari, but it will be a battle between them.
Yeah, I don't really like numbering our defensive units as we really don't have a "top pairing" so to speak. Both pairings will get heavy minutes in all situations regardless.
Younger AHL rookies rarely get first line minutes unless they are elite talents, and Granlund is not that. I am also not sure I would move him out of being a centerman just yet either. I think Hanowski due to his age, hands and hockey IQ will slip into a top 6 role. You also left out Ryan Howse who will earn a top 9 role before Ferland IMO. I am also not sold on Jones being with the Flames franchise come camp
I was going for a more balanced approach with what we have to work with on the farm. I think Granlund can slot in and compliment a player like Street due to the fact that he has played in professional hockey for two seasons now. As far as him playing on the left side, the reason for me doing so is that I don't personally project him as a center at the NHL level, and think he would really struggle with the defensive responsibilities in Troy Ward's system.
As far as Ryan Howse vs Michael Ferland? Well I guess that comes down to which player committed themselves more to becoming a full time professional player over the summer time. I think Ferland's size and physicality will win him the spot, but I suppose both could make the team.
If Cundari & Smith are both sent down it will be huge for the Heat as the blueline is the biggest question mark, but I would expect Ramage to play a bigger role because of his age and experience. I can actually see him on the top pairing with either Cundari or Billins. Also Drew MacKenzie has an AHL contract for this coming season, and he is much better than Martin who at this point in time is just playing out the final year of his contract IMO.
Ramage can definitely slot in anywhere in the lineup and the fact that he is a RHD definitely helps as well. I forgot Mackenzie had an AHL contract and would agree that he slots ahead of Martin at this point. I would also like to see Brady Lamb get an AHL deal for another year to help round out that defensive unit.
's can't express my disgust for any line-up with Stajan or Stempniak on the top line. Ugh.. nauseating.
