Injury Report: 2016-17 Line Combinations, Roster & Injury Discussion ★

[Ajacied]

I've always hoped Oleksiak would amount into a decent stay at home defenseman and NHL regular. Hitch might be the best thing that's ever happened to him.

I've rather him than Johns if he is playing at this other level Hitch is talking about. He has a few intangibles no other blueliner has for us; huge size, intimidation and sheer strenght. Just hope Honka isn't a victim here.

 

[Ajacied]

Opening night roster might look like this according to pre-season thus far:

Benn - Seguin - Radulov
Janmark - Spezza - Ritchie
Hintz - Hanzal - Shore
Roussel - Faksa - Pitlick

Methot - Klingberg
Hamhuis - Honka
Lindell - Oleksiak

Wouldn't mind it one bit. I like the spread of wealth up front with four quality centermen. Third and fourh lines are interchangeable. That fourth line is going to be my favorite.

Trade Dickenson and Nemeth for 5th round picks.

 

[FirstRowUpperDeck]

Hitch mentioned three locks, and three D positions up for grabs.

I will guess Klingberg and Methot are locks for top 4.
Johns, Nemeth, Jamie O, Patyrn (almost certainly not locks)
That makes either Hamuis, Honka or Lindell the tweeners as already being in his top 4, and I think most fans would consider any of them not in at least top 6) to be a big surprise, no?

I could see DH being last pair, but wonder if they would be willing to waive him if he is having an average camp? Hitch usually likes vets. That said, I think most of us would prefer Honka up with the big club and Lindell also in top 4.

It will be interesting to see how the pairs shake out and i will be watching closely Monday night at the game for hints.

 

[Magic Mittens]

Opening night roster might look like this according to pre-season thus far:

Benn - Seguin - Radulov
Janmark - Spezza - Ritchie
Hintz - Hanzal - Shore
Roussel - Faksa - Pitlick

Methot - Klingberg
Hamhuis - Honka
Lindell - Oleksiak

Wouldn't mind it one bit. I like the spread of wealth up front with four quality centermen. Third and fourh lines are interchangeable. That fourth line is going to be my favorite.

Trade Dickenson and Nemeth for 5th round picks.

No reason to trade Dickinson. He can play in the AHL. He still has upside also

*First)

Today 09:11 AMFirstRowUpperDeckHitch mentioned three locks, and three D positions up for grabs.*

I will guess Klingberg and Methot are locks for top 4.*
Johns, Nemeth, Jamie O, Patyrn (almost certainly not locks)
That makes either Hamuis, Honka or Lindell the tweeners as already being in his top 4, and I think most fans would consider any of them not in at least top 6) to be a big surprise, no?

I could see DH being last pair, but wonder if they would be willing to waive him if he is having an average camp? Hitch usually likes vets. That said, I think most of us would prefer Honka up with the big club and Lindell also in top 4.

It will be interesting to see how the pairs shake out and i will be watching closely Monday night at the game for hints.

Lindell is one of the locks. Hitch really likes him and he played the most minutes in the first preseason game.

Hitch was also saying he wants his 3rd pairing Dmen to be specialists. One that can play on the PK, and the other on the PP. Wonder if that's DH and Honka

That would mean Oleksaik on the 2nd pair...

 

[Satan]

Oleksiak holy ****

 

[LT]

So, not sure what to think about this





Im guessing Oleksaik would take Johns spot, because it better not be Honkas. I guess if Hitch and Wilson can make something out of him then I'm fine with it

I wouldn't mind seeing Hintz make the team

Honka sounds like he's a definite starter.

Haven't heard much about Johns, so I would agree that Oleksiak could take Johns' spot.

 

[txomisc]

Honka sounds like he's a definite starter.

Haven't heard much about Johns, so I would agree that Oleksiak could take Johns' spot.

ive personally never considered it to be johns spot and never understood why people seemed to think he was a lock. Its funny reading several places people have different theories as to why hitch would praise Oleksiak as if they cant imagine a world in which he is actually more impressive than others.

 

[FirstRowUpperDeck]

Well, they did protect Johns while not protecting Oleksiak, which is a hint that they favored him at the time. Hitch was hired by then, so presumably he was in general agreement.

Of course, you need to prove it on the ice. Both players had a lot of ice time last night, with Johns getting slightly more. Lowest D ice time was Methot, which could just be Hitch knowing he is top line material. And quotes from Hitch last night:

I thought Johns was much improved and I thought Oleksiak on the right side was outstanding again," Hitchcock said.
"This is now 10 days of hockey for Jamie that he's played outstanding. If he continues at this pace he looks like a guy that can help." Hitchcock said. "I don't think you can win in the National Hockey League unless you can lock down your top four guys. It's got to be a given all the time. I think we look like we've got the potential to have four guys that can really play and then it gives us some real good flexibility."

Based on last night, looks like JO has made the top 4, with Hamuis and Johns being the third pair? (Burnsides take)

Just saw the highlight reel, and Methot left the game due to injury for a while, explaining his low ice time. Hintz pass to Hamuis for the goal was sweet. Rithie backhand shot/pass to Spezza pretty nice, too, even if Jake Allen should have gloved it.

 

[jballa95]

Don't be surprised if Johns and Oleksiak are battling for the top 4 right-side spot beside Lindell, and that the bottom pair is going to be Hamhuis and Honka as they are the "Specialists". I can't see Hitchcock utilizing only one elite puck mover in Klingberg.

At least, I hope this is the case.

 

[txomisc]

Well, they did protect Johns while not protecting Oleksiak, which is a hint that they favored him at the time. Hitch was hired by then, so presumably he was in general agreement.

Of course, you need to prove it on the ice. Both players had a lot of ice time last night, with Johns getting slightly more. Lowest D ice time was Methot, which could just be Hitch knowing he is top line material. And quotes from Hitch last night:

I thought Johns was much improved and I thought Oleksiak on the right side was outstanding again," Hitchcock said.
"This is now 10 days of hockey for Jamie that he's played outstanding. If he continues at this pace he looks like a guy that can help." Hitchcock said. "I don't think you can win in the National Hockey League unless you can lock down your top four guys. It's got to be a given all the time. I think we look like we've got the potential to have four guys that can really play and then it gives us some real good flexibility."

Based on last night, looks like JO has made the top 4, with Hamuis and Johns being the third pair? (Burnsides take)

Just saw the highlight reel, and Methot left the game due to injury for a while, explaining his low ice time. Hintz pass to Hamuis for the goal was sweet. Rithie backhand shot/pass to Spezza pretty nice, too, even if Jake Allen should have gloved it.

yeah hitch was around but i doubt he or his coaching staff had any time to work with anyone at that point. I think any involvement they had in that decision would have been very minor.

 

[FirstRowUpperDeck]

Honestly, I can't imagine Nill not consulting his new coach on protection lists. That said, it might have been more about who they thought they could slip through, and figured Johns would be a more likely pick. I had heard rumor from a supposed insider that Vegas really liked Johns, but that could have been management smoke screen, too.

Either way, it is what it is, and training camp is the place to step forward for any of the 9 D they have.

I still personally see Jamie O as our 7th guy, with more traditional of:

Methot - Klingberg
Hamhuis - Honka (Mentor Honka, could be third pair)
Lindell - Johns

Oleksiak

Of course, it could change. Probably will. But its a better alignment of a puck mover and stay at home type in each pair. I also got the impression from Heika that the Nemeth/Stars relationship is too fractured for him to stay. Agree we try to do what is best for him and trade him for a mid pick, whatever we can get. And, I am a Nemeth fan.

 

[Magic Mittens]

Honestly, I can't imagine Nill not consulting his new coach on protection lists. That said, it might have been more about who they thought they could slip through, and figured Johns would be a more likely pick. I had heard rumor from a supposed insider that Vegas really liked Johns, but that could have been management smoke screen, too.

Either way, it is what it is, and training camp is the place to step forward for any of the 9 D they have.

I still personally see Jamie O as our 7th guy, with more traditional of:

Methot - Klingberg
Hamhuis - Honka (Mentor Honka, could be third pair)
Lindell - Johns

Oleksiak

Of course, it could change. Probably will. But its a better alignment of a puck mover and stay at home type in each pair. I also got the impression from Heika that the Nemeth/Stars relationship is too fractured for him to stay. Agree we try to do what is best for him and trade him for a mid pick, whatever we can get. And, I am a Nemeth fan.

Shapiro had more stuff on Twitter with Oleksaik impressing Hitch. Atm our lines sound like

Benn - Seguin - Radulov
Janmark - Spezza - Ritchie
XXX - Hanzal - Shore
Rousell - Faksa - Pitlick

Hintz, Dickinson, Ellie, Cracknell, Umburger etc competing for that other spot

Methot - Klingberg
Lindell - Oleksaik
Hamhuis - Honka
Johns

 

[Satan]

I never saw Stephen Johns as a core piece of this team, but I really can't see this Jamie Oleksiak project going well.

 

[tofu]

I never saw Stephen Johns as a core piece of this team, but I really can't see this Jamie Oleksiak project going well.

Yeah, I agree with you. A promising training camp is worth something but I would feel better with Johns in that spot.

But I've never seen Johns do this.

 

[FirstRowUpperDeck]

Wrong Side of the Redline had an article about all the scouts at the last two Stars preseason games. He asked around and the consensus was our bottom six could all be filled with young guys, all of whom seem improved, like Shore, Pitlick, G Smith and Remie Elie (who one scout said he would put on his team)

Reactions on the D were mixed, with about half thinking Jamie O really doesn't impact a game like he should, seeing Johns improved, Pateryn as nearly mistake free and Nemeth as "safe, but no offense." Of course, they all love Honka.

Interesting counter point to Hitch falling in love with Jamie nearly from day one. I have to believe there was some outside influence in that one, as these half good reviews sort of jived with what I saw Mon and Tues - JO following forwards back to the net while goalies made saves.
I don't think they are enamored with GP, and would probably try to do right by Nemeth if they could trade him, rather than put him in the press box again.

Still think Honka up, JO switches out, sometimes for Hammer, etc.

 

[MBTendy]

Hitch has chose his top 6 D. Both Heika and Shapiro tweeted out their educational guess, and low and behold, no Honka. The 7th D is unknown, and so are the top 12 forwards.

Lindell-Klingberg
Methot-Oleksiak
Hamhius-Johns

 

[Morry83]

f***.

 

[Vesna]

sooooo baaaaaaaaaaaaad

 

[Hinterland]

What do you guys expect from Faksa compared to last season in terms of points and role on the team? Do you think Hitchcock likes him and will continue to play him on both PP and PK? There was a comment earlier that Hitchcock wanted to play Faksa alongside Hanzal but I don't think Faksa would be any good on the wing. Just a comment to troll the media? Hitchcock is known for refusing to reveal his lineup so I'd be surprised if that's what he's gonna do. What do you guys think?

 

[Troy McClure]

By the time Honka gets a full time shot in the NHL in 2021, he's going to have a pretty good case for having his jersey retired with the Texas Stars.

 

[MBTendy]

What do you guys expect from Faksa compared to last season in terms of points and role on the team? Do you think Hitchcock likes him and will continue to play him on both PP and PK? There was a comment earlier that Hitchcock wanted to play Faksa alongside Hanzal but I don't think Faksa would be any good on the wing. Just a comment to troll the media? Hitchcock is known for refusing to reveal his lineup so I'd be surprised if that's what he's gonna do. What do you guys think?

I can't recall if Faksa had PP time last year, but nevertheless I don't see him getting PP time this year. With that being said, he will be a big part of our PK once again this season, and should also be on the ice for those crucial defensive zone draws. If we're looking to hold onto a lead, Faksa will be there alongside Hanzal.

As for 5 on 5 play, he is most likely going to be centering his own line to start the season. Playing alongside Hanzal is a high possibility as well, and I'm sure it'll happen at some point during the year.

 

[Hinterland]

Thanks. Appreciate it. Like him as a player and I'm a fantasy owner thinking of potentially keeping him and Johns. Also have Hanzal who'll definitely be one of my keepers
Faksa did get 32 seconds PP time per game last season. Not much.
But in terms of points? Do you thinj he hit 40 points?

 

[MBTendy]

Thanks. Appreciate it. Like him as a player and I'm a fantasy owner thinking of potentially keeping him and Johns. Also have Hanzal who'll definitely be one of my keepers
Faksa did get 32 seconds PP time per game last season. Not much.
But in terms of points? Do you thinj he hit 40 points?

Not sure he'll hit 40 points, with Radu/Janmark/Hanzal in the lineup this season, I'd be surprised to see Faksa touch the ice during a PP. I even believe Pitlick would be ahead of him in the PP depth chart.

At the moment he's slatted to play with Pitlick and one of Smith/Cracknell/Mckenzie on the 4th line to start the season. I can see another 30-35 point season for him. 40 is a possibility though, I just wouldn't bet on it.

 

[Satan]

Gonna be hard to convince me to watch the season if this team decides to not ice its best players in Game #1.

 

[BrettHullsToe]

Thanks. Appreciate it. Like him as a player and I'm a fantasy owner thinking of potentially keeping him and Johns. Also have Hanzal who'll definitely be one of my keepers
Faksa did get 32 seconds PP time per game last season. Not much.
But in terms of points? Do you thinj he hit 40 points?

Faksa only got PP time because of the mass of injuries last season (6 of the top 9 were out at one point, as I recall).