Fun Thread - Making the NHL

[HFNHL Red Wings]

This is nothing more than a bragging thread for GM's to be honest.

Post which of your teams players, that still meet the HF definition of rookie, you think will play a meaningful number of games in the NHL this year.

For the Wings
Martin Hanzal (PHX) - he's looking to make the opening night roster the question is whether he'll stick and in what role

Curtis McIlhenney (CGY) - looks like he'll be the opening night backup but again it's a question of how many games he'll actually play behind Kipper. There's still the question of whether the Flames might resign McLennan to come back.

Mikhail Grabovski (MTL) - He's in a fight for the opening night roster but there's so much young talent coming up in Montreal (Go Habs!) I expect a regular rotation of guys from Hamilton to Montreal. I'll be pleased if he gets in 25+ pro games.

There's a few others that I think will see some time in the NHL but those are the main one's

Personal Note: It was very frustrating for me (as it was for many HF CGY posters) to see guys like Taratukhin have to leave Calagry for Europe since Flames management made it clear there would be little room for anyone to make the team. The HF posters were more optomistic than me wanting Taratukhin to play 2nd line C (3rd at worst) but earlier this summer I had him pencilled in to top this list.

Click to read more...

 

[spintheblackcircle]

Good thread idea!

Should break camp with the big club:

Kyle Brodziak-Edm (3rd line RW)
Robert Nilsson-Edm (2nd line RW)
Nicklas Bergfors-NJD (somewhere on top two lines)
Brandon Dubinsky-NYR (3rd line center)

Will see time with the big boys this year

Michael Funk-Buff
Clarke MacArthur-Buff (He still might make it to start the year....but perhaps not)
Tyler Kennedy-Pittsburgh
Steven Wagner- St Louis (still in camp, still may make it as the #6 d-man)

 

[MatthewFlames]

Good thread idea.. I was thinking of starting a similar one once final rosters were announced.

Here though are the Flames rookies still in camp.

Devin Setoguchi (SAN JOSE) - it's been an impressive pre-season and in the last few days seems to have steamed ahead of Bernier in the thoughts of Ron Wilson. He played on a line with Joe Thornton in Calgary on Tuesday - and if not for the heroics of Kipper would have had several goals. He didn't score in that game but has 5 pre-season goals, 2 last night against Luongo.

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=338465&page=NewsPage&service=page

Lukas Kaspar (SAN JOSE) - It's been a good camp for Kaspar and he's in the running for a spot on the 4th line even though he might be better suited to another year in the AHL to develop his offensive skills. He is only 21 and has 2 full years in the AHL. Another won't hurt.

Dmitri Patzold (SAN JOSE) - It is looking more and more like the battle to back-up Nabakov will go down the wire between Patzold and Greiss.

Steve Downie (PHILLY) - Anyone not know how he's doing? Ugh.

Artem Anisimov (NY RANGERS) - had a slow start to camp while recovering from his injuries sustained in the Super Series, but is growing into his role. Looks to start the season as the third line C.

Andrej Sekera (BUFFALO) - Injuries, Teppos bad heart and impressive performances in camp have put Sekera in position to grab the 6th or 7th D spot. Now that Mike Card has been sent down he looks a lock.

Matt Ellis (DETROIT) played well in his stint last year and seems to have a good shot at a 4th line role. He's big and physical, something the Wings lack.

Vadim Khomitski (DALLAS) is in tough in Dallas who have a lot of good young d-men but he has played well and has a one way contract.

Alexander Picard (PHILLY) is playing better than expected. Even though everyone thought he'd be spending more time in the minors he's making it tough on the coaches.

Ondrej Fiala (MINNI) is still in camp but not expected to make the team. His knee seems fine but he's struggling through a back injury.

Brandon Bochenski (BOS) is being tried out on the top line with Savard in pre-season.

Just sent down but did better than expected.

Patrik Berglund (ST LOUIS) was just returned to Europe even the STL wanted him in the AHL.

Lauri Korpikoski (NY RANGERS) played well but needs to work on his offensive game. There just wasn't a spot on the bottom two lines for the disciplined winger.

Flames recent draft picks who look good for a spot(but have been traded)

Anton Stralman in Toronto. Luc Bourdon in Vancouver.

Flames Free Agent Signings who are good for a spot (but have been recently traded)

Michael Ryan in Buffalo. Dan Girardi in NY. Brett Lebda in Detroit.

 

[Brock]

I think it's been a pretty disappointing NHL camp for a lot of Panthers prospects so far. I expected a lot of my prospects to break through into the NHL this year in more permanent roles, but that doesn't look like the case.

Bryan Little (ATL) - At least its starting to look good for one of the Panthers best prospects, as he's apparently really impressed coach Bob Hartley and scored 2 goals in preseason action last night. It's looking more and more like Little could start the year on one of the Thrashers top 2 lines.

Tom Gilbert (EDM) - After a nice showing in Edmonton to finish out last season, Gilbert is still in the mix for a roster spot this year. However, the Oilers have a lot of defenseman whom would need to clear waivers should they be sent down. Even though Gilbert has apparently been very good, he may be caught up in the numbers game.

Marc Methot (CBJ) - Has apparently been one of the Jackets best defenseman in camp, however similar to Gilbert, he may be caught in a numbers game where hes one of the few eligible to be sent down without having to pass through waivers.

Matt Foy (MIN) - Could be a make or break year or even camp for Foy. He's apparently on the bubble in the fight for the last forward spot, and if demoted he would need to pass through waivers.

Zach Stortini (EDM) - Another guy apparently on the bubble in Edmonton and with the emergence of some of their younger forwards (Cogliano and Gagner), Stortini may also be caught in a numbers game. However, he still remains the top candidate for a 13th forward spot.

Michael Ryan (BUF) - For now, it looks like he has locked up a spot on the Sabres 4th line, which is encouraging because if he would have been sent down, he would have had to pass through waivers and his NHL hopes dimmed. Hopefully he can stick.

Evan Mcgrath and Ryan Oulahen (DET) - Somehow, both of these guys are still alive in the fight for the final couple of forward spots on the Wings. Word is that both are being rewarded for strong play, but that they don't have much chance to make the team. Still pretty encouraging to see in a couple of prospects who have struggled with the adjustment to the pro game.

Disappointing Demotions:

Keith Yandle (PHX) - I expected Yandle to catch on with the Yotes this year, but apparently it was not to be. From reading reports, it was not because he played poorly, but just because others played better. If the Yotes suffer an injury to their defense, Yandle could be one of the first recalled however.

James Neal (DAL) - Even though it`s his first professional season, I kind of expected Neal to crack the Stars line up. From all accounts, he had a relatively strong camp, but the Stars felt he needed to start the year in the A. If he performs well, he could probably see a handful of NHL games.

Geoff Platt (CBJ) - This one hurt. I really expected Platt to take over a scoring centerman spot and to start putting up some numbers in Columbus, especially after finishing out last year so well playing with Nash. But he was outplayed by fellow and more heralded prospects Gilbert Brule and Derrick Brassard, which leads me to believe that Platt`s future in the NHL lies with another NHL team.

Matt Moulson (LAK) - I`m not really sure why this guy doesn`t get more support. He was a star in college for Cornell, came to the A last year and lead his team in scoring, and then apparently was excellent in camp, yet the Kings cut him, and Kings fans talk about him like hes an afterthought and has no future in the NHL. And even though he lead the Monarchs in scoring last year, he was just about the only forward that didn`t get recalled to LA for an audition. It`s frustrating to watch his situation unfold.

Pavel Valentenko (MON) - From all reports I was reading, he was having an outstanding camp and was expected to be one of the frontrunners for a defensive spot. But then he got demoted pretty early. Perhaps the Habs management just want him to get more experience in the AHL.

Patrick Kaleta (BUF) - After coming on strong at the end of last year, I expected him to grab a spot on the Sabres 4th line, causing hell. But he was recently demoted because the Sabres want him to work on his offensive game more. Perhaps this isn`t the worst thing to happen.

 

[kasper11]

Good thread idea!

Should break camp with the big club:

Kyle Brodziak-Edm (3rd line RW)
Robert Nilsson-Edm (2nd line RW)
Nicklas Bergfors-NJD (somewhere on top two lines)
Brandon Dubinsky-NYR (3rd line center)

Will see time with the big boys this year

Michael Funk-Buff
Clarke MacArthur-Buff (He still might make it to start the year....but perhaps not)
Tyler Kennedy-Pittsburgh
Steven Wagner- St Louis (still in camp, still may make it as the #6 d-man)

Hate to break it to you...Bergfors was sent down. Should be back at some point htough.

 

[spintheblackcircle]

Hate to break it to you...Bergfors was sent down. Should be back at some point htough.

Well, he was sent down because the Devs can't put two guys on IR right now. Bergfors is one of the guys that can't be claimed, so they sent him down. Bergfors will be up and playing within the first week and on the top two lines.

 

[kasper11]

For the Devils:

Probably in:
Patrick O'Sullivan: Should see lots of ice time, 2nd/3rd line.
Brett Sterling: Looks like he will get a shot with Kovalchuk/White. I REALLY hope that lasts for the entire season.

Possibly in:
Matt Smaby: #6/7 dman in TB
Maxim Lapierre: Spent half of last season with the big club, but rumors are he hasn't had the best preseason. (And by rumors I mean the Montreal board)

Should see time:
Alexandre Picard: Boy, training camp injuries kinda suck when you are trying to make the team
Jordan Lavallee: Still in camp, should at least see time if injuries hit on a 4th line/energy role.

Could see time:
Adam Pardy: Still with the club, fighting for a reserve role, could be an injury replacement on the blueline.
Brandon Prust: Saw 10 games last year, currently injured.
Curtis Glencross: Still in camp, along with everyone else in their system, but has gotten some action in the preseason.

 

[Brock]

Adam Pardy: Still with the club, fighting for a reserve role, could be an injury replacement on the blueline.

At least he made the highlight reel last night by getting undressed by Alex Hemsky

 

[HFNHL Canadiens]

For the Canadiens, the following prospects are still with there respective teams camps.

Dan Girardi - lock
David Clarkson - likely
Anton Stralman - has been impressive, if he doesn't make the team, he will amongst the 1st to be called up
Tim Brent - he will likely be cut, however may recieve occasional call up
David Booth - lock
Ilya Zubov - likley cut, will recieve the occasional call up
Ryan O'Byrne - likely cut, will be called up frequently
Ondrej Pavelec - he may suprise due to Lehtonen's groin flaring up again.
Eric Fehr - very likely
MA Pouliot - lock
David Perron - will likely get sent back to juniors

UPDATE: Brent and Pavelec just got cut

 

[PasiK]

Kyle Chipchura, I think he beat Grabovsky in the end and took 3rd line defensive center role in the Montreal.

Johnny Boychuk, I think he is still hanging around in the avalanche camp.. probably 7th defenseman role is his

 

[Ville Isopaa]

Anaheim:
Bobby Ryan: Looks like he'll be starting the season on a line with Getzlaf and Bertuzzi. Calder trophy candidate

Buffalo:
Mark Mancari: Is in the battle for a 4th line spot, but will most likely start the season in AHL and get called up during the season.

Colorado:
Jeff Jillson: Fighting Sauer, Cuminsky, Boychuk, Finger and Purinton for the final two spots on the Colorado defense.

Columbus:
Kris Russell: Will be the no.1 PPQB in Columbus and log a lot of icetime. Calder trophy candidate

Dallas:
Krys Barch: Looking to take over Barnaby's old role as the tough guy in the Stars lineup.

Detroit:
Valtteri Filppula: Will start as the 3rd line center on a line with Cleary and Draper. If Zeta and Datsyuk are put on the same line, Filppula will center the 2nd line.
Matias Ritola: Has worked his ass off in camp, but will start in the AHL. Possible callups if injuries amount.

New Jersey:
Nick Palmieri: Was among the last players cut by the devils. From the talks of the Devils brass, Palmieri has a very good chance to make the team next year if he keeps up his play.

Islanders:
Sean Bergenheim: Will most likely start out on the 3rd or 4th line, but could end up as high as the top line by the end of the year.
Blake Comeau: Is making it hard for the coaches to send him down. Will however probably start in the AHL and be the first forward to be called up.

Ottawa:
Nick Foligno: Will make the team. Especially now since McAmmond is out.
Brian Lee: Has been impressive, but could use some time in the AHL to polish his game and get as much icetime as possible.

Philadelphia:
Ryan Parent: Has looked good, but might need some more time in the AHL. Has an outside chance to make the team.

Tampa Bay:
Mike Lundin: Is in the battle for the last two spot in Tampa with Smaby, Janik and Lampman. 2nd comming of Paul Ranger?

Vancouver:
Mason Raymond: Is one of the candidates for the other winger on the 2nd line. He's in a battle with Shannon and Isbister.
Rick Rypien: Outside shot of a 4th line/13th forward spot. Will most likely play in AHL and get a few callups.

Washington:
Niklas Bäckström: Will play in the top 6 on a line with two of Nylander, Ovechkin, Kozlov, Semin and Clark. Calder trophy candidate

 

[Ohio Jones]

Not a lot going on this year for Columbus, after graduating Dustin Penner, Steve Bernier (may actually lose his spot this season), Peter Budaj and Mike Smith (and Lukas Krajicek retroactively via Buffalo) last season.

Far from bragging, therefore, this is just a status update on several Jackets prospects (and suspects).

• Mike Sauer was impressive in the Rangers’ camp and preseason, and stands a good chance of being back up for a few games this season. He should stick for 08/09.
  
• Either Trevor Smith or Jeremy Colliton could receive call-up time with the Islanders this season, but will start the year with Bridgeport.
  
• Ryan Potulny has been a bit sluggish coming back from an ankle injury, but his smart play and good hands should mean he’s in the Flyers’ opening night line-up, particularly with Joffrey Lupul and Scottie Upshall out for undisclosed periods.
  
• Pittsburgh free agent signing Jon Curry was sent down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton without getting any pre-season minutes, but he’ll be competing for time with the baby Pens in the hopes of challenging for the backup role to MA Fleury next season.
  
• The Leafs were disappointed not to see Nikolai Kulemin in prospect camp, but he’ll be coming over and looking to stick in 2008/09.
  
• Injuries to Jere Lehtinen, Mike Ribeiro and Antti Mietinen mean Chris Conner could get a chance to start with Dallas – according to Head Coach Dave Tippet, Conner “hasn’t hurt himself†with his efforts so far. No such luck for Marty Sertich and Konstantin Pushkarev, however – the two were assigned to Iowa earlier this week.
  
• Igor Grigorenko is still in the mix for the final forward spot with Detroit, and in any event will stay up long enough to engage his contract provision, ensuring he stays in North America. If he gets sent down, he’ll improve his conditioning and start adjusting to the North America game in the AHL, and can expect another opportunity to prove himself later in the season.
  
• Brian Boyle looked solid in the Kings’ camp and pre-season, and was among their final cuts before traveling to the UK for the regular season opener. He received looks both at center and defence – it looks like his future playing position remains up in the air, but either way he’s a strong candidate for call-up duty later in the season.
  
• Morten Madsen impressed in the Wild camp, but has been assigned to Houston of the AHL for his first pro experience.
  
• Alex Leavitt was assigned to San Antonio by the Coyotes.

 

[HFNHL Canadiens]

Anaheim:
Bobby Ryan: Looks like he'll be starting the season on a line with Getzlaf and Bertuzzi. Calder trophy candidate

Buffalo:
Mark Mancari: Is in the battle for a 4th line spot, but will most likely start the season in AHL and get called up during the season.

Colorado:
Jeff Jillson: Fighting Sauer, Cuminsky, Boychuk, Finger and Purinton for the final two spots on the Colorado defense.

Columbus:
Kris Russell: Will be the no.1 PPQB in Columbus and log a lot of icetime. Calder trophy candidate

Dallas:
Krys Barch: Looking to take over Barnaby's old role as the tough guy in the Stars lineup.

Detroit:
Valtteri Filppula: Will start as the 3rd line center on a line with Cleary and Draper. If Zeta and Datsyuk are put on the same line, Filppula will center the 2nd line.
Matias Ritola: Has worked his ass off in camp, but will start in the AHL. Possible callups if injuries amount.

Islanders:
Sean Bergenheim: Will most likely start out on the 3rd or 4th line, but could end up as high as the top line by the end of the year.
Blake Comeau: Is making it hard for the coaches to send him down. Will however probably start in the AHL and be the first forward to be called up.

Ottawa:
Nick Foligno: Will make the team. Especially now since McAmmond is out.
Brian Lee: Has been impressive, but could use some time in the AHL to polish his game and get as much icetime as possible.

Philadelphia:
Ryan Parent: Has looked good, but might need some more time in the AHL. Has an outside chance to make the team.

Tampa Bay:
Mike Lundin: Is in the battle for the last two spot in Tampa with Smaby, Janik and Lampman. 2nd comming of Paul Ranger?

Vancouver:
Mason Raymond: Is one of the candidates for the other winger on the 2nd line. He's in a battle with Shannon and Isbister.
Rick Rypien: Outside shot of a 4th line/13th forward spot. Will most likely play in AHL and get a few callups.

Washington:
Niklas Bäckström: Will play in the top 6 on a line with two of Nylander, Ovechkin, Kozlov, Semin and Clark. Calder trophy candidate

Jillison was cut yesterday...

 

[Hossa]

Canucks

Drew Stafford - Technically still a prospect by HF standards, but not eligible for the Calder.

David Krejci - Will likely be the third line center for Boston.

Ryan Callahan - Will be a third line player for the Rangers.

Nigel Dawes - Broke camp last year, could this year again, though a spot as a top 6 forward is highly unlikely.

Andy Greene - Will play a key role for the Devils, perhaps QBing their PP this year.

Noah Welch - Should stick as a third pairing guy for the Panthers.

Kris Letang - Should stick with the Penguins in a role somewhere between Greene and Welch.

Kyle Quincey - Should stick as the 7th d-man in Detroit, though his status as waiver-exempt could hurt him vs. Derek Meech.

Carey Price - If Bob Gainey has his way, will be the back-up in Montreal.


Overall - Dawes, Quincey and Price are not for the sure, the others are almost definitely locks though.

 

[Dr.Sens(e)]

Blues

Probably in:
Daniel Paille: Energy winger for the Sabres should be full time this season.
Andrew Cogliano: Not expected to make it at first, but has been the revelation of Oilers camp. May not stick, but will get a look to start the season it looks like.

Possibly in:
Dustin Byfuglien: Fighting for the 6th spot with the Hawks.
Josh Gorges: Fighting for the 6th spot with the Habs.
Alvaro Montoya: Combine his cap hit and the Rangers interest in seeing him get games in, and he might get sent down, despite earning the back-up spot.
Jared Boll: Right out of junior, he is surprisingly earning the muscle roll with the Jackets on their 4th line.

Should see time:
David Bolland: Injury early in camp meant he couldn't earn a spot, but should be a call-up in short order.
Adam Pineault: A great rookie and pro camp, but will still start in the A.
Oskars Bartulis: The Flyers are deep in young blueliners, but he has impressed in his first pro camp.
Logan Stephenson: Solid defensive blueliner is likely another year away, but will get a call-up or two.
Danny Syvret: Saw time last year, but the Oilers are deeper this year on the blueline.

Also, depth veterans such as Gamache, Ling, Baumgartner, Pollock, Trudel, Kolanos and Werner could float between the AHL and NHL all season.

 

[Dempsey]

For the Kings:

Patrick Kane - Looks like he'll get the 10-game look at the very least, and get good minutes for the audition. Most think he'll stick and play a top-six roll with the Hawks.

Derrick Brassard - Brassard and fellow LA King Gilbert Brule are looking to stick on a scoring line in Columbus this year in the NHL. It's likely top minutes or the AHL for Brassard, but at the very least he'll get a crack at it at some point in the NHL this season.

Jack Skille - Was expected to get sent down and probably still will, in this, his first pro season. Will most likely get a call-up or two depending on how it goes in the AHL for Norfolk.

Troy Brouwer - Another Blackhawk, Brouwer will no doubt get some more time in the NHL this season. Perhaps in a larger role than last year, but he once again starts the season on the farm.

Josh Hennessy - Many expected him to be a very good bet for the fourth line centre spot in Ottawa. It looks like he doesn't have that spot just yet, but should continue to climb the depth chart this year towards becoming an NHLer.

Kyle Cumiskey - May start the season in Colorado after many figured he'd be on the farm. Has been impressive in camp and preseason, but the numbers game may catch up. More time in the minors would do him good anyways since he still doesn't turn 21 until December.

Other notables: Kari Ramo, battling for a backup spot in Tampa Bay. Jussi Timonen, got some games in last year and should again this year on the blueline for Philly. Peter Harrold looks to follow up on a successful rookie season. Jeremy Williams, will be sent to the Marlies but should get more games this year in the big show.

Overall, a couple of players could step up and become top-six forwards this year in the NHL.

 

[Fan.At]

Predators

C Rod Pelley - Recently cut, but should be the first call-up if injuries strike in New Jersey

G Thomas Greiss - Still battling for the backup job behind Nabokov in San Jose

D Mark Fraser - Was sent to the AHL, but should get a few NHL games, more than last season

D Braydon Coburn - Finally a full-time NHLer

D Erik Johnson - Seems to be a 2nd pair defenseman right from the start of his pro-career

Others who did well in their NHL camps: Kris Chucko, Dustin Jeffrey, Tomas Kudelka, John Negrin

 

[MatthewFlames]

Ondrej Fiala (MINNI) is still in camp but not expected to make the team. His knee seems fine but he's struggling through a back injury.

Mr. Fiala has now been returned to junior. It will be interesting to see if he reports or goes back to Europe. It's a shame he didn't get his pro career started but he's missed so much time in the last two years because of injury that maybe a year of dominating in junior is a good thing. I really loved this guy in his draft year - I get to see most WHL players pass through Calgary - hopefully he can get his career on track after those knee surgeries.

 

[Default101]

Jiri Tlusty - Tlusty is still at camp and has enjoyed time with his new linemates of recent - Mats Sundin and Jason Blake, Tlusty looks poised to make the final cuts and will play his final preseason game in Detroit.

Carsen Germyn - Remains on the Coyotes prospects list, but is on his way to making the final cuts in Calgary's camp.

Jeff Schultz - Big 6'6" Schultz remains in camp with the Capitals, he has top 2 defenceman potential, and could be talking contract soon with the Coyotes depending on how the defenceman situation progresses since the Coyotes already have 10 defencemen under contract capable of playing in the HFNHL this season.

Steve Mason - The 19 year old goaltender, who was acquired in the 2nd round of this June's draft is still in camp and awaiting the final cuts, could this teenage goaltender be one of the few in recent history of the league to occupy an NHL spot? bernier did it this year with LA, can Steve do it in Columbus?

David LeNeveu - Was a victim of the numbers game in phoenix, and was sent down, his attitude is a problem, but his athleticism and abilities are first rate should be a huge year for LeNeveu one way or the other, impossible to predict.

Anthony Stewart - Has looked solid in camp, scored a goal in one of his last pre-season game vs. Chicago, had a good shot of making the final cuts, but was one of the final 2 forwards sent down.

Ryan Munce - Munce who's name was lost for awhile, was part of the final cuts by the Tampa Bay Lightning

Sebastien Bisallion - Played hard in camp and was part of the second last cuts in Oilers camp.

 

[Ville Isopaa]

Anaheim:
Bobby Ryan: Looks like he'll be starting the season on a line with Getzlaf and Bertuzzi. Calder trophy candidate

Scored a goal in the opening game. Leads all rookies in goals and points and is leading the Calder trophy race.

ps. I know Bernier is a rookie, but how often does a goalie really win the Calder? Especially if the team he's on doesn't make the playoffs?

 

[mckly]

looks like Ryan has finally stepped his game up to the next level!

 

[Dryden]

speaking of Bernier

The Hawks have:

Jonathan Bernier: The new #1 atleast for 9 games for the L.A. Kings. Played 4 games and was sent back to Juniors

Sam Gagner: earned himself a 9 game tryout as well. May play on the top line with Penner and Hemsky. Has continued to play in the NHL past the 9 games, playing in all but 1 of his teams games. Has 2 Goals and 9 Points while averaging 14:02 minutes of playing time.

Mike Green (D): Top 6 defenseman. Offensive minded D and PP specialist. Playing top 6 minutes averaging 17:57. Has scored 5 Goals and 9 points in 23 games in 07-08.

Matt Niskanen: In a surprise move has made the Stars as a 20 year old. Logging top 6 minutes and has proven that he is worthy of playing with the big club. Has 1 Goal and 6 Points and is a +4 in his first 22 NHL games.

Guys who should see time at some point in the year due to call ups/ injuries:

Dustin Boyd, Gerald Coleman (emergency goalie in London games), Matt D'Agostini, Alexandre Giroux, Nathan Oystrick, and Yan Stastny

 

[Wildman]

Most Likely:

Jeff Tambellini : should be able to crack New York Islanders line up after playing few games with the team last season.

Josh Harding: Have been assigned a back up role with the Minnesota Wild but I believe that he will be number one goalie by the end of the season.

Cory Murphy: A power play specialist and an over age defenceman whom I signed as a free agent before the end of last season.


Probably:

Marc Staal: Has been quite impresive so far and the next two days will decide his faith.


Question MarK:

Ryan Stone: Still hanging in with the Pittsburg Penguins for 4th line duties.


First Call Up: Matt Lashoff : coudn't crack Bruins line up this time around but after some seasoning could be called up for good.

 

[MatthewFlames]

Devin Setoguchi (SAN JOSE)
Lukas Kaspar (SAN JOSE)
Dmitri Patzold (SAN JOSE)
Steve Downie (PHILLY)

Seto & Patzold make the Sharks opening day roster. Kaspar is sent down. Downie is sent down by Philly & has his 20 game suspension (which could turn out to be 40 games if he gets 20 in the AHL and then another 20 when he gets called up the the NHL.)

 

[Vaive-Alive]

Bruins Lads

Beantown, AP:

The Bruins might be looking to sign the following players this year:

Loui Eriksson, Thomas Fleicshmann, and Bobby Allen.

Other rookies with a chance will be denied until next year. A bottle of 12 year old lowland malt is on their way.

Moogooguypan ( as they say in Sri Lanka ),

Bobby Orr
Boston Globe