Larcos_Unal
Excuses are for losers
I have a feeling that once Ashton gets one to go in, even if its a flukey bounce, it'll give him confidence...he should be good for 10-15 goals this year.
I actually think he's fairly underrated. When you have a shooting percentage of 0% on 45 shots, I think you're bound to get some breaks go your way eventually. I can recall at least 4 or 5 instances where he was completely robbed of a goal.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...d-free-agents-holland-ashton/article19636617/
Neither one of these guys are 4th line players. Both are big strong young players who skate well and if used right could produce well in the top nine.
How do waivers work? Could either Ashton or Holland be sent down before the season starts without clearing waivers?
I just don't see room for both players in the lineup. And not sure being healthy scratches helps either.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...d-free-agents-holland-ashton/article19636617/
Neither one of these guys are 4th line players. Both are big strong young players who skate well and if used right could produce well in the top nine.
Do you think they bring in a 29 year old Kontiola not to play him? I think he's got a spot to lose and if he can't play here they'll just let him go. Same with Frattin as he has a spot to lose. I also think Bodie will be tough to knock out of a spot. He really earned it last season.
If Ashton could ever replicate his AHL capabilities in the NHL then he's got the best opportunity to be in the lineup I would think.
Looks like it won't be the traditional 4th line this year though. More minutes, expected to play a good two way game. Almost like two third lines, dependable, with some sandpaper. Holland could develop into a second line centre. Ashton could develop into a player that moves up and down the lineup if he translates those AHL goals to NHL goals? This will be a big year for both. They need to first show consistency, defensive awareness, dependable minutes, flashes of offense with a few goals and they will climb the roster when others falter. Then it's up to them to up their game.
Ashton certainly as you've correctly pointed out is certainly not a front runner for a regular spot.
Because he needs to clear waivers, he enters camp holding down a pressbox spot among the reserves.
So he should be highly motivated to force the coaching staff, to put someone else in the box instead of him.