Line Combos: 2018-19 Roster Thread - Perry who?

[Trojans86]

I've missed a few games but from what I see Steel Terry and Comtois are already better than Ritchie with significantly more upside and Sherwood is a much better 4th line type and pker that plays with great energy. Id love to give him one last shot and if he cant get the feet going then move him out. The rookies all look NHL ready. As long as they have talent on their lines I see nothing wrong with playing them in the NHL this year unless you are managing for the expansion draft. However we can always move guys at the trade deadline if we arent in the playoffs or just move people in general to protect the right players.

 

[Duck Off]

I've missed a few games but from what I see Steel Terry and Comtois are already better than Ritchie with significantly more upside and Sherwood is a much better 4th line type and pker that plays with great energy. Id love to give him one last shot and if he cant get the feet going then move him out. The rookies all look NHL ready. As long as they have talent on their lines I see nothing wrong with playing them in the NHL this year unless you are managing for the expansion draft. However we can always move guys at the trade deadline if we arent in the playoffs or just move people in general to protect the right players.

I strongly disagree with this statement. That may be debatable based on what you mean when you say "NHL ready". To me "NHL ready" means they can no longer benefit from playing at lower levels, and I disagree with very much. Many of these kids are here because of lack of options, not because they made it IMO. I absolutely do not believe Terry is NHL ready. I personally think he and Steel could benefit from some time in SD. Comotois is a tough one. Offensively, he's NHL ready, but he looks like he needs work away from/without the puck IMO. I think the tendency should always be to send them down if they can use more time. Some of these guys could work in a more sheltered role, but we don't have the room for all of these kids to play in sheltered roles. It's too early to determine which need more time, which are ready now. We need a few more games before making that call. I just disagree entirely with the statement that all are NHL ready. One of the things that's often overlooked is the toll the long, NHL season has on players. These kids likely won't look the same in 2-3 months. Regardless it's nice having some promising young forwards.

 

[Elvs]

Steel is growing on me for every game. "Smooth operator" is a term that comes to mind. Lundestrom reminds me of a young Getzlaf, or a young Patrik Berglund but hopefully his development doesn't stop there.

Either way, with the veterans coming back from injuries I don't see a place for all these kids staying. I don't like the idea of putting them on the 4th line, when they can build their offence and confidence playing top line minutes and top PP minutes in San Diego.

But with Perry being out most of the season and Eaves, Kesler and to a lesser extent Getzlaf being so injury prone I think we will see a couple of the kids play most of the games with the big club. I seriously doubt we're ever gonna see our full regular lineup this season, so it's difficult to speculate what our line combos should really look like.

 

[Trojans86]

I strongly disagree with this statement. That may be debatable based on what you mean when you say "NHL ready". To me "NHL ready" means they can no longer benefit from playing at lower levels, and I disagree with very much. Many of these kids are here because of lack of options, not because they made it IMO. I absolutely do not believe Terry is NHL ready. I personally think he and Steel could benefit from some time in SD. Comotois is a tough one. Offensively, he's NHL ready, but he looks like he needs work away from/without the puck IMO. I think the tendency should always be to send them down if they can use more time. Some of these guys could work in a more sheltered role, but we don't have the room for all of these kids to play in sheltered roles. It's too early to determine which need more time, which are ready now. We need a few more games before making that call. I just disagree entirely with the statement that all are NHL ready. One of the things that's often overlooked is the toll the long, NHL season has on players. These kids likely won't look the same in 2-3 months. Regardless it's nice having some promising young forwards.

Just to clarify, when I say NHL ready I'm saying they are good enough to play in the NHL, not that the NHL is their best spot for development. It is really tough to say where each guy would develop best and probably varies from player to player. Scoring a million points in juniors for Comtois may help his confidence but wont help him adapt to the speed of the game. Steel and Terry both appear to have the skill and confidence to play in the NHL and in my opinion need to adapt to the NHL speed and physicality. They created tons of chances last night. As long as they are on a skilled line that can create chances I'm okay with them in the NHL.

 

[AngelDuck]

It’s nice to have young legs in there. We needed it so badly last year.

As long as they are playing 12-18 minutes and are getting to play with guys who are talented and creative, it won’t hurt their development.

 

[alcolol]

Since potential lineup combinations seems to be the flavor of the hour in the Detroit GDT, I figured I'd post a relevant thought here..

Henrique's faceoff ability is severely lacking at 40% through three games. Devils' fans claimed Henrique often looked best while playing left wing. Once Kesler returns, and assuming neither GMBM nor Carlyle want to assign Steel to the AHL, I'd be interested in seeing him as left wing alongside Steel and Kase. This preserves the Terry tryout with Getzlaf and Rakell, the Silfverberg and Kesler chemistry but with an added scoring threat, gives Steel two capable wingers, relegates Cogliano to a lineup befitting his skill-set and allows Eaves to be eased into the lineup.

Rakell - Getzlaf - Terry
Comtois - Kesler - Silfverberg
Henrique - Steel - Kase
Cogliano - Rowney - Sherwood/Eaves

On a side note, I'd wager the Lindholm-Montour and Fowler-Manson pairings is the result of Wilford's promotion to assistant coach.

 

[Duck Off]

Just to clarify, when I say NHL ready I'm saying they are good enough to play in the NHL, not that the NHL is their best spot for development. It is really tough to say where each guy would develop best and probably varies from player to player. Scoring a million points in juniors for Comtois may help his confidence but wont help him adapt to the speed of the game. Steel and Terry both appear to have the skill and confidence to play in the NHL and in my opinion need to adapt to the NHL speed and physicality. They created tons of chances last night. As long as they are on a skilled line that can create chances I'm okay with them in the NHL.

Yeah I agree about Comtois. I'm a little more open to him staying than the others because I think he has the least benefit of all of our rookies of going back. Steel and Terry had solid games, but let's not ignore that they were very subpar the first two games, and the Wings, who were missing 4 of their defenseman, are one of worst teams in the league.

Like I said I think it's too early to decide who should stay/who should go. I just don't think many of these guys have shown that the NHL is the best spot for them now. The closest would be Comtois to me.

 

[Paul4587]

I've missed a few games but from what I see Steel Terry and Comtois are already better than Ritchie with significantly more upside and Sherwood is a much better 4th line type and pker that plays with great energy. Id love to give him one last shot and if he cant get the feet going then move him out. The rookies all look NHL ready. As long as they have talent on their lines I see nothing wrong with playing them in the NHL this year unless you are managing for the expansion draft. However we can always move guys at the trade deadline if we arent in the playoffs or just move people in general to protect the right players.

You’re probably not wrong that they have greater upside but Terry and Comtois are not ahead of Ritchie based off three games. Comtois right now is doing great but it’s not the first time a rookie has come in with a bunch of adrenaline and done well early on, we don’t know whether he will hit a wall or continue to sustain this play. Terry is not better than Ritchie currently, he had a couple of great chances last game (against an AHL defense) but he still gets out muscled, loses puck battles and turns the puck over.

Sherwood is a nice surprise early but again 3 games of his won’t displace Ritchie. We don’t even remotely know what we have with him yet.

 

[Bald Like Getzy]

Any chance we just trade ritchie and use the money we wouldve spent on his contract to resign Silf????

 

[Paul4587]

Any chance we just trade ritchie and use the money we wouldve spent on his contract to resign Silf????

Depends how much we can get Ritchie signed for but I doubt the amount he gets paid is the difference between keeping Silf or not. Negotiations would have to really fall apart for him to be traded.

 

[ducks8]

Aberg has been sent down, officially. Do the Ducks have an extra forward on the roster right now?

 

[Dirk316]

Basically for the money they are offering Ritchie, he wants 2 years max and Murray wants longer term. This could last longer than I thought

 

[bsu]

Aberg has been sent down, officially. Do the Ducks have an extra forward on the roster right now?

eaves and kesler are practicing

 

[branmuffin17]

My opinions on the rookies:

• Comtois: Good size and general speed, and has shown finishing ability, but I'm not as impressed with him defensively or away from the puck. I'd call those two goals sort of on the lucky side, but sometimes you make your own luck, I guess. I think he'd be better going down, depending on who's healthy.
• Lundestrom: Very impressed with his first game (and was impressed with his preseason game too). Definitely shows that he's played against men in the SEL. Calm under pressure, good positionally, decent speed, good puck protection, and looks like he's solid defensively. Sure, he's probably best getting more development time, but I think he would be the most reliable of the rookies, at least at this time. He would do well in a 3rd line role if he stays up.
• Sherwood: Sort of like Cogs. Lots of speed, but doesn't have the hands to really finish. But that relentlessness is something we definitely need, and I think he'd do well in a 4th line checking and PK specialist role. I know people say you don't want rookies playing 4th line minutes, but if we can roll 4 lines consistently even when people get healthy, this type of position was made for him. Cogs/Gibbons/Sherwood is a damn fast energy line.
• Steel: As others have said, it looks like he's been improving in each game. Perhaps it's comfort, perhaps it's level of competition in those games. He is very patient with the puck, and has held on multiple times and gotten the forecheckers to back off giving him more space, but sometimes I feel he holds on a bit too long. His vision is noticeable, and likely needs to be paired with 2 people that can be reliable and have some good offensive talents as well. If he stays up, I'd like to see him centering Henrique on the left, and Silf on the right, at least when Kesler and Getz are back and healthy. Getz/Steel/Kes/Gibbons in that order seems solid to me, with Henrique replacing Steel if he's sent to the AHL.
• Terry: In some ways feels the least ready for the NHL, but I think that's mostly to do with size. He's been pushed around very easily. His skill potential is definitely noticeable, and he'll likely be better if he stays up by being on a 3rd line where matchups should be more favorable. Has anyone noticed his speed? When he's gotten his wheels going, all of a sudden he looked incredibly fast. But his initial acceleration isn't the fastest. Would do better getting another year of development, but he's already burned the first year upon his signing and playing last year, right?

And if/when the entire team is healthy (and by healthy, Perry has knees again and maybe can be more aggressive, and Kesler is not last year Kesler), and given I don't have to slot Ritchie in anywhere, this is what I'd prefer to see in a roster:

1st line: Rakell (PP) / Getzlaf (PP) / Eaves (PP)
2nd line: Henrique (PP / PK) / Steel or Lundestrom (PP / PK) / Kase or Perry (PP)
3rd line: Silfverberg (PP / PK) / Kesler (PP / PK) / Kase or Perry (PP)
4th line: Cogliano (PK) / Gibbons (PK) / Sherwood or Rowney (PK)

If Ritchie is signed, then we can move Henrique back to C and send Steel/Lundestrom back, move Silf to 2nd line and Ritchie can slot into 3rd LW.

As for defense, I've been generally happy with Schenn. As 3rd pairing, he hasn't screwed around with the puck, and brings physicality without (as far as I've seen) stupidity. Sure, he's not fleet of foot, but he's playing within his ability. HUUUUGE upgrade over Bieksa. I've been less happy with Pettersson...not sure if I'd prefer to give a look at Mahura or Larsson, or even Megna.

 

[ducks8]

eaves and kesler are practicing

I knew this, just haven't heard of one or the other will be coming off IR for tomorrow's game

 

[bsu]

I knew this, just haven't heard of one or the other will be coming off IR for tomorrow's game

oh ya, no idea.

 

[lakai17]

Like Bran said I'd like to see Steel with Henrique. ..and when Kase is back have a Henrique -Steel- Kase line

 

[KyleJRM]

Yesterday, one of the beat writers reported that none of the non-Getzlaf injuries were "particularly close" to returning.

Assuming Getzlaf is still hurt, the official roster right now contains just 12 healthy forwards.

 

[rlstine]

My opinions on the rookies:

• Comtois: Good size and general speed, and has shown finishing ability, but I'm not as impressed with him defensively or away from the puck. I'd call those two goals sort of on the lucky side, but sometimes you make your own luck, I guess. I think he'd be better going down, depending on who's healthy.
• Lundestrom: Very impressed with his first game (and was impressed with his preseason game too). Definitely shows that he's played against men in the SEL. Calm under pressure, good positionally, decent speed, good puck protection, and looks like he's solid defensively. Sure, he's probably best getting more development time, but I think he would be the most reliable of the rookies, at least at this time. He would do well in a 3rd line role if he stays up.
• Sherwood: Sort of like Cogs. Lots of speed, but doesn't have the hands to really finish. But that relentlessness is something we definitely need, and I think he'd do well in a 4th line checking and PK specialist role. I know people say you don't want rookies playing 4th line minutes, but if we can roll 4 lines consistently even when people get healthy, this type of position was made for him. Cogs/Gibbons/Sherwood is a damn fast energy line.
• Steel: As others have said, it looks like he's been improving in each game. Perhaps it's comfort, perhaps it's level of competition in those games. He is very patient with the puck, and has held on multiple times and gotten the forecheckers to back off giving him more space, but sometimes I feel he holds on a bit too long. His vision is noticeable, and likely needs to be paired with 2 people that can be reliable and have some good offensive talents as well. If he stays up, I'd like to see him centering Henrique on the left, and Silf on the right, at least when Kesler and Getz are back and healthy. Getz/Steel/Kes/Gibbons in that order seems solid to me, with Henrique replacing Steel if he's sent to the AHL.
• Terry: In some ways feels the least ready for the NHL, but I think that's mostly to do with size. He's been pushed around very easily. His skill potential is definitely noticeable, and he'll likely be better if he stays up by being on a 3rd line where matchups should be more favorable. Has anyone noticed his speed? When he's gotten his wheels going, all of a sudden he looked incredibly fast. But his initial acceleration isn't the fastest. Would do better getting another year of development, but he's already burned the first year upon his signing and playing last year, right?

And if/when the entire team is healthy (and by healthy, Perry has knees again and maybe can be more aggressive, and Kesler is not last year Kesler), and given I don't have to slot Ritchie in anywhere, this is what I'd prefer to see in a roster:

1st line: Rakell (PP) / Getzlaf (PP) / Eaves (PP)
2nd line: Henrique (PP / PK) / Steel or Lundestrom (PP / PK) / Kase or Perry (PP)
3rd line: Silfverberg (PP / PK) / Kesler (PP / PK) / Kase or Perry (PP)
4th line: Cogliano (PK) / Gibbons (PK) / Sherwood or Rowney (PK)

If Ritchie is signed, then we can move Henrique back to C and send Steel/Lundestrom back, move Silf to 2nd line and Ritchie can slot into 3rd LW.

As for defense, I've been generally happy with Schenn. As 3rd pairing, he hasn't screwed around with the puck, and brings physicality without (as far as I've seen) stupidity. Sure, he's not fleet of foot, but he's playing within his ability. HUUUUGE upgrade over Bieksa. I've been less happy with Pettersson...not sure if I'd prefer to give a look at Mahura or Larsson, or even Megna.

I think this is the first time I've seen someone call out Pettersson on here. He's terrible. I think I'd rather see Schenn-Sustr.

 

[Paul4587]

I think this is the first time I've seen someone call out Pettersson on here. He's terrible. I think I'd rather see Schenn-Sustr.

What exactly makes Pettersson terrible?

 

[McDonald19]

Yesterday, one of the beat writers reported that none of the non-Getzlaf injuries were "particularly close" to returning.

Assuming Getzlaf is still hurt, the official roster right now contains just 12 healthy forwards.

So if a forward is hurt in warmups, Schenn or Sustr becomes a 4th line winger.

 

[branmuffin17]

What exactly makes Pettersson terrible?

I know you're not saying I called him terrible, but more specifically, the reason I'm not that happy with Pettersson right now is because he seems a bit timid and/or unsure, to the point that his plays seem hesitant. Am I seeing him incorrectly? I admit I haven't been focusing on his play as much as our regular D.

He's soft on the puck (I know he's not the biggest guy), but he's tall and has great reach, and should be able to control the area around him a bit better, and make quicker decisions with puck movement. At least, that's what I'd expect.

 

[ducks8]

Yesterday, one of the beat writers reported that none of the non-Getzlaf injuries were "particularly close" to returning.

Assuming Getzlaf is still hurt, the official roster right now contains just 12 healthy forwards.

This is what's confusing me. I didn't think they'd go into game day without an extra forward. I'd rather Boll then schenn or sustr in a forward role

 

[rlstine]

What exactly makes Pettersson terrible?

"Terrible" might have been a bit harsh for a 22 year old no. 5 defenseman but he really is not very good. By basically any advanced stat he's our worst defenseman and he's sheltered quite a bit. This year he's at 73% offensive zone starts and has a 32% Corsi. I know it's a small sample size but that's atrocious. He also has never really provided offense at any level. Beyond just the stats I don't think I've ever seen him play a puck cleanly.

He's fine in a sheltered role for now but if Lindholm or Fowler get injured he's not ready for more ice time. 3rd pairing LD is a position they should try to upgrade if they are still in it at the deadline. Maybe Jordie Benn or something.

 

[KyleJRM]

I assume they can get a guy up from SD tomorrow during the day if they want one. Pretty sure Aberg was still with the team despite being waived, think I saw him in the opening ceremonies last night.