Laval will be absolutely stack in D after next year.
Norlinder, Struble, Harris, Guhle, Fairbrother will all be pro in NA
Although I can see one of them (probably Guhle) make the nhl without going to the ahl
Stacked with potential yes but 5 new guys all at once playing their first Pro season? Has any team in the NHL/AHL farm done that before?
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Norlinder should play another SHL season
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Struble should play another NCAA season
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Ghule may play CHL in his age 19 season but who knows.... Personally, I rather see him play out his age 19 CHL/World Juniors season. If he turns pro with me, that means he forces our hand cause he comes into camp and looks more than ready
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Harris needs to sign a contract and play AHL. I agree there
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Fairbrother will turn pro yes. If not, we didn't sign him which is not probable right? I know D and Forwards are different but we didn't offer contracts to McShane and Fonstad who had solid CHL seasons the year prior. I'm assuming both the fan base and NHL management are a bit higher on Fairbrother right?
I say 2 guys get inserted in the AHL. Maybe 3. If it's 5, it's too much young guys all at once. Look at Brook... Dominate in the CHL and played solid at the WJC and had an adjustment season in the AHL last year.
Considering that it takes a while for Dmen to mature (general rule), I would bring them along conservatively. Weber is probably around for another 2 years and Petry for 4. Edmundson for another 3 and Kulak will be kept around in a depth role. Fleury will be ready either next year or the year after but I think he will turn into a Kulak depth guy. Hope he proves me wrong.