Player Discussion: Luke Witkowski

[Volodya Krutov]

We can talk about the next two or three years. Nesterov is RFA in 16-17. He'll be depth next year again...sign a (Connolly/Barberio) 1 yr contract the next and replace Carle on the third pair. Then he won't be brought back 'cause Koekkoek will be ready on the third pair the year after and Nesterov still won't be better than Garrison.

Time will tell.

 

[The Macho King]

I think Nesterov is going to get his shot. With Koekkoek and Nestea looking good in their call ups, Carle is a bit more expendable. I don't think we move him before the season, but if either of those guys take a big step during the year, he could be moved around the deadline.

Edit: Just noticed this is the Witkowski topic. Let's keep it on him.

And to him - the best thing I can say is he looked like an NHL defenseman. That wasn't exactly expected from him, but he is mobile enough and does his job. I don't mean this to disparage him, but he plays the type of game you hope a low hockey IQ defensman would play. Doesn't get caught roaming - when he has the puck at the blueline he either throws it on net or just sends it back down low - none of those fancy D to D passes that can backfire. He's a very safe player.

 

[Volodya Krutov]

It's not like Cooper runs a typical 1st to 3rd pairing moreover, he likes to balance out his minutes as much as possible. Tampa is one of the rare teams to have 3 pairings with a similar 5v5 TOI on daily basis. It's mostly the special teams that increases certain players ice time.

 

[CarpeNoctem]

Witko might be given a shot as the 6th/7th D next season but there are a lot of variables. Do we trade Carle? Is DeAngelo given a serious shot? Don't know yet.

 

[HoseEmDown]

How many "studs" are expected to be on this team?

Studs are Hedman, DeAngelo and Koekkoek. We just need another guy who could play the top pair but will most likely play the second like Koekkoek but right handed. I just don't see one in the system, I see guys who can be bottom pair but will be over their heads in the middle pair.

 

[ultra63]

"Getting To Know: Luke Witkowski"

"Status: Tampa Bay Lightning/Syracuse Crunch defenseman."

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/getting-to-know-luke-witkowski/

I hope he's working on his skating.

 

[Richard Gibson]

 

[LTIR Trickery]

Hell yeah, how long did it take to reel that beast in? I want to snag a tarpon one of these days, gotta be a great fight.

 

[LightningStrikes]

What a beautiful beast. Witkowski that is.

 

[Master P]

He looks happy

 

[BeingTheThunder]

So this is the kind of crap Smith does when he should be engaging with Lightning fans.. that guy blows..

 

[LightningStrikes]

He won't return to the NHL anytime soon I guess. Good for him though (being named Crunch captain again).