Not thrilled about the inclusion of Rau and Robson over Anas and Addison. For all that I thought Anas didn't stick out during scrimmages, it's a slap in the face to not include him after a great season. As for Addison, while i think it's unlikely that he'll get playing time, but he looked really good to me in scrimmages, and Belpedio and Mennel looked ordinary, to me, though I guess they want to honor their play with the organization. Don't see why the same doesn't hold true with Anas, though. I mean, we've seen what Rau has to offer multiple times, and he has never been able to be effective in the NHL.
Addison looks like he can really skate, can handle the puck, and is composed out there. Not sure what he is like under pressure in his own end, defending line rushes, and bodying up big strong guys near the crease. Mennell might not ba any bigger, but he, at least has had experience against men in the AHL.
I like Robson with the Gophers, but he is not ready for the NHL.
I do see why they took Bartkowski. Even though he is LH'ed, he would give the team some of what Pateryn offered. Van isn't that physical, but if they continue past that MN might need a stronger, more physical, defensive Dman in the lineup than Hunt, Mennel, and Belpedio. He's sort of like Soucy was a year or two ago when we played WPG, or have I got that wrong?