It all sounds somewhat positive so far. I am really holding out hope that AAA has matured a bit and this 'new opportunity' lights a fire under his butt and he uses it for motivation.
I assumed Urbanic would be released. Dulong isn't a surprise but I thouht there was a chance for him to centre the 4th line.
No surprise about Hill either. I didn't like him much last year and doubted he would change my mind much this year either. If I am being completely honest, if we could package him for a 19 year old big D-Man of the Cajkovsky style, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I think we have enough up front to do that.
Interesting regarding Herbst. He clearly needed a summer to refocus and get mentally prepared to play. His focus was on rehab and just getting on ice after those surgeries. Now that he is healthy, he can get back that competitive edge that had him drafted 1st round!
Great news regarding Addison. I really liked that trade a lot. We were lacking the game he brings to the ice.
Vlajkov injured? What are the odds of that happening?
Does it look like Pearce will stick? How does the mobility of the defense look?
Here's some feedback on the D. Take it with a grain of salt though as I only saw the saturday practice and 3 on 3 scrimmage. Also Lintuniemi and Vlajkov weren't on the ice and the players didn't have names or numbers on the jerseys so even though I was looking out for Mercer and Brown am not completely sure was looking at the right kids.
Here it goes:Middleton looked good. The best of the bunch out there.Seemed to be a bit of fire under him. Skating was improved.
Duchesne looked OK still not great feet, he looks like he's gonna be a 4/5 type guy with toughness.Needs to become positionnally smarter to compensate for his speed.
Henley looked good and even stronger physically not flashy but efficient. Would not be surprised he's in our top 4 by year end.
Guy seems to be a bit wider in the shoulders and remains a good skater. Was unable to judge if he improved in his own end and on one on one battles due to the type of practice.
Davis was well Davis good effort,big body but mobility remains an issue. Could be in trouble see below.
Brown well taller than I expected (must have grown over the summer) but needs to fill in. Good fluid skater and could eventually be the type of player you're looking for OMG.
Likely needs a bit of time in junior A. Wouldn't be surprised we saw him 2nd half of the year.
Mercer is a big kid reminds me a bit of callaghan but better mobility. Quite liked him and believe he's got good upside.
So that's 9 Dmen so likely Brown starts in junior A. I wouldn't be surprised Davis is traded early on to make room for Mercer who is as big ,two years younger and a better skater.
That's all I've got.
