As I watched the game live, I realized there really was little to go off of for this game. The Avs weren't even B-team quality, they had maybe 3 guys who will be playing with them in October? That was pretty good work they made in getting the 8 veteran minimum out there without exposing anything of real current value except for Jost and maybe Timmins. Those goalies and much of their D were pure trash, ECHL level stuff. They are talking about the chance Byram makes the squad this year but I sure don't see it making sense for a contender forcing that issue, he's far from ready and needs another year.
On the Knights side:
- Pirri looked like a man among boys and frankly he was with that low quality out there.
- Roy looks very responsible and kind of feels like a 4th liner with all the chances just missing, that seems to be our 4th line in a nutshell.
- Kolesar definitely looks like he modeled his game after Reaves, even when he's away from the play you can see he's more focused on finding his man, whether that's to be responsible or lining up a hit you can't tell for sure. Was impressed though how quickly he came back from the dressing room.
- Zykov probably isn't a roster player in my view, he didn't stand out enough to me against a bad opponent. He's not going to get PP time and that was when he looked most effective.
- Elvenes is a total bust at this point, looked like our worst player out there.
- Duke obviously is slotted for career minor leaguer, but he looks like he could fill in as that 4th line center if injuries pile up. Nice responsible game, helps get the puck out of the D zone well.
- Hague was a bit disappointing in some aspects, I can see the issues he still has with his skating and positioning. He does make up for some shortcomings with that long reach.
- Carrier didn't do much despite the low competition, but probably just being smart about saving up his energy since he knows he's got a spot. Few hits, little of his normal charging the net routine. Similar level of just showing up from our other vets like Nate, Tuch and Nosek. Could tell who was fighting for a job out there.
- Sparks was looking good, made a few good saves, left a few rebounds that might be trouble against better competition. I think I'm agreeing with others questioning if we wouldn't be just as good with him as the backup when we also have Dansk and Ferguson available in emergencies. Still thinking Subban's got some trade value for teams who might want to give him this year to see if they want to sign him long term. Just can't see how a deal with VGK makes sense for either side going forward, might as well get an asset now.