I've long been a fan of Gamache and Reid ... ever since their Memorial Cup run with Val-d'Or. Reid's chinstrap was intense
On a more serious note I am still a big fan of both.
I predicted Gamache to break out and end up centering one of the top 2 lines in Atlanta last year. I will renew my prediction for this year and suggest he may play a regular shift in Nashville behind David Legwand and/or Steve Sullivan = 10g 20a 30pts in 65 games.
Gamache is more of a finisher than Reid. Reid's speed and ability to make decisions on the fly is magic. Brandon was often the most entertaining guy in the Canucks lineup, but fancy moves and energy don't win hockey games.
He reminds me a LOT of Oilers prospect Tony Salmaleinen who made things happen on every shift and you knew exactly when and where he was on the ice, but at the end of the night his #8 rarely appeared on the scoreboard and now reports have him heading back to Europe without a renewed contract.
I agree with previous posters that said Reid's game is likely better suited to Europe and he may not be in a hurry to come back, especially since he can make comparable $$$ overseas and be highly depended on. However, I think he could be one of those guys that resurface in the NHL as a 27-30-year-old and turn into a decent 2nd/3rd liner = 15g 30a 45pts.
I am less familiar with Bouchard, but would probably take him over the other two - only on days that end in Y - based on potential alone = 20g 40a 60pts.
The trend is moving to accept smaller guys with skill and if the game makes changes to create more open ice and quicker transitions I think it benefits this type of player. Watch for all three to become more household names if not this year within the next three.
