Shout out to anybody who claimed that the preseason was pointless and/or tough to watch, before tonight. And, 'peace be with you' to anybody who watched 75+% of the game tonight. However, still there is/was much to learn.
I think Clendening should be the #7, at worst, when fully healthy. Quite frankly I think he looks just as good as Cole defensively and is more mobile and better offensively. Should 100% be ahead of Carlsson and Harrington. The last couple games Nutivaara has been somewhat "exposed" with increased responsibilities. As of now, he should still be seen as primarily an offensive defenseman. I think Clendening may start the year with quite a bit of ice time, especially or more so if Murray is not playing. Another guy who looks better than expected is Kukan. He's looked better than practically anybody else on D, besides Jones and Werenski. Hopefully Wade is kept in the organization and gets to play regularly in CLE.
Also, I've seen enough of both of Hannikainen and Milano in the NHL. The "new" guys are all better and all bring more than those 2. I'd rather see Sedlak also. Sedlak should be a mainstay on the 4th line, whether on the wing or at center. While he may not "excel" at anything, he has a VERY GOOD overall game. I think Stenlund should or could be kept around as a 3rd/4th line winger. I think people underestimate what it takes to be a regular center in the NHL at 19-20. He's clearly not there yet. Same goes for Davidsson and Duclair being better. I think Duclair is more of a "lock" than any of these guys when it comes to being kept in the NHL for depth scoring along with probably getting an occasional 'scratch'. It will be interesting to see what they do with Davidsson. It certainly wouldn't hurt to keep him around. It will be interesting to see who starts the season on the CBJ.
We 100% need Jones AND Murray back. While Jones is clearly missed, as usual, the defense is also CLEARLY missing Murray.
I could se Milano being dealt for a 2nd rounder.