Speculation: Where will MacArthur fit on his return?

[operasen]

MacArthur expected to get the green light for an early January return, possibly January 7. Simple question, where does he fit within the line-up?

Does he get sheltered minutes on the third line? Small minutes with the fourth? Or does he get positive Top 6 which ramps up expectations and pushes Smith or Hoffman down???

I’m thinking the Brassard line is looking strong, so it could be the Turris line that gets a make-over, and adding MacArthur to Ryan on that line is not a strong positive and Hoffman should claim that spot anyway.

Dzingel will not mesh with slower Neil, Kelly, Lazar combo to highlight his speed and playmaking. I like him with Pageau, even if its off wing.

Hoffman – Turris – Ryan
Smith – Brassard – Stone
MacArthur – Pageau – Dzingel
Pyatt – Lazar – Neil
Kelly

Wondering where others would slot him.

Click to read more...

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

3rd line no doubt about it. 2nd PP too.

After 20 or so games, I could see more usage but he's definitely gonna be eased in.

 

[Sensinitis]

Man our 3rd line should be money with Mac on it.

Trying not to get my hopes up too much.

 

[DanyHeatley]

I'd sit lazar and have Pyatt - Kelly - Neil for 4th line

 

[2CHAINZ]

MacArthur - Lazar - Bailey

 

[danielpalfredsson]

5-8 minutes a game initially. Maybe used on the PP.

Man our 3rd line should be money with Mac on it.

Trying not to get my hopes up too much.

Consider how off a player can look after missing the pre-season, now consider that Mac has missed a good chunk of almost two seasons. He initially got hurt before the Hammond run, which by now seems like ancient history. At this point he has missed something like 120-130 games with 4 games and a bit of pre-season scrimmaging in between that time.

I don't want to sound too negative. Obviously, I'd love for the guy to come back and be great. But I think people need to lower their expectations, especially initially.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Can they still send Lazar to Bingo w/o waivers?

 

[danielpalfredsson]

Can they still send Lazar to Bingo w/o waivers?

According to Capfriendly, no.

But not counting O'Connor on "emergency loan" we only have a 22 man roster right now, and that is WITH 3 goalies.

edit: that is 22 counting Mac....so yeah, not much reason to waive Lazar.

 

[Samboni]

Hammy must be wondering why they are not asking Mac to go to Bingo for a conditioning stint.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

According to Capfriendly, no.

But not counting O'Connor on "emergency loan" we only have a 22 man roster right now, and that is WITH 3 goalies.

edit: that is 22 counting Mac....so yeah, not much reason to waive Lazar.

Not a question of need. If we need a spot does he need to be waived. If we want to keep him playing vs sitting does he need to be waived.

 

[Golden_Jet]

Not a question of need. If we need a spot does he need to be waived. If we want to keep him playing vs sitting does he need to be waived.

I think 160 game mark is the magic game... and he is at 156.

 

[Back in Black]

Personally, I think he's done. I'm afraid 1 more hit will do it, and it's not something I want to see.

 

[AchtzehnBaby]

Personally, I think he's done. I'm afraid 1 more hit will do it, and it's not something I want to see.

 

[Sens With Benefits]

Any news as to his return?

 

[Samsquanch]

Hammy must be wondering why they are not asking Mac to go to Bingo for a conditioning stint.

Who cares what hammy thinks. The writing is on the wall for him...

 

[Micklebot]

Hammy must be wondering why they are not asking Mac to go to Bingo for a conditioning stint.

He hasn't been cleared to play yet, so it's still a possibility. That said, easing a forward back into the lineup with sheltered mins is an easy thing to accomplish. Easing in a goalie with sheltered mins is impossible.

 

[UnHappyDude]

Personally, I think he's done. I'm afraid 1 more hit will do it, and it's not something I want to see.

I agree. He is taking such a huge risk coming back. I wish he would just hang'em up.

 

[DrEasy]

I'm sure someone else will get hurt and that will decide the slot for him. </Debbie Downer>

 

[Larionov]

Can they still send Lazar to Bingo w/o waivers?

He only has a few more games to go and he will start requiring waivers. I'm disappointed with Lazar but he still brings more than any one of Pyatt, Kelly or Neil. For me, the biggest benefit of Mac's return will be sending one of those three to the press box every night...

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

He only has a few more games to go and he will start requiring waivers. I'm disappointed with Lazar but he still brings more than any one of Pyatt, Kelly or Neil. For me, the biggest benefit of Mac's return will be sending one of those three to the press box every night...

I like Lazar too.

Comparing him to Kelly, Neil , Pyatt....

He should be better than either of those players hands down but it is close.

Kelly - could be argued that he is better defensively and has more trust and brings that vet presence that he was signed for ? (rightly/wrongly)

Neil - still brings a harder hitting, keep the opposition honest element that Lazar does not. Plus Neil has been playing ok overall in his limited role.

Pyatt - Has shown a little more offense. Is responsible and has Boucher's trust as well.

Keeping Lazar over any one of those guys is possible no doubt, but its not a slam dunk.

They may rotate them in and out. 3 play one sits ...next up ... keep them all in the game and give Kelly and Neil some games off.

 

[Super Cake]

He would be on the Sens 3rd line imo.

 

[Back in Black]

I'm disappointed with Lazar but he still brings more than any one of Pyatt, Kelly or Neil. For me, the biggest benefit of Mac's return will be sending one of those three to the press box every night...

I disagree. Other than his Speed, Lazar hasn't done nearly enough other than his back checking. He's here to score goals, the other 3 are doing what they've been assigned to do and are doing it well enough.

Now back to the Mac Attack!

 

[Answer]

I just can't wait to see MacArthur scores his first goal after returning!!

 

[TeamRenzo]

He only has a few more games to go and he will start requiring waivers. I'm disappointed with Lazar but he still brings more than any one of Pyatt, Kelly or Neil. For me, the biggest benefit of Mac's return will be sending one of those three to the press box every night...

There is a problem if we are comparing Lazar to someone who played in Europe last year and two vets that are in the sunset of their career.

All three players bring more to the table than Lazar...he was a first round pick and Sens expect him to be much more than a 4th line checker, which is where his career is heading.

 

[FolignoQuantumLeap]

2 minutes for improper use of a meme.
10 minute misconduct for disregarding the meaning of words.