This is the roster I would have for the Syracuse Crunch next year.
Forward lines:
- 1st:
Somppi returns to the 1C position he finished the previous season at.
Ryfors comes over from the SHL and plays his first season in the AHL to acclimate to North American hockey.
Tufto I presume will slide over to RW, and I think the top line would naturally suit his skill set even though he only played limited games last year.
- 2nd:
I'm going to call this the versatile line.
Goncalves played LW/RW last season, but can and probably will play some center.
Koepke can play LW or RW.
If Lohin is re-signed, he can play any of the forward positions, but I would keep him at center and then work Goncalves into the center position over the season.
I'd like to see them all move around until they find the best fit.
- 3rd (3A):
I like this line as a potential shutdown line.
Fortier's offensive upside is somewhat questionable after his first season, but was solid defensively.
Huntington has proven defensive ability entering his third season.
Walcott will be defensively reliable wherever he is slotted in the lineup.
- 4th (3B):
Morand centers the 4th line, but is more of a 3B line.
Nieves was out all season with a concussion (I believe), but would like to bring him back to boost the experience level of the team.
Cajkovic slots into the RW spot for his debut AHL season, but may end up starting in the ECHL.
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Defense pairings (note: the order could differ, but I think these would be the pairings with these 6 players):
- 1st: Green Day is an AHL defensive pairing, not a band.
- 2nd: Stephens had a bit of a resurgence this season on an AHL contract, and Thomas finally made his NHL debut. I would sign them both to NHL deals.
- 3rd: We might as well try to bring Claesson back instead of trading another decent prospect for LD depth next season. Witkowski returns as the Crunch's captain to complete a veteran pairing.
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- Goalies:
Alnefelt is the presumed starter or 1A.
Probably a good chance either Miftakhov or Martin is sent to Orlando so that they all get ample playing time.
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- Scratches:
Pavylechev and Element I believe are the only players currently on AHL contracts with the Crunch next year. Pavylechev probably makes the team as a scratch or 13F.
Semykin needs playing time to develop, so I'd send him to Orlando.
Lipanov might as well stay in Russia honestly, otherwise I'd send him to Orlando.
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- LTIR:
Thompson and Finley will be able to join the team after their respective junior seasons end.
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- Misc. thoughts:
I am not bringing back Gemel Smith as I think he should try for a full-time NHL role next year and I do not want him blocking younger players from getting more experience at Center.
I am not bringing Borgman back either. I think he might sign in Europe as the NHL just isn't working out for him.
I did not re-sign Peter Abbandonato, but I think he could be back on another AHL contract to bolster the forward group, but I don't want him keeping our younger prospects suppressed on the depth chat.
Should Katchouk or Raddysh not make the Lightning next year (and clear waivers), they would obviously slide back into their respective top line roles.
We are probably going to need another 2 defensemen on NHL/AHL contracts.
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Season prediction (based on my roster):
Forward group is average to above average, but really improves if Katchouk and/or Raddysh return.
Defense is solid.
Goaltending will be solid once they sort out the depth chart order of the 3.
I think this team will have a good chance at making the playoffs if the top line works as intended, but probably need at least one of Raddysh or Katchouk back to make a serious run.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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