Let me preface this by saying, I think Lou will make a move for a Top 6 forward, but if he didn't, I'd be okay with the team the way it currently is... and here is why... With a full year of Trotz's system in place and learned, the players will be able to focus more on offense this year, which in turn, should lead to more offense itself.
First line:
Lee - Nelson - Bailey
- This line really came together at the end of last year and should stay together to start the season as Line 1A.
Line 2:
Beau - Barzal - Eberle
- This line showed tremendous chemistry when they were put together at the end of the 17-18 season. Barzal has natural chemistry with both Eberle (last season) and Beau (2 seasons ago).
Line 3:
- dal Colle - Cizikas - Ho-Sang
- Yes, this breaks up the 4th line, but it's likely Clutter is out to start the year anyway. And with the season Casey had last year he deserves a shot at the 3C spot. Putting him with dal Colle and Ho-Sang, give him a bit more offensive wingers to play with, while he anchors the line as the defensive Center.
Line 4:
Martin - Fritz - Komarov
- Fritz seemed to be a favorite of Trotz before he got hurt, so he gets the first shot at taking over Cizikas' spot as the 4C. Komarov plays the RW until/if Clutter comes back.
Extras: Johnston and Kuhnhackl
Defense:
Paring 1:
Toews - Pulock
- I know Pelech and Pulock played well together, but Toews is more suited for 1st pairing minutes, so he gets moved up to play with Pulock
Pairing 2:
- Leddy - Boychuk
- Not a fan of Leddy still being on the team with Aho and Dobson both ready, but if Lou can't find the right trade I'd be fine with him holding onto Leddy and Dobson going back to the CHL (same way Barzal did before his breakout season).
Pairing 3:
- Pelech - Mayfield
- Provides a shutdown Defensive pairing, as both guys made tremendous strides last year.
Extra: Hickey
Dobson goes back to the CHL, since he can't go to the AHL because of his age and Aho is the first guy call up in the AHL
Goalies:
Varlamov - With Korn on board, I'd expect him to put up numbers similar to both Greiss and Lehner did last year. I also expect him to be more of the Starter and playing the bulk share of the work
Greiss - Likely takes on more of a backup role than with Lehner. Can even see him dealt at the TDL, or sooner, if Varly is playing well.
This would be really bad. The team would be the same as last year's overachieving team and almost guaranteed to have a worse season.
Quoting: Isles777
Dobson will make the team
I fully expect Lou to move Leddy and possibly one of the RHDs to make room for Aho and Dobson, and to bring in a top 6 guy... just pointing out putting the same ream that recorded 103 points in a year everyone expected the to be fighting for Hughes, has a full season of the new system under their belts and has a new PP coach and a full year of Toews and Pulock running the PPs isn’t going to be as bad as everyone is claiming it’ll be.
I fully expect Lou to move Leddy and possibly one of the RHDs to make room for Aho and Dobson, and to bring in a top 6 guy... just pointing out putting the same ream that recorded 103 points in a year everyone expected the to be fighting for Hughes, has a full season of the new system under their belts and has a new PP coach and a full year of Toews and Pulock running the PPs isn’t going to be as bad as everyone is claiming it’ll be.
Quoting: Hockeygoalie53
I fully expect Lou to move Leddy and possibly one of the RHDs to make room for Aho and Dobson, and to bring in a top 6 guy... just pointing out putting the same ream that recorded 103 points in a year everyone expected the to be fighting for Hughes, has a full season of the new system under their belts and has a new PP coach and a full year of Toews and Pulock running the PPs isn’t going to be as bad as everyone is claiming it’ll be.
I am on the side of Dobson not making the team. I guess we’ll see. I still find it interesting how people continue to underestimate this team. I agree, it’s not the end of the world if a top 6 player is not added immediately. Isles could get in playoff contention and make a deal for Taylor Hall at the trade deadline when Devils tank again.
I am on the side of Dobson not making the team. I guess we’ll see. I still find it interesting how people continue to underestimate this team. I agree, it’s not the end of the world if a top 6 player is not added immediately. Isles could get in playoff contention and make a deal for Taylor Hall at the trade deadline when Devils tank again.
Dobson looks like he can have a similar impact as guys like werenski , heiskanen, mcavoy in their rookie seasons. If he was eligible to play in BPT, it wouldn’t be a bad move to let him get used to the pro game there - but sending him back to back to junior where he won’t be challenged is bad for his development IMO
Dobson looks like he can have a similar impact as guys like werenski , heiskanen, mcavoy in their rookie seasons. If he was eligible to play in BPT, it wouldn’t be a bad move to let him get used to the pro game there - but sending him back to back to junior where he won’t be challenged is bad for his development IMO
I think he should definitely get the 9 game look and see if he’s really ready. But if he struggles like Barzal did as a 19 year old, I wouldn’t be opposed to sending him back to Juniors... I mean we all saw what that extra year of juniors did for Barzal, so it’s not unprecedented..
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