Looking at the opening night roster for my 4 favorite teams (1 from each division).
This all seems pretty self-explanatory, for me. I can easily see Panarin and Kreider swap places depending on who meshes better with Trocheck, and whether or not Cuyle or Othman make the roster is really the only other storyline here. While I'm personally not holding my breath on Kravstov, I'm just really not sure where he would fit in, anyway. So for now, I'm leaving him in the AHL to let him cook for another year if he can finally grow up and take his assignment, where he will join the team full time next year. I think him getting a full year in the AHL is best for everyone involved, personally, unless something has really changed. Really the only opportunity I see for him in the NHL, is if Kakko or Blais struggle in the middle 6 positions... I'm going to bank on that not happening, but you never know. Also injuries, but that goes without saying
I realize "everyone" has Goodrow destined for the 4th line, but I'd really rather see him on the 3rd line to earn that money. I'm very curious what happens with Chytil this year. He's expiring, and the cap situation is not getting any better, and he may need to be moved on from... whether this year, or in the off season, in which case Goodrow would have to take the reigns as 3C. Regardless, I have him on the 3rd line for faceoff insurance, but if Othman/Cuyle play themselves into the lineup, I can easily see one of them swapping places with Goodrow.
And on the 4th line, we have Mr Cuyle. I think Othman playing 4th line in the WJC opened the possibility for him playing 4th line on the Rangers, but I'm giving it to Cuyle for more experience. Othman can easily take the spot instead. Regardless, both should make the team next year, so getting one year in the AHL could be good for Othman. If Carpenter struggles, I can see Goodrow playing 4C and both Othman and Cuyle playing bottom 6 LWs as well. But, I'm looking for balance and experience mostly here. More roster spots are opening up next year, and hopefully an extra year of development will get some of these kids to figure out RW...
Defense pairings are very self explanatory.
TDL wishlist: as long as the team is healthy, and Kakko figures out he is a good player, I don't have much here, which is really nice for a change. The only changes I could see are if Chytil and Jones play beyond their depth chart assignments that won't be changing for 5+ years, which likely means they will want big(ger) money on their next contracts, and they are moved on from to get something rather than nothing. But other than that, I think this is a very solid roster, with several pieces in the AHL to come up if needed. Again, if healthy, I'm not expecting any 1st round picks to be traded at the deadline for rentals. This is a really great position to be in for the team.
Reply
Cuylle,
CapFriendly
CapFriendly