Joined: Jun. 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
I think Foote is pretty much 100% getting the 4LW spot, rotating with Nosek or not. I want to say he is also no longer waiver exempt - which also plays a role there. Management and staff seemed pretty high/happy with his year last year and expect him to play there this year (from what I have read, that's what it sounds like in my opinion).
As for the Top 9 opening, I think it's Holtz spot to lose. Unless he completely falls apart in pre season or someone like Clarke just outperforms him (not impossible - again everyone seemed to be pretty happy with Clarke as well). But I think heading into camp it's Holtz. But, If Clarke stands on his head and takes that last spot, its not the end of the world for Holtz, he didn't play much last year so starting the year in the A and coming up the first chance he gets is fine. I am personally hoping he makes it from the get go and gets some legit minutes though.
Like others have mentioned, its top 6 or A for Nemec. Because of the numbers, He may have to wait for injuries or something else to happen before making the jump - Not because of his abilities, strictly a numbers game. That being said, an extra year in the A for a young defender is never a bad thing.