J-P

Gaudette needs the rest. I like the 3rd line and remember Green saying during camp that LE and Leivo had chemistry. Virtanen needs to prove himself before advancing up in the lineup and will be interesting to see him on a heavy line with Beagle and Schaeller.

I would like to think so, but I just don't see any skill or playmaking on that 3rd line, I don't think it will work with 3 shooters. Although Miller is a playmaker and Bo has skill, I'm not sold on them with Pearson either. I'm fine with our top line and the 4th line (if Schaller can play with some consistency unlike last year), but I am a bit worried about the middle 6.

Don’t get the rational for people saying AG could/should play wing. He’s spent 0 shifts this preseason at wing, not happening.

Either that, or he takes 20 games or so to adjust and then plays like at least a great second pairing D in his first pro season.

I like the idea of a 3rd line with Gaudette and Baer with maybe Sutter as a defensive winger. That leaves LE - Beagle - Leivo for the fourth line and Motte and Virtanen (as well as Schaller and Goldy) off the team. I like that although maybe a bit soft? If I’m reading Green correctly though the 3rd line opening night will be LE - Sutter - Leivo and a 4th with Beagle and Virtanen. Lineup for last preseason game will be interesting!

Big year for Marky who as been pointed out needs to show consistency and establish himself as a bonafide starter. Worth noting also that we will be in trouble keeping both Demko and Marky. If we want to contend in 2-3 years, is Demko the guy then (or ever)? Not sure, but time will tell. I will say though that Marky has all the tools to be elite if he can put it together.

Exactly my thinking. Although miller is a playmaker I just don’t like the makeup of that line. If both Goldy and Baer are out of the lineup we still have a serious lack of skill...

Not saying you’re wrong but I think we’re not in enough of a win now mode to prioritize like that. Also think that third line lacks skill and wouldn’t score. I would send Gaudette down and let LE/Virtanen/Leivo/Motte rotate based upon performance and injuries. Ferland - EP - Boeser Goldy - Horvat - Miller Baertschi - Sutter - Pearson Virtanen- Beagle - Eriksson Leivo

Agree, context matters. If he continues to have only spare ice time and doesn’t put up points in the WJC I would be concerned, but I don’t see that happening...

Edler has routinely made much worse players than Myers look good so I think that’s a great fit. Also I don’t think our D depth really go above the bottom pairing yet, so I want Edler and Tanev apart and some sheltering of QH 5v5 to start with, so Tanev and QH as the second pairing makes sense to me.

If you haven't seen the video, what Green actually said about Jake was: - Jake was in group C since he didn't meet off-season goals - he refused to dig into what those goals were, between him and Jake - he didn't want people reading more into it than it was - he sees Jake as a big part of the team's future So no, there are no info on fitness goals etc. On the other hand - the whole thing about group C and not wanting people to read "more into it" sounds fishy to me, but then I'm just speculating of course

My guess is 6'3 and about 185 lbs. Guess there's official measurements coming, right?

I think for 15-20 games he will benefit from playing and training with the pros regardless of ice time. After that he needs to play, KHL or VHL. Since everybody wants him in top form for the WJC I am not worried.

You forgot about the 10 Norris trophies, but otherwise I agree.

If I remember correctly the deadline for an RFA is Dec 1, but I really feel it should be Sep 1, way ahead of training camp. I fail to see who benefits from more time than that, but as soon as training camp starts it's kind of a lose-lose scenario.

Love Brock as a player but if he comes in late for the second year in a row and without any real leverage besides holding out, well let him hold out all season long.

This year Marky will be playing behind an actual NHL defense without DP, Hutton and DZ and with Stecher on the third pairing. His progress has been kinda slow, but he was once touted as the best goalie outside of the NHL and he has that inner spark, so I’m viewing this as a make or break season for him. Perfectly aligned with the last year of his contract as well, for both parties..

Really? Isn’t it 2019 already? ;-) Seriously - a good deal and term for everobody I suppose.

Doesn’t really matter if they’re right or not or what they’re saying, if it’s Ferraro and O’Neiil we're talking about it has no value IMO.

I think that while we've made great additions in Miller, Ferland, Pearson and Leivo it's obvious that the roster still lacks skill. So Baertschi and especially Goldy are important in that context. I would like to see 3 scoring lines with LE, Baertschi, Goldy and Leivo rotating between different lines and the press box depending on injuries etc. Something like: Miller - EP - Brock Pearson - Bo - LE Baertschi/Goldy - Sutter - Ferland Leivo - Beagle - Motte

He actually had quite a good stint with Bo and Pearson as well. Offensively LE is a garbage goal player first and most, always has been. I remember in his last 30 goal season when he scored on a breakaway and he shot from far out and I was thinking like "wow, he DID that?!". That's how rare goals away from the net is for him, pretty much. I was on the train of thought that LE would fit well with the Sedins after they dominated the WC, so can't really blame JB I guess, but in hindsight it's clear that LE not only need players on his line that drive the play, but he also needs lots of shots from his linemates that generates rebounds. Sounds like the Sedins much? Beagle? So I don't think it's out of the question that the he's put with Bo and Pearson or Ferland (especially if we try to ice 3 scoring lines) and scores 5-10 goals in the first 20 games. Then things will look different and he can probably be traded or find a role with the team. He did have a pretty bad WC this year though, so the signs of decline is definitely there. The lack of effort people keep bringing up is a very weak argument. Sure, he's not a meat and potato player, but he never has been, always played with effortless positioning and hockey sense as his tools. Also, when you look at his career numbers it's clear that he's a good second liner with 2-3 career seasons when playing with elite linemates, so his numbers with us aren't really that much of a shock considering context and usage. Regardless - it will be very interesting to see how the start of the season plays out for him, I actually expect to see quite a lot of him in pre-season games with the expectation that he grabs the opportunity. That would IMO be the smart move for all parties since it would hopefully bring some light as to whether he still has it or not.

That’s just not true. Every prospect is unique, and while star players often go straight to the bigs there are lot of exceptions. I do agree that European prospects are often better off developing in Europe until they’re ready, but once again, everyone’s unique. Oh - and 2 of the last 3 Norris winners played a full season in the AHL ;-)

Agree and even if he’s ready out of camp it might not be the worst thing for him to work on his D game in the A for a while with less pressure and against lesser players. All while being the 1D on the PP.

With all the forward additions on the roster I think Lastname is flying a bit under the radar. I fully expect him to win a spot for at least #13F.

Yeah, I know, you're right, just venting some frustration with the regulations in these matters. Not saying he should be banned for life or anything, just that I think it should be looked upon as more serious than having one too many drinks.