Quote:
Originally Posted by Itse
That's only if at most one player from that list is a bust.
If Cammalleri fails at transitioning to center, Cervenka turns out to be a bust, Glencrosses gets all temperamental after the of loss of both Jokinen and Bourque (his best buddies on the team apparently) and relegation to third line, if Stempniak loses a step, if we have a couple of injuries, if Backlund does not improve a lot from last year...
That's what I mean by not having depth. We barely have the guys to go with three decent (not great) scoring lines assuming that every single thing goes as well as reasonably can be expected.
The way I see it, realistically we have the makings of two decent to good scoring lines, one good to great checking line and a line of yet unknown problems.
By that logic, give Bärtchi the good linemates, don't put him with the guys that can't hack in the top 6. And yeah, I would give him special treatment and put him in the top 6 if he can at all handle himself there.
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I think Cammalleri will almost certainly not work out at center. Has there ever been a player that cut his teeth in the NHL on wing, that successfully transitioned to first line center? I think there's a good chance Stajan ends up playing first line center again.
Tanguay-Stajan-Iginla
Baertschi-Cervenka-Cammalleri
Glencross-Backlund-Hudler
Bouma-Jones-Comeau
Jackman, Stempniak
There's a line-up that gives better depth and let's players play to their strengths. Stajan facilitates Tanguay and Iginla well enough for the line to be effective and will be solid defensively.
EDIT: I forgot Stempniak. But I still don't know where he fits when/if Cammalleri moves back to wing.