As things stand this is my roster, with Knight slotting straight into our 3rd line.
Cammalleri Stajan Stempniak
-Sniper + almost passable NHL centre + streaky hardworking winger
Glenncross Backlund Baertschi
-Glenncross's size, speed & wrist shot will be fed by 2 creative offensive forwards
Hudler Knight Horak
-Horak & Hudler have proven chemistry, plus Horak is arguably our most consistently solid defensive forward. What better pair to slot the rookie in between
Reinhart Jones McJackmattan
-Reinhart or Bouma are the last 2 standing for the final forward slot, in my opinion. I'd like to see McGrattan signed & he and Jackman swap pressbox duty
Giordano (Captain) Wideman
-The default first pairing. On a solid team this would be a good 2nd pairing, but what can ya do?
Brodie Sarich
-Proved a good tandem last year. Sarich is a good calming presence for young D men and I hope he stays
Butler Breen
-Not a huge Butler fan, but as a 3rd pairing guy he is ok. Good value on the contract. I like Breen and the size he brings to the table. I like combining a big bruiser with a puck-mover
Cundari
-I see Cundari displacing Smith as the 7th D man in camp and then steadily rising up the depth chart. I saw a lot of good qualities in him when he joined us & I think his potential is undeniable
Biggest question mark is in goal as 2 of our potential starters are unknown quantities in my eyes. Ramo and Berra will have a great opportunity if and when Kipper packs it in. Interesting and scary.
Notes: Did not include Tanguay as I see no reason for him to stick around. He'll get a half-decent return at the draft I imagine. Possibly included in a deal to move up.
I know we bang on and on about #1 C being the biggest weakness, but to be honest we could use a #1 all-round defender as well. Rumours about Myers are exciting, but I wonder if Feaster actually moves up to #2 in the draft and drafts Seth Jones? If the statements Sakic made are true then he may be available at that slot...
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