Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
I would really like to know what your lineup looks like that sees Bouma making the club?
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Glencross-Backlund-Hudler
Baertschi-Stajan/Horak-D. Jones
Cammalleri-Knight/Horak-Stempniak
Bouma-Galiardi-Jackman
McGrattan
Something along those lines you can switch around the wingers on the top 2-3 lines to your liking. There will probably be an injury in there somewhere during camp. I think Reinhart will probably start the year in the AHL, he needs to gain offensive confidence at the pro level. Knight is more NHL ready than Reinhart IMO. Stajan could be moved to make room for guys like Knight, Horak, and Monahan. B. Jones is almost guaranteed to lose his spot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
I seriously doubt that the Feaster and company are going to look at the lineup and think they are bringing in certain players to play in certain slots, like Bouma on the 4th line.
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Not sure why you doubt that. The 4th line is usually composed of grinding, physical, speedy, role players. Under Feaster's watch they've said they were looking for grit. Bouma's injury is pretty much why we signed Begin last year. They definitely had Bouma pencilled in for that spot last year. And Feaster has gone out of his way to say Bouma is still in their plans going forward. He is a prototypical 4th line grinder and one of the only young ones in our entire system.
It isn't a simple matter of other players merely pushing others down the lineup. The 4th line still has an identity and certain types of players do not fit that identity. There are a limited number of players who Bouma is competing against for that role. The wingers that make sense include Jackman, McGrattan, Galiardi and Bouma. Stempniak is too skilled for the 4th line unless we're a contender and I think D. Jones is in the same boat. Hudler, Cammalleri, Baertschi would make no sense on the 4th line due to their size and style of play.
I guess we'll agree to disagree on how Feaster and Hartley will build a lineup going forward.