Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire
I think Gaudreau and Reinhart will have a good chance to be on the team opening day, but I agree most of the prospects (Sven, Granlund, Wotherspoon, Seiloff, Ferland, Poirier, Knight, etc) will start on the farm team. Even if they want to fill the team with prospects the Salary Cap floor will prevent that. That makes it even harder for young players to crack the NHL club.
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I actually think of all our prospects, Sven is the one that has the best shot at making the opening day roster. He's the oldest of our new wave of kids, he's got the most pedigree, and most importantly, I think the brass want him to make it.
That's not to say they'll just hand him a spot, but I think there's nothing front office would like more than for Baertschi to come to camp committed to a 200 foot game and a never-say-die attitude. They know he has the skill.
Unlike Gaudreau, who I think now has to make it impossible for them to demote him, Baertschi is a player who is about to start his 3rd season in the AHL. He should be more motivated than anyone to come to camp with the intention of hijacking a top six spot.