Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
Engelland is replacing O'Brien/Smith. Wideman is replacing Butler. Wideman played 46 games last year 22 with a broken hand.
Gio also missed 18 games last year.
Raymond is replacing Stempniak and is an upgrade.
Right now the Cammalleri replacement line is headed by Gaudreau - Grandlund and Baertschi.... Baertschi was the sure fire lock on a top 6 spot this time last year ... ahead of Monahan. This year he is third in line and he probably is a better player than he was this time last year.
I don't think that there is as much difference between the so-called elite teams and the list of bottom dwellers.
The Islanders lost 23 games from Tavares , 18 games from Grabner and 58 games from Visnosky their #1 d-man and 13 games from their #2 D man Hamonic. and 33 games from 3/4 d-man De haan..
They could be in the race for a lottery spot or be back in the play offs as they were in 2012-13.
Ottawa-- they made the playoffs won a playoff round 2 years ago without Spezza and Karlsson playing only 17 out of 48 games.
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I'm not going to argue who is replacing who because it is just a matter of opinion; if you look at our overall roster i don't think we have improved from last year. Our goaltending has experienced the biggest improvement going from Hiller to Berra and Ramo having more experience will be good for at least a few more wins.
Our Forward Group has lost Cammaleri and Stempniak as the main pieces and replaced them with Raymond and a rookie. Raymond i would say is equal to Stempniak and if not theres not much of a difference. Cammaleri being replaced with a rookie however is a definite downgrade they are unlikely to provide the offensive or defensive prowess(as little as there is) of Cammy with their lack of experience. Our bottom six is a little better with Byron and Bolland bringing more to the table then Galiardi.
The defence is probably a little better than last year as they have added a little more physicality and defensive minded players with Smid and Engelland instead of O'brien/Butler. But Gio had a year far above his Career average will he be able to repeat it? He is the anchor of our defence even if he takes a small step back it could have a big impact on our team.
The most important part though is our lack of depth as soon as someone gets injured we have rookies with minimal experience as our first call ups. Even if our prospects are looking good in the Ahl and limited call ups they won't be difference makers until they get some more experience under their belts. Most of the forwards we lost were playing tougher minutes too so all of the players from last year will be forced to play tougher minutes this year.