Gio and Brodie obviously fill the top 2 spots. Hamilton is clearly on the 2nd. But I'd really like to see a mix of Wotherspoon, Nakladal and Jokipakka given chances to pair up with Hamilton. Then latter 2 then fill in as the bottom 2 guys. Engellend can be the 7th dman/press box guy.
But then, what do you do with Wideman? Doubt anyone wants to trade for him during the summer and I reckon Hartley would love to have him back in the lineup, ruining the PP. he needs to be moved for anything we can get I think. Retain salary, take a bad forward contract back, anything. Just get him gone, because I would feel a lot better about next season with the 6-7 guys we have now.
As for Smid, if he does come back, stick him in the minors.
The reality is, however, that Wideman will be straight back in after his suspension, probably in the 2nd pairing and probably right back on the main PP unit, playing 20 minutes a night. Engellend will get the nod in one of the bottom roles, leaving 1 roster spot on the bottom pairing open for one of Wotherspoon, Kulak, Andersson, Kylington, Nakladal and Jokipakka.
I just hope Brad finds a way to get rid of Wideman and Smid, their contracts have suddently become a big problem.
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