Quote:
Originally Posted by getbak
Let Joel Quenneville make whatever lineup decisions he wants.
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I think the implication is that Bouma was removed to basically make way for Hathaway. Similar type of player, similar type of role. Seems unlikely the Flames would go without a feisty, energetic hitter who is hard on the fore-check. That would make us easier to play against. Since Bouma was bought out that leaves Hathaway as the natural replacement for that role. Frankly I agree with this thinking. As soon as Bouma was bought out that signalled to me that it was Hathaway's role to lose.
I don't understand talk of Jankowski vs Hathaway since they do not compete for the same role on the team. One is a prototypical 4th line grinding winger and the other a skilled top 3 centre. Hathaway is competing vs F. Hamilton and Lazar if anything however Hathaway is more of a prototypical grinding winger than they are (the other two more centre ice men IMO). Jankowski IMO is competing vs Bennett and may be in tough to win a role if all of our centres are healthy to start the season. If he impresses more than Bennett at centre then I think Bennett is moved to LW. But if all of our centres are healthy the smart money may be on Janko starting the year in the AHL until the inevitable injuries hit. Hathaway meanwhile is pencilled in for me as the 12th/13th forward ahead of Hamilton.
That's how I see it.